Fire safety firm gets in on the awards actionÂ

The awards are due to return in February at Portsmouth Guildhall. There will be awards handed out in 16 categories '“ ranging from Apprentice of the Year up to Lifetime Achievement. 

Excitement is building as the deadline for entries nears '“ November 9. 

ARC Fire Safety & Security, a fire system installation firm, is the latest company to join forces with The News in its mission to recognise, reward and promote businesses in Portsmouth and the surrounding area. It has sponsored the Team of the Year category. 

The company was formed as ARC Fire Safety Ltd in 2001 by the current CEO Alan Simpson. He had run ARC in a previous guise in the 80s, and sold the company. When it reformed in 2001, a number of previous clients immediately returned. Both Alan and MD Andy Burridge run the company today.

Andy, who has been with the company for 16 years, said: '˜We decided to sponsor the awards, as due to the rebrand, we wanted to increase the profile of the company and we saw the awards as a great way to work alongside the local business community.

'˜As ARC has a low staff turnover, and we try to foster a great working environment, the Team of the Year award seemed appropriate. We are delighted to sponsor this award, and are excited at the prospect of meeting the candidates and working with the other sponsors.' 

ARC Fire Safety & Security, which is based in Park Gate, has 23 employees, and it turns over £2.2m.

There is one category left available to sponsor '“ email [email protected]