Blake Fire and Security Systems

Commercial Fire Alarm systems fully compliant with BAFE legislation

When your Responsible Person needs to be categorically certain your premises has the right Fire Alarm system for your business... choose Blake's.

Fully compliant. Fully maintained. And fully protected!

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    Commercial Fire Alarm Systems... with a personal touch

    Commercial Fire Alarm Systems
    Blake Fire & Security Systems have a long and distinguished track record of designing, installing, commissioning and maintaining Fire Alarm Systems. From our HQ in Southend, we're proud to keep businesses safe across Essex, London and the South East.

    The Fire Safety Order requires the appointment of a Responsible Person to ensure there is adequate fire protection in every non-domestic premises in the UK.

    This Responsible Person is usually the business owner or, for schools, the head teacher. They must ensure that there is an up to date Fire Risk Assessment. And that everything highlighted has been addressed completely. If not, they could be prosecuted, fined and even imprisoned!

    Regulations change over the years, but one thing remains the same. A serious fire can have real implications - both emotional and financial.
    It’s critical you use an established, competent company to install the right Fire Alarm system for your particular business. And that’s where Blake’s come in...
    Chef’s Choice Ltd
    I would just like to thank you and all the team that have been here with me this week, for an absolutely fantastic service and a great job well done. Your colleagues have been helpful, informative and very patient with me as a business owner with little or no understanding of fire regulations and our responsibilities as a business owner.

    Things have been explained well and the training I have received has been excellent. Further to this I would add that the Fire Risk Assessor who has been on site this morning spoke very highly of your company was assured that we were in good hands!
    Kirsty Powell, Director
    Chef’s Choice Ltd
    Still researching? Click here to get advice from the experts on how to ensure your Fire Safety is compliant with legislation.

    Audited & Approved

    ...compliant AND in safe hands with Blake's
    NSIBAFE Registered OrganisationFIA
    Our School and commercial Fire Alarms are installed and maintained to the following standards:
    • BS 5839-1:2025 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premise
    • BS 5839-8:2023 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of voice alarm systems
    • BS 5839-9:2021 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency voice communication systems
    • BS 5499-4:2013 Safety signs. Code of practice for escape route signing
    • BS 7273-4:2015+A2:2023 Code of practice for the operation of fire protection measures. Actuation of release mechanisms for doors
    • BAFE SP203-1 Scheme Document Version 8.0.1 October 2023
    Show me ALL your accreditations

    Dedication to Accreditation... qualified and trustworthy

    Martin Blake Fire Safety Systems Manager
    Martin Blake
    Fire & Life Systems Safety Manager

    We only offer what we are qualified to deliver

    Blake Fire & Security Systems have NSI Fire Gold Scheme approval. This covers BAFE qualifications for:
    • design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of Fire Alarm systems: SP203-1
    • supply, positioning, commissioning and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers: SP101/ST104
    • design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of Emergency Lighting systems: SP203-4
    NSI Gold approval means that we are audited beyond BAFE competency standards. The NSI auditing also tests for quality management. For you, the client, this means:
    • Reliable, polite, qualified staff - both customer-facing and on the phone
    • The highest quality, state of the art commercial systems
    • A bespoke fire protection solution designed and installed by qualified experts to perfectly fit your needs and budget

    What happens when my Fire Alarm is triggered?

    When your Fire Alarm activates, your system follows a proven process designed to filter false alarms while ensuring real fires get rapid response. 

    Blake's NSI Gold-approved Fire Alarm systems connect directly to Southern Monitoring's ARC - 24/7 professional monitoring with CSL DualCom signalling for fast, secure alerts
    Fire Alarm Monitoring During Working Hours
    Here's exactly what happens, step by step.

    During Working Hours (When Your Building is Occupied)

    1. Alarm activation
    A staff member presses a call point or a detector activates automatically.

    2. Your team responds
    Staff follow your Fire Evacuation procedure if the building is occupied.

    3. Instant ARC alert
    The alarm signal transmits to the ARC within seconds and appears on an operator's screen.

    4. Confirmation check
    The ARC may seek confirmation of a real fire – for example, a second alarm signal, multiple devices operating, information from site staff or visual verification via CCTV if your cameras are also ARC-monitored – to filter out false alarms in line with your local Fire Brigade's policy.

