Aico
Aico is a UK manufacturer of residential fire and carbon monoxide alarms and connected home IoT solutions (HomeLINK), selling via authorized distributors primarily to UK social housing providers and electrical contractors, and operating as a subsidiary of Ei Company.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersOswestry, United Kingdom
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Aico does
Aico is a UK-based manufacturer of residential fire and carbon monoxide alarms, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ei Company and self-described as the European market leader in home life safety. Founded in 1990 by Ken Ainsworth, the company designs and manufactures its alarm range in Ireland and distributes from its Oswestry, Shropshire headquarters, which includes a Centre of Excellence for training opened in 2015 and expanded in 2019.
The product portfolio spans five core alarm series (3000, 1000, 600, 200, 140e) covering mains-powered and battery-powered smoke, heat, CO, and multi-sensor variants, supported by proprietary wireless interconnection technologies (RadioLINK, RadioLINK+, SmartLINK) and acoustic data extraction (AudioLINK+). Through the 2020 acquisition of HomeLINK, Aico extended into a connected home IoT platform comprising the Ei1000G Gateway, Ei1020/Ei1025 environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, CO2, damp/mould risk), Case Management software, a Resident App, and a Portal for remote portfolio monitoring by social housing providers.
Aico sells exclusively through a UK network of authorized electrical distributors and certified installers, supported by 32 Relationship Managers providing regional coverage, an Expert Installer training scheme, and City & Guilds Assured courses. The primary customer segments are UK social housing providers, electrical contractors, and electrical distributors, with secondary exposure to private landlords and homeowners. Revenue is generated from hardware sales (alarms, sensors, accessories), recurring subscription/IoT platform fees (HomeLINK), and professional training services. The company is privately held, with no disclosed funding rounds and no public revenue figures.
Aico firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Aico
- Legal name
- Aico Limited
- Website
- https://aico.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Aico is a UK manufacturer of residential fire and carbon monoxide alarms and connected home IoT solutions (HomeLINK), selling via authorized distributors primarily to UK social housing providers and electrical contractors, and operating as a subsidiary of Ei Company.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Aico industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Home Life Safety Alarms
- NAICS
- Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- SIC
- Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Wireless/Smart Connected Fire & CO Detection (App Alerts, Smart Integration) (HSAHAFAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Smart Appliance & Energy Management Integration (HSAHADAG), Smart Air Quality Sensors, Purifiers & Humidifier/Dehumidifier Integration (HSAOANAH), New Construction/Renovation Fire & CO System Design & Installation (HSAHAFAJ)
Keywords
Where Aico is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Oswestry
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Aico business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Alarm and Sensor Hardware Sales: Sale of fire alarms, heat alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, environmental sensors, and accessories through distributor network. Products include smoke alarms, heat detectors, CO alarms, gateway devices, modules, control switches, and accessories for hard of hearing.
- HomeLINK Connected Home Solutions: Connected home IoT platform including Gateway devices, environmental sensors, case management software, resident app, and portal for remote monitoring and data analytics.
- Training Services: CPD-certified training courses for installers, distributors, and housing professionals including Expert Installer, Expert Distributor, Expert Apprentice, Expert Carbon Monoxide, and City & Guilds Assured courses.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels10 records
Aico product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Aico designs, manufactures and sells residential fire alarms, heat alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, environmental sensors, and IoT gateways under five product series (3000, 1000, 600, 200, 140e), distributed exclusively through authorized UK electrical wholesalers. The company also operates the HomeLINK connected home IoT platform with Gateway devices, environmental sensors, case management software, a resident app, and a portal for social housing providers, and delivers CPD-certified Expert Installer training and City & Guilds Assured training courses at its Centre of Excellence.
