Amthal Fire & Security - Experts & Thought Leaders

Amthal is celebrating 25 years, highlighting the company’s growth in scale, capability and technical expertise to deliver fully integrated life safety and security technology solutions that meet strict compliance requirements. Founded in 2000 by Paul Rosenthal and John Allam, Amthal started as a local residential security company. Over the past quarter-century, it has expanded into a group providing comprehensive fire and security systems across commercial, education, healthcare, retail, and public sector environments. Building long-term partnerships Says Paul Rosenthal, Amthal Group Companies Co-Founder and Group Business Development Director: “Over the past 25 years, Amthal has grown from a small business into a trusted pioneer in fire and security. I’m proud of the expertise and capability we have built and of our incredible team who has made this all possible." “Our approach of managing every stage of a project in-house, from design to ongoing support, has allowed us to deliver reliable, compliant solutions across increasingly complex environments to a loyal customer base. This growth reflects our commitment to quality, innovation and building long-term partnerships.” Complex regulatory standards The company’s evolution mirrors wider industry trends. Over the last two decades, client expectations have shifted from standalone installations to connected, compliance-driven systems capable of meeting increasingly complex regulatory standards. Amthal has responded by investing in people, especially focussing on a dedicated Apprenticeship scheme to lead career growth opportunities alongside technology to ensure quality and reliability throughout every stage of a project. Life safety and security technology Jamie Allam, CEO of Amthal Group Companies, added: “Reaching 25 years reflects how far we’ve come, but our focus is firmly on what’s ahead. The pace of change in life safety and security technology drives us to keep innovating and improving the way we deliver our services." “Our strength lies in the experience and dedication of our team, who ensure every system we design and maintain meets the highest standards for total protection and guaranteed compliance. As we look forward, our aim is to set new benchmarks in customer excellence through technology that enhances safety, reliability and performance.”

Amthal has delivered a complete security upgrade at The Maltings Shopping Center, building on a partnership of more than three decades to transform the way the center is monitored and managed. In supporting The Maltings since 2013 and taking on full management in 2017 Amthal could ensure the system remained effective through a dedicated maintenance program until the time came for a complete upgrade. Integrated with the barrier system The new solution introduces 39 state-of-the-art Dahua cameras, including PTZ, 180-degree and AI-powered people-counting models, to provide full coverage across all seven entrances and car parks. Automatic number plate recognition has been integrated with the barrier system to improve vehicle access control, while people-counting technology now delivers reliable visitor data to track peaks and troughs. Active deterrent measures and signage strengthen site protection, supported by EMCS Sentry software to continuously monitor hardware performance and camera availability. Secure on-premises storage ensures all data remains under the center’s direct control. Redesigned digital control desk Says Richard Marrett, Center Director at The Maltings: “The new systems have changed the way we manage the center. The cameras and control desk give us clearer oversight and together with features like people counting and vehicle access ensures we can identify incidents, respond quickly and review activity with confidence. Behind it all is the trust we have in Amthal, built over three decades of working together to keep The Maltings safe and welcoming.” A redesigned digital control desk now brings all live feeds, recordings and analytics together on a single platform, giving the security team clearer visuals and wider oversight than ever before. These features provide greater efficiency, faster response times and stronger protection. Management and security teams All installation work was carried out while the center remained fully open. Amthal partnered with Dahua together with the management and security teams to plan the schedule so that tenants, staff and shoppers experienced no disruption. Kris Hallett, Business Development Director at Dahua Technology UK, added: “The upgraded cameras now capture detail even in low light, and features like auto-tracking reduce the need for constant manual monitoring. People-counting sensors give the team reliable data across key areas, while number plate recognition integrated with the car park barrier has streamlined vehicle access and reduced misuse." "All can be accessed at any time, even remotely. Working alongside Amthal, we were able to introduce all of this without disruption to the center’s daily operations.” New requirements and advances in security technology The original system was first installed in 1995, marking the beginning of a long-term relationship that has seen Amthal support The Maltings in adapting to new requirements and advances in security technology. Paul Rosenthal, Amthal Group Business Development Director, concluded: “Our established partnership with The Maltings demonstrates how we work with clients over the long term. This complete upgrade with latest Dahua technology has delivered an integrated system that is straightforward for the team to use and manage via the new control center. It ensures the center remains safe, accessible and an enjoyable experience with complete peace of mind for tenants and shoppers alike.”

Amthal Group Companies has partnered with MERKUR Casino to manage life safety across its growing UK estate. The collaboration is focused on ensuring full compliance with fire safety regulations and maintaining safe environments for customers, colleagues and visitors. Now comprising more than 220 high street slots venues, the relationship with MERKUR Casino is built on close communication, including with its Facilities Management function and Fire Safety Officer (FSO). Maintenance of fire alarm systems Amthal supports each site with maintenance of fire alarm systems and emergency lighting, as well as responsive remedial work where issues are identified. This ensures life safety systems are always maintained in compliance with current legislation. “Our priority is creating safe, welcoming spaces where people can enjoy our gaming facilities with complete confidence,” said Ben Hunter, Head of Construction & Facilities at MERKUR Casino. “In a highly regulated leisure sector, fire safety is non-negotiable and Amthal brings the right level of expertise and responsiveness. They understand our estate, work efficiently and allow us to stay on top of our compliance obligations with minimal disruption.” Integrated security measures Amthal’s team works closely with MERKUR to carry out planned maintenance and respond quickly to remedial needs. Site visits are coordinated around operational schedules, ensuring business continuity while maintaining a consistent standard of safety across the estate. Amthal has also supported MERKUR in the design and maintenance of integrated security measures across several sites. This includes, access control and intrusion detection technologies, all designed to blend with the venue environment and operate seamlessly 24/7. Amthal’s collaborative approach “MERKUR’S sites are consistently busy, which brings real operational pressure when it comes to maintaining compliance,” said Matt Johnson, Strategic Accounts Manager at Amthal Group Companies. “Our role is to alleviate that pressure by responding quickly, understanding each site’s requirements, and making sure life safety systems are always up to date. We’re helping them stay ahead of risk, so they can focus on running their business and delivering a great experience for their guests.” Amthal’s collaborative approach ensures each site benefits from tailored solutions aligned with operational requirements and industry regulations. With a national footprint and flexible service model, it is well-positioned to support MERKUR as its portfolio evolves.

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.