KST Connect – Issue 2
Contents
- A Message from our CEO
- Andrew Cooling Appointed Managing Director of EFire Division at Kings Secure Technologies
- Helping Organisations Prepare for Martyn’s Law
- Impact of Commodity Price Increases
- Quidvis Shines at the Fire Safety Event
- Transforming Fire Risk Management for Post Office Ltd
- Kings Guarding Solutions Awarded Unipart Manned Guarding Contract
- Raising the Standards of Alarm Connectivity in the UK
A Message from Our CEO
Andrew Cooling Appointed Managing Director of EFire Division at Kings Secure Technologies
Kings Secure Technologies (KST) is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Cooling as Managing Director of its EFire division, further strengthening the Group’s leadership in fire and life safety.
Andrew joins KST with more than 25 years of experience in the fire and security industry, bringing a wealth of expertise across entrepreneurial ventures, corporate environments and private equity-backed organisations. Over the course of his career, he has founded, scaled and successfully exited multiple businesses, while also holding senior leadership roles with responsibility for large, multi-site operations and significant revenue portfolios.
Most recently, Andrew held senior operational leadership roles within leading fire and security organisations, where he was responsible for nationwide service delivery, integration of acquisitions, and driving sustainable growth strategies. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for KST, as the Group continues to expand its fire and life safety capabilities following major contract wins and sustained growth across the division.
In his new role, Andrew will lead the EFire division, focusing on operational excellence, innovation and long-term value creation, while supporting the continued growth of the wider Fire & Life Safety business.
Andrew Cooling, Managing Director, EFire said: “I’ve always been drawn to the fire and life safety industry because of the real impact it has—protecting people, property and communities. What excites me most about joining KST is the opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking organisation with strong foundations, ambitious growth plans and a clear commitment to quality and innovation.
My career has spanned building businesses from the ground up through to leading large-scale operations within PLC environments, and those experiences have shaped my approach to leadership—focused on people, performance and sustainable growth. In the immediate term, my priority is to work closely with the team to understand the business in detail, strengthen operational alignment and build on the strong momentum already in place.”
Darren Gamage, Chief Operating Officer, Kings Secure Technologies, added: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to KST. His depth of experience, commercial acumen and proven leadership in the fire and life safety sector make him an outstanding addition to our team. Andrew has a strong track record of building high-performing organisations and delivering growth in complex environments. As we continue to scale our Fire & Life Safety division, his expertise will be instrumental in driving operational excellence, strengthening customer relationships and ensuring we remain at the forefront of safety innovation. This is an exciting time for the business, and Andrew’s leadership will play a key role in shaping the next phase of our journey.”
Helping Organisations Prepare for Martyn’s Law
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn’s Law, is raising the bar for organisational responsibility regarding public safety. Organisations managing publicly accessible sites must demonstrate structured counter-terrorism preparedness. The real challenge lies in translating regulatory requirements into practical, auditable processes across single or multiple sites.
Quidvis, in partnership with CT STEP, offers a clear, structured path to compliance. CT STEP’s platform, designed by counter-terrorism professionals, simplifies the process by converting legislative demands into a repeatable framework. Organisations can assess risks, identify vulnerabilities, develop proportionate response plans, record training and preparedness, ensure compliance, and standardise their approach across estates.
This partnership goes beyond compliance, embedding operational readiness into everyday activity. Senior leaders gain greater visibility and control, making compliance measurable and consistent while minimising risk. The digital platform is efficient and scalable, replacing traditional consultancy-led models without sacrificing quality.
Martyn’s Law signifies a long-term shift in security strategy. By combining digital tools with specialist knowledge, Quidvis enables organisations to take a proactive, intelligence-led approach to preparedness, especially in complex, multi-site environments.
Impact of Commodity Price Increases
Recently, significant increases in global commodity prices have been placing considerable pressure on the cost and availability of equipment. As a result, the security, fire and life sector is seeing notable challenges with products such as servers, edge-enabled cameras and any items containing processors—primarily due to the ongoing expansion of data centres. In addition, shortages of critical materials are affecting fire and intruder panels, which may have knock-on effects for your installations and maintenance schedules.
The ongoing conflict in Iran has further exacerbated these pressures, leading to substantial volatility in fuel prices and heightened uncertainty across global supply chains. This instability is not only impacting the cost of transportation and logistics but is also contributing to broader inflationary challenges. Businesses and consumers alike may face rising costs in the months ahead, which could affect project budgets and operational expenditure.
