Collaboration over competition: Can Ranger Fire and Security fix sector fragmentation?
Iain Hoey
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How Ranger Fire and Security is tackling fragmentation to boost growth in the fire and security sector
In early 2024, several independent fire and security businesses decided to try something different.
They became the first to join Ranger Fire and Security, a newly launched Group established to address some of the sector’s biggest challenges – from fragmentation in the industry to the difficulties many face in scaling their often highly specialised businesses.
Ranger had a clear goal, but it was far from straightforward: it aimed to bring together like-minded companies with a shared commitment to quality customer service, and enable them to collaborate, share resources and cross-sell, by giving them the tools and systems to make it possible.
Turning competition into collaboration
In the traditionally fragmented fire and security industry, companies often operate in isolation, each focused on a particular skill or region. Ranger’s approach looked to change that – creating a connected network of UK-wide businesses where each brings its expertise to the table, helping others deliver work they couldn’t before.
As Niall Hacket, Founder and Managing Director of IPH Fire Solutions put it: “We’re all bringing our own kind of superpowers to the group. We’ve all got our own niche. What appealed to me about joining Ranger was that I could bring my skillset and my company to the Group and help the Group – and vice versa.”
This potential for greater collaboration has paid off. Martin Donald, Founder and Managing Director of Ignis Fire & Security, described how trusted partnerships have transformed his business. “Before, we used to work with other companies and they were always letting us down – shoddy work, losing money on jobs. Now, we send all our work to our partners in Ranger, and they deliver a good service every time. We don’t have that issue anymore.”
A standout example of this collaboration is between Fire Door Specialists Ltd (FDSL) and Syncro, who together have opened up new opportunities in the student accommodation sector. As Ian Maciejewski, Founder and Managing Director of FDSL, explained: “The cross-sell has had a big impact on what we’re doing. Syncro brought us into some tough sectors to break into, and it’s opened up a huge opportunity for us.” Gerry Bates, Managing Director at Syncro Group Limited agrees. “It’s not subcontracting, it’s genuine collaboration. We’re spotting opportunities for each other and building customer relationships that benefit everyone at Ranger.”
More reach, better service
For many, Ranger has enabled instant access to a national network – a game-changer for regional firms suddenly able to deliver consistent quality across the UK and Ireland. Gerry explained how that’s transformed operations for his business. “Before Ranger, we were a small and regional business, but when work came up further away, we had to send engineers hundreds of miles – sometimes at a loss. Now, with the reach of Ranger, we don’t have to. Profits are up, customer service is better, and everything feels joined up.”
This collaborative and coordinated approach isn’t just improving logistics, it’s also building confidence and loyalty among clients. As Gerry adds: “Even when it’s not our job, our clients know that if something goes wrong, we’ll go that extra mile to get it sorted one way or another.”
For Ian, being part of Ranger has also helped FDSL strengthen its internal operations. “We’d grown to a good size, but when you’re leading a growing business, you’re normally having to juggle the day job, finances, HR and more. We’d reached the point where we needed more structure and experience. Ranger brought that – proper HR, better systems and people to help us get to the next level.”
Technology driving trust
Central to this transformation has been the implementation of Simpro, the cloud-based field service management platform that now powers Ranger’s operations. Tailored specifically to Ranger’s multi-company structure, it connects teams, streamlines delivery and unlocks new cross-selling potential across the Group. “Before, we were all on different systems,” Martin explains. “It was a nightmare getting job sheets and information. Now it’s a click of a button.”
For Iain Gowans (known as IG), Ranger’s Transformation Director, the technology has done more than boost efficiency – it has built trust. “We started out trusting other people and hoping for the best. Over time, we’ve built real trust and relationships across the Group. Now, we talk even when we don’t have to. That means when we do need each other, the collaboration is natural.”
Growing at pace
Since its launch, the Group has achieved 25% organic growth, driven by smarter collaboration, job sharing and efficiency gains – far exceeding the market’s average growth rate of just 3–4%. “We asked our businesses to grow fast and modernise at the same time,” said IG. “Integrating systems, harmonising teams and evolving how we work. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the results speak for themselves.”
Even so, the pace of change has been considerable. “The only challenge,” Gerry admitted: “is that it’s all gone so fast. In 18 months, we’ve grown by 50%. It’s a good problem to have.” And for him, the benefits go beyond the numbers, with the security offered by being part of something bigger. “When you’re on your own, your problems are yours to deal with. Now, if the worst happens, we know Ranger is there to support us.”
Looking to the future
Since its launch, Ranger has helped transform a collection of independent firms into a connected network that shares not just work and systems, but values, trust and a mission, all while preserving the brand identities that owners have worked hard to build. “There are no losers,” says Niall. “We’ve kept our own companies and teams, but we’re part of a bigger group that helps us all grow. The customers win too – they get a stronger, more capable business delivering for them.”
Martin sums up why others should consider joining Ranger. “We’re keeping the money in the group. We’re not pushing it out to others. What makes us better makes the competition less good.”
Nearly two years on from its launch, and just over a year since it rolled out its system to seamlessly connect all businesses, Ranger’s approach is reshaping the UK’s fire and security sector for the better. And, as those in the Group all agree, this is just the beginning of the journey.
Is your business ready to join Ranger? Get in touch: [email protected]