During a recent visit to Aico’s HQ in Owestry, Ian Moore, CEO of the FIA, was given a tour of the premises, explained the ethos of Aico and finally interviewed on their innovation TV channel.

Aico, an Ei Company, offers domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) protection; designed, developed and manufactured at their factory in Shannon, Ireland. They offer expert technical support and advice on alarm selection, siting and installation as well as a dedicated installer training scheme. Their main operating area is working alongside UK’s Local Authorities and Housing Associations to help create safer environments for tenants.

The FIA has been working for a time on the “up and coming” Internet of Things (IoT) and specifically how it affects and will affect, the fire safety industry in the future (please see one of the reports on the FIA website). Therefore, it was fascinating to see the research and development that Aico has been undertaking in this area. Their “Connected Home” offering integrates smart home integration and analytics technologies to address the needs of social landlords and their residents. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are certainly the buzzwords of the moment!

Many thanks to Andy Speake, National Technical Manager of Aico, for a fascinating insight into one of the UK’s premier fire detection manufacturers. Their premises are World class as is their attitude towards staff happiness and fulfilment with restaurants, games rooms, relaxation areas (internal and external) and their engagement with the local community and charities.