Fire Protection Services LTD

Fire Protection Services LTD: sprinkler and dry riser specialists in South Wales

Fire Protection Services LTD, trading as FPS, has served the fire protection market in South Wales and beyond since 2006. The company specialises in the design, installation and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems, dry risers and fire hydrant systems. It was founded by Simon Gwinnett, who has over 40 years of experience in the fire protection industry in senior management, corporate and operational roles. In 2016 the business was reorganised to concentrate on a smaller number of key products and services.

The company describes itself as privately owned with more than 30 staff, with personnel located throughout South Wales. Its stated philosophy centres on quality, honesty and trust, and it presents its installed systems as occasionally brought into action to save lives and limit damage to property.

Domestic and residential sprinkler systems

FPS designs, installs and commissions fire sprinkler systems for domestic and residential properties. According to the company, it was one of the first companies in Wales to achieve FIRAS third-party accreditation for the design, installation and commissioning of sprinkler systems. It has also become Part B third-party accredited, with certification number PBC1004, audited and retained since 2015. The company states that it has advised clients and building control authorities to help ensure systems are compliant, robust and cost-effective.

Industrial and commercial sprinkler systems

For industrial and commercial clients, FPS provides sprinkler system services backed by a 24/7 emergency call-out service. The company cites its longstanding relationship with Bridgend Paper Mill since 2011 as a mark of its performance in this sector, and refers to response times it describes as industry leading so that production can resume as quickly as possible.

Dry riser systems and hydrant testing

Installation and regular maintenance of dry riser systems are carried out by FPS's own in-house team, using a dedicated testing vehicle. The maintenance programme comprises two visits per annum. The first is the annual pressure test, in which the system is pressurised with water to 12 BAR for 15 minutes. The second is an interim visit to inspect all parts of the system and confirm it is intact and ready for use by the fire service.

The company also tests underground fire hydrants, which are permanently connected to a live water supply and usually identifiable by a yellow painted cover within roads and pavements, with a wall-mounted marker plate nearby so the fire service can locate them in an emergency. Commercial and industrial estates usually have their own private hydrants, which FPS states are required to be flow tested every year to evaluate their performance.

Service, maintenance and repairs

FPS provides servicing and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems for residential, domestic and commercial properties throughout South Wales and beyond. The in-house team carries out routine inspections, testing, urgent repairs and system upgrades, with the aim of keeping systems operational and compliant with current safety standards. These services are supported by the company's 24/7 emergency call-out service.

Accreditations and management

The company highlights its Part B third-party accreditation as a central credential, alongside its earlier FIRAS accreditation. Its senior team includes Simon Gwinnett as founder and CEO, Alan Futcher as managing director since 2022, bringing over 25 years of experience in sprinkler design and senior management from a corporate fire sprinkler company, and Joanna Kliczka as administration manager, appointed in April 2022 after joining in May 2021.

Client feedback

The company publishes testimonials from clients. Steve Barwick of Bridgend Paper Mill refers to having FPS on contract since 2009 and describes work in 2011 replacing diesel sprinkler engines and pumps and all ancillary equipment at the same time. John Colderley of Cosy Cinema LTD comments on the speed of the team's operation following his call.