H.I.G. Growth-backed andwis Group Acquires Senseco Systems to Lead UK Fire & Security

andwis Group, backed by H.I.G. Growth, has completed the acquisition of Senseco Systems, a UK-based fire and security services provider founded in 2009. This strategic move significantly expands andwis’ technical and compliance service offerings, positioning the Group as the largest independent fire and security provider in the UK.

Senseco Systems brings a workforce of more than 350 employees operating across eight specialized fire and security service lines from seven locations nationwide. The integration of Senseco’s capabilities strengthens andwis’ ability to support single and multi-site estates on a national scale.

Phil Greenwood, CEO of andwis, highlights the strategic fit: “From the first meeting with Steve and the team, we could all see clear alignment in capabilities, customer base, and culture, which makes for a strong strategic fit. Their deep expertise in critical life safety systems and technical authority further strengthens our offering and makes andwis the leading independent Fire and Security provider in the UK.”

Senseco Systems CEO Steve Thomas reflects on the journey: “Since starting with just a handful of people in 2009, Senseco Systems has grown into a team of more than 350 across eight fire and security service lines, operating from seven locations across the UK. Joining the andwis Group is an exciting and natural next step. The geographical fit is excellent, but more importantly, the cultural alignment and shared belief in empowering entrepreneurial businesses and great people make this next step truly special.”

Brendan McNulty, andwis Divisional Managing Director of Environmental & Safety, will oversee the integration process. He states, “This addition complements our existing portfolio in many ways. It expands our footprint and density nationwide, increases our self-delivery capability across all fire & security technologies and opens new sales channels, creating the largest and highest accredited independent Fire & Security safety businesses in the UK.”

The acquisition enhances andwis’ market position by broadening its fire and security service lines and technical authority in life safety systems. It also enables the Group to leverage combined sales teams to access new public and private sector contracts, particularly for multi-site estates.

Operational synergies include consolidating administrative functions, optimizing field service operations, and achieving economies of scale in procurement. The integration will also standardize technical and compliance processes and unify IT systems to improve service response and reporting across all locations.

Industry analysts note that this acquisition accelerates consolidation in the UK fire and security sector, increasing competitive pressure on other providers. Competitors may respond with mergers, acquisitions, or increased investment in service innovation and customer experience.

Key integration challenges include aligning corporate cultures, managing multiple service lines, maintaining service quality during transition, and consolidating IT systems across seven locations.

Looking ahead, andwis aims to leverage the combined expertise to win larger contracts, improve customer retention through comprehensive offerings, and drive operational efficiencies to enhance margins. The Group’s strengthened national presence and technical capabilities position it well for future growth in the fire and security market.