Ranger Fire and Security has recently strengthened its foothold in the North of England by acquiring Centurion Fire & Security, a company based in Huddersfield.
This acquisition is Ranger’s 15th since its inception and the second in 2026, effectively extending its services into Yorkshire and enhancing its regional presence.
Centurion Fire & Security's Established Legacy
Centurion Fire & Security was founded in 1974 and has since offered fire and security maintenance services to a diverse range of commercial properties across the UK. The company serves a variety of sectors, including education, hospitals, nuclear power facilities, robotics manufacturing, and major retail outlets. Its services encompass commercial CCTV installations with 24/7 monitoring, AI-operated systems, BAFE-registered fire alarms with early warning capabilities, intruder alarms, and access control.
Centurion has earned a strong industry reputation, achieving the Gold Standard from the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) across fire, CCTV, intruder, and access system domains. This is attributed to its use of advanced equipment from leading manufacturers and its ability to handle projects of all sizes, bolstered by robust after-sales services.
Transition and Leadership Changes
Joining Ranger Group gives Centurion broader business support and collaborationFounder David Armstrong, who has not been involved in the daily operations for over five years, will continue to consult during his transition into retirement. Nathan Douglas-Smith, who has managed day-to-day operations over the past five years, has been promoted to Managing Director.
He will continue to lead the company alongside the existing leadership team to maintain service excellence.
Strategic Expansion and Insights
Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, stated, “Centurion Fire & Security is an excellent addition to the Ranger team. The business broadens our reach in the North of England and boasts a nationwide customer base that the group can support. We will continue to support them to grow and excel in order to reach as many customers as possible.”
This acquisition marks Ranger’s inaugural entry into Yorkshire, building on previous acquisitions in the North West. The move aligns with Ranger's strategy to enhance its service offerings and expand its network of industry specialists throughout the UK.
Endorsements from Centurion Leadership
David Armstrong remarked, "As I approach retirement, I wanted to find the right home for the business that I founded over half a century ago. We had lots of potential suitors, but Ranger was the standout option as a home that would look after the staff and customers."
Nathan Douglas-Smith commented, "At Centurion, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of services across both fire and security to customers from all industries. By joining Ranger, we will be able to keep expanding our customer base while still delivering the high-quality service we have become known for."
Collaborative Opportunities and Growth
Joining the Ranger Group allows Centurion greater access to business support and collaboration opportunities with Ranger's expanding network in the North of England, which includes IPH Fire Solutions, Syncro Group, and McGoff & Vickers Fire and Security Systems.
With support from Hyperion Equity Partners, Ranger is dedicated to establishing itself as a comprehensive provider of fire and security services across the UK and Ireland through acquisitions and technological investment.
Ranger Fire and Security has acquired its 15th company since launch, with Huddersfield-based Centurion Fire & Security.
The announcement marks Ranger’s second acquisition in 2026 and will enable the company to expand its operations into Yorkshire, reaching more customers and expanding its overall footprint in the North of England.
About Centurion Fire & Security
Centurion Fire & Security is a fire and security maintenance led business established in 1974, and in that time has provided services to thousands of commercial properties across the UK for customers operating across a vast range of industries and public sectors including education, nuclear power plants, hospitals, robotic manufacturers and major retailers.
The Huddersfield based company’s services include commercial CCTV installations, offering customers 24/7 monitoring as well as AI operated systems. Centurion also provides BAFE-registered fire alarms with early warning systems, intruder alarms and access control.
Since its creation over 50 years ago, Centurion Fire & Security has built a strong reputation in the industry and is recognized for achieving Gold Standard by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) in all four disciplines for fire, CCTV, intruder and access systems installation and maintenance. This is in part due to its use of the best equipment from leading manufacturers, the capacity to work on projects of any size and the after sales service offered to customers.
Leaders retiring
Founder, David Armstrong who has not been operational on a day-to-day basis for over five years will continue to consult for the business as he transitions towards retirement.
General Manager, Nathan Douglas-Smith who has run operations for the last five years is promoted to Managing Director and will remain in post along with the rest of the leadership team, continuing to oversee operations and ensure Centurion continues to deliver its first-class services to customers.
Expertise insights
Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said, “Centurion Fire & Security is an excellent addition to the Ranger team. The business broadens our reach in the North of England and boasts a nationwide customer base that the group can support. We will continue to support them to grow and excel in order to reach as many customers as possible."
“This will be Ranger’s first acquisition in Yorkshire and build on previous acquisitions in the North West, enabling us to continue growing our group of industry experts to become the UK’s one-stop shop for all fire and security needs.”
David Armstrong, retiring Director of Centurion Fire & Security said, "As I approach retirement, I wanted to find the right home for the business that I founded over half a century ago. We had lots of potential suitors, but Ranger was the standout option as a home that would look after the staff and customers, through their local hero centric strategy.”
“I am delighted that the team, ably led by Nathan Douglas-Smith, are now well positioned to take the next step forward for Centurion and continue to grow our customer base through the significant cross-sale opportunities that Ranger offers. I will continue to watch their progress.”
Nathan Douglas-Smith, Managing Director of Centurion Fire & Security said, "At Centurion we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of services across both fire and security to customers from all industries by joining Ranger, we will be able to keep expanding our customer base while still delivering the high- quality service we have become known for."
“With over 50 years of experience we are looking forward to sharing our own expertise and service offering with the other specialists across the Ranger business, ensuring that we all benefit from the collaboration and cross-selling opportunities that come from being part of Ranger.”
Collaboration and growth
By becoming part of the Ranger Group, Centurion will be able to access additional business support from Ranger’s leadership team, while also being able to collaborate with Ranger’s growing network of industry experts in the North of England, including IPH Fire Solutions, Syncro Group and McGoff & Vickers Fire and Security Systems.
With backing from Hyperion Equity Partners, Ranger is on a mission to become the leading one-stop provider for fire and security services across the UK and Ireland. Through strategic acquisitions and investment in technology and talent, Ranger offers a comprehensive range of services at a regional and national level, all while providing a seamless customer experience.
