01FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
Fire Alarm System
Service and Maintenance
Fire alarm servicing, fault finding and remedial repairs for existing systems.
Fire alarm maintenance detailsA straightforward approach
Fire and Security
Specialists in Reading
Established in 2014, Optimal Fire & Security Ltd is an independent company based in Reading, covering Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxford and Surrey. We service and maintain fire alarm systems, test emergency lighting, and install, service and maintain intruder alarms, access control and CCTV systems.
We also carry out fault finding, repairs and remedial works, with ongoing alarm monitoring and support available through our trusted partners.
Fire Alarm System
02EMERGENCY LIGHTING
Emergency Lighting
Testing
Periodic testing, maintenance and clear records, with faults reported for follow-up.
Emergency lighting testing details
03INTRUDER ALARMS
Intruder Alarm
Systems
Wired, wireless and hybrid alarms for residential, commercial and industrial premises.
Intruder alarm systems
04ACCESS CONTROL
Access Control
Systems
Bespoke access control for schools, commercial and industrial sites.
Access control system details
05CCTV & ANPR
Commercial & Industrial
CCTV and ANPR
Coverage, recording and vehicle access planned around your premises and operational needs.
CCTV and ANPR detailsRemote alarm monitoring
Remote Alarm
Monitoring.
Fire and intruder alarm signals are sent from your premises via CSL DualCom to ARC Monitoring. The ARC follows your agreed response plan, including keyholder notification and, where eligible, emergency-service escalation.
When an alarm activates, you need the right people to know. We arrange 24-hour monitoring of fire and intruder alarm systems through ARC Monitoring, whose operators receive alarm signals and follow the response instructions agreed for your premises.
24/7Fire & intruder alarmsKeyholder Notification
Nominated keyholders are contacted when an alarm signal requires action, following your agreed contact list and escalation arrangements.
Police Response (NPCC Requirements)
Police response is available where the intruder alarm, monitoring arrangements and provider meet current NPCC requirements. The premises must have a valid URN, and the provider must meet relevant certification and police-force registration requirements. Attendance is subject to the force’s response criteria.
Read the NPCC requirements ↗How police response works ↗Fire Alarm Response
Fire alarm monitoring can include keyholder notification and fire brigade response arrangements, subject to the local Fire and Rescue Service’s policy and the agreed procedures for your site.
Our monitoring partner
ARC Monitoring
ARC Monitoring is our trusted Alarm Receiving Centre and provides the 24/7 monitoring service for connected fire and intruder alarm systems. It is an NSI Gold approved Category II Alarm Receiving Centre. We value our close working relationship with their team and the support they provide.
Emergency-service attendance depends on applicable response policies and the circumstances of the activation.
Planned preventative maintenance
Planned Maintenance.
Clearly Managed.
A dependable service starts with a clear plan. We coordinate planned visits around your site, keep system and service information organised, and record the work completed by our engineers.
Our dedicated service-management system gives the team a clear view of what is due, what has been completed and what needs attention. That helps us provide consistent support and a useful record for your compliance files.
Visit frequency and scope are agreed with you and set to suit the systems, site requirements and service contract.
Plan the visits
Agree the service schedule and coordinate access around your premises and day-to-day routines.
Prepare for site
Keep site details, system information and previous service records together for the team.
Record the service
Engineers document the agreed checks, tests, observations and any faults identified during the visit.
Follow up clearly
Reports and certificates are prepared, with any recommended remedial work and next steps noted.
Accreditations & standards
Our Accreditations.
Independently Assessed.
Our independently assessed certifications, industry membership, personnel screening and compliant installer-list status demonstrate the standards behind our work and the checks we bring to client sites.
Certified Security Systems
Intruder alarm systems, access control and visual surveillance systems.
Fire Alarm Maintenance
BAFE SP203-1 for service and maintenance of Grade A fire detection systems.
Industry Membership
Fire Industry Association member, supporting ongoing industry knowledge.
✓
Screened Engineers
Our engineers hold Enhanced DBS checks and are security screened to BS 7858.
Police compliant installer lists
Compliant with police response requirements.
Optimal Fire & Security Ltd is included on the Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary compliant installer/maintainer lists. This supports applications for police response to eligible intruder alarm systems, subject to a valid Unique Reference Number (URN) and continued compliance with the applicable NPCC requirements.
List inclusion relates to security system compliance and police response arrangements; it does not represent a general endorsement by either police force.
