The Last Word with Andy Spence, Joint Managing Director at Britannia Fire
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Andy Spence, Joint Managing Director at Britannia Fire, discusses innovations in PFAS-free fire extinguishers
Could you introduce us to Britannia Fire’s latest product offering?
We’ve recently launched our P50 Eco range of fire extinguishers, which are completely PFAS-free.
PFAS chemicals, often referred to as ‘forever chemicals,’ are harmful to the environment.
The P50 Eco is a true multi-purpose fire extinguisher, eliminating the risk of someone using the wrong type of extinguisher.
It simplifies fire safety for everyone, addressing environmental concerns and providing an ideal solution for various environments.
How does this new product fit into your existing portfolio?
The P50 Eco is an addition to our P50 composite range, which requires no annual service costs—only a visual inspection by the end user.
This results in significant cost savings on service and maintenance.
For instance, Heathrow Airport has saved over a million pounds by using our products.
We are now replacing units that have been in service for 10 years with the new P50 Eco foam models, reflecting our commitment to long-term customer value.
How does this product address current challenges or gaps in the fire and safety sector?
Although there hasn’t been a ban on PFAS yet in the UK, the industry is expecting it around March 2025.
We are ahead of the game by introducing PFAS-free products now, which helps address environmental concerns and ensures compliance with future regulations.
This proactive approach is crucial for our customers, providing them with safer and more sustainable fire safety solutions.
Britannia Fire has initiated a pioneering scrappage scheme to phase out PFAS-containing units, offering those looking to replace their current extinguishers a trade-in incentive with money off our environmentally friendly P50 Eco replacement model.
What kind of feedback have you received so far about this new product?
The response has been fantastic, prompting us to reinvest in our factory and acquire more machinery to keep up with demand.
We’ve also decided to cease the production of traditional metal fire extinguishers as the demand for our composite range has surpassed them.
This shift reflects advancements in technology and capabilities, enabling us to continuously improve and innovate our product offerings.
Where do you see this new product positioned in the market in the next 5 years?
We see our P50 Eco range at the top of the market.
Our business is growing 20% year on year, and we have an exciting order book for the coming year.
We believe our P50 range is suitable for a wide range of environments, and we are actively exploring new markets to expand our reach.
Our vision is to lead the fire safety industry with innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions.
Britannia Fire continues to lead in fire safety innovation, driven by a commitment to sustainability, customer empowerment, and proactive adaptation to industry changes.
This forward-thinking approach ensures Britannia remains at the forefront of fire safety technology and solutions, meeting the evolving needs of diverse environments.
