Executive Summary
The UK fire protection market is estimated to have shown growth of 1.8% in
1996, to £570m. This is in spite of the continued effects of the
depression in new building works. Approximately 3.5% growth at constant prices
is expected for 1997.
The market includes detection and alarm systems; ranging from discrete units
such as home smoke detectors to complex systems covering an industrial site. It
also includes portable and wheeled fire extinguishers, fixed fire extinguishing
systems and other extinguishing products such as hose reels and fire buckets.
The estimates given in this report do not take account of emergency lighting or
fire fighting vehicles. Passive fire protection is also excluded. The value of
the market includes not only the cost of equipment, but also that of system
design, installation and maintenance. It is essentially a business-to-business
market, with retail sales to home owners accounting for between 10% and 12% of
the market.
While building and refurbishment are the main determinants for activity in this
market, the increasing stringency of fire regulations and the influence of
insurance companies also play a part in the market growth. Therefore, the
long-term trend tends to be one of gradual growth, despite the setback due to
the building recession.
Current issues for the industry centre mainly on the introduction of new
standards and codes of practice. These are numerous, and compliance requires
major investment by the manufacturers and installers. The advent of a common
European marking system for fire protection would remove the need for companies
to have their products tested and certified in several countries.
The market leaders are mostly well established, but 1996 has seen one major
acquisition, that of Thorn Security Group Ltd by Tyco Holdings (UK) Ltd.
Future prospects are good, with an upturn in private, commercial and industrial
construction forecast for the short term. There are also many opportunities for
upgrading of fire protection systems as technology advances. However, this is a
mature market and growth will remain fairly gradual.
Fourth Edition 1997
Edited by Louis Barfe
ISBN 1-85765-634-2
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