News 2026

All our news for the year is outlined below, enjoy! We also have a news archive going back to 2013, click here for more...

 

March 2026 - Taking smoke vent inspection to new heights

BDS was recently called to a residential block in Hertford Lock, London E3, following reports of smoke vents failing to close and concerns over a potentially obstructed roof vent. Our initial inspection quickly identified a faulty power supply and a second-floor vent that was permanently open, with suspected magnet failure.

But this is where BDS took things to another level—literally.

Rather than relying on traditional, costly access methods such as scaffolding, our team deployed one of our own advanced drones, equipped with high-resolution remote CCTV capability, to assess the roof vent safely and efficiently from above. with cutting-edge technology to deliver smarter, faster, and more cost-effective solutions.

Following our findings, we recommended upgrading the system with a new Elmdene intelligent switch-mode power supply and replacing the faulty magnets. All repairs were carried out successfully. The drone survey confirmed that the roof vent was operating as a permanent vent with no obstructions present, eliminating the need for expensive scaffolding and delivering significant cost savings for the client. This project showcases how BDS continues to push boundaries,combining technical expertise & Innovation

 

February 2026 - 41-44 Great Windmill St - Modern Fire Safety Upgrade

We’re pleased to announce a new project win at one of London’s most vibrant and historic locations - Great Windmill Street. A building rich in heritage, it has continually evolved over the years: from a wholesale stationery shop to a jazz club and restaurant, then a cinema, and later home to iconic venues like the Dilly Cinema and the Scene Club—central to London’s 1960s music scene.

Following the refurbishment of three floors, BDS has secured a full fire system upgrade across thebuilding to deliver a fullyintegrated, consistent solution throughout. The existing EMS radio system will be replaced with a state-of-the-art Gent Vigilon 6-loop system, providing enhanced reliability, scalability, and performance.

Key features include:

One loop per floor across all six levels for enhanced control and fault isolation

S-Quad VADs (Visual Alarm Devices) installed throughout for improved occupant safety and compliance

Honeywell CLSS Gateway integration, enabling: Real-time monitoring of alarms and faults - Digital test tracking and reporting - Remote access via the CLSS mobile app

This upgrade brings the building in line with today’s safety standards, combining cutting-edge technology with simple, intuitive monitoring. We’re proud to support the next chapter of this iconic London site!

 

January 2026 - BDS fire safety upgrade Active & Passive

Bradbury Oak HSE independent living designed for the visually impaired - Following the change in the building’s fire safety requirements to Full Evacuation, a series of upgrades are being carried out to ensure the highest level of protection for residents.

This includes splitting loops, due to load, updating cause & effects, and replacing the existing fire alarm PAVA system with sounders sitting on the existing detection loops.

Additional work includes fire door remedial work to ensure doors function correctly in emergencies and comply with safety regulations, AOV upgrades as well as ongoing fire stopping and compartmentation works. All works are expected to be completed by mid-February, creating a safer, full compliant environment while maintaining the building’s focus on independent, accessible living for residents.

 

January 2026 - BDS fire safety upgrade Passive

Swail House independent living designed for the visually impaired - Following the change in the building’s fire safety requirements to Full Evacuation, a series of upgrades are being carried out to ensure the highest level of protection for residents.

This includes splitting loops, due to load, updating cause & effects, and replacing the existing fire alarm PAVA system with sounders sitting on the existing detection loops.

Additional work includes fire door remedial work to ensure doors function correctly in emergencies and comply with safety regulations, AOV upgrades as well as ongoing fire stopping and compartmentation works. All works are expected to be completed by mid-February, creating a safer, full compliant environment while maintaining the building’s focus on independent, accessible living for residents

 

January 2026 - Heritage building protected with next generation fire detection


Spring Grove House - We have recently been awarded the contract to install a new Agile ID 300 fire alarm system at Spring Grove House, forming part of the West Thames College campus - following the discontinuation of the building’s existing Hyfire fire HFW alarm system.

Spring Grove House is a Grade II listed historic landmark dating back to the 18th century. The building was formerly home to the Pears family, creators of the iconic Pears Soap, and to renowned botanist and explorer Sir Joseph Banks, who travelled with Captain Cook aboard the HMS Endeavour and played a pivotal role in the development of Kew Gardens.

The Agile ID300 Fire Detection System is the perfect solution due to its newly designed wirelessplatform, ideal for applications where traditional wired devices are impractical for economic or aesthetic reasons. Built with a system to overcome challenges in heritage
environments such as asbestos, solid concrete walls and ceilings, and inaccessible wiring, whilst preserving the building’s historic integrity.

The Agile platform system can also operate as an effective wiredextension, suited for full alignment with the existing Notifier fire alarm equipment installed across the wider campus. This delivers a unified, compliant, and scalable fire safety solution designed to protect the site well into the future.

 

January 2026 - Happy New Year from Kevin and the entire team at BDS!