Plumis' aim is to help introduce affordable home fire protection into the mainstream and bring active fire protection to homes where previously it was cumbersome or impractical. We are honoured to have received numerous awards for design, innovation, business, and research and development. A selection of news stories which celebrate our successes are featured here.
WEBINAR 1 JULY: IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE BUILDING - THE ROLE OF PERSON-CENTRED FIRE RISK ASSESSMENTS
The Government has recently announced plans for significant changes to the building regulatory framework following the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety. Whilst there is little doubt that changes to the fabric of buildings, construction methods and fire safety provisions are needed, fire risk is not just about the building. This webinar will explore how a more holistic, person-centred approach can improve safety. Hosted by Jan Taranczuk, panellists Include Sarah Stevenson-Jones, Vice Chair, National Social Housing Fire Strategy Group, plus London Fire Brigade's Tracey Hall, Deputy Manager Community Safety Policy and Projects and Marvin Ikua, Senior Community Safety Development Officer, plus Plumis chief design officer, Yusuf Muhammad.
If you missed the webinar, you could listen to it as a podcast.
AUTOMIST, THE FUTURE OF FIRE SAFETY IN SOCIAL HOUSING - FREE WEBINAR 10AM WEDNESDAY 20 MAY
The flexibility and proven performance of Automist, has seen a growing number of local authorities and housing associations installing it to protect their most vulnerable residents. To help landlords and their fire safety partners understand the benefits of watermist suppression and the Automist Smartscan system we are running a free webinar at 10am on Wednesday 20th May. Find out more and sign up.
IS INNOVATION IMPROVING FIRE SAFETY? FREE WEBINAR, 5 MAY
We are delighted to be hosting a free webinar at 10am on Tuesday 5 May, exploring innovation in fire safety. William our CEO will be joined by guest speakers; Ian Moore, CEO of the Fire Industry Association, Tom Gilbert, Head of Fire Safety at Lendlease, Tony Hanley, Managing Director, FirePro UK and Director, Fire Industry Association and housing consultant, Jan Taranczuk. In the webinar we'll explore whether innovation should be encouraged in building and fire safety and why, how the performance and reliability of new products and approaches can be assessed and much more. If you missed the webinar, you could listen to a recording.
MISTING TECHNOLOGY OUTPERFORMS SPRINKLERS
Tests at the FPA recently undertaken by Plumis, show that sprinklers can take up to a minute longer than Automist to activate in response to certain fires. In the latest detailed analysis of fires attended by fire and rescue services, published by the Home Office, figures show that cooking appliances were by far the largest ignition category for accidental dwelling fires and non-fatal casualties from accidental dwelling fires. To understand how better to tackle these types of incidents, Plumis conducted tests at the Burn Hall at the Fire Protection Association (FPA) to see how different fire suppression technologies measure up - see how sprinklers preform in comparison to Automist Smartscan against a challenging oil fire
AUTOMIST SMARTSCAN HYDRA SHORTLISTED FOR THE SAFETY AND HEALTH EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2020
We’re delighted that Automist Smartscan Hydra has been shortlisted for The Innovation of the Year for Fire Award at this year’s Safety and Health Excellence Awards. It looks like the category attracted lots of entries, as we’re one of twelve finalists. Good luck to all the others on the shortlist, but fingers crossed we’ll be celebrating a well-earned win at the awards ceremony on 22nd September.
PLUMIS EXHIBIT AT FIREX INTERNATIONAL THE UKS PREMIER FIRE SAFETY EVENT 2018
Plumis will be exhibiting at Booth A630 at the London Excel. Come and learn more about how more and more people are using Automist to meet building regulations when traditional fire sprinklers are not practical. FIREX International welcomes over 17,000 fire safety professionals from across the globe to share best practice and remain up to date on changes in legislation.
PLUMIS CO-FOUNDER SPEAKING AT INSURETECH CONNECT 2017
Plumis Co-founder Yusuf Muhammad is speaking at Insuretech Connect 2017, held in Las Vegas, presented by Oliver Wyman. InsureTech Connect is the world’s largest insurtech event — offering unparalleled access to the largest and most comprehensive gathering of tech entrepreneurs, investors and insurance industry incumbents from across the globe.
