Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards Winners Profile
Excellence in Innovation
From humble beginnings in a Lake Macquarie storage shed to becoming a leader in firefighting equipment and testing, Fire Response has carved out a reputation built on resilience, innovation, and trust. Their journey, marked by persistence and a commitment to excellence, has now been recognised with the Excellence in Innovation award at the Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards.
A Business Forged in Fire
Founded in 2016 after relocating from Sydney’s Seven Hills to Lake Macquarie, Fire Response started with a small team and big ambitions. Breaking into the mining industry requires persistence, especially in a sector where reputation and long-term relationships are crucial and most opportunities come through a competitive tender process. Through long hours, hands-on leadership, and a relentless focus on quality, the team at Fire Response have steadily built a business that today stands as a trusted partner to some of Australia’s most high-risk industries.
Innovation That Saves Lives
At the heart of Fire Response’s success is its unique hydraulics and foam testing service, a capability unmatched in the Australian market. This service doesn’t just ensure equipment is functioning; it helps clients understand how their systems perform under pressure, identifying weaknesses before they become critical failures.
By introducing international standards and offering tailored insights, Fire Response is helping to lift safety benchmarks across industries guiding clients to invest in products they can trust from monitors, water cannons and nozzles to foam concentrates and other essential firefighting equipment.
Serving Those Who Protect
Fire Response’s clients include fire brigades, emergency services, mining operations, petrochemical plants, oil and gas companies and other large industrial sites. Essentially, anyone who needs professional grade or severe duty firefighting solutions. Their growth has been driven by a mix of digital outreach, trade show participation, and, most importantly, word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients.
Agile, Expert, and Client-Focused
Despite their growth, Fire Response remains agile. Their team juggles everything from logistics and quoting to on-site testing and international supplier coordination. Cloud-based systems and outsourced expertise allow them to stay lean while maintaining high standards.
Their commitment to continuous improvement and clear communication has positioned them as both a service provider and a thought leader, regularly presenting to industry groups and mining safety managers.
“We don’t just sell equipment; we help clients understand and exceed the standards that keep people safe”.
Overcoming Challenges with Grit and Strategy
Like many small businesses, Fire Response has faced challenges from managing stock and cash flow to navigating international logistics. But their size has also been a strength, allowing them to pivot quickly and respond to client needs with speed and precision.
Their award winning hydraulics and foam testing has helped them differentiate in a competitive market, opening doors and building long-term client relationships.
Milestones and Momentum
Fire Response’s achievements include major supply contracts, repeat testing engagements across mining sites, and exclusive Australian distribution rights for One Seven, a world-leading CAFS brand (Compressed Air Foam System). They’ve also been recognised with previous awards, including Excellence in Small Business at the Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards in 2021 and 2023 as well as gold membership in several industry groups.
Looking ahead, the team is focused on expanding their foam and testing services, entering new sectors, and continuing to deliver measurable results for every client. “In the long term, we aim to remain a trusted partner across firefighting and industrial safety sectors, growing our reputation for innovation, reliability, and technical excellence while continuing to set industry standards”.
Culture of Care and Commitment
Internally, Fire Response fosters a supportive, safety-first culture. Regular team check-ins, open communication, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance ensure that staff feel valued and empowered.
Customer Experience That Builds Loyalty
Fire Response’s customer-first approach is central to their success. They take the time to understand each client’s unique needs, ensuring every solution is fit-for-purpose. One standout example involved a mining client who, after a successful presentation, referred Fire Response to another site. That single referral evolved into a major, multi-site partnership, proof that trust and tailored service go a long way.
Visit Fire Response to see firsthand how innovation, expertise, and a commitment to safety are transforming firefighting across Australia.
