The Growth Story of Checkmate Fire

Investment: Checkmate Fire
Investment Type: Growth Capital & MBO
Sector: Fire Protection Services

In a world where safety and compliance are paramount, delivering excellence in passive fire protection has become an essential service. For over three decades, Checkmate Fire has been at the forefront of this critical industry, ensuring that buildings across the UK meet stringent fire safety regulations.

Underpinned by its commitment to quality and innovation, Checkmate Fire has grown to become the UK’s leading specialist in passive fire protection, maintaining systems for thousands of buildings nationwide. With support from YFM Equity Partners, the company has achieved transformational growth, expanded its capabilities, and strengthened its position through strategic leadership appointments and acquisitions.

Checkmate Fire has built its reputation on a foundation of specialist expertise. Established in 1989 and headquartered in Leeds, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including fire door installation and maintenance, fire stopping, and cavity barrier systems. These services are critical to ensuring that buildings are safe, compliant, and prepared for the unexpected.

Each year, Checkmate conducts over 30,000 fire door remediations, prioritizing sustainable solutions by repairing rather than replacing fire doors. This approach reflects the company’s strong environmental values and dedication to ESG principles.

The team’s ability to adapt to changing regulations and deliver best-in-class services has been instrumental in its success. Operating from four offices across the UK, Checkmate’s network of nearly 200 employees and subcontractors ensures nationwide coverage.

A pivotal moment in Checkmate’s journey came with the appointment of Haydn Mursell as Chair. With extensive experience in leadership roles and a proven track record in guiding businesses through growth phases, Haydn brought invaluable expertise to the company. His vision has been instrumental in aligning Checkmate’s operational strategies with its ambitious growth plans.

YFM Equity Partners played a key role in supporting the expansion of Checkmate’s management team, ensuring the company was well-positioned to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving market. Under this strengthened leadership, Checkmate has continued to innovate and lead the way in passive fire protection.

To complement its organic growth, Checkmate executed a targeted acquisition strategy, including its merger with Rosse Systems. This move expanded the company’s service offering to include active fire systems, providing clients with a one-stop solution for their fire protection needs.

The acquisition not only strengthened Checkmate’s market position but also enhanced its ability to secure multi-year contracts with clients across diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, social housing, and commercial property.

YFM’s partnership with Checkmate enabled the business to invest in its people, processes, and technology, creating a robust foundation for sustainable growth. This partnership also underscored Checkmate’s commitment to delivering long-term value to its clients while ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent fire safety regulations.

As Checkmate embarks on its next chapter with the support of IK Partners, the company is poised to further enhance its service offerings, expand its footprint, and maintain its position as the trusted name in passive fire protection.

Checkmate Fire’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and partnership. From its roots as a specialist contractor to its rise as the UK’s largest passive fire protection provider, the company has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt, evolve, and lead.

With strategic investments, critical leadership appointments, and transformative acquisitions, Checkmate is well-prepared to meet the demands of a growing market while continuing to protect lives and properties across the UK.