Growth of JLA Group’s Fire and Security Division boosted by trio of acquisitions

Based in Devon and Surrey respectively, Firewatch South West Limited and ITS Fire & Security Limited provide a full spectrum of key products and services from the design, installation and maintenance of fire alarm systems, fire doors, signage and extinguishers right through to fire risk assessments and training. The latter also boosts JLA’s security credentials thanks to services for its client base duly covering intruder alarms, CCTV and access control solutions.

Over the last 13 years, Sunderland-based MacDonald Martin Limited has built up strong credentials across the North East, Yorkshire and the Midlands.

Fire safety-focused solutions are a rapidly growing addition to the JLA Group’s family of critical asset supply and service propositions which also include commercial laundry, catering and heating. The company, itself based near Halifax in West Yorkshire, is a trusted partner to upwards of 25,000 customers operating across a diverse range of vertical sectors, among them healthcare, education, leisure and, in addition, social housing.

Rob Harris, managing director of the fire portfolio at the JLA Group, informed Fire Safety Matters: “Firewatch South West Limited and ITS Fire & Security Limited will expand our capabilities and national coverage significantly with the addition of 50 engineers, many of whom are multi-skilled. As the newest critical asset division sitting within the JLA Group, we’re proud to witness the growth we’ve achieved in fire and security in just two years. We’re excited about the huge opportunities going forward with our national coverage.”

Tim Dyer, director at the ITS Group, responded: “JLA is the perfect fit for ITS. Becoming part of a growing national group will enable us to strengthen and expand our offer to clients and means we can provide an exceptional service across the country. We’re all looking forward to the exciting road ahead.”

Commenting on the MacDonald Martin Limited acquisition, Rob Harris observed: “We’re delighted to welcome MacDonald Martin Limited to the Group. Its industry expertise coupled with the addition of 18 highly-skilled engineers, taking our total in the fire safety realm to circa 150. This enables the JLA Group’s national coverage and capabilities to continue to grow, opening up even greater opportunities to provide unique solutions for our customers.”

Andy Trafford, director at MacDonald Martin Limited, added: “I’m absolutely delighted that MacDonald Martin Limited has become part of the JLA family. We share the same values in terms of our customer-centric ethos, while the investment from the JLA Group will enable us to grow and prosper together.”