Firesense
Firesense is a privately-held, Tunbridge Wells-based UK distributor of fire detection, emergency lighting, and security equipment from 50+ manufacturers, serving professional alarm installers as a one-stop trade supplier via direct account management, e-commerce, and a physical trade counter.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1992
- HeadquartersKent, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Firesense does
Firesense Limited is a privately-held UK distributor of fire detection and emergency lighting products, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The company self-describes as the UK's largest independent fire equipment distributor and operates a multi-brand, multi-category catalogue spanning fire detection systems (2-wire, addressable, conventional, aspirating, and wireless), LED emergency lighting, safety signage, emergency voice communication and nursecall systems, intruder alarms, CCTV, access control, door controls, extinguishant systems, water leak detection, cables, batteries, and power supplies, sourced from over 50 manufacturers including Apollo, Hochiki, Kentec, C-TEC, Advanced, Fike, Ajax, Gent (Honeywell), and Eaton. It also offers a small line of Firesense own-brand ancillaries.
The business serves primarily professional alarm installers and contractors as a 'one-stop-shop' for fire and security equipment, with building managers/facilities managers and residential/DIY buyers as secondary segments. GTM is sales-led: five dedicated Account Managers and two full-time Technical Advisors support trade accounts, supplemented by a Magento-based e-commerce storefront, a quote-request pricing system, an online customer portal storing quote history/datasheets/manuals/panel software, and a physical trade counter at the Tunbridge Wells headquarters operating Monday-Friday for same-day collections. Pricing is quote-based with trade-account terms, billed pay-as-you-go, and not publicly disclosed.
Commercially, Firesense is a bootstrapped, organically-grown private company with no disclosed parent, subsidiaries, funding rounds, or institutional investors. Operations are entirely UK-domestic. The strategic posture over the review period has been incremental catalogue and vendor expansion rather than geographic, channel, or technology diversification.
Firesense firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Firesense
- Legal name
- Firesense Limited
- Website
- https://firesense.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1992
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Firesense is a privately-held, Tunbridge Wells-based UK distributor of fire detection, emergency lighting, and security equipment from 50+ manufacturers, serving professional alarm installers as a one-stop trade supplier via direct account management, e-commerce, and a physical trade counter.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Firesense industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Fire Safety Equipment Distribution
- SIC
- Wholesale-Machinery, Equipment & Supplies (5080), Wholesale-Hardware & Plumbing & Heating Equipment & Supplies (5070)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Fire Alarm Systems (Inspection/Testing/Monitoring/Service) (IMAIAJAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Fire & Life Safety Services (Inspection/Testing/Sprinklers/Alarms) (IMAIAAAI), Fire Extinguishers & Suppression Equipment Services (Inspection/Recharge/Hydrotest) (BPABAHAC), Testing, Inspection, Maintenance & Compliance Services (NFPA/Local Code) (HSAHAFAG)
Keywords
Where Firesense is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kent
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Firesense business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Fire Detection Equipment Distribution: Distribution of comprehensive fire detection equipment including 2-wire systems, addressable systems, conventional systems, aspirating smoke systems, wireless fire systems, and associated components such as detectors, control panels, manual call points, sounders, and interfaces
- Emergency Lighting Products: Distribution of LED emergency lighting solutions including bulkheads, downlights, exit boxes, twin spots, and addressable emergency panels
- Safety Signs: Fire safety signage products including fire exit signs, fire signs, fire door signs, CCTV signs, electrical signs, first aid signs, and fire extinguisher signs
- Security Systems: Security products including intruder alarm systems, CCTV, access control (CDVI), and associated components
- Communication and Call Systems: Emergency call systems including disabled refuge systems, nurse call systems, and voice communication systems
- Backup Batteries and Power Supplies: Standard SLA batteries, flame retardant batteries, alkaline batteries, lithium batteries, and power supply units for fire alarm systems
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Professional trade pricing through account registration |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Firesense product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Firesense is a UK-based wholesale distributor that supplies fire detection, emergency lighting, safety signage, intruder and CCTV, communication/call systems, and associated accessories from over 50 manufacturers. The company operates as a one-stop shop for professional alarm installers, offering trade pricing, dedicated account management, technical advice, same-day dispatch, and a physical trade counter for collections.
