How many different contractors are responsible for the fire and security systems in your building?

For some facilities managers, it's four or five separate companies. One maintains the fire alarms, another deals with CCTV, somebody else looks after access control, and there's a different contractor for fire extinguishers.

That arrangement can work perfectly well. But when systems need attention, managing several different suppliers can create unnecessary work.

The Problem with Multiple Fire and Security Contractors

Commercial buildings depend on several systems working correctly, often alongside one another.

A typical building might have:

  • Fire detection and alarm systems.
  • CCTV and video surveillance.
  • Electronic access control.
  • Intruder alarms.
  • Fire and smoke dampers.
  • Portable fire extinguishers.

Each system has its own maintenance requirements, technical considerations and, where applicable, British Standards.

When different contractors maintain each system, the facilities manager becomes responsible for coordinating several sets of arrangements.

That can involve separate contracts, maintenance schedules, invoices, service reports and points of contact.

Problems can become particularly frustrating when more than one system is involved.

For example, an access-controlled door may need to release when a fire alarm operates. If that doesn't happen, is the issue with the fire alarm interface, the access control equipment or the configuration between them?

With separate contractors, diagnosing the problem can involve several conversations and site visits before anyone establishes where the fault lies.

The Benefits of Combining Fire and Security Maintenance

At RAW Fire & Security, we've seen customers gradually bring more of their maintenance requirements under one roof.

One customer originally appointed us to look after their fire systems. Over time, that relationship expanded to include their CCTV, access control, smoke dampers and fire extinguishers.

It wasn't an overnight change. As existing arrangements were reviewed, the customer identified other services we could provide.

For facilities managers, consolidating suitable services with one competent provider can offer several advantages.

One main point of contact

Instead of working through a list of different companies, you have a central contact for the systems covered by your contract.

Less administration

Fewer separate contracts and invoices can make purchasing, budgeting and ongoing supplier management easier.

Better coordination

Maintenance visits may be easier to arrange around operational hours, site access restrictions and other work taking place in the building.

A broader understanding of the property

Engineers and technical teams become more familiar with the building, its systems and the way those systems interact.

This doesn't mean every maintenance task can be completed in one visit. Different systems may still require different engineers, qualifications and specialist equipment.

But coordinating those requirements through one provider can remove a considerable amount of administrative work.

What About Fire Safety Compliance?

Combining maintenance contracts should never mean treating every system as though it has the same servicing requirements.

For example, BS 5839-1:2025 provides recommendations for fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises, while CCTV and access control systems have their own relevant standards and technical requirements.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 also places duties on the responsible person for fire safety in relevant premises.

Using one contractor does not remove these responsibilities.

When considering a combined maintenance arrangement, check that:

  • The provider is competent to maintain each system included.
  • Relevant accreditations and certification cover the services being offered.
  • Maintenance frequencies and scopes are clearly defined.
  • Service records and outstanding defects can be identified by system.
  • Emergency response arrangements are understood.
  • Responsibility for specialist equipment and third-party interfaces is clear.

A single contract is only useful if the individual systems continue to receive the attention they require.

How to Move from Multiple Contractors to One Provider

You don't necessarily need to replace every contractor at the same time.

For many organisations, a gradual approach is more sensible.

Start by reviewing the systems currently installed, who maintains them, when existing agreements expire and whether there are any recurring problems.

A combined fire and security survey can help establish which systems a prospective provider can support and whether any additional specialist arrangements are needed.

From there, services can potentially be transferred as contracts expire, with maintenance records and outstanding defects handed over appropriately.

This avoids unnecessary disruption and gives the new provider time to become familiar with the building.

At RAW, our work covers commercial fire detection, CCTV, access control, fire extinguishers and other fire safety systems. We can review which services could be brought together and which arrangements would be most practical for your site.

Could You Simplify Your Fire and Security Maintenance?

If you're currently coordinating several contractors across one building or a wider property portfolio, RAW Fire & Security can review your existing arrangements and discuss whether combining services would make sense.

Call 01174 620 878 or visit rawfire.co.uk to arrange a conversation or site survey.