Initial material interest from Sheffield University to replace its installed base of extinguishers and further upgrade fire safety in all buildings a primary catalyst for four leading Zenova distributors to merge to form ESP Ltd.

Zenova Group PLC (AIM: ZED), the innovative fire suppression and interdiction solutions Company, is pleased today to announce the first trial orders placed by Sheffield University through ESP Ltd and advanced negotiations between ESP Ltd and Sheffield University and to replace its entire installed base of 4,500 6L fire extinguishers across its campus as well as improving fire safety further by equipping its buildings with the Group’s smaller FX500s.

This was the catalyst for Zenova’s four principal distributors in the UK to merge to create Environmental Safety Protection Ltd (ESP ltd), this collective agreement is the best way for the partners to capture the growing demand for Zenova products in the UK marketplace through leveraging their network. 

Early evidence of ESP’s potential is underscored by the materiality of these negotiations with Sheffield University which follow The Group’s recent Kitemark award and the subsequent breakthrough with the first deliveries of the Zenova FX extinguisher range in the UK.

Glenn Butler, Head of Fire Services, commented, “After witnessing the versatility of the FX extinguisher range in terms of its effectiveness on a variety of different fires during a series of demonstrations at the Fire Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh I was keen to introduce them into the university. We now have the FX500 installed in our student accommodation for use as a first strike for a fire starting in the kitchen as well as larger FX extinguishers to cover other risks elsewhere around the university.”

Paul Watkins of ESP Ltd commented, “We observed with great anticipation as the UK market opportunity for their cutting-edge paints and extinguishers has grown alongside the Company’s steady, deliberate effort to complete the often arduous certification process here and in Europe.  Along with 3 equally experienced partners from fire safety product sales, all of whom share my conviction around the growth potential of Zenova’s product range, we have formed ESP Ltd in order to best capture that growth.  Sheffield University is my long-time customer, and I can confirm that the Zenova FX extinguisher’s capabilities helped move their representatives towards a full-scale replacement of their installed extinguisher base as well as an upgrade to their overall fire interdiction capabilities.”

 Thomas Melchior, CEO of Zenova Group, commented,  “All of our stakeholders at Zenova should not underestimate the endorsement of our products that the formation of ESP Ltd conveys.  The advanced discussions with Sheffield University for a substantial extinguisher order are clearly just the beginning of what ESP’s four partners feel they can deliver, and thus I look forward to updating the market in the weeks to comment on their – and the Company’s – continued sales progress.”

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About Zenova Group PLC

The Group, through Zenova Ltd, is the holder of intellectual property that underpins a suite of fire safety and temperature management products and technology. The product range is applicable to industrial, commercial, and residential markets. The Group’s products include fire retardant paints, insulating paints and render, fire extinguishing fluid and fire extinguishers. Through innovative development, and a refined formulation and development process, Zenova provides industry leading solutions across a range of fire protection and temperature management problems, comprising: 

Zenova FP, fire protection paint

A water based, fire protection paint (also known as a ‘thermofoaming’ or ‘intumescent’ paint), which can be used on any surface and colour matched to any colour. When exposed to heat or flames, the paint expands and creates a solid foam-like crust which will not burn and insulates the surface it is painted on. This prevents surfaces from catching fire and stops fire spreading.  It has been tested by global fire industry experts and complies with UK building regulations and the latest UK and European fire safety standards.

Zenova IP, thermal insulation paint

A thermal insulation paint embeds the most modern insulating technology in a thermos-like ultra-thin layer.  It saves energy by increasing the thermal insulation level in commercial and residential buildings. Solar heat can increase the temperature within a building by 75% to 90%. Zenova IP has been independently tested and validated to deflect, absorb and dissipate up to 75% of this heat, thereby reducing the inside temperature by up to 45%.  Suitable for both exterior and interior, on any type of surface

Zenova IR, thermal insulation render

Zenova IR is a ready mixed insulation render that can be applied to internal and external walls in commercial and residential buildings to provide immediate insulation benefits and can be colour matched to any colour.

Zenova FX, fire extinguishers

A fire extinguisher like no other. It puts out class A, B, F and electrical fires fully tested against European EN3 as well as British standards. Available in 6 and 9 litre sizes.

Zenova FX500, aerosol fire extinguisher

The Zenova FX500 is a high-performance handheld fire extinguisher that is tested by independent experts and adheres to the highest industry standards.   Safe for use on any type of fire the Zenova FX500 reduces the risk of reignition. The Zenova FX 500 is quick, easy and safe to operated and has been tested to BS6165 standard.

Zenova WB, wildfire barrier

A wildfire barrier fluid (applied via spray wands or aerial drops), which provides a virtual barrier where fire simply will not burn. Repeated tests on a variety of extremely dry wildfire fuels (grasses, hays, brush) demonstrates the incredible fire resistance Zenova WB provides, while remaining viable after application for30+ days in dry conditions.