Product overview
Firesense is the UK's largest independent fire and security equipment distributor operating as a multi-product, multi-brand platform. The company serves professional alarm installers as a 'One Stop Shop for Fire and Security', distributing fire detection, emergency lighting, safety signs, communication systems, security, and associated accessories from over 50 manufacturers including Apollo Fire, C-TEC, Hochiki, Kentec, Fike, Advanced, Aico, and Ajax. Their core offering encompasses 2-Wire Fire Systems (control panels, detectors, call points, sounders, VIDs/VADs, interfaces, and accessories), Addressable Fire Systems, Conventional Fire Systems, Wireless Fire Systems, Aspirating Smoke Systems, LED Emergency Lighting, Safety Signage, Communication & Call Systems, Intruder Alarms, CCTV, Door Controls, and Power Supplies. Firesense also provides ancillary services including an online customer portal for quote management, datasheet access, and software downloads, plus a trade counter for collection. The company positions itself on 30+ years industry experience, next-day delivery capability, and technical expertise through dedicated Account Managers and Technical Advisors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- 2-Wire Fire Systems
Companies that use Firesense
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Firesense technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Firesense partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
45 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Apollo Fire DetectioncoreFiresense distributes Apollo Fire Detection products including conventional and addressable fire equipment, AlarmSense devices, XP95, Discovery, and Soteria addressable devices, and Series 65 conventional devices
- C-TECcoreFiresense distributes C-TEC products including conventional and addressable two-wire panels, CAST systems, hearing loop systems, disabled refuge systems, extinguisher systems, and ActiV detectors and sounders
- Hochiki EuropecoreFiresense distributes Hochiki conventional and addressable detectors, ancillaries, and FIREscape emergency lighting products
- KenteccoreFiresense distributes Kentec conventional, addressable, and extinguisher control panels, power supply units, and ancillaries
- AdvancedcoreFiresense distributes Advanced specialist fire equipment including Mx Pro 5 addressable panels, ExGo control panels, QuickZone panels, and Lux Intelligent Emergency Lighting systems
- FikecoreFiresense distributes Fike fire detection equipment including Twinflex two-wire systems and addressable panels and devices
- KACcoreFiresense distributes KAC manual call points including standard and keyswitch operated variants, and call point ancillaries
- EMS Wireless & HybridcoreFiresense distributes EMS FireCell and SmartCell wireless and hybrid fire detection solutions including detectors, control panels, sounders, and interfaces
- AicocoreFiresense distributes Aico domestic fire and carbon monoxide protection products including mains powered, battery powered, and wireless alarms
- Cooper Fulleon (Eaton)coreFiresense distributes Cooper Fulleon sounders, sounder beacons, beacons, and BiWire Ultra systems under Eaton brand
- Fire Fighting Enterprises (FFE)coreFiresense distributes FFE Fireray beam detectors and Talentum flame and spark detectors
- VESDAcoreFiresense distributes VESDA aspirating smoke detectors, pipe and fittings
- Elmdene InternationalcoreFiresense distributes Elmdene power supply units and electronic products for security, fire, access control, intruder and CCTV industries
- Global Fire EquipmentcoreFiresense distributes Global Fire Equipment addressable and conventional panels, devices, and sounders
- ZitoncoreFiresense distributes Ziton conventional and addressable fire equipment including panels, devices, and wireless solutions
- AjaxcoreFiresense distributes Ajax EN54 fire protection products and security systems including intrusion protection, video surveillance, and Jeweller communication technology
- TexecomcoreFiresense distributes Texecom Premier Elite security systems including control panels, communicators, expanders, keypads, motion detectors, perimeter detectors, wireless systems, and external sounders
- CDVIcoreFiresense distributes CDVI access control products including keypads, readers, cards, biometric devices, electro-magnetic locks, transmitters, receivers, and exit buttons
- RGL ElectronicscoreFiresense distributes RGL fireman's drop switches, keypads, exit devices, power supply units, and magnetic locks
- KiddecoreFiresense distributes Kidde Firex mains and battery alarms, Slick products, carbon monoxide alarms, and accessories
- Kidde AirsensecoreFiresense distributes Kidde Airsense ModuLaser aspirating smoke detection panels and devices
- Kidde AlarmLinecoreFiresense distributes Kidde AlarmLine digital and analogue temperature sensor cables and accessories
- MorleycoreFiresense distributes Morley conventional and addressable devices and panels, FAAST devices, and MAx fire alarm control panels
- NittancoreFiresense distributes Nittan conventional and addressable devices and Evolution analogue addressable modules
- GentcoreFiresense distributes Gent conventional and addressable devices and ancillaries under Honeywell
- HaescoreFiresense distributes Haes conventional and addressable panels, Alarmsense panels, and power supplies
- VentcroftcoreFiresense distributes Ventcroft fire and security alarm cables including NoBurn Platinum Standard and NoBurn Plus Enhanced products
- YuasacoreFiresense distributes Yuasa Yucel, NP, REC, Cell, and EN series batteries for fire and security applications
- VimpexcoreFiresense distributes Vimpex sounders, bells, visual alarm devices, FireCryer voice sounders, Hydrosense, Identifire, and IdentiLeak products
- Detector TestorscoreFiresense distributes Detector Testors smoke, heat, and CO testing equipment including Scorpion, Testifire, and Solo test equipment
- FireClasscoreFiresense distributes FireClass Tyco conventional and addressable devices, panels, and extinguisher panels
- LINIANcoreFiresense distributes LINIAN fire clips including original Fireclip, Superclip, T&E Clip, and Coaxial Clip
- Geo FirecoreFiresense distributes Geo Fire fire safety products
- Howler Site Fire AlarmscoreFiresense distributes Howler site fire alarms including HO Alarms, Site Alert, GoLink, and ancillaries
- FirecocoreFiresense distributes Fireco wireless door retainers
- Electro DetectorscoreFiresense distributes Electro Detectors Zerio Plus wireless fire equipment with long battery life
- The Firebeam CompanycoreFiresense distributes Firebeam detectors and Firebeam Blue products
- Cranford ControlscoreFiresense distributes Cranford Controls ancillaries, door retainers, sounders, sounder beacons, and beacons
- TG ProductscoreFiresense distributes TG Products fire extinguishers, fire blanket and ancillaries
- Baldwin BoxallcoreFiresense distributes Baldwin Boxall Omnicare and Care2 EVC emergency voice communication systems
- Vox IgniscoreFiresense distributes Vox Ignis specialist audio products including Lexicomm EVCS and Assist Call systems
- EatoncoreFiresense distributes Eaton emergency lighting and VoCALL communication systems
- RingtailcoreFiresense distributes Ringtail emergency lighting products including bulkheads, twinspots, exit signs, and LED downlights
- SaxbycoreFiresense distributes Saxby emergency lighting products
- SmartCellcoreFiresense distributes SmartCell wireless detectors, interfaces, sounders, sounder VADs, call points, and control panels
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Firesense competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Edmundson Electrical: Edmundson Electrical is one of the UK's largest electrical wholesalers with a nationwide branch network serving electrical contractors. While it stocks some fire-safety lines, its core focus is general electrical rather than fire-safety specialty distribution.
