Ballyclare to showcase firefighter PPE at UK Emergency Services Show
Iain Hoey
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Ballyclare to present Xenon range and new rescue kit at NEC Birmingham
Ballyclare has announced it will present its latest firefighter protective clothing at the Emergency Services Show (ESS) in Birmingham on 17–18 September 2025.
According to Ballyclare, the event will feature a Supplier Session highlighting its collaborative approach with fire and rescue services (FRSs) across the UK and Europe.
The company said Global Sales Lead for Fire & Security Philip Tasker and Supply Chain Lead Edward Shepherd will deliver the session.
It explained that the session will address firefighter expectations, the balance between innovation and durability, and how FRSs can achieve value under budget pressures.
Ballyclare confirmed the discussion will also cover the role of in-house manufacturing in quality control, delivery and aftercare.
Supplier session to feature collaboration and design
Ballyclare reported that its Supplier Session is titled “How customer collaboration is shaping the future of fire kit.”
The company stated the session will take place at 12.30pm on 17 September in Hall 5 at NEC Birmingham.
It noted that Tasker and Shepherd will explain how Ballyclare engages with services to design and refine PPE.
Tasker said: “At Ballyclare, we recognise that every fire and rescue service has unique operational requirements and preferences. That’s why we work in close partnership with our customers, listening to their needs, trialling solutions and continuously refining our designs.
“Our recent North West contract award is a strong endorsement of this approach and the trust services place in us. This collaborative model ensures our PPE delivers innovation, durability and value, giving firefighters protection and performance they can rely on.”
Xenon range and role-specific PPE
According to Ballyclare, its stand will feature its role-specific Xenon range of protective clothing.
The company said this range includes a full structural kit, currently worn by All Wales, All Yorkshire and North West FRSs.
It added that the kit is also used widely in the Netherlands and Germany.
The manufacturer explained the Xenon multi-function rescue jacket will also be displayed, which is used by All Yorkshire and Gloucestershire FRSs.
It confirmed that the Xenon Terra wildland kit, used across Europe and adapted for the Polish Government, will also be shown.
New technical rescue kit selected in North West
Ballyclare reported that it will also display its new Xenon technical rescue kit.
The company said the kit has been selected under a major new contract involving FRSs from Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland.
It noted that together these services represent more than 5,800 firefighters.
The business explained the contract award followed a competitive process including practical user trials.
It added that the technical rescue kit was adapted to the tender’s requirements, including the choice of a bright yellow outer fabric for higher visibility at road traffic incidents.
Managed services and aftercare provision
According to Ballyclare, the ESS session will also cover its managed services approach.
It explained that this provision supports FRSs through aftercare of PPE, including professional maintenance and servicing.
The company said this model helps ensure reliability and long-term value.
It reported that Shepherd will detail how in-house manufacturing strengthens quality assurance and delivery.
It added that these measures aim to give FRSs confidence in supply and performance.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The event highlights current trends in firefighter PPE, including role-specific design and service-led customisation.
It provides insight into how procurement decisions are influenced by collaboration, trials and managed aftercare.
The news also illustrates how UK and European FRSs are addressing operational needs through tailored equipment solutions.
For professionals, it shows how manufacturers are adapting PPE to evolving fire and rescue requirements while balancing budgets, durability and safety standards.
Ballyclare showcases firefighter PPE at UK Emergency Services Show: Summary
Ballyclare will present its latest firefighter PPE at the Emergency Services Show on 17–18 September 2025 in Birmingham.
Philip Tasker and Edward Shepherd will deliver a Supplier Session on collaboration with fire and rescue services.
The session will cover firefighter expectations, innovation, durability and managed services.
Ballyclare will display its Xenon range, including structural, rescue and wildland kits.
The company will also show its new technical rescue kit chosen by North West FRSs.
The contract involved Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland.
The new kit was adapted with a bright yellow fabric for road traffic incident visibility.
The Supplier Session will be held at 12.30pm on 17 September in Hall 5 at NEC Birmingham.
