A Bradford-based security specialist is on the acquisition trail to boost its share of the UK domestic alarm market and create new jobs.

Securahomes is looking to spend around £4 million over the next five years buying up small security alarm businesses across the country.

The Eccleshill-based security technology and installation business is already in negotiations over the first potential deal, talking with a takeover target in Essex. Securahomes, which currently operates mainly in West Yorkshire, Lancashire and the Midlands, is seeking owners of alarm installation businesses who may be looking to retire or realise their assets to discuss a potential sale.

Former business angel Martin Mann, Securahomes managing director, said: “We have already established a large customer-base in the UK, but we now want to increase our overall market share, and purchasing alarm companies will help us achieve this goal.”

The tactic is to buy small to medium-sized alarm installation businesses that have an established or growing customer base. Mr Mann said he is looking for opportunities to acquire firms for around £100,000 each.

He said: “We looked into the possibility of establishing a chain of franchised Securahomes businesses but there were too many difficulties with this. So, we took the view that offering to buy out operators would be an ideal route to increasing our national footprint as a means of increasing the market for our own security technology.”

Although in talks with the Essex firm, Mr Mann ideally wants to build up a network of outlets across the Yorkshire region before expanding further afield – but will follow up opportunities wherever they become available.

The expansion programme would create around two positions per acquisition – a total of more than 60 jobs for additional alarm engineers, regional sales managers and extra support staff. Expansion would also significantly boost Securahome’s current £500,000 turnover.

“The domestic alarm market is estimated to be worth more than £2 billion and those companies who produce new technology innovations, such as wireless monitored systems, will be the ones who benefit the most.

“We already manufacture a range of products incorporating the latest technology and we intend to continue growing our share of the domestic alarm market in order to position Securahomes as the UK’s leading wireless monitored alarm specialist,” said Martin.

Technology developed by Securahomes includes a device to quickly convert bells only alarms into a fully monitored, two-way voice system connected by a plug-in power supply and attached to a standard telephone line.

Anthony Carney, Securahomes head of technology, said the system had been in development for more than two years and would revolutionise how alarms operate.

“The AC5 is designed to convert any traditional alarm into a very modern weapon against modern-day house crime,” he said.

Companies interested in talking to Martin Mann about a possible sale should call (01274) 631001, or e-mail martin@securahomes.co.uk.