    5. Fire Brigade contact
    If there are signs of a genuine fire, the ARC will either:
    • Call the Fire Brigade directly for higher-risk premises (such as buildings with sleeping accommodation or vulnerable occupants) OR
    • Contact your team to investigate and call 999 with details if they can confirm smoke or flames
    6. Keyholder notification
    Your nominated keyholders are contacted to attend and support the response.

    Fire Alarm Monitoring Out of Hours

    Out of Hours (When your Building is Empty)

    1. Automatic detection
    The system detects a fire condition and activates automatically.

    2. Direct ARC transmission
    A signal is sent immediately to the ARC.

    3. Confirmation attempts
    The ARC may seek confirmation – for example, via additional alarm signals, by contacting a keyholder or through CCTV verification if your cameras are monitored by the ARC – to reduce unwanted fire signals (i.e. false alarms).

    4. Response decision
    If there is credible evidence of a real fire, the ARC follows your local Fire Brigade's automatic Fire Alarm (AFA) policy:
    • For higher-risk or exempt premises, they call the Fire Brigade immediately
    • For other buildings, they instruct keyholders to attend and call 999 once they verify the situation
    5. Keyholder attendance
    Your keyholders attend site, assist the Fire Brigade if mobilised and secure the building afterwards.

    Will the Fire Brigade Always Be Called?

    Fire & Rescue Services only give automatic response to ARC alarm signals for certain higher-risk premises, typically:
    • Buildings with sleeping accommodation (hotels, student halls, care homes)
    • Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
    • Premises with vulnerable residents
    • Other specific categories listed as exemptions by your local Fire Authority
    For most commercial buildings and workplaces, the Brigade expects the alarm to be checked first – either by staff during working hours or by keyholders out of hours.

    However, if anyone confirms a real fire by seeing flames or smoke and calls 999, the Fire Brigade will respond to ANY building, regardless of its type.

    The ARC's role is to support this process, filter false alarms and ensure genuine fires still get rapid Fire Brigade attendance. When both Fire Alarms and CCTV are monitored by the ARC, operators can visually verify alarm signals before escalating to emergency services

    Blake's Ensures You Stay Compliant and Protected

    We make sure your Fire Alarm system:
    • Meets British Standards (BS 5839) and local Fire Authority protocols
    • Is configured correctly for your building type and insurance requirements
    • Connects to our NSI Gold ARC with 24/7 monitoring
    • Has clear escalation procedures tailored to your premises
    • Can integrate with CCTV monitoring for enhanced verification if required
    Not sure how your building is classified or what response you'll get?

    Blake's has been protecting Essex businesses and schools for 40+ years. We'll explain exactly what's required for your premises and ensure your system is set up properly from day one – no confusion, no second-guessing.

    Contact Blake’s on: 01702 447800
    Fire Alarm System control panel

    Would your Fire Alarm System protect your staff, visitors and equipment?

    The disruption to everyday trading can set you back a long way. Worst case scenario, it can bankrupt a business. Plus, you have a duty of care to your employees and any visitors to your premises.

    Prevention is better than cure. And the simple answer for your peace of mind is to get a Fire Alarm System from a supplier you can trust.

    What are my Fire Risk Assessment obligations?

    The FSO legislation states that the Responsible Person must make a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment (Article 9). Get this wrong and the Responsible Person can face an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison!

    The good news is Blake Fire & Security Systems can assist in getting the Risk Assessment done correctly and help you understand the findings and recommendations.

    Still researching? Click here to get advice from the experts on how to ensure your Fire Safety is compliant with legislation.

    What are Fire and Life Safety Systems?

    Aaah, more terminology and jargon! Very simply, Life Safety Systems are any interior building element designed to protect and evacuate the building population in emergencies.

    For more information and to find out if you need them in your workplace, read our blog post here.
    Still researching? Click here to get advice from the experts on how to ensure your Fire Safety is compliant with legislation.
    Fire Alarm zone plan

    What should my Fire Alarm System include to protect staff and premises?

    Your Fire Risk Assessment will inform you of the exact requirements to give you a system that is appropriate for the building and number of staff. It also covers the Fire Extinguishers.

    It is essential to use qualified professionals to design and install the system to fully comply with the Risk Assessment and FSO.

