Bury’s Alpine Group Acquires Channel Fire Specialists

Key Points

• Bury-based Alpine Group, a fire safety firm, has acquired Channel