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Cygnus opens Technology and Training Centre in Birmingham
15 January 2024
WIRELESS FIRE detection and alarm systems developer Cygnus has opened a new Technology and Training Centre in Meriden, Birmingham. The location will serve as a space for innovation, underscoring Cygnus’ steadfast commitment to providing fire safety solutions that are genuinely pioneering.

This development also marks an expansion of The Cygnus Academy – an in-person, custom-designed training programme for installers seeking to learn about and become a Certified Installer of SmartNet, the popular EN 54-certified (and 100% wireless) fire detection and alarm system.
“The opening of the new Technology and Training Centre in Birmingham marks a pivotal moment for Cygnus,” stated Sandy Damm, CEO at Cygnus. “We are excited to embark on this journey as it propels us into the next phase of growth. This strategic investment reflects our unwavering commitment to remaining at the forefront of fire safety technology and expertise, ensuring that we continue to deliver unparalleled solutions for our clients worldwide.”
Damm added: “As our business expands, so does the opportunity to cultivate local talent. We’re looking forward to adding to our team. I thank Charles Markham, director and shareholder, for his remarkable work in setting up this first-class premises.”
Charles Markham responded: “Meriden is the perfect location for our new facility. Its central location and proximity to Birmingham Airport and key transportation routes affords us great infrastructure connectivity so that we can serve our UK and international customers. This region is also well-known for its technology centres and expertise and, given the combination of training and R&D, we find ourselves in the best possible position to benefit from and develop the local talent pool.”
State-of-the-art facilities
The Cygnus Technology and Training Centre will play host to state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to testing, refining and advancing fire safety solutions. It will also be equipped with innovation spaces that encourage collaboration among members of Cygnus’ skilled R&D and technical support teams.
The new Cygnus Academy Training Centre provides a modern and high-specification environment where installers can complete the SmartNet training to become a Cygnus Certified Installer.
The SmartNet course combines both theoretical and practical training, providing detailed insights relating to the SmartNet technology and the skills required to carry out a successful installation of the SmartNet system.
Full certification
Opening a second Cygnus Academy site aligns with the company’s mission to ensure installers are fully certified to install SmartNet on their projects. Meriden is an accessible location for installers and ensures that, wherever they’re based, they can take advantage of the myriad business opportunities presented by wireless fire detection and alarm systems.
Importantly, the Cygnus Academy also allows Cygnus to continue its rapid pace of growth by investing in its people as well as adding to the team and supporting recruitment in the local area.
Sandy Damm concluded: “We are excited to embark on the next stage of our journey to not only foster growth, but also invest further in R&D. The Meriden location was chosen strategically due to its proximity to technological and academic resources, making it an ideal base for Cygnus’ R&D initiatives. The additional space to expand our training facilities also opens up new opportunities for installers to be supported by expert, in-depth training and first-class ongoing technical support.”
*Further information is available online at https://www.cygnus-systems.com/en-gb/#cygnus-academy
**To book a training visit access https://www.cygnus-systems.com/en-gb/training-bookings/
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