The longstanding partnership between Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority (MFRA) and Telent will continue, with the announcement which will see the the contract extended to span a quarter of a century, ensuring the continuation of innovative technology solutions that aid lifesaving operations.

The partnership, which began in 2001, has been extended by two years, taking it up to 2026. This has resulted in Telent overseeing and augmenting the pivotal ICT services for MFRA for 25 years.

A recent embodiment of this enduring partnership is the creation and implementation of the VLS Acoustic evacuation solution, an innovative hand-portable speaker system that delivers audible commands over considerable distances. This solution finds its application in evacuating high-rise buildings, with further potential uses in various other emergency scenarios, including wildfires and flooding.

Barry Zielinski, Operations and Services Director at Telent, expressed his delight at the ongoing collaboration: “The success and longevity of our collaboration with MFRA is down to the partnership approach we have taken throughout the length of our partnership together.”

Zielinski added, “We are delighted to continue our support of mission critical technology services and enable MFRA to concentrate on its lifesaving day-to-day operations, keeping the communities of Merseyside safe.”

Integral to the contract, Telent operates an ITIL service desk for MFRA, resolving more than 650 IT incidents and requests every month. This approach, where 75% of the problems are resolved remotely, has introduced significant efficiencies for MFRA and its users. The 24/7 service desk ensures round-the-clock availability of Telent staff to offer immediate support for all ICT-related issues.

Crucial services

Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan OBE, at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, emphasised the critical role of Telent’s services: “Community safety and life-saving operations are top priorities for MFRA and ICT services are crucial to the day-to-day running of operations and must be developed, aligned and continually reviewed.” He lauded Telent’s flexibility in its service delivery, saying that it has proven invaluable in keeping pace with rapid technological changes across the business world.

Under the extended contract, Telent will render consultancy and project management support for MFRA’s new £40 million training and development academy. With a commitment to innovation and solution-oriented strategies, Telent works in close association with MFRA, holding bi-annual innovation forums and ensuring the alignment of its IT services with the MFRA’s organisational strategy.

This model of service delivery has been so successful that it’s now also being utilised to provide IT Managed Services for other Telent customers, including East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.