Pete Davis is the Technical Manager at Wessex Fire and Security, part of the andwis. Group, located in Shaftesbury, Dorset.
What are your company’s main business activities?
Wessex Fire and Security, along with our fellow fire and security companies within the andwis. Group, offer complete fire, safety and security solutions for all commercial, industrial and domestic buildings from design to installation and ongoing maintenance ensuring premises comply with mandatory fire, security and safety regulations which in turn gives our clients peace of mind.
What emerging technologies do you see shaping the future of the industry, and how is your company adapting to stay ahead?
Most of the emerging technologies we see are from the security sector. The main ones we are currently seeing are the expansion of AI and integration, along with cloud solutions. With AI and integration we are able to offer our clients advanced technology enabling them to easily manage their security requirements and integrate systems such as intruder, access and CCTV into one software package allowing them to not only save money but also time, speeding up their operations and streamlining them all into one user friendly solution. Nowadays many of our systems are becoming cloud managed, this enables our technical and engineering teams the ability to support customers remotely with much more speed and information which not only allows the client to feel reassured and continue with their day but also avoids unnecessary engineers visits. Although the fire sector hasn’t seen as many advancements in technology in past years, we are now also seeing solutions such as cloud managed systems and self-test capabilities which again enhances our offering and service to our customers.
In what ways does NSI Certification differentiate your company from competitors and enhance your credibility within the industry?
Due to some of the types of systems now available on the market and how engineer-friendly they can be, we are often seeing other trades thinking they can have a stab at our industry – offering similar types of services without the full knowledge and experience often required to ensure the client is getting the systems they require. Being a NSI Gold accredited company, potential customers can be assured the company they have chosen to work with is adhering to the strictest guidelines and regulations which in turn we are thoroughly audited on to confirm full compliance is always being obtained.
How has the rise of smart/home automation technology influenced your business and the services you offer?
Smart automation is often being requested from customers who are looking for a one stop solution to help them manage their properties. The systems we offer, such as the full Ajax portfolio, enable customers to have full visibility and control of their homes or business, any time anywhere. When we start to integrate their system disciplines together this then enables even further visibility and confirmation of an intruder or fire with full video verification which either reassures them or confirms that action is required. Such technology is also enabling us to relieve some of the pressure we are seeing on the fire and police authorities.
Read the full interview in the August 2025 edition of PSi magazine
