Amthal Fire & Security - Experts & Thought Leaders

Amthal Group Companies has partnered with AURA to connect customers needing a physical security response to alarm activations or requests for assistance, with a nationwide network of vetted, SIA-licensed security responders. The service connects a dedicated Amthal mobile app and EMCS alarm receiving centres with AURA’s nationwide network of more than 180 accredited private security companies and thousands of Security Industry Authority (SIA)-licensed professionals. Significant crime risks When an incident requires a physical response, AURA identifies the nearest available responder and coordinates their attendance. Customers can track the responder’s progress and view estimated arrival times through the Amthal app, giving them visibility of the call-out while it is underway. “With police attendance at alarm activations less frequent and businesses continuing to face significant crime risks, connecting customers with an available, vetted security responder is central to this partnership service,” said James Wilson, Head of Customer Growth UK at AURA. “By bringing together response coordination, live tracking and digital reporting, AURA provides a clear process from the initial request through to attendance at the premises. This will help Amthal’s customers understand how a call-out has been handled and gives them a record of the response to support compliance.” Alarm receiving centre The service is designed for a range of environments, including commercial and retail premises, construction sites, residential properties and vacant buildings. It provides an option for businesses that need to manage security outside normal working hours, particularly when the main keyholder is unavailable. Requests can be made directly through the Amthal app or triggered by an alarm activation received by an alarm receiving centre. Responders can investigate incidents and carry out external checks, with access to the premises available through authorized, secure keyholding arrangements where required. Additional monitoring centre Following attendance, customers receive a digital report containing a time-stamped record, GPS data, photographs and relevant incident details. This provides an account of what happened, when the responder attended and the findings from their visit, supporting incident reviews and compliance records. Jamie Allam, CEO of Amthal Group Companies, added: “AURA gives our customers instant access and total protection when on-site attendance is needed. It helps businesses managing multiple locations, vacant properties or sites outside normal working hours arrange a physical response when an incident occurs. It complements our existing monitoring systems, bringing security technology and on-site mobile response together as part of our wider offering.” Managed by Amthal and powered by AURA’s technology and responder network, the service integrates with existing alarm receiving centres, monitoring systems and the Amthal app, without requiring additional monitoring centre personnel.

Amthal has partnered with Brivo, expanding its integrated security portfolio with an AI-powered, cloud-native physical security platform designed to support organizations adopting more connected approaches to estate management. The Brivo Security Suite brings together access control, video intelligence, visitor management, and intrusion detection in a single environment, enabling organizations to manage multiple security functions in real time through a centralized platform. Individual operational requirements The addition complements Amthal’s existing security technologies and strengthens its ability to deliver integrated security solutions tailored to individual operational requirements. By bringing systems together through a top-layer single-site application, organizations can gain greater visibility while simplifying day-to-day administration. “Amthal has the right experience and expertise to maximize the value of cloud-native security technology for its customers,” said Rishi Lodhia, Managing Director EMEA at Brivo. “From initial design through installation to maintenance and monitoring, Amthal understands how to align the Brivo solution with the unique needs of each customer to provide a scalable, future-proof solution that delivers value from day one.” Public sector environments Brivo joins a portfolio of security technologies offered by Amthal across commercial, residential and public sector environments, broadening the range of integrated security solutions available. Brivo’s platform incorporates AI to help security teams identify events, monitor activity, and gain operational insight across multiple sites. It provides flexibility in how systems are procured, supporting both capital expenditure and subscription-based operational expenditure models to align with different organizational and financial requirements. Jamie Allam, CEO of Amthal Group Companies, concluded: “Adding Brivo broadens the range of technologies available to our customers and strengthens our ability to deliver integrated security. Alongside its technical capabilities, the platform offers flexibility in how organizations choose to position and procure their security systems, making it a valuable addition for our customers to benefit. We’re pleased to be working with Brivo and look forward to supporting future projects together.”

