One of the South African Government’s main focuses is to ensure safe and secure public areas such as central business districts, airports, schools and healthcare facilities. In line with this, it is forecasted that the South African fire, safety and security markets will show a growth of 8,7% by 2014, to an estimated $5,5 billion. Investment in fire detection systems alone will increase by 7.1% by 2014, making the IFSEC SA 2014 an essential investment for any FDS supplier.
According to market research by Frost & Sullivan, the market for detection equipment is more developed than that for suppression systems. Demand for detection equipment is driven by legal requirements and insurance incentives, thereby accelerating the growth of the market in South Africa. Many businesses that experience a serious fire are unable to recover and exit the market within two years.
Frost & Sullivan research also shows that the top five vertical industries that require fire detection and suppression equipment are IT and telecommunications, retail, financial services, mining, and energy and power. Insurance companies are becoming increasingly reluctant to insure premises that are not fitted with a fire protection system.
The loss of property to fire is unacceptably high, with FPASA’s statistics for 2011 indicating losses of an incredible R2 085 522 959. While not all of this is related to fires in buildings, these figures are staggering and call for immediate attention and action.
“The fire detection and suppression component at IFSEC SA has continued to show positive growth over the past few years. The increasing number of products and systems now available, make the decision-making process much easier for visitors to the exhibition. By having access to the largest number of fire system suppliers under one roof, risk and safety professionals are able to make educated decisions in an environment geared around best practice,” said Joshua Low, IFSEC SA and OSH EXPO Africa event director at show organiser UBM Montgomery.
“In addition to the traditional fire detection and suppression equipment available at IFSEC SA 2014, visitors will also be able to see firefighting equipment and protective wear for the industry. We will once again be co-locating the exhibition with OSH EXPO Africa for a synergistic mix of products and services,” said Low.
Learning curve
Low pointed out that often companies are unsure about the correct route to follow when selecting security and fire equipment. “Not only are visitors spoilt for choice at IFSEC SA, but they are also privy to a wealth of information sharing. A number of seminars are being organised to address current trends and best practice. These short, interactive sessions with be held at the IFSEC SA Seminar Theatre and promise to provide valuable guidance to exhibition attendees.
“Exhibitors are assured of a high-quality event that is underpinned by years’ of both exhibition and industry-specific expertise and knowledge and visitors are guaranteed to find a suitable solution for their fire risk requirements,” Low concluded.
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.
printer friendly version