VMT designs, installs and maintains coordinated fire detection, CCTV, intruder alarm and access-control systems around your premises, operational risks and compliance responsibilities.
Integrated protection
An integrated system coordinates multiple protective technologies without compromising their individual functions. It can link access-controlled doors to fire-alarm releases, associate access events with CCTV, or use verified alarms to initiate agreed response procedures.
Connecting systems only makes sense when it serves the site. Each system must remain fit for purpose, documented, maintainable and aligned with the property's fire risk assessment, security risks and daily operation.
| System | Primary purpose | Integration opportunity | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire detection | Warning and evacuation support | Door release, smoke control and plant shutdown | Fire strategy, risk assessment and BS 5839-1 |
| CCTV | Observe, verify and record | Access events, perimeter alarms and monitoring | UK GDPR, signage, access and retention |
| Intruder alarm | Detect unauthorised entry | CCTV verification and monitored signalling | Risk grade, monitoring and false-alarm control |
| Access control | Manage and record entry | CCTV events and emergency door release | Life-safety overrides and data governance |
Compliance clarity
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must assess fire risks, implement suitable precautions and maintain relevant equipment. The fire alarm strategy should follow the building's risk assessment, occupancy and escape strategy.
The responsible person may be an employer, owner, landlord, occupier, facilities manager or another party with control of the premises. Where responsibilities are shared, those parties must coordinate their arrangements.
It is the current British code of practice for designing, installing, commissioning and maintaining fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises. Legislation establishes duties; standards provide recognised technical guidance.
Where necessary for safety, the Fire Safety Order requires relevant facilities, equipment and devices to be subject to a suitable maintenance system and kept in efficient working order and good repair.
Technical framework
The relevant standard, category, grade and certification requirements depend on the property, risk assessment, insurer, monitoring arrangements and project specification.
Non-domestic fire alarms
Design, installation, commissioning and maintenance
Emergency lighting
Emergency lighting guidance
Intruder alarms
Risk grading and implementation
CCTV
Video-surveillance design and performance guidance
Electronic access control
Access-control functionality and performance
Personal data
Lawful, fair and proportionate processing
British Standards are generally voluntary codes of practice. A contract, insurer, certification scheme or project specification may still require them.
Data protection
Commercial CCTV usually processes personal data when identifiable people are recorded. The operator should define its purpose, identify a lawful basis, use suitable signage, restrict access and establish proportionate retention periods.
Delivery
We assess building use, occupancy, existing equipment, fire-risk findings, security threats and operational priorities.
We define coverage, system categories or grades, access permissions, interfaces, monitoring and response arrangements.
Coordinated installation, functional testing, interface testing, cause-and-effect verification and clear staff handover.
System records, test results, user guidance and a practical planned-maintenance approach for ongoing reliability.
Evidence-led protection
The 2023 Commercial Victimisation Survey estimated that approximately 409,000 business premises in England and Wales experienced at least one measured crime in the preceding 12 months.
Fire and Rescue Services attended 136,702 fires in England in the year ending December 2024. The figure covers all attended fires and is not limited to commercial premises.
Approved contractor
Independently assessed health & safety standards.
Member
Recognised under the Safety Schemes in Procurement framework.
Industry experience
Domestic and commercial fire & security work.
Systems we install & support
Customer reviews
Questions answered
The appropriate system depends on the fire risk assessment, occupancy, layout, escape strategy and applicable building requirements. A competent person should specify the category and coverage. Building size or price alone is not a sound basis for choosing a system.
BS 5839-1 is a recognised code of practice, not legislation. It guides the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of non-domestic fire alarms. Contracts, insurers, building guidance or enforcing authorities may nevertheless expect its recommendations to be followed.
Yes. Defined events can connect systems, such as releasing designated doors during a fire alarm or associating access events with CCTV footage. Integration must not compromise the fire alarm's independent operation, resilience or life-safety purpose.
The schedule should reflect the fire risk assessment, site conditions, manufacturer instructions and applicable standards. BS 5839-1 provides periodic inspection and servicing recommendations, while the responsible person should arrange routine checks and timely fault correction.
Yes, when identifiable individuals are recorded. The operator should define a lawful purpose and basis, use proportionate coverage, display appropriate notices, restrict footage access and establish justified retention periods.
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