A LOCAL fire detection and prevention firm is concerned that regulations put in place where businesses are now charged for false alarm call outs could come to Northamptonshire. From January 1 2014 the London Fire Brigade implemented a new policy to charge business for call outs to false alarms. They have estimated that the cost to false alarm call outs is a minimum of £800,000 a year, leading to the introduction of the £290 plus VAT penalty.
A LOCAL fire detection and prevention firm is concerned that regulations put in place where businesses are now charged for false alarm call outs could come to Northamptonshire. From January 1 2014 the London Fire Brigade implemented a new policy to charge business for call outs to false alarms. They have estimated that the cost to false alarm call outs is a minimum of £800,000 a year, leading to the introduction of the £290 plus VAT penalty. There is little doubt that this policy could develop over the rest of the UK, causing many businesses to reconsider how they can prevent false alarm call outs. “There really was no debate about the pressing issue for safety conscious businesses in 2014,” said John De Groot, General Manager of Trafalgar Fire, who are based at Moulton Park in Northampton. “With London Fire Brigade’s new policy now in force, we know there is a need to advise firms that this could happen in our county as well and, more importantly, how they can look at ways to avoid these costs.” Trafalgar is holding a free seminar for businesses about improvement of alarm system design and false alarm reduction. The seminar, which is Continuing Professional Development certified, will be held at the Northampton Saints RFC Business Club on Wednesday 5 February, from 9am to 1 pm with refreshments included. The seminar is free for businesses to attend, but with places strictly limited, Trafalgar has advised firms to reserve their place. The seminar will be delivered in partnership with CDR Pumps and Low Energy Consultancy (LEC) who will be announcing the results of the 2013/2014 Business Energy Survey. The online survey has been sent to thousands of businesses in the UK asking for their experiences of energy use in the workplace and how energy is a rising cost in any thriving business. Businesses will hear from experts about the results and what they can do to address them in the workplace. “It is a cold time of year and as businesses are heating their premises, they also have the concern of rising utility costs and the threat of higher bills in 2014,” said Adam Alexander, Director at LEC. “This important survey has asked firms to share their concerns, asked where they use the most energy and most importantly where they look to save costs. “The results will show business what they can do to learn from others.” To reserve your place on the seminar, contact Trafalgar Fire by telephone on 0844 848 1440 or email