PLUMIS PRESENT TECHNICAL PAPER AT SUPDET 2017
William Makant of Plumis presented a paper on 'Smoke plus infrad-red sensors as an alternative fire detection for activation of a residential fire suppression appliance' at SUPDET 2017, held in Maryland, organized by the NFPA. Since 1997 NFPA has organized SupDet, an annual workshop which brings together leading experts in the field of fire protection engineering for the purpose of sharing recent research and development on techniques used for fire suppression, detection, and signaling.
AUTOMIST SMARTSCAN WINS A SILVER AT THE IDSA INTERNATIONAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD 2017
Automist Smartscan, designed by Plumis, won a Silver in the Home & Bath catergory in the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA®) 2017 hosted by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). The award was announced on Aug. 19 at the IDEA Ceremony—open to the public at Rich Theater in Atlanta GA and followed by a ticketed Gala at the High Museum. “IDSA IDEA 2017 winners demonstrate how designers are able to capture what’s invisible to others and inspire beauty through the smallest of details within the simplest of artifacts,” said IDEA 2017 Jury Chair Owen Foster, IDSA. “Winners go beyond the tangible that we are so accustomed to seeing—to cultivate amazing, holistic ecosystems.”
PLUMIS BECOME MEMBERS OF THE FIRE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
The FIA is the largest fire protection trade association in the UK. Only companies that have third party certification and credibility can become members. Their main objectives is to promote, improve and perfect fire protection methods, devices, services and apparatus. They achieve this through the representation of their members and provision of technical support, guidance and opportunities for professional advancement through education and regulation. All FIA members are promoted in a business directory and have use of the nationally recognised logo.
AUTOMIST WINS BEST HOME TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT 2016
Automist Smartscan has been awarded the Build It Awards 2016 - Best Home Technology Product, in association with BuildStore. Each year the Build It Awards celebrates all aspects of self build and renovation, including completed projects, services and suppliers. Look out for our special Build It Awards 2016 supplement in the December issue of the magazine and learn more about the victors.
PLUMIS PRESENT TECHNICAL PAPER AT THE 16TH IWMA CONFERENCE
William Makant of Plumis presented the company's new Automist Smartscan technology to a packed and captivated audience at the 16th Annual International Water Mist Conference, held in Vienna September 21-22, 2016, organized by the International Water Mist Association (IWMA). The Automist Smartscan presentation was given a special mention by the Chairman Ragnar Wighus who confirmed the admission of Automist to the exclusive "Archimedes Club" for wise use of watermist technology. Plumis were honoured with the mention.
BSI ISSUE CERTIFICATE OF VERIFICATION TO BS 8458:2015 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Independent third party confirmation (BSi Verification Certificate - VC 656504) issued that Automist Smartscan meets the performance requirements of BS 8458:2015 as verified in the Exova Warrington test report. As a fully UKAS Accredited Certification Body, BSI has always been at the vanguard of the testing and certification industry.
PLUMIS ACHIEVE BRE GLOBAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CERTIFICATION: APPROVAL TO ISO 9001:2008
Third Party Certification by BRE Global have established Plumis Limited have complied with the Quality Management Systems requirements of ISO 9001:2008 for the design, manufacture and supply of water mist fire suppression systems. Quality Management System certification enables us to demonstrate our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, as well as continuously improving our company's operations. The internationally recognised quality management system standard is the preferred solution for organisations worldwide.
SMARTSCAN GRANTED LABC REGISTERED SOLUTION STATUS
Automist Smartscan is an LABC Registered Solution (EW534) for BS 8458:2015 sprinkler applications. LABC Registered Details enables developers, architects, designers, technical specifies and contractors to minimise the Building control checking and approvals process in the knowledge that the product has been rigorously checked by LABC members.
PLUMIS RECEIVES QUEENS AWARD FOR ENTERPISE IN INNOVATION
Plumis Ltd has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation – the UK’s highest accolade for business success - in recognition of outstanding innovative achievements by demonstrating commercial success through innovative products.
