JLA Group - Experts & Thought Leaders

The iconic Eco-Power Stadium, home to Doncaster Rovers F.C., has undergone a significant upgrade to its fire safety system. In partnership with JLA Fire and Security, the stadium has adopted pioneering fire safety manufacturer Hochiki Europe, innovative open protocol technology to ensure the safety of its 15,231 capacity crowd and staff. This strategic move has not only enhanced the stadium’s safety infrastructure but also streamlined operations and reduced maintenance costs. New systems and devices The Eco-Power Stadium, with a capacity of 15,231, is a key sporting venue in the region, hosting a variety of football, rugby league, and women's football matches. It is also a premier hospitality venue for the city of Doncaster, regularly hosting business meetings, weddings, and awards ceremonies. An upgrade was required, but the installation needed to be completed in a way that meant the stadium could remain operational throughout. It was imperative that the new system and devices were all fully functional with ‘in date certification’ to allow safety certificates to be issued meaning events could safely take place. Hochiki Europe's cutting-edge ESP devices With both the need for an open protocol system and the ‘in date certification’ in mind, JLA Fire and Security, a renowned provider of fire safety solutions, chose to incorporate Hochiki Europe's cutting-edge ESP devices due to the simplicity of installation and that ESP operates on an open-protocol system. With Hochiki's renowned ultra-reliability, the stadium would now see a significant reduction in false alarms The open protocol compatibility of the Hochiki ESP devices, such as smoke, heat and multi-sensors, ensured seamless integration with other building systems, such as the stadium’s security system, enhancing overall site efficiency. With Hochiki's renowned ultra-reliability, the stadium would now see a significant reduction in false alarms, optimizing system performance. fire safety installations "Hochiki products, in particular ESP, are our ‘go-to’ for fire safety installations, particularly for projects of this size – Hochiki make the complex, easy. They provide incredible reliability when it comes to false alarms." "We were able to complete the project during the close season. Using Hochiki allowed us to achieve this. I would 100% use Hochiki products for other stadium/concert style projects in the future." Fire alarm system JLA's total care contract provides a comprehensive safety solution for the Eco-Power Stadium, meaning the facilities team there had the expert installation of both fire alarm and intruder alarm systems, regular maintenance visits to ensure optimal system performance and swift response should there be any faults. By replacing the outdated managed protocol fire alarm system with a modern open protocol solution from Hochiki Europe, JLA has significantly enhanced the stadium's fire safety capabilities.

As more businesses prepare to return to the workplace, business pioneers are showing growing concerns for complacency in response to false fire alarms. Fire specialists JLA carried out research as part of their ‘False fire alarms’ campaign, finding that business owners worry that employees become used to false fire alarms, resulting in a minimized urgency in response to a real fire. Employee interest in fire safety The lacklustre attitude towards fire safety is concerning for business owners, as employees In fact, as many as 44% of the 250 respondents suggested that employee interest in fire safety declines as a result of false fire alarms. The lacklustre attitude towards fire safety is concerning for business owners, as employees could be slow to act, leaving the premises in a way that isn’t particularly safe or urgent. Other concerns with false fire alarms Other concerns with false fire alarms include employee productivity being compromised. On the whole, 36% of respondents found this to be a cause for concern. That figure increased to 41% for the hospitality industry, and rose again to 46% of businesses with office workers. Business owners are also worried that the site would have to close to deal with the aftermath of a false alarm, consequently losing money and facing damage to their reputation, with 30% citing closure as a point of concern. How can businesses prevent the hindrance that false fire alarms can have on productivity? Ensure all fire equipment is checked regularly and is working correctly Provide employee training on preventing false fire alarms Provide training to employees on how to respond to a false fire alarm to decrease disruption Checking fire equipment and alarms Peter Martin, Operations Director of Fire & Security at JLA, said, "Frequent training can be given to avoid this complacency and will ensure that all employees and businesses are as best prepared as possible to deal effectively with a fire, should an alarm sound." He adds, "Fire alarms, while frustrating, are often a necessary reminder to employees of the right steps to take to safely evacuate and get to an area of safety. This, with an emphasis on checking fire equipment and alarms, will ensure that minimal disruption is made and that the business can operate as usual." Adequate fire risk assessment Training in preventing a false fire alarm, as well as how to act in the case of a false fire alarm Training in preventing a false fire alarm, as well as how to act in the case of a false fire alarm, stands out as an important factor to consider along with checking fire equipment. However, the survey found that 38% of businesses do not have an adequate fire risk assessment and 20% only get their fire alarms tested once a year.  JLA also revealed that 40% of businesses have not given all of their staff the proper training on what causes false fire alarms. Impact of a false fire alarm This figure jumps up in the hospitality industry, rising to 75% of staff not properly trained in fire prevention. If businesses aren’t fully equipped on fire prevention, this could have detrimental effects. That includes preparedness in dealing with the impact of a false fire alarm, with the consequences, including a damaged reputation, loss of revenue, and decrease in business efficiency. How Total Fire Group can help? Keeping on top of the fire equipment maintenance keeps employers and their colleagues safe, compliant, and gives them peace of mind. If they’re looking for support with this, Total Fire Group can help. As fire safety consultancy specialists, Total Fire Group works with a range of commercial businesses across various organizations, ensuring they’re up to date with their fire safety. They can help them with their fire risk assessment, maintenance of fire equipment, training, and they have their own fire risk assessment software to streamline their safety protocols. If they have multiple businesses or multiple business sites, the revolutionary software helps them keep track of those sites and the actions within them, all in one place.

