Kentec develops wireless lockdown notification system

Martyn’s Law is named after Martyn Hett (one of the 22 people who tragically died during the 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack) and aims to enhance the safety of public spaces in the face of such terrorism threats.

Formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, Martyn’s Law requires the management teams at the UK’s 180,000-plus venues to assess their capacity and implement risk assessments, security plans and procedures (including evacuation) for responding to terrorist incidents.

Compliance is mandated by April 2027. Falling foul of the rules that will be enforced by a new regulatory function within the Security Industry Authority could result in fines of up to £18 million or even a criminal conviction.

Fast and reliable

Kentec’s wireless lockdown notification system has been designed to offer a fast, reliable and easy-to-install solution. It applies the company’s decades of experience in fire safety to life safety, empowering venue teams to react quickly, remain compliant and protect fellow members of staff as well as visitors from immediate terrorism threats.

Suitable for a wide range of venues (from schools and theatres to libraries and corporate offices), the key features of the new wireless lockdown notification system include the following:

*designed using fire system technology: applies Kentec’s proven K-Mesh life safety reliability to a dedicated lockdown solution

*rapid response: instantly activate notification throughout the building/site via a simple switch control, thereby enabling the rapid implementation of lockdown procedures in the event of a security threat

*three pre-recorded clear and precise spoken lockdown messages for high intelligibility of the announcements, even in the most hectic of environments (options include lockdown, covert alert, all clear or evacuation, while only one message is broadcast at a time, thereby ensuring that instructions remain unambiguous in an emergency)

*up to 91 dB(A) sound output at one metre: ensures that announcements are clearly audible across large and noisy environments

*lockdown indicator panel: the visual alert indication with integrated LEDs realises clear visual system status, immediate confirmation during incidents and detailed fault logging to support fast decision-making and efficient diagnostics;

*self-healing mesh network: each device automatically connects to the strongest available signal path, ensuring communication is maintained at all times

*up to ten years of device battery life: long-life batteries reduce maintenance demands

*minimal disruption: the system is easily configured and commissioned using Kentec’s K-Mesh software with off-site pre-programming, while its minimal cabling design ensures fast installation with minimal disruption

Public safety

Derrick Hall, director of sales and marketing at Kentec, stated: “At Kentec, public safety is at the heart of everything we do. With Martyn’s Law set to reshape how venues approach security, our wireless lockdown notification system allows organisations to implement effective and immediate protective measures without compromising operational efficiency or the visitor experience.”

Hall continued: “The system integrates seamlessly with existing fire alarm, access control and security systems, thereby providing a comprehensive safety solution that prioritises speed, simplicity and intelligibility. By enabling venues to enact instant, fully audible and easy-to-follow lockdown procedures, Kentec is helping organisations to mitigate risks, while in parallel providing reassurance to employees and visitors alike.”

*Further information is available online at www.kentec.co.uk