A notable Yorkshire-based tech firm has recently been taken over by an international corporation. This strategic acquisition aims to enhance information sharing capabilities among emergency services.
Details of the Acquisition
Hull-based tech firm APD Communications has been acquired by Northgate Public Services (NPS), a company under the NEC Corporation umbrella. The transaction is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of information sharing between emergency services control rooms and field personnel.
APD Communications specialises in serving the emergency services, public safety, and control room markets. Their software solutions are utilised by more than two-thirds of UK police forces, major transportation hubs, and airports, including Gatwick and Dubai International Airports and the London Underground.
NPS’s Role in Policing IT Solutions
NPS is renowned for being the market leader in policing IT solutions within the UK. Over half of the UK’s police forces use its CONNECT system for managing victim and crime information. The CONNECT system is a comprehensive crime, custody, and intelligence management solution.
Ian Blackhurst, executive director of safety and health at NPS, highlighted the potential benefits of the acquisition: “If data can flow freely from an emergency call in the control room instantly into the hands of a police officer on the street, then response times can be improved dramatically.”
Enhanced Response Capabilities
Blackhurst further explained that integrating historical data with real-time information can provide officers with crucial insights into the threat, risk, and harm associated with each incident.
This capability could lead to more precise and effective responses, thereby enhancing overall citizen safety.
Blackhurst stated, “This acquisition is a great opportunity for us to expand our offer and will bring substantial value to customers of both APD and NPS.”
Synergies Between APD and NPS
Mike Isherwood, managing director of APD, expressed enthusiasm over the acquisition, noting that joining the NPS team allows APD to expedite their strategic plans and achieve their goals. “The synergy between our products and customers is really exciting.”
He added that the combined resources and capabilities will enable the delivery of innovative solutions, keeping their customers at the forefront of digital public safety delivery.
Operational Continuity
Despite the acquisition, APD will continue to operate under its current name and maintain its management team and operational staff.
APD will stay based in Hull, East Yorkshire, and function as a business unit within NPS’s Safety Division.
This approach aims to ensure a seamless transition and continued service excellence for existing and future clients.
Future Prospects
Both companies are optimistic about their future together. The similar working practices between APD and NPS are expected to facilitate the immediate addition of value to their solutions.
The acquisition is seen as a strategic move that will benefit the customers of both entities, fostering innovation and efficiency in public safety services.
Isherwood remarked, “Together, we will be stronger and have the resources and capability to provide innovative solutions that keep our customers at the forefront of digital public safety delivery.”
Commitment to Safety and Innovation
The move underscores a commitment to improving safety and innovation within the public safety sector.
By leveraging the strengths of both APD and NPS, the acquisition is anticipated to yield substantial benefits for public safety organisations and the communities they serve.
The acquisition of APD Communications by Northgate Public Services marks a significant advancement in the public safety sector. With combined resources and expertise, both firms are poised to deliver enhanced, innovative solutions that promise to improve the efficiency and safety of emergency services.