Firm secures funding for global ambitions

A Sheffield company is embarking on globalising its product to make businesses more security savvy.

The Emizon Group, a provider of secure Internet Protocol (IP) signalling solutions for broadband networks, has received a £500,000 investment from South Yorkshire Investment Fund.

Emizon, based at the Annex Building at Sheffield City Airport, will use the funding to continue the development of its technology. It is anticipated that the investment will also support its ambitions to become a global supplier in the alarms industry. 

Geoff Girdler is chief executive and co-founder of Emizon, along with Gordon Smythe and Sheffield based Andy Whitfield. The trio have created a secure, managed messaging service specifically for IP networks – allowing businesses to identify if an intruder has targeted their phone lines and alarm systems.

The company conceived the idea five years ago but launched its service product in May 2007 at the International Fire and Security Exhibition and Conference (IFSEC) in Birmingham.

Geoff said: “We believe we have created a solution which has no global boundaries and through our bases in the US and Australia, we will be able to tackle operations overseas.

“South Yorkshire Investment Fund has seen the potential for growth in the business and this investment enables us to develop our business plan to where we want to be much sooner.”

Emizon will be aiming the solution, which recently achieved the highest security rating for signalling – European Norm Grade 4 – at alarm installers. Already more than 2,000 units have been sold and a significant number of the major installers and alarm receiving centres are actively promoting the service.

Geoff added: “We have tailored the product to be easy to install and understand, especially for those businesses that are yet to fully embrace the IP revolution in the security industry or think the technology is beyond them.

“Communication wires are often in a vulnerable position outside of the property and therefore likely to become a target for professional criminal groups. Therefore this secure signalling solution is ideal for banks, building societies and jewellery stores, with many insurance companies insisting on secure solutions as a pre-requisite of cover.”

South Yorkshire’s growing reputation in the creative and digital sector, an industry which has seen massive growth in recent years, led Emizon to set-up a base in Sheffield.

Geoff added: “The Sheffield city region is becoming a technical centre of excellence. We found that South Yorkshire is growing faster than other areas in the country for its technical development and support. The city is also well-placed for motorway links and several airports within close distance.”

Chris Fitzsimmons, investment manager at South Yorkshire Investment Fund, says: “Emizon is about the practical application of leading edge technology to every day business. They are working collaboratively across the industry with alarm panel manufacturers, alarm receiving centres and installers, to ensure that the industry harnesses the potential of monitoring, whilst protecting the security needs of customers in the long term.

“We are therefore pleased to support their business objectives with the investment.”