Amthal has launched Protecting What’s Precious, a new campaign designed to support nursery providers in exploring CCTV installation within caring environments in a thoughtful, balanced and responsible way. Recognizing the sensitive nature of early years settings, the campaign aims to help nurseries navigate conversations around CCTV as part of a wider safeguarding framework. Wider safeguarding framework Through careful guidance, tailored support and responsible system design, Amthal will support providers to consider how CCTV may complement existing safeguarding arrangements where appropriate, while recognizing that every setting has different operational needs and priorities. Says Jamie Allam, CEO of Amthal Group Companies: “Creating safe environments where children can learn, develop and thrive remains at the heart of nursery provision. Parents place enormous trust in early years professionals every day, and nursery teams work tirelessly to create spaces where children feel secure, supported and able to flourish.” Providing additional visibility “Conversations around CCTV in nursery environments must be approached with care, sensitivity and a clear understanding of safeguarding in practice. Our aim is simply to help nursery providers consider what is right for their setting, their staff and the families they support, recognizing that every environment is different.” Where CCTV is considered, Amthal will help nurseries integrate CCTV as one element of a broader safeguarding strategy. When introduced responsibly and supported by clear governance, it can provide additional visibility across a setting, helping leadership teams review incidents, maintain oversight of day-to-day operations and support accountability. Trusted technology partners The campaign also highlights the importance of privacy, transparency and compliance in any CCTV implementation. Considerations including camera placement, access permissions, data protection and the secure management of recorded footage are central to ensuring systems are introduced sensitively and responsibly within nursery settings. To support nursery providers effectively, Amthal works closely with trusted technology partners, including Dahua, to help ensure CCTV solutions are tailored appropriately, responsibly managed and aligned with the safeguarding and operational requirements of each setting. Jamie concluded: “At the centre of every conversation must be the wellbeing of children and the trust families place in nursery providers every day. Our role is to support settings with thoughtful guidance that complements the excellent safeguarding work already taking place, helping providers make informed decisions that are right for their environment, staff and families.”

The UK Government has set out an ambitious ten-point plan, known as the green industrial revolution, with an aim “to forge ahead with eradicating its contribution to climate change by 2050.” This makes our government the first major economy to embrace such a legal obligation. Green recovery Acknowledging climate change and meeting net-zero is a demanding challenge especially for those affected by the pandemic. But the UK Government, with the launch of its aspiring strategy, is investing everything in its power to promote a ‘green recovery.’ Here, Reece Paprotny, Commercial Manager and Sustainability Champion at Amthal, highlights how the fire and security industry has an opportunity to use the current recovery period to explore its own sustainable journey and embrace the significance of environment, economic and social collaboration, transparency, and accountability. Employing sustainable technologies Pressure is mounting on construction to find ways to reduce emissions and help meet net-zero targets The perception is that COVID-19 presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to re-write the existing rulebook. This is riding on the significance of changing public support for more environmentally friendly living opportunities, with associated cost savings, efficiencies, and cleaner industries. Innovative sustainable technologies are the key to kickstart this route to success.  Nowhere can this be seen more than in the built environment, which currently contributes to 40% of the UK's carbon footprint. Pressure is mounting on construction to find ways to reduce emissions and help meet net-zero targets. This is through the entire life cycle of a building, to reduce their impact on the environment from planning stages, through build and demolition. Building the right environment By creating the right policy environment, incentives for innovation and infrastructure, the Government can encourage companies to seize the sustainable opportunities of new technologies and value chains linked to green sectors. They can accelerate the shift of current carbon-intensive economic and industrial structures onto greener trajectories, enabling the UK to meet global climate and development goals under the Paris Agreement on climate change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Transparent working practices Each industry sector is expected to engage and pledge its support to achieve the significant deadlines. Every company can make a difference, even with small steps towards a sustainable future. So while elements such as safety and security represent just one component of building the right