Globally renowned critical equipment supplier and servicing partner, JLA has welcomed another three new businesses into the Group, bringing the total to six in six months. Stafford-based Astral Fire and Security and Preston-based firms T. Jolly Services and Atlas Sterile Services, are the latest companies to have been acquired. Helen Ashton, Chief Executive Officer at JLA said, “I am thrilled that Astral Fire and Security, T Jolly Services and Atlas Sterile Services have joined the JLA Group – and they join us at a great time. Our unrelenting focus on service and technology to deliver real customer value is revolutionizing our industry. With Total Care, we have created a scalable platform that enables us to become the trusted single supply and service partner that UK businesses are crying out for. We’re looking forward to working with all three businesses as we expand further throughout 2020." Fire and security solutions major Astral Fire and Security has a strong presence in the fire and security solutions market Astral Fire and Security has a strong presence in the fire and security solutions market, offering everything from the design, installation and maintenance of fire alarm systems, fire doors, signage and extinguishers through to fire risk assessments and training, as well as specializing in security products such as access and entry systems, nurse call systems and CCTV.   T Jolly Services and Atlas Sterile Services provide HVAC maintenance and repair services, as well as compliance testing for cleanrooms. With a recognized presence in the hotel groups, care homes and retail stores markets, as well as serving major UK Universities, T Jolly has an enviable reputation as a high quality, national service provider. Tailored, bespoke systems The existing management teams will continue to run the respective businesses. Rob Harris, former Owner and Managing Director at Astral said, “We are delighted to be joining the JLA Group. With experience in tailored, bespoke systems for large multi-national businesses and smaller independents, the fit with JLA felt right. This opportunity and investment will allow us to develop our business alongside JLA, while maintaining the fantastic service our customers are used to.” Commenting on the T Jolly and Atlas deals, former owner Paul Riley said, “The sale of the businesses provides an excellent platform for future growth as an integral part of a large organization with a broad range of commercial interests, including a fast-growing heating division, focussed on a range of planned and reactive maintenance services.” Fire and heating solutions expert JLA continue to look for complementary businesses within the HVAC and Fire Safety sectorsWith decades of experience, JLA understand their customer needs and how to deliver the right solutions. Removing any hassle from their customers is a key factor in the critical asset services they now offer and the expansion into fire and heating was a natural progression. As trusted partners to over 25,000 customers, the ability to cover more critical areas of their customers’ businesses is proving more and more valuable. JLA continue to look for complementary businesses within the HVAC and Fire Safety sectors. If you are a business who wants to discuss this further, you can contact the Mergers and Acquisitions team. Critical asset and fire safety solutions JLA is the UK’s renowned provider of critical asset solutions. Their wide range of commercial laundry, catering, heating and fire safety solutions are suitable to a variety of markets in both the public and private sector. Alongside market renowned commercial equipment, JLA’s unique Total Care offering gives customers an unparalleled level of breakdown cover, including a four-hour call out which is the fastest response rate in the industry. With a nationwide network of over 450 engineers, 25,000 customers and a 24/7 customer helpline, JLA is the ideal critical asset partner.