- CEF (City Electrical Factors): CEF is a major UK electrical wholesaler with hundreds of branches serving professional installers. Comparable to Firesense in GTM (trade counter plus field sales), but its catalogue is general electrical rather than fire-safety specialized.
- Securiton AG: Securiton is a European manufacturer and supplier of fire-detection, security and evacuation systems. Comparable in fire-safety product portfolio and customer segments (professional installers and integrators), though active across Europe rather than UK-only.
- ADI Global Distribution: ADI is a global wholesale distributor of low-voltage security and life-safety products serving professional installers. Highly comparable to Firesense in product mix (fire alarm, intrusion, CCTV, access) and installer customer base, but with much larger geographic scale.
- Honeywell Gent: Honeywell (Gent brand) manufactures and distributes fire-detection systems globally. Firesense distributes Gent products in the UK; Gent operates a broader manufacturer-plus-direct-sales model overlapping Firesense's installer customer base.
- Rexel UK: Rexel is one of the largest UK and global electrical product distributors, supplying installers and contractors with a broad range of electrical and lighting products. It overlaps Firesense in serving electrical/fire-safety installers and offers adjacent categories, but is not a fire-safety specialist.
Others
- C-TEC: C-TEC is a UK manufacturer of fire alarm panels, disabled refuge, hearing loop and extinguisher systems. Firesense distributes C-TEC products, so C-TEC is a supplier relationship as well as a comparator in the UK fire-safety equipment market.
- Apollo Fire Detection: Apollo is a leading UK and global manufacturer of fire detection devices and panels. Firesense is a distributor of Apollo products, making Apollo both a key supplier and a market participant whose brand is integral to Firesense's catalogue.
Emerging players
- CPC Farnell: CPC Farnell is a UK-based trade distributor of electrical, security and MRO products serving installers and maintenance buyers. Comparable omnichannel trade-distribution model to Firesense, with partial overlap in fire-safety and security product lines.
- ElectricalDirect: ElectricalDirect is a UK online electrical wholesaler serving trade customers with next-day delivery. Comparable to Firesense's e-commerce and trade-counter distribution model for fire-safety-adjacent product categories, though broader in scope.
Market position
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Firesense social profiles
Digital presenceFiresense financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Firesense leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Firesense funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Firesense 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 Firesense
What does Firesense do?
Firesense is a UK-based wholesale distributor that supplies fire detection, emergency lighting, safety signage, intruder and CCTV, communication/call systems, and associated accessories from over 50 manufacturers. The company operates as a one-stop shop for professional alarm installers, offering trade pricing, dedicated account management, technical advice, same-day dispatch, and a physical trade counter for collections.
Is Firesense a public or private company?
Firesense is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Firesense founded?
Firesense was founded in 1992. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Firesense based?
Firesense is headquartered in Kent, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Firesense make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Fire Detection Equipment Distribution is the primary driver. The others are emergency Lighting Products, safety Signs, security Systems, communication and Call Systems and backup Batteries and Power Supplies.
Who are Firesense's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Edmundson Electrical, CEF (City Electrical Factors), Securiton AG, ADI Global Distribution, Honeywell Gent and Rexel UK. Others are C-TEC and Apollo Fire Detection. Emerging players are CPC Farnell and ElectricalDirect.
Does Firesense have an API?
No public API is recorded for Firesense.
What industry is Firesense in?
Firesense's product category is Fire Safety Equipment Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAIAJAC, Fire Alarm Systems (Inspection/Testing/Monitoring/Service), with a secondary code of IMAIAAAI, Fire & Life Safety Services (Inspection/Testing/Sprinklers/Alarms). Its SIC code is 5080.