    Blake Fire & Security Systems have two NSI Gold Approved and registered Fire Detection and Alarm System designers. Their certified designs are then installed and commissioned by qualified and experienced engineers, who are all DBS Enhanced checked.

    From making sure the locations of the devices are properly labelled on the panel to interfacing with other equipment like magnetic door locks, gas valves or shutters are working correctly. Even if your system was not installed by us, Blake's can still commission it for you to get it working the way you require.

    How important is Fire Alarm Maintenance/Servicing?

    The British Standards recommend that your Fire Detection and Alarm System is maintained by a competent company twice a year (sometimes four times a year in special circumstances).

    All maintenance work by Blake Fire & Security Systems is carried out to the BAFE Scheme SP203 which ensures compliance to British Standards and all our service engineers are DBS checked to an Enhanced level.

    Remember that any changes to the structure of your commercial building - the building of extensions, changes of layout, modifications to storage and working areas - whether major or minor should be accompanied by a new Fire Risk Assessment.

    How does my Fire Detection System link up to my Intruder Alarm?

    You could opt for a simple, stand alone fire detection system but a sophisticated integrated system might be the better option.

    Talk to us about a system integrating Intruder Alarm, CCTV, Access Control, Fire Detection and Emergency Lighting - call 01702 447800 for your free site survey.

    Your fire alarm system can be linked to an alarm receiving centre and to do this and comply, it should have its own monitoring equipment.

    Do I really need a BAFE approved Fire Alarm installation company?

    British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE) schemes make it easy for a Responsible Person to fulfil their legal obligations. Because, by using a BAFE approved company, you’re certain you’ve done your due diligence and complied. We will help you through all stages of complying - Free Survey, Free Quotes and Free Advice!

    Should they have NSI accreditation too?

    Yes! NSI and BAFE go hand in hand. NSI (National Security Inspectorate) do the auditing and awarding of approvals to ensure the company in question is complying with BAFE legislation. Read more about BAFE and NSI Gold approval here.

    Has Your Responsible Person Read This Guide?

    Ensure your Fire Safety is compliant with legislation. Get help from the experts!
    Download your guide
    Emergency lighting

    Dedication to Accreditation

    Why you should choose Blake Fire & Security to design, install and maintain your Fire and/or Security system, including Fire Doors.
    Long track record - our family-run firm has been installing fire and security protection across four decades. We're not going anywhere. Your guarantee will be honoured!
    Dedication to Accreditation - if we're not qualified to provide a service we won't offer it to you! Simple.
    Experience & Expertise - we're professional and fully qualified so you get the Fire and/or Security system that is perfect for your specific circumstances.
    Who is in your home or premises? - your engineer is always trustworthy, polite and fully qualified,. We have regular checks to ensure this.
    Quality workmanship and service - we're passionate about your Fire and/or Security system, our standard of work and the way we deliver it to you.
    Blake Fire & Security Systems have BAFE, NSI Gold, SSAIB and BM Trada approval! This means you get:
    Bespoke systems - designed to perfectly fit your family's requirements or the needs of your business.
    Highest quality systems and equipment - we only use the best quality, industry-approved equipment to provide Fire and/or Security protection that lasts and looks good.
    Police and Insurance recognition - our work is guaranteed to be of the highest standard and both Police and Insurance companies acknowledge this.
    Regular and reliable monitoring and maintenance - ensure your Fire and/or Security protection is working in your time of need AND someone is always watching over your home or business!

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      Accreditations and Memberships

      Domestic and commercial clients trust Blake's dedication to accreditation. We always meet or exceed the latest quality standards.

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      © Copyright 2026 Blake Fire & Security Systems

      A division of Blake Contractors Ltd - Registered no: 04269457

      Blake Fire & Security Systems
      403 Sutton Road, Southend-On-Sea, Essex, SS2 5PQ

      Telephone: 01702 447800   Email: info@blakefire-security.co.uk

      VAT No: 328 5359 38, ICO No: ZA107058
      Blake Fire & Security proudly protects homes, schools and businesses from London to
      Southend, Chelmsford, Colchester, Braintree, Basildon, Rayleigh, Brentwood, Billericay, Harlow
      and the wider Essex region.
      We also have customers in Dartford and Kent.
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