Product overview
Aico is the European Market Leader in Home Life Safety, offering a comprehensive product portfolio built around fire and carbon monoxide detection. The core offering consists of five alarm series (3000, 1000, 600, 200, and 140e) covering smoke alarms, heat alarms, and CO alarms with various sensor types and power options. The 3000 Series represents the flagship mains-powered range with SmartLINK wireless interconnection and AudioLINK+ data extraction, while the 600 Series offers battery-powered alternatives. The 1000 Series forms the foundation of the IoT-enabled connected home ecosystem, linking to the Ei1000G Gateway which powers the HomeLINK platform. HomeLINK is a multi-award-winning connected home solution acquired in 2020, comprising Environmental Sensors (Ei1020/Ei1025) for monitoring temperature, humidity, CO2, and damp/mould risk; the Case Management system for damp and mould compliance workflow; the Resident App for tenant engagement; and the Portal for landlord monitoring. Supporting technologies include SmartLINK, RadioLINK+, and RadioLINK for wireless alarm interconnection. Aico also provides extensive training services through its Expert Installer program (CPD certified), City & Guilds assured courses, and the Centre of Excellence facility. The company manufactures in Ireland and holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, BSI Kitemark, VdS, and Cyber Essentials certifications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- HomeLINK: Multi-award-winning high-tech software platform for connected home solutions, providing IoT devices, environmental sensors, gateway systems, and case management for social landlords and residents. Acquired by Aico in 2020.
- AudioLINK+
- RadioLINK+
- SmartLINK
Products and services
- 3000 Series Flagship mains-powered alarm series providing whole-property coverage with ability to detect both Fire and Carbon Monoxide. Features SmartLINK wireless interconnection, AudioLINK+ data extraction, mains power with 10-year rechargeable lithium cell back-up, and easi-fit bases. Designed for electricians, social landlords and homeowners.
- 600 Series Intelligent range of battery-powered Multi-Sensor, Heat and Optical Smoke alarms designed for versatile installation throughout residential properties. Targets electrical contractors and landlords requiring reliable battery-only alarm solutions.
- 200 Series Carbon Monoxide detection series featuring alarms with AudioLINK+ and RadioLINK+ wireless capabilities for comprehensive CO monitoring in residential properties. For homeowners, landlords and social housing providers needing compliant CO detection.
- 140e Series Mains powered Smoke and Heat alarms with battery back-up, easi-fit base and RadioLINK wireless compatibility. A foundational product line for electricians and housing providers.
Quantifiable outcome
- Top 1% globally for sustainability (EcoVadis Platinum rating from 150,000+ companies)
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Aico
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Aico technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Aico partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Community Resource (Warmer Winter Appeal)minorAico donated £3,000 to Warmer Winter Appeal 2025 organized by Community Resource to support vulnerable people in Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin during winter.
- City & GuildscorePartnership for City & Guilds Assured training courses including Domestic Fire & CO Alarm Systems and The Connected Home. Provides quality benchmark certification for installer training.
- Fire Industry Association (FIA)coreFIA CPD accredited training content. Company provides support to 52 Fire and Rescue Brigades in UK with FIA approved CPD training, use of Mobile Training units, facilities at Centre of Excellence, and tenant safety packs.
- Electrical Distributors' Association (EDA)coreAico is an affiliate member of EDA. The association represents wholesale distributors of electro-technical products in the UK and supports members with training, industry standards, and best practices.
- NICEICcoreCertification body for electrical contractors providing accreditation, training, and support for compliance with safety standards. Gold Standard installers may be NICEIC members.
- NAPITcoreCertification body offering accreditation, training, and support for electricians, heating engineers, and plumbers. Gold Standard installers may be NAPIT members.
- SELECT (Scotland's Electrical Trade Association)coreScotland's top electrical trade association supporting 1,250 electrical contractors, 15,000 workers, and 3,500 apprentices. Partnership on Scottish legislation training and toolbox talks.
- ECA (Electrical Contractors' Association)coreRepresents and supports UK electrotechnical businesses, providing training, technical guidance, and advocacy for industry standards and business growth.
- BSI (British Standards Institution)coreProducts carry BSI Kitemark indicating third party testing. Company featured on BSI Group website. Kitemark certification provides independent verification of product quality and safety.
- National Energy ActionminorNational charity working to end fuel poverty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Aico is a member of the Business Supporters group which has been in existence for over 20 years.
- National Housing Federation (NHF)coreRepresents housing associations in the UK, advocating for affordable housing, influencing policy, and supporting members with resources and guidance.
- Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)coreProfessional body for housing providing training, qualifications, and advocacy to improve housing standards and support housing professionals.
- Association of Safety and Compliance Professionals (ASCP)coreUK's leading safety and compliance community for social housing and facilities management. Company works with ASCP to deliver best practice and safer communities.
- Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA)coreRepresents and supports housing associations in Scotland, advocating for affordable housing and promoting best practices in the sector.
