Chubb Fire was selected to service the museum’s extensive fire safety system after the NMeM became dissatisfied with the service it was receiving from a different supplier.

30th April 2008

The National Media Museum (NMeM) in Bradford has returned to Chubb Fire as it found it was not receiving the customer service it expected from its fire fighting equipment contract.

Chubb Fire had previously worked with the NMeM, which draws more than 735,000 visitors every year making it one of the most popular museums outside of London. However, the contract went to tender and was awarded to a different supplier.

Elisha Davis from the Museum’s Estates Department explains: “After working with Chubb Fire for some six years we had come to enjoy a high level of customer service, and therefore had high expectations for the incoming service provider. When these weren’t met, we got back in touch with Paul Holgate from Chubb Fire, who previously looked after our account.”

The contact led to a re-tender and the reappointment of the Chubb Fire team to service not just the extinguishers, but also the dry riser and ancillary fire-fighting equipment.

“The museum is now effectively two interconnected buildings,” Elisha continues, “One being the public museum with collection galleries, a café, an IMAX cinema, education workshops and conference facilities, and the second building providing our office accommodation. It is an extensive site covering more than 12,500 square metres and some areas are quite difficult to access.”

Prior knowledge of the site was therefore a distinct advantage: “We brought Chubb back on board at the beginning of 2007 to carry out our annual service, along with a visual check every six months. Chubb Fire also advised us to undergo a fire risk assessment, which we have recently completed and which was very beneficial in identifying areas for further improvement. “

“Paul is always on hand should we have questions, and that gives us greater confidence,” Elisha adds. “Being a museum we have regular gallery refurbishments to introduce new collections, and that means our fire fighting equipment has to be moved. Again this is where Paul’s experience generally, and his knowledge of our site specifically, is particularly beneficial.”

The National Media Museum first opened in 1983 as the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, and has since seen many changes and extensions. It is now one of the most popular museums. It aims to engage, inspire and educate visitors and promote an understanding and appreciation of photography, film, television, radio and the web.