Please rest assured that KST is actively negotiating with our supply chain partners to mitigate these impacts wherever possible. However, given the current volatility, we must review our pricing more regularly and adjust where necessary to reflect prevailing market conditions.
We are constantly monitoring our stock levels to ensure the best possible support for our customers. Nevertheless, due to ongoing supply constraints, you may experience longer lead times for certain works and equipment. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work to minimise any disruption to your projects.
Your continued partnership is highly valued, and we remain committed to keeping you informed of any further changes. Should you have any questions or require clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your account manager or our customer service team.
Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.
Quidvis Shines at the Fire Safety Show
KST group company, Quidvis, shone at this year’s Fire Safety Event, held at the NEC Birmingham from 28 – 30 April. This premier industry gathering brought together practitioners, professionals and organisations all united in their pursuit of excellence in fire safety management. Quidvis Ltd’s stand attracted a steady stream of visitors eager to learn more about digital compliance and risk management solutions.
Throughout the event, the Quidvis team showcased their latest products and technology, offering tailored demonstrations and expert advice. The team’s expertise and approachable manner were highly praised by attendees, cementing Quidvis’s reputation as a leader in fire safety innovation.
The Fire Safety Event proved to be a perfect platform for Quidvis to connect with industry stakeholders and demonstrate its commitment to supporting organisations in achieving the highest standards of safety management.
Congratulations to the team for their outstanding presence and success at the show!
Transforming Fire Risk Management for Post Office Ltd
Post Office Ltd, a major player in the UK’s retail and financial services sector, has consistently prioritised safety across its extensive network. In 2011, it partnered with Kings Secure Technologies (KST) and, in 2022, implemented KST group company, Quidvis Ltd’s advanced Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) and Fire Door Inspection (FDI) services across 150 high-risk sites, representing a £225,000 investment. The estate’s complexity demanded robust compliance and risk management.
Before Quidvis, Post Office Ltd maintained solid compliance and reporting standards but faced challenges including manual processes, limited automation and delays in audit trails. The QuidvisRisk digital platform transformed operations by enabling evidence-based assessments, automated reporting and real-time documentation. Comprehensive training ensured a smooth transition, while features such as asset tagging, photographic evidence and live remedial tracking enhanced auditability and compliance.
The new system delivers cost and time savings, supports environmental goals and provides an intuitive interface. Post Office Ltd has seen measurable improvements in standardisation, reporting speed, and visibility of high-risk sites. The solution’s flexibility allows ongoing prioritisation, keeping fire risk management tailored to organisational needs.
You can read the full case study here
Kings Guarding Solutions Awarded Unipart Manned Guarding Contract
KST group company, Kings Guarding Solutions is pleased to announce the award of the manned guarding contract for Unipart, a prominent figure in logistics and supply chain management. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two organisations, reinforcing their shared commitment to security excellence and staff wellbeing.
A key aspect of the transition is the seamless integration of over 80 security colleagues into the Kings Guarding Solutions team. This approach ensures continuity and exceptional service for Unipart’s operations, with a strong focus on maintaining the highest standards of support and care throughout the process.
The partnership is built on mutual values, including Unipart’s Zero Harm ethos and the dedication to responsible practices, as highlighted in KST’s latest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report [link]. Initiatives such as reducing carbon footprint, enhancing diversity, and supporting mental health are central to the business and guide future development.
Both organisations look forward to continued collaboration, driving positive change and upholding the principles of security, safety, and wellbeing. This contract award underscores a shared vision for excellence, setting the stage for ongoing success and progress in the sector.
To read the full announcement, click here.
Raising the Standards of Alarm Connectivity in the UK
On 13 May, our Head of Technical Services, Lee Kerry, took part in a Security Matters webinar exploring the future of alarm connectivity in the UK.
Lee joined Kendall Paix, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Permaconn, for a discussion on raising standards across the sector and supporting more reliable, resilient alarm signalling. The session looked at key considerations for installers, monitoring providers and end users as connectivity requirements continue to evolve.
The webinar, titled “Raising the standards of alarm connectivity in the UK”, is now available to watch on demand via the Security Matters website. Viewers will need to register before accessing the recording, but once registered, the session is available to view immediately.
