Based in the group’s Glasgow HQ, LFS becomes the fifth division of Linear Group. The move will see three new senior fire specialists join the group, bringing over 100 years of hands-on fire experience to the business and providing essential insight for clients across the UK.

Linear Group said the launch of Linear Fire Safety reflects the growing importance of, and demand for, specialist solutions in this crucial area of building development, management, maintenance and safety. The new division will have a clear, single-minded focus on providing high-quality, industry-leading and independent fire safety expertise and tailored services to a broad spectrum of business end users and properties across the UK.

The LFS approach is built on the fundamental principle that fire safety must be integral to each and every building, from construction through to long term management. The ethos at the heart of LFS is to ensure the optimal, and most effective strategy is identified and adopted, in line with the life stage of the building.

Best practise and excellence sit at the very heart of the team. This will ensure the most comprehensive and exceptional delivery of a range of essential services, solutions and support, including fire risk assessments, fire safety management, fire safety training and fire engineering. 

Former assistant chief officer (director of operations) of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, Bill McDonagh, who brings 42 years of fire safety experience, will take up the post of chairman of LFS. Alan Macmillan becomes managing director, bringing an impressive career record of over 30 years with Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and director Andrew McClure adds his own 30 years’ experience in local authority fire and rescue services to the team.

Bill McDonagh said: “Since we began working with Linear, we’ve consistently acknowledged a strong synergy and connection with our collective skills and experience and their vision for growth, in adding vital specialists to the client offer. Making this exciting move and joining the group will enable us to build on our current client base, as well as provide comprehensive fire safety solutions to Linear’s existing, and future, clients.”

Stephen Holmes, CEO, Linear Group, said: “For some time, we have been working collaboratively with Kyle Management so we recognise the unquestionable value they add to our service offering. By taking a stake in the business and formalising it as a key part of the Group, we are taking this a step further and ensuring this is integral to our business moving forward.

“Bringing such highly regarded and experienced talent into the team will truly set us apart, as Bill, Alan and Andrew are arguably some of the most respected, skilled and knowledgeable figures from the industry, both in Scotland and across the UK.”

The news follows the announcement in December that group annual turnover had exceeded £30 million, and the unveiling of Linear Building Compliance.