“Active fire protection market set for post-COVID growth” reports AMA Research

Over the last decade or so, innovations in detection technology have significantly reduced the likelihood and number of false alarms through such developments as the improved capability of sensor technology in smoke detectors. However, the number of false alarms due to apparatus faults has stabilised in the last three years, suggesting that more recent product improvements are no longer having an impact on the number of false alarms.

For their part, domestic smoke alarms only account for a small proportion of the total active fire protection market value.

AMA Research’s current forecast indicates a decline for active fire protection measures in 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19. That’s based on the closing down of building sites, the furloughing of employees as well as restrictions on the supply of building materials across the globe.

Fire detectors, which serve to identify where a fire is occurring by locating heat, smoke or flames, before providing a warning of the blaze through an audible alarm and often through alerting the Fire and Rescue Service, will outperform the market, increasing by 17% in volume between 2020 and 2024.

More publicity, greater awareness

Higher levels of publicity and greater awareness of fire safety measures, particularly so within high-rise buildings, should stimulate demand for active fire protection products. This should be seen in both new installations and, notably, in the replacement sector.

Increasingly, businesses are adopting integrated fire and security systems, which is likely to remain a key feature of the industry. IT-based security systems will often include fire protection systems in combination with other security and safety measures (such as video surveillance, access control and intruder alarms) on a single network.

Laura Pardoe, Editor of the Active Fire Protection Market Report, informed Fire Safety Matters: “The active fire protection sector is mature and has been primarily driven by the wider performance of the UK building and construction market. That said, changes to Building Regulations in the wake of Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review will provide additional demand for the fire protection industry, particularly with regard to sprinkler systems in high-rise buildings.”

*The Active Fire Protection Market Report UK 2020-2024 compiled by AMA Research is available at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724