Kentec and Fire Crest support The Focus Training Group in delivering real-life fire safety training

Kentec Electronics, a leading manufacturer of life-critical fire control systems, has donated a quantity of fire control panels to The Focus Training Group, an independent training provider, based in the Southwest of England to support relevant and effective training and promote safety and professionalism in the trade.

The donation includes three Syncro AS fire panels and two Sigma XT extinguishant control panels (one 2 zone and one 4 zone). Fire Crest, a Kentec Installation Partner (KIP), which is similarly in the Southwest, has also donated detection devices and ancillary equipment, which together with the panels enable fire apprentices to construct a full fire safety system in the classroom before testing their skills on-site.

Lloyd Bond, Fire and Security Trainer Assessor at The Focus Training Group, says relevant training is essential: ‘With these new Kentec control panels, we are giving the apprentices an important opportunity to practice in a controlled environment, building familiarity with a panel that is widely used in the industry.’

Lloyd adds that such training measures help to attract young talent into the fire and security industry: ‘There is a skills gap in the profession, as people leaving school are often pushed towards the more general electrician route. Young people bring a great deal to businesses, especially with their knowledge and understanding of technology, and so it’s important we support a pipeline of talent.’

Anthony Kent, Fire and Security Manager at Fire Crest, agrees it is vital to get young people into the industry: ‘The industry is an ageing one, and certainly in Cornwall, many are struggling to find new talent. That’s why it is important to support this initiative.’

Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec Electronics, says The Focus Training Group deserves to be supported for the work it is doing: ‘We are very pleased to help support such a commendable business and it is very much part of our business ethos to ensure training is at the forefront of everything we do. From the training of our Installation Partners, (as part of our ongoing agreement with them so that they can provide the best-in-class expertise and support to their customers), through to the development and training of our own employees at Kentec.’

Syncro AS is an analogue addressable fire control panel, available in either one or two detection loops. It combines compact and practical styling with the programming power and connectivity normally associated with much larger systems. It can be expanded and networked to become part of much larger systems if the need arises, therefore providing a future proof solution for any size of installation. 

Sigma XT is the industry-leading extinguishant releasing panel. It offers outstanding value and performance for all small to medium fixed firefighting installations. With three detection zones as standard, extinguishant release can be configured to activate from any combination of detection zones. Sigma XT panels are both robust and easy to install, having all electronics mounted on a single, easily removable, steel plate.