Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Devon Fire and Rescue Headquarters at 10/03/2003 12:30

STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 00.001 ON THE 10TH MARCH 2003
*****PHOTO OPPORTUNITY*****
12.30 PM ON MONDAY 10TH MARCH - THE CONFERENCE ROOM, DEVON FIRE BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, CLYST ST GEORGE, EXETER

The seven Fire Brigades in the South West can now communicate with each other without leaving their local areas – thanks to new video conferencing equipment which will be officially launched at Devon Fire Brigade Headquarters on 12.30 pm on Monday, March 10th.

Although other Authorities, such as West Midland Fire Service have video conferencing equipment, which they use internally and externally, this is the first time a Fire Brigade has been successful in setting up a link with Brigades on a regional basis - proving that the South-West Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Associations are leaders within the Fire Service when it comes to innovative, cost-cutting ideas for the future.

The new project began when the Communications and Computing Manager for Cornwall County Fire Brigade Richard Watson decided to explore savings in time and money by using video technology for meetings. He was also aware of the environmental issues being tackled in the County Council Travel Plans.

Cornwall’s Chief Fire Officer Mick Howell was so impressed with the results he paved the way for a network with the other six Fire Brigade’s in the South West region, Avon, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. All seven Brigades now have the equipment up and running.
Since most of the South West business meetings are conducted jointly it made sense to develop the video conferencing initiative in partnership.

The equipment has been purchased from a company called VMC. Cornwall County Fire Brigade’s equipment is set up at New County Hall and has already been tested by many other County Council Departments. The Transportation and Estates Department are now purchasing their own equipment as they can see the advantages of having such a system in place.

Chief Fire Officer Mick Howell explains: “We have proven that video conferencing equipment can save us thousands of pounds in travelling costs, hotel bills and save time. Many companies are now holding meetings with the aid of video and we intend to expand our use wherever we can”.

Chief Fire Officer Paul Young, from Devon Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This development represents a significant step forward for South West Fire Brigades. It provides us with the opportunity to save both time and money when we need to communicate with colleagues across the region”.

VMC is widely recognised as the UK’s premier specialist provider of video conferencing systems, support services, and training and change management programmes. VMC already has a wide variety of clients in the South West.

Noel Edmonds, VMC Director, explains: “VMC has been very successful in a relatively short period of time, because we are not obsessed with technology features, but instead focus upon the financial and commercial benefits for our clients” He continued “We can categorically prove that professionally installed systems slash costs, boost business efficiency, and enhance quality of life. The social and environmental benefits of cutting out unnecessary business travel are limitless”
“I am delighted that we have been able to create an extensive video network for the Fire Brigades of the South West. Rapid, effective communication is a very important part of their work and I know that already they are reaping the benefits of high quality, face to face communication between headquarters, without the need for costly and time-consuming travel. “

“They are to be applauded for what is a UK first. It is a further indication that here in the South West, we have organisations who understand how to make technology slave rather than master”

“This is a very exciting period for my company VMC, and our team here in the South West. I am particularly proud of our pioneering work with the NSPCC in Exeter, and the video link, which we’ve established between their offices and Exeter court. The video conferencing link has already played an important part in a number of recent criminal cases where children were required to give evidence. VMC has also provided video communications for Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Taunton and Somerset National Health Trust, and North Devon Health Care Trust, so this exciting project with the Fire Brigades further underlines my company’s commitment to public sector organisations here in the South West”.

The Video Conferencing Equipment within all the South West Brigade’s and Noel Edmonds’ London Office will be linked up at 12.30pm on Monday 10th March for the media to witness. Noel Edmonds, Chief Fire Officer Mick Howell and Chief Fire Officer Paul Young will be in the Conference Room at Devon Fire Service Headquarters with representatives from the other Brigade’s and Noel Edmonds’ London office in their own video conferencing rooms.