Ballyclare’s role in the National Firefighter PPE Framework
Lewis Tyler
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Philip Tasker, Global Sales Lead for Fire & Security at Ballyclare, explains how the National Firefighter PPE Framework will give UK Fire and Rescue Services greater choice in firefighter PPE, managed services and specialist aftercare
What does Ballyclare’s appointment to the National Firefighter PPE Framework mean for the company?
We are delighted to have been appointed to the UK National Firefighter PPE Framework across multiple categories, including structural firefighting PPE, lightweight PPE for technical rescue and wildfire operations, structural firefighting boots, cleaning, inspection and repair services and fully managed PPE services.
Having supplied UK Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) for more than 50 years, we have developed a deep understanding of the operational challenges they face, the quality and performance they expect and the importance of dependable service and support. This appointment reflects this experience and reinforces our long standing commitment to providing firefighters with PPE and services they can rely on.
Notably, we are the only supplier appointed to offer the complete combination of fully managed services, purchase-only PPE and specialist aftercare support, giving FRSs maximum flexibility when selecting the solution that best suits their operational needs.
How will the framework benefit UK FRSs and firefighters?
The new National Firefighter PPE Framework marks an important step forward for UK FRSs. Replacing the Collaborative PPE Framework established in 2017, it has been designed to simplify firefighter PPE procurement while giving fire services confidence in the products and support available to them.
Unlike the previous Framework, which appointed a single supplier across all categories, the new Framework is divided into nine lots with multiple approved suppliers in each. This gives FRSs greater choice, flexibility and access to the latest innovations, enabling them to select the PPE and support services that best meet their operational requirements and budgets.
As operational demands continue to evolve, this more strategic approach to PPE procurement will help FRSs achieve better outcomes for both their firefighters and their budgets. Whatever route UK FRSs choose, Ballyclare is ready to support them.
What made the National Firefighter PPE Framework procurement process rigorous?
The new Framework gives FRSs greater confidence in the organisations behind the products. Appointment to the Framework requires suppliers to demonstrate quality, robust manufacturing capability, resilient supply chains and the ability to provide long-term customer support.
The procurement process was comprehensive and included detailed technical evaluations, assessment of manufacturing and quality processes and wearer trials to ensure PPE performance, comfort and usability in real-world conditions.
As a UK-based SME with decades of experience in firefighter PPE, Ballyclare combines the responsiveness of a specialist manufacturer with extensive experience supplying FRSs in the UK, Europe and further afield.
How is Ballyclare preparing to support fire and rescue services through the framework over the coming years?
Ballyclare supports FRSs at every stage of the PPE lifecycle. As an SME, we work closely with customers to understand their needs and provide solutions that work for them. We are flexible, easy to work with and able to respond quickly to changing requirements. Increasingly, FRSs are viewing PPE as a managed asset, requiring ongoing care, maintenance and support, rather than simply as a one-off purchase to be replaced at the end of its service life. Our care and maintenance service has been developed with this whole-life approach in mind.
Through a network of specialist UK cleaning facilities, kit is collected, professionally cleaned, inspected, repaired where required and returned to stations with an efficient turnaround. Repairs are completed to the same manufacturing standards used in producing new garments, helping to maintain compliance, performance and operational life while reducing unnecessary replacement costs.
What opportunities does the framework create for driving innovation and consistency in firefighter PPE across the UK?
The renewal of the Framework has allowed the latest advances in firefighter PPE to be included, ensuring FRSs have access to modern products and technologies that are better suited to the changing demands of the role.
Through a network of specialist UK cleaning facilities, kit is collected, professionally cleaned, inspected, repaired where required and returned to stations with an efficient turnaround.
Repairs are completed to the same manufacturing standards The Framework gives FRSs access to a wider choice of approved PPE suppliers and solutions, while providing a consistent route to procure firefighter PPE.
Every approved supplier has met the same standards, giving FRSs confidence that they are choosing from trusted suppliers like Ballyclare, while still having the flexibility to select the products and services that work best for them.