AUTOMIST SMARTSCAN RECEIVES HIGHEST DISTINCTION IN THE RED DOT AWARD: PRODUCT DESIGN 2016
Automist Smartscan is one of this year’s outstanding products: The Red Dot jury was enthused, and awarded Automist Smartscan a Red Dot: Best of the Best. In 2016, this highest single distinction in the international competition goes to only 1.5% of all entries. Manufacturers and designers from 57 nations had registered about 5,200 products and sent them to the Ruhr area in Germany – Automist Smartscan impressed with highest design quality and makes Plumis one of the leaders in an international comparison.
PLUMIS EXHIBIT AT IAFC'S ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXPO
Plumis Exhbit at Fire-Rescue International (FRI), the annual conference and expo of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). It has provided senior-level leadership training to fire chiefs for 140 years. As an organization, the IAFC represents the world's leading experts in the first responder community.
PLUMIS SELECTED FOR SILICON VALLEY PROGRAMME
Plumis beat thousands of start-ups to be selected for the prestigious Blackbox Connect accelerator programme in Silicon Valley, California. The residential programme is designed to immerse international founders into Silicon Valley culture, and host 15 international companies in Palo Alto to meet investors, develop relationships in Silicon Valley and launch into the wider US market.
PLUMIS DEMONSTRATE AUTOMIST SMARTSCAN AT MARYLAND FIRE & RESCUE INSTITUTE
Plumis supported by Qdot Engineering and Sonny Scarff performed a series of fire tests on Automist Smartscan using MFRI's world-class facilities.
PLUMIS EXHIBIT AT BIRMINGHAM HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SHOW
Plumis are exhibiting at the London Homebuilding & Renovating and Home Improvement Show at NEC, Birmingham (Stand D114) from 26 – 28 March 2015. Demonstrating examples of how homeowners and architects alike can create the layouts they desire whilst conforming with fire building regulations and keeping their homes safe.
PLUMIS AWARDED AS INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR IN THE GROWING BUSINESS AWARDS 2014
Plumis have been awarded at the Growing Business Awards – Innovator of the Year, Britain's most established recognition of entrepreneurial success. The winners were announced at a sparkling awards ceremony at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square on the 25th November.
CO-FOUNDER OF PLUMIS HIGHLY COMMENDED IN THE GREAT BRITISH ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS 2014
Recognising an innovative approach and dedication to developing and delivering a unique fire suppression solution, Design Director Yusuf Muhammad, has been acknowledged in the ‘Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year’ Category at the 2014 Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
PLUMIS SECURE KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PARTNERSHIP
Plumis secure KTP project with the University of Greenwich Fire Safety Engineering Group (FSEG) worth £48,550. FSEG are the UK's largest University based fire/evacuation modelling research team and specialises in computational fire engineering. FSEG expertise and modelling tools are used all over the world to help solve fire safety problems.
AUTOMIST PREVENTS ARSON DAMAGE
Exeter City Council installed Automist from Plumis in the flat of a vulnerable resident who had already set fire to his flat 3 times. The resident went on to attempt arson a fourth time and deliberately damaged the Automist heads. Nevertheless, the units were activated, effectively preventing a serious fire.
PLUMIS SELECTED IN THE SMARTA 100
Plumis was selected in the Most Innovative Business Category as a company that make thinking outside the box part of their daily routine with the aim of growing their business and improving lives. The Smarta 100 is an annual celebration of the most resourceful, inspiring and disruptive small businesses in the UK.
PLUMIS AWARDED TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY BOARD FUNDING
Plumis has won a major award from the Technology Strategy Board to fund the development of a next-generation fire suppression system. The SMART funding represents an injection of £100,000 out of a total project size of £160,000, allowing world-class partners to make major contributions to the project through CFD modelling, development of new mist configurations, and live fire testing.
PLUMIS EXHIBIT AT NFPA CONFERENCE & EXPO
NFPA is this year’s largest and most important event for the fire protection, life safety, and electrical industries is the NFPA Conference & Expo, widely regarded as the most comprehensive event in the industry.
AUTOMIST GRANTED LABC REGISTERED SOLUTION STATUS
Automist is an LABC Registered Solution (EW171) for loft conversions. LABC Registered Details enables developers, architects, designers, technical specifies and contractors to minimise the Building control checking and approvals process in the knowledge that the product has been rigorously checked by LABC members.
