Chubb is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

In 1818, two enterprising brothers, Charles and Jeremiah Chubb, invented the first and original secure lock mechanism – an innovation that started the security industry and cemented the brand’s focus on innovation, safety, security and customer peace of mind. Now, Chubb is a globally recognised fire and security service business, building on the legacy of its founding fathers, with advancements that continue to make its technology and service solutions essential in an ever-changing world.

“We mark this milestone in appreciation of and to honour the legacy of our founders, who pioneered our entire industry. We’re very proud of our history and where we are today,” said Tracy Cordes, managing director, Chubb Fire & Security. “Our success and tremendous longevity is due to the hard work, talent and loyalty of our employees, who embody the spirit established by Charles and Jeremiah Chubb. That culture and customer commitment is just as important today as it was in the beginning of the 19th century.”

The Awards recognise projects that embrace the latest in electrical engineering, display forward-thinking design and implementation, and champion the highest environmental, safety and energy efficiency standards. The judges were looking for evidence of how the key objectives were fulfilled, as well as examples of innovation, smart thinking, clever design, effective technical solutions and collaborative problem solving.

The Queen’s Hotel turned to Chubb after a series of local fires led them to review their fire safety requirements across the whole estate. Chubb installed more than 400 wireless detectors all networked to the fire detection panel in the hotels’ main reception. It is a fully-zoned, addressable system that gives hotel management immediate visibility on where an alarm has been generated. A wireless system was chosen to minimise the cabling work that would have meant the temporary closure of the hotel. Installation was phased so at no stage was the hotel without fire protection.

Graham Brimson, South West Regional Director for Chubb, says the award is recognition of the dedication and hard work of the Chubb team: “Our team of engineers and installers did a great job to complete the installation at the hotel within two weeks with a minimum of disruption to guests and staff. The feedback from the hotel was extremely complimentary, and we are extremely pleased to have received this additional accolade for the project.”

Michael Johnson, Environment, Energy and Engineering Officer, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, says that Chubb was chosen over four other suppliers because it scored highest against benchmarked requirements: “The presentation was highly informative and professional, which has proven to be the hallmark of the service we receive from Chubb.”

The contract includes 28 fire stations, two community safety centres, Cheshire Fire and Rescue’s Sadler Road site and the new innovative safety centre based in Lymm. Each site is a different size and specification, requiring detailed individual assessments. Some stations required new custom systems to be designed; in other buildings, existing systems were upgraded. A combination of addressable fire alarm systems and conventional alarms were used, depending on the individual site’s requirements. 

“The fact that Chubb is a national brand with a local office was another important factor in our supplier decision. The service we have received has been second to none. Communication has been excellent with regular updates, and challenges were met with a common sense approach. I felt my requirements were always championed by our Chubb account manager. We have found that the customer is at the forefront of the Chubb approach,” said Johnson.

The primary goal of the new contract is to ensure all sites meet BS5839 L2 fire alarm safety standards. These standards are designed to provide automatic fire detection on all escape routes within a building and rooms leading onto those escape routes.

For Cheshire, it was also important that the supplier have the expertise and capacity to complete installations and upgrades on a very tight deadline. 

“The Service has been extremely impressed with the speed in which the contract has been mobilised.  Even though we needed to add another fire station, all works were completed safely,” said Johnson.

All alarms are monitored by Chubb’s alarm receiving centre, which notifies keyholders and relevant emergency services if a fire is detected and alarm raised. The contact also includes maintenance and servicing requirements.

Chubb’s access control solution with an integrated intruder alarm is already proven in all other buildings on Newcastle University’s campus and its ability to integrate with the University’s wider security management system made it a good choice.

“We required a highly secure yet flexible and user-friendly system to ensure convenience and safety,” said Richard Johnston, senior project manager, estates support service, Newcastle University. “As a new build, it was vital that the building’s security was in place for the new term.”

With the new system, the estates management team is able to print ID passes, restrict and monitor access, and be highly responsive to potential incidents. It is also able to review arrangements for events and monitor door usage. The Urban Sciences Building has a total of 60 doors, requiring separate zoning and access restrictions for undergraduates, postgraduates, staff and visitors.

Prior to the building opening, Chubb delivered training to the estates management team to get the most out of the system. “The training was extremely useful and a part of the excellent service and expert advice we have come to expect from Chubb,” added Johnston.

“The University has linked educational establishments across the globe and Chubb has worked on projects in Singapore, providing the same professional approach.”
Newcastle University is a Russell Group university home to over 26,000 students and nearly 6,000 staff.