sustainable environment, it paves the way to opening up our sector to greater efficiencies, transparent working practices, and encourages collaborative use of resources. Sustainability in security The security sector has a significant opportunity to incorporate ‘going green’ into its practices In fact, the security sector has a significant opportunity to incorporate ‘going green’ into their processes, and practices. This is right from product lifecycles to more environmentally friendly work practices when it comes to maintenance and monitoring services. When integrating environmentally friendly practices, starts with the manufacturing and production of the wide variety of systems in operation for the security sector. And some certifications and guidelines can be achieved, such as the ISO 14000 which looks into eliminating hazardous materials being used which in turn will reduce carbon footprint.  Upgrading supply chain process Observing the complete supply chain and working with partners to reduce unnecessary travel, shipments, and transportation of products, can all contribute and create sustainable processes.  In the maintenance and monitoring of products, it is essential installers and security specialists consider their own environmental impacts. Simple changes such as switching company vehicles to electric options for site visits can make a significant difference to climate change and improving air quality. Presenting sustainable ways of disposing of products at the end of their natural lifecycle is key to change in our sector. This is especially in the security industry where many customers will need a complete overhaul of outdated solutions or need systems upgrading due to changing threat levels. Sustainable evolution Progress is being made, specifically in the fire and security industry, in its sustainable evolution. Businesses are trying to develop a reputation for “sustainability” or “good corporate citizenship.” And it has gone well beyond the theory to the practical, where companies recognize activities have an impact on the environment and are also reviewing the social and economic influences. Three pillars of sustainability In a recent interview, Inge Huijbrechts, the Global Senior Vice President for safety and security and Responsible Business at Radisson Hotel Groups sees her vision to combine safety, security, and sustainability. Inge focuses on three pillars, namely, Think People, Think Community, and Think Planet. Think People means that we “always care for the people in our hotels and our supply chain.” So, in outwards communications, safety and security were always part of the Think People focus area. Think Community is caring and contributing in a meaningful way to communities where we operate. Finally, Think Planet makes sure that “our footprint on the environment is as light as it can be in terms of energy, water, waste, and carbon, and making sure that we incorporate sustainability into our value proposition.” Moving forward Apprenticeship schemes are integral to ‘think people’ and have a role to play in the social impact on the security industry There are immediate actions that can be taken by companies in the security industry to support sustainable development, working right from within a company to supporting industry-wide initiatives. From a social perspective, at a foundation level, “Think People’ can see the Living Wage Foundation as an example of a commitment to a team.  This is for businesses that choose to go further and pay a real Living wage based on the cost of living, not just the Government minimum. Apprenticeship schemes are also integral to ‘think people’ and have a pivotal role to play on the social impact on the security industry.  It addresses the sector-wide issue of finding employees with the right mix of skills to collaborate and meet discerning consumer demands for increasingly smart security solutions for homes and businesses. Impact of the full lifecycle of products From an environmental view, or ‘think planet,’ we need to collectively look at all elements of our industry, with a desire to analyze the impact of ingredients used, supply chain, or manufacturing alone, and also consider the full lifecycle of our selected products from creation to end of life. As Jamie Allam, CEO Amthal summarises, “This is a long-term, sustainable investment in our people, our products, and our business based on our values.” “When put together, a social team which feels empowers and operates in environmental optimum working conditions is in a position to provide a great experience to our customers, creating an economic positive difference. It forms the basis of a sustainable sector vision for the security industry-wide to adopt.” Taking action Amthal is taking action based on the ready-made universally agreed UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Also known as Global Goals, these are at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member states. This agenda is a plan of action for people, the planet, and prosperity. By being an early adopter, we believe we can engage with customers, partners, and suppliers on these issues and generate opportunities to innovate for mutual and industry sector benefit. Together, we can contribute to building a more sustainable security sector and future, and contribute to the UK Government’s green industrial revolution.