Gent - Experts & Thought Leaders

Honeywell Gent one of the pioneering brands in fire and life safety, has launched the first fire alarm system with EN-approved self-testing smoke and heat detectors that can be tested automatically, changing the way life safety systems are commissioned, tested, and maintained. The Gent Vigilon panel with Self-Test provides scalable, reliable protection, efficient monitoring, and flexible reporting enhancing the fire engineers’ efficiency. efficient and reliable systems “Honeywell is integrating intelligence across all aspects of life safety systems,” said Lionel Caillat, Vice President and General Manager, of Commercial Fire EMEA, Honeywell.  He adds, “By digitizing the most essential system in the building, we’re creating more efficient and reliable systems. Through connected services, we’re helping building owners gain visibility of all of their critical fire and life safety system assets. This will help move the industry toward the creation of safer and more compliant buildings.” A connected fire and life safety ecosystem CLSS provides real-time visibility of the fire system to competent technicians and facility managers The Gent Vigilon panel with the Self-Test range of detectors is securely enabled through the Honeywell Connected Life Safety Services (CLSS) cloud-based platform. CLSS provides real-time visibility of the fire system to competent technicians and facility managers and allows maintenance engineers to diagnose and troubleshoot problems ahead of time, improving first-time fix rates and reducing time spent on-site. A solution that self-tests and detects The Self-Test range of detectors eliminates many of the physical barriers during testing and maintenance, such as locked rooms, voids, high ceilings, and other hard-to-access spaces, areas that may go untested, which can ultimately put buildings at risk. With the ability to test both optical and heat sensors and verify that the smoke entry points are free of obstruction, a single maintenance engineer can initiate a building-wide test, improving compliance with an end-to-end electronic audit trail and saving the much-needed time required to carry out the essential visual inspection through the CLSS app.  The Gent Vigilon panel with the Self-Test range of detectors is available in the United Kingdom through Honeywell Gent System Integrators.

The G4S Fire and Security team is working in partnership with award-winning building services contractor, Briggs & Forrester, on three large, high-profile real estate projects across the United Kingdom (UK). The Cocoa Works in York, 135 Park Street in London, and Phoenix in Leeds will provide a mix of residential, office, and retail space, and are being undertaken with sustainability and urban regeneration at the core. G4S - the primary system provider Operating in full support of these objectives, G4S has been engaged as the systems provider to supply and install fire and life safety for the three projects, as well as security for The Cocoa Works and Phoenix. While many people associate G4S with providing security officers or security and safety systems for high security or mission-critical sites, G4S Fire and Security Systems can support construction projects of all types. Honeywell GENT fire detection system The design incorporates modern community spaces and landscaped gardens The Cocoa Works in York involves the regeneration of the iconic Rowntree factory, built in the 1890s, into 279 luxury apartments. The design incorporates modern community spaces and landscaped gardens while celebrating the original features of the historical building.  The G4S team will be helping create a safe environment by providing a Honeywell GENT fire detection system and assisted toilet system, as well as an access control platform to control access to key areas, and a video surveillance platform and video intercom to keep residents secure.  Refuge system and C-Tec assisted toilet 135 Park Street is a new 12-story, 148,486 sq. ft building which will provide 131,900 sq. ft of office space, 12,900 sq. ft of affordable workspace, and a further 1,500 sq. ft of retail space to extend the cultural regeneration of Bankside eastwards. This project will be delivered to achieve specific UKGBC Upfront Carbon targets, which focus on an overall reduction in carbon associated with construction activities and building materials. G4S will be supporting the project with Honeywell GENT fire and communication systems, together with a Baldwin Boxall refuge system and C-Tec assisted toilet.  Fire and safety systems G4S will be providing fire detection, refuge, and assisted toilets, supported by access control, surveillance Phoenix is a new iconic, luxury residential building in Leeds, which is set to become the fourth tallest residential building in the city and will comprise 367 luxury apartments. G4S will be providing fire and safety systems including fire detection, refuge, and assisted toilets, supported by access control, surveillance, door monitoring, and intercom.  Sustainability Steve Leader, Head of M&E projects for G4S commented, “The partnership between G4S Fire and Security and Briggs & Forrester demonstrates our commitment to safety and sustainability in modern building development." He adds, "Careful planning and coordination, along with the use of modern fire and life safety systems, will help to ensure that these iconic and sustainable buildings are safe places to live and work.”

Honeywell Gent recently marked its 150th year, an anniversary that showcases the company’s legacy and highlights its bright future as an innovator in electrical equipment and fire alarm systems. Honeywell Gent John Thomas Gent started the company in Leicester in 1872. Known as one of the first producers of electric clocks, which it manufactured for more than a century, Gent shifted its focus in the late 20th century to become a major provider of fire and life safety systems to the United Kingdom. “From our beginnings in electrical equipment to our current specialization in fire systems, Honeywell Gent has been a driving force in creating innovative and life-changing technologies,” said Martyn Keenan, UK and Ireland Sales Leader, Honeywell Gent. first electrically powered devices Gent has evolved its commercial model into a more distributed approach known as the Gent 24 Integrators Network Martyn Keenan adds, “Our team approaches fire safety in the same innovative and passionate way our founder took on the challenge of developing some of the world’s first electrically powered devices. Our desire to make buildings safer and move the fire systems industry forward is part of our DNA.” Gent has evolved its commercial model into a more distributed approach known as the Gent 24 Integrators Network, which trains expert fire safety companies to design, install, commission, and maintain Gent systems to the highest standards. S-Quad detector, Apprenticeship Scheme When Honeywell acquired Gent in 2005, it supported the company’s investment in new product development, bringing the innovative S-Quad detector to market with its dual-angle detection and voice capability, which has helped grow the business and increase Gent’s market share. With the launch of Gent’s  ‘Get Fired Up’ Apprenticeship Scheme, Honeywell has sought to address the UK’s ongoing skilled trades shortage. The educational program provides a structured career path that supports tomorrow’s fire safety engineers as they attempt to gain a foothold in the industry. state-of-the-art life safety solutions “As Honeywell Gent celebrates this 150th anniversary, we want to express deep appreciation of our partners and others who have helped the company bring critical fire detection and alarm systems to commercial buildings across the UK,” said Dan Ascough, Offering Manager, Honeywell Gent. Dan Ascough adds, “With our rich heritage of expertise and Honeywell’s commitment to continuous innovation, we are strategically positioned to meet the evolving needs of the market and continue delivering state-of-the-art life safety solutions for years to come.”