UK fire protection recruiter ProGroup strengthens industry training and ethics

ProGroup Recruitment reports record growth after five years in fire protection

Recruitment firm celebrates milestone with expansion and training focus

ProGroup Recruitment has marked five years in business with record growth, new service offerings and a continued focus on raising standards in the UK fire protection industry.

The Southampton-based specialist recruiter has grown its team from seven to ten consultants and launched a dedicated Active Fire division alongside its established Passive Fire expertise.

The company has also expanded its executive appointments service for senior-level positions within the fire protection sector.

ProGroup Recruitment recorded 15% year-on-year growth, a 108% increase in white-collar permanent placements and a doubling of management-level hires compared with the previous year.

Toby Mackay, Director of ProGroup Recruitment, said: “I’m incredibly proud of where the business stands today compared to where we started five years ago.”

“I’m grateful to all our employees who have helped us grow and to every client and candidate who has entrusted us with supporting their recruitment.”

“We will continue to strive to offer the very best service.”

Company expands Active Fire division and strengthens white-collar team

Director Jack McArthur said: “We’ve entered a fast-moving market as a new business and have grown significantly year on year, establishing ourselves as a leading recruitment partner for fire protection businesses across the UK.”

“We’re excited to see where the next five years will take us and how we can strengthen our partnerships even further.”

Over the past year, ProGroup has expanded its white-collar division, which has doubled in size during the last three months.

The firm’s investment in staff development has included customer service workshops and CPD sessions delivered by manufacturers such as Quelfire.

ProGroup Recruitment also maintains charter-compliant membership with Fire Aware, the UK initiative promoting ethical and transparent recruitment in the fire safety sector.

CPD and ethics shape recruitment standards

McArthur said: “Continual learning through CPD sessions with product manufacturers like Quelfire has been instrumental in deepening the team’s technical understanding of fire protection products and installation standards, ensuring consultants can better advise both candidates and clients in a competitive and rapidly evolving sector.”

Hayley Clay, Marketing Manager at Quelfire, said: “Quelfire sees real value in delivering CPD sessions that not only give attendees the practical knowledge and confidence to make the right decisions on their projects, but also contribute to raising standards across the industry.”

“By educating professionals on how to do firestopping the right way, we ultimately help create safer buildings that protect people and property.”

“We are proud to support ProGroup Recruitment’s commitment to driving this mission forward and congratulate them on their fifth anniversary.”

UK fire protection recruitment market grows more competitive

According to ProGroup Recruitment, the UK fire protection market continues to evolve, with increasing demand for skilled professionals and new contractors entering the sector.

Candidates frequently receive multiple job offers, while salary expectations have risen due to cost-of-living pressures and a shortage of experienced workers.

ProGroup said its approach is to act as an advisor to clients, helping them secure top talent by responding quickly to applicants, refining offer packages and understanding workplace culture.

Around 10% of the company’s placements now come from referrals within its network, reflecting the level of trust built with professionals across the sector.

ProGroup’s goal for the year ahead is to fully establish its Active Fire division while continuing to invest in training and feedback-driven improvement.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Recruitment trends within the fire protection industry directly affect fire engineers, contractors, system installers and building service firms seeking qualified professionals.

The growth of ProGroup Recruitment’s Active Fire and Passive Fire divisions reflects wider market expansion in fire detection, alarm and suppression system installation.

For senior managers and project leads, the firm’s increased focus on executive appointments indicates growing demand for leadership expertise within the sector.

Training initiatives such as CPD sessions from Quelfire demonstrate the value of technical product knowledge in recruitment and highlight the link between education, competency and safer building outcomes.

By promoting ethical hiring through Fire Aware membership, ProGroup’s approach contributes to the professionalisation of fire protection employment practices across the UK.