PLUMIS SELECTED IN THE PITCH FINAL
BusinessZone.co.uk, have selected Plumis as one of the UK’s 80 most innovative small businesses to compete for business support worth £50,000 in The Pitch 2012. The Pitch 80 were chosen from the hundreds of entries from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. After two days of fierce competition Plumis was selected as one of the 22 wildcard contestants, who competed for 2 places in the Grand Final of the Pitch 2012 – a search for Britain’s top new business.
AUTOMIST APPEARS ON THE HOME OF THE FUTURE
What happens if you ask a normal family to boldly go where no-one has gone before - to live in the future? This five-part Channel 4 Series, co-funded by one of the UK’s leading energy companies E.ON, and produced by Twofour, transforms the lives of a family, filling their home from top-to-bottom with futuristic technology and gadgets.
PLUMIS WIN ‘BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE’ INNOVATION AWARD
Plumis are working with specialists at the University of Sheffield to undertake a collaborative R&D project to develop their innovative products, processes and technologies on the theme of ‘Building for the Future’. Funding for the awards is provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) through the University's Knowledge Transfer Account.
PLUMIS EXHIBIT AT INTERNATIONAL FIREX
Plumis exhibited at International Firex, the UK’s largest dedicated fire safety event and one of the largest in the world, on the 16th- 19th of May 2011.
AUTOMIST FEATURED IN AN ECOBUILD INNOVATION ZONE
The Technology Strategy Board, EPSRC and the Modern Built Environment KTN joined forces to present the Innovation Future Zone at Ecobuild 2011. Automist was selected as one of 24 new technologies that have the potential to make a difference to our future built environment.
PLUMIS WIN STARTUPAWARDS BUSINESS PLAN OF THE YEAR
The Judges felt the Plumis concept was exciting, innovative and easy to understand. The business plan was clearly structured, had real technical merit, and clearly identified where demand lay for a product with huge potential. Its market research, SWOT analysis and execution plan for its fire safety product Automist filled judges with confidence that it represents an attractive investment proposition.
PLUMIS PRESENT TECHNICAL PAPER AT THE 10TH IWMA CONFERENCE
More than 100 delegates of 19 countries all around the world met from November 3 - 4 in Prague for the 10th International Water Mist Conference. The event has underlined the increasing interest in Water Mist Systems for Fire-Fighting. The meeting has been held for the first time in a water mist protected building.
AUTOMIST EXHIBITED AT THE BRITISH LIBRARY
The British Library has named Automist one of the top 15 inventions of the last decade! Thank you British Library. Automist and 15 other inventions will be on display from Mon 6 Sep 2010 to Sun 28 Nov 2010 at the Folio Society Gallery in the British Library. In a celebration of British ingenuity, the exhibition explores the stories behind some of the most iconic inventions from this century’s first decade. Admission is free. Automist’s Co-inventor, Yusuf Muhammad, was interviewed about the invention and exhibition on You&Yours on BBC Radio 4 on Friday 10th of September at 12:00pm.
THIRD PARTY FIRE TESTING AT THE BRE
The system has begun comprehensive third party testing at the Building Research Establishment (BRE) Burn Hall in Watford. Over the next eight weeks the system will be tested in two different room sizes (both 4m x 4m and 8m x 4m) and in a number of different fire scenarios. The project was completed with the aid of Knowledge Connect.'Throughout this project BRE has found the business to be highly professional, communicative and willing to engage in open discussion about the test programme. This has lead to the most appropriate tests possible being performed within the confines of time and funding, and thus one of the most complete sets of data BRE has been able to produce in recent years.’
AUTOMIST RECOGNISED BY BBC FOCUS MAGAZINE
BBC Focus Magazine recognised Automist as one of the best British innovations of 2009. According to the magazine, Automist is a project that is likely to have great impact on the world within the next few years. An article with a brief overview about the project was included at the BBC Focus Magazine, Issue 210, December 2009.
AUTOMIST AWARDED THE JAMES DYSON AWARD 2009
The project survived four rounds of judging, beat over 400 projects from 21 countries, and was chosen by James Dyson as the best project in the Award. James Dyson said: “This simple but clever device should become a permanent safety feature in the home. Smoke alarms are essential part of modern life but have remained fundamentally unchanged for forty years. Automist not only detects a fire but can put it out as well."