David GaskellManaging Director
David BrayLead Fire Consultant
Sam BarnesFire & Security Engineer
Victoria GaskellAccounts and Service AdminOur people
Meet the Optimal Team.
A small team. A personal service.
Our team supports schools and colleges, doctors’ and dental surgeries, hospitality venues, commercial and industrial premises, and residential properties.
We have extensive experience supporting schools for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with specialist fire alarm servicing and maintenance, and access control solutions tailored to each school’s safeguarding needs and day-to-day routines. We work closely with school teams to balance safety, controlled access and emergency escape requirements.
Our wider services include fire alarm repairs and remedial works, periodic testing of emergency lighting, and the installation of access control, CCTV and intruder alarm systems. From routine checks to security installations and upgrades, we help protect your people and premises.
With Optimal, you work directly with a friendly, hands-on team who take the time to understand your site, offer practical advice and provide dependable ongoing support.
Products & supplies
Supplies and Accessories
for Your Fire and Security Systems.
Supplied by enquiry. We can source fire safety logbooks, fire alarm test keys, access cards and fobs, lanyards, and compatible wireless alarm batteries. Tell us which items you need and the make and model of your system; we’ll confirm suitability and availability before you place an order.
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ACCESS CONTROL
Cards, Fobs and Tags
Replacement credentials for supported access control systems.
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ACCESSORIES
Lanyards and Holders
Card holders, clips and lanyards for staff and visitor cards.
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FIRE SAFETY
Fire Alarm Logbooks
Useful records for routine checks and system information.
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MAINTENANCE
Test Accessories
Selected keys and accessories for supported equipment.
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INTRUDER ALARMS
Compatible Batteries
Wireless alarm batteries matched to the panel and device model.
Compatibility matters. Before ordering batteries, cards or test accessories, tell us the make and model of your system. We’ll check availability and suitability with you first.
CASE STUDY Intercom element featured by Aiphone
Mary Hare School.
Newbury, Berkshire
Specialist education
Specialist education
Optimal designed and delivered an integrated vehicle and pedestrian security project across two school entrances, bringing access control, ANPR, CCTV, visitor communication and network connectivity together around the school’s safeguarding and accessibility needs.
Different entrances, distinct needs
Oxford Road serves staff, parents, regular visitors, deliveries and taxis. Arlington Lane has a different, more staff-focused role. Both needed controlled vehicle and pedestrian access, clear visitor routes and reliable links back to the school network. Communication also needed to work well for deaf staff and visitors.
Design, integration and delivery
Optimal consulted on, designed, supplied, installed and commissioned the electronic security solution. It combined Paxton Net2 access control and pedestrian readers, Hikvision ANPR and CCTV, Aiphone IX/IXG video intercoms, wireless network bridges, LED lighting and bespoke control panels and external enclosures. The intercoms were configured with tailored welcome instructions, a site-specific call directory and call routing to the right school contacts. Metafence installed the vehicle barriers, which Optimal integrated with the security systems.
Coordinated, accessible entrance security
ANPR and card-reader options support authorised access, while visitors can call the appropriate school contacts through a tailored intercom directory. Two-way video supports face-to-face communication, including lip-reading and sign language. The system was handed over with staff guidance and is supported by Optimal for ongoing service and maintenance.
Aiphone’s published feature highlights the video intercom element. The wider two-entrance design, system integration and electronic security delivery were carried out by Optimal, with Metafence installing the barriers.
Client feedback
Customer
Testimonials
We value the long-term relationships we build with our customers. These reviews were shared on Google; visit our Google profile to view them alongside other customer feedback.
“We use Optimal fire and security services for all our inspections and security needs, the most recent call to them was for our front door security intercom. Optimal were super-efficient in responding to us and getting the parts needed ordered, then coming to site as soon as the items were received to fix it for us. I am always impressed with how quickly Optimal respond to any issues that we have and are always helpful and answer any questions that we have. I would happily recommend Optimal to everyone knowing that they would always receive the best service and care.”
“I have been using Optimal Fire & Security for many years and across multiple sites for ongoing fire alarm and emergency lighting testing. The team send notification reminders when services are due and always get testing certificates and reports to me very quickly. Optimal not only help us stay compliant, they have offered onsite staff training and installation of an intercom entry system (to name a few). Optimal are my go-to company! Thank you all for your ongoing support.”