- HomeLINK (IoT Platform)coreAcquired in 2020, HomeLINK is a leading IoT solutions provider that complements Aico's alarm products with connected home analytics and smart home integration technologies.
- Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week (UK and Scottish Governments)corePan-industry campaign supported by UK and Scottish Governments and sector organizations to address damp and mould issues in homes affecting 7 million households.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Aico competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- FireAngel Safety Technology: UK-based manufacturer of smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms with a connected/smart product line (Wi-Safe 2). Directly comparable to Aico as a domestic fire/CO alarm specialist competing for the same UK social housing, contractor, and distributor channels.
- Kidde: One of the world's largest manufacturers of residential smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (now part of Carrier Global). Comparable to Aico as a direct rival in domestic fire/CO detection hardware, with broader geographic reach and overlapping product categories including smart/connected variants.
- BRK Brands / First Alert: Major US-headquartered manufacturer of residential smoke, CO, and combination alarms under the First Alert and BRK brands. Directly comparable product set (smoke/CO alarms with interconnect and smart variants) and overlapping retail/wholesale distribution model.
- Google Nest (Nest Protect): Google's smart smoke and CO alarm, positioned as a premium connected home safety product. Comparable to Aico's 3000 Series and HomeLINK as a smart, app-connected residential alarm, though distributed through consumer channels rather than trade distributors.
- Ei Electronics: Irish-based manufacturer of residential fire and CO detection products and the likely operating parent group behind Aico's parent (Ei Company). Closely comparable product range, manufacturing footprint (Ireland), and channel structure to Aico.
Broad incumbents
- Resideo (Honeywell Home): Spun off from Honeywell, Resideo offers a broad portfolio of home safety, security, and comfort products including smoke/CO alarms and connected home platforms. Comparable to Aico at the connected-home safety layer but operates at much larger scale across multiple product categories.
- Legrand: Global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructure with growing exposure to connected home safety and environmental sensing via Netatmo and its wiring device portfolio. Comparable to Aico in adjacent smart-home safety/sensing categories but at vastly larger scale.
Emerging players
- Netatmo (Legrand): French smart home company (owned by Legrand) offering connected smoke alarms and indoor air quality sensors (Healthy Home Coach). Comparable to Aico's HomeLINK environmental sensors and smart alarm range, with stronger consumer-brand reach in continental Europe.
- Cavius Aps: Danish designer and manufacturer of premium residential smoke, heat, and CO alarms with wireless interconnection. Comparable to Aico as a specialist in compact, design-led home life safety alarms competing in European retail and trade channels.
Regional players
- Hekatron Technik: German specialist in smoke alarm systems, voice alarm systems, and fire detection, holding VdS certifications. Comparable to Aico as a specialist residential/commercial fire detection manufacturer, but primarily serving the DACH region rather than the UK social housing market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Aico social profiles
Digital presenceAico compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
Aico financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Aico leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Aico subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Aico funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Aico M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Aico
What does Aico do?
Aico designs, manufactures and sells residential fire alarms, heat alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, environmental sensors, and IoT gateways under five product series (3000, 1000, 600, 200, 140e), distributed exclusively through authorized UK electrical wholesalers. The company also operates the HomeLINK connected home IoT platform with Gateway devices, environmental sensors, case management software, a resident app, and a portal for social housing providers, and delivers CPD-certified Expert Installer training and City & Guilds Assured training courses at its Centre of Excellence.
Is Aico a public or private company?
Aico is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Aico founded?
Aico was founded in 1990. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Aico based?
Aico is headquartered in Oswestry, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Aico make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Alarm and Sensor Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are homeLINK Connected Home Solutions and training Services.
Who are Aico's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are FireAngel Safety Technology, Kidde, BRK Brands / First Alert, Google Nest (Nest Protect) and Ei Electronics. Broad incumbents are Resideo (Honeywell Home) and Legrand. Emerging players are Netatmo (Legrand) and Cavius Aps. Hekatron Technik is listed as a regional player.
Does Aico have an API?
No public API is recorded for Aico.
What industry is Aico in?
Aico's product category is Home Life Safety Alarms. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSAHAFAH, Wireless/Smart Connected Fire & CO Detection (App Alerts, Smart Integration), with a secondary code of HSAHADAG, Smart Appliance & Energy Management Integration. Its NAICS code is 334512 and its SIC code is 3822.