The fire and security specialist Protec Systems has been acquired by Compass Services Group for an undisclosed sum. 

Protec is a 30-year-old family business in Clay Flatts Industrial Estate, Workington. 

Clients include Allerdale Council, the engineering specialist TIS Cumbria, construction firm Thomas Armstrong and Keswick's Theatre by the Lake. 

Compass, which is based in Carlisle, already has a presence in west Cumbria operating from premises in Clay Flatts. But managing director Gary Miller believes the acquisition of Protec will strengthen its position. 

He said: “Protec complements our existing business in west Cumbria and builds on it. 

It makes us one of the leading independents in the area. “Protec are a well respected family firm with a loyal customer base and a strong reputation.” 

The acquisition coincides with the retirement of Protec's managing director, David Holliday. 

Three other staff have transferred to Compass, taking the company's total workforce to 35. The acquired business is continuing to trade as Protec Systems. 

Mr Miller said: “We have to earn the goodwill of their customers but we will bring the companies closer together, which will gain internal efficiencies.” 

An electrician by trade, he started Compass as a one-man operation in 2003. 

The business now has a turnover of £2m. 

It installs and maintains intruder alarms, fire alarms, CCTV and access control systems, copper and fibre-optic cabling for communications systems and audio-visual installations, and it provides an electrical contracting service covering design, installation, testing and maintenance. 

Compass has grown organically and by making judicious acquisitions. 

It took over Beacon Security in Penrith in 2011 and JP Alarms in Workington a year later. 

Protec is its biggest acquisition to date. Mr Miller added: “I've got big ambitions for the company. 

"We want to be the most trusted, valued and professional technical-services provider in the north west. 

“With all the opportunities and planned infrastructure spend across the county over the next few years, we have a five-year growth plan taking turnover to £5m. 

"This would result in doubling the size of the workforce and further investment in training and development as we expand.” 

For more information call 01228 590970 or visit www.compassservicesgroup.co.uk.