“We have been using Optimal Fire and Security now for a number of years and have never looked back! Dave and the team do a fantastic job every time, they are friendly, professional and very reliable. I would highly recommend Optimal to any business! Thank you Optimal ✨”
“Very happy with Dave and the team’s work and friendly nature. Install was done quickly and help setting up CCTV was much appreciated. Also went above and beyond in sorting an electrical issue with our shutters. Thanks :-)”
Project design & integration
Bespoke Projects
Design & Integration.
Some sites call for a solution shaped around specialist requirements, multiple systems or unique building constraints. We provide practical consultation, project-specific design and system integration to bring the right elements together.
We start by understanding how your premises operate, what you need the systems to do and what equipment is already in place. From a single specialist requirement to a coordinated site project, we help plan a solution that fits the building, its users and its day-to-day routines.
Consultation and site review
Discuss the brief, review existing systems and identify practical requirements, interfaces and site constraints before work is planned.
Bespoke project design
Shape the equipment, coverage, access arrangements and project stages around your premises, users and operational needs.
System integration
Coordinate compatible fire, intruder, CCTV, access control, door entry and monitoring elements so the complete solution works coherently.
The design is developed around the site and the confirmed project requirements, with system interfaces and responsibilities agreed as part of the planning.
Who we work with
Our Sectors.
Every site has different needs. From specialist SEND schools to doctors’ and dental surgeries, we take time to understand the people, routines and responsibilities behind each building.
We plan fire and security support around your setting, working closely with your team to keep safety and day-to-day operation at the heart of the solution.
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Schools and Colleges
Safeguarding-aware engineers, planned visits and careful coordination with school and college site teams.
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Specialist SEND Schools
Extensive experience with schools for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Specialist fire alarm servicing and maintenance, alongside access control solutions shaped around safeguarding, daily routines and emergency escape requirements.
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Healthcare: Doctors’ and Dental Surgeries
Fire and security support for healthcare premises, with visits coordinated around patients, staff and clinical routines.
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Commercial and Industrial
Practical systems for offices, warehouses, manufacturing and mixed-use sites.
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Hospitality
Fire and security systems supported around the needs of busy venues, staff and guests.
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Residential and Property Management
Fire alarm and emergency lighting testing for managed properties, alongside security solutions for residential premises.
A little fun from the team
Ready for a callout?
Take the Optimal service van for an endless run. Dodge the roadworks, collect service kit and see if you can beat your best score.
Your questions
Fire and Security Support.
Practical Answers.
Planning maintenance or a security upgrade in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxford and Surrey? Here are some useful starting points.
Which areas does Optimal Fire & Security cover?
We are based in Reading and support premises across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxford and Surrey. Contact our team to discuss your location and the systems on your site.
Do you service and maintain existing fire alarm systems?
Yes. We specialise in fire alarm servicing, maintenance, repairs and remedial works. We also provide periodic testing, maintenance and repairs for emergency lighting. Tell us about your existing equipment so we can discuss the support you need.
Do you work with SEND schools and healthcare premises?
Yes. We have extensive experience with specialist SEND schools, with fire alarm maintenance and access control solutions shaped around safeguarding, daily routines and emergency escape requirements. We also support doctors’ and dental surgeries, schools and colleges.
Can you install access control, CCTV and intruder alarms?
Yes. We install access control, CCTV and intruder alarm systems, and provide ongoing support. We work with commercial and industrial premises, hospitality venues and residential properties as well as education and healthcare settings.
Can you arrange remote fire and intruder alarm monitoring?
Yes. We arrange 24/7 fire and intruder alarm monitoring through our nominated partner, ARC Monitoring. Response arrangements can include nominated keyholders, police response for eligible intruder systems, and fire brigade response subject to local Fire and Rescue Service policy and agreed procedures.
How do I arrange a service visit or discuss an upgrade?
Call 0118 967 6194 or email service@optimalfireandsecurity.co.uk. Our hands-on team will discuss your premises, existing systems and requirements. Our 24-hour emergency callout is for existing service customers.
Let’s talk
Tell Us What Your
Site Needs.
Whether you’re planning an upgrade, arranging maintenance or looking for a compatible product, we’re happy to talk it through.
CALL OUR TEAM0118 967 6194↗
EMAILservice@optimalfireandsecurity.co.uk
BASED INReading, BerkshireServing Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxford and Surrey
24-hour emergency callout
For existing service customers.