Behind the scenes at A&E Fire and Security
Summary
Few of us are keeping a cool head amid the 2026’s fifth heatwave , but thanks to its expertise and know-how, business is calmly progressing for A&E Fire and Security as the firm enters its seventh decade, celebrating growth built on a reputation for reliability, technical know-how and customer care.
Details
Operating from Cheltenham’s Bamfurlong Industrial Park since 2000, A&E started out in 1965 and now fields a team of 85 engineers from a fleet of more than 50 vans – all on hand to tackle a broad range of work, the business having broadened its original brief of traditional fire protection into one that now offers comprehensive fire and security expertise.
As Ed Stallard, Managing Director , explained to Punchline-Gloucester.com Editor Mark Owen , alongside extinguishers and alarms, the company provides CCTV systems, intruder alarms, access control, fire risk assessments and – crucially amid so many headlines of growing fire risks – vital training to ensure people and property remain fully protected.
Punchline ‘s behind-the-scenes tour of the business, which was founded in 1965 by Ed’s grandfather and is now on its third generation of family leadership, reveals an operation that is both military in its detailing and professionalism but also a workplace that thrives by everyone on the team feeling engaged, fulfilled and deeply proud in their work.
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And that sentiment is most obvious when you walk in the door: in pride of place, a brace of Royal Warrants greet visitors, attesting A&E Fire and Security’s appointment since 1984 to the then Prince of Wales and, since his ascent to the throne, King Charles III. Ed said: “We’ve looked after Highgrove since 1984 and it means a lot to us that we have that recognition.
We also have what we call a ‘memory wall’ here, which is actually a room full of memorabilia and high points from the history of the company – we love to celebrate what we do and I feel that the pride and passion we have is crucial to the quality of what we all deliver.” He added: “Being a family business relates crucially to how we operate: we’re not a corporate company – our clients don’t ring a call centre, they can speak directly to us and know the people who look after them.
We see that relationship as crucial.” He added: “Our customers pay us to take away the stress of their fire safety and security. If their fire alarm isn’t working, if they’ve got a security issue, they want it sorted. They don’t want it next week – they want it fixed now.” CAP Ed believes the company’s success comes down to maintaining the culture and responsiveness of a local business.
A&E first sparked into life, Ed said, back in 1965 under Ed’s grandfather, Graham Stallard , with the second generation stepping up in the 1980s at a point where the business expanded to offer electrical expertise with fire alarm installation and maintenance. Moving into the 1990s, the company grew and consolidated this work thanks to a reputation for reliability, technical expertise and customer service.
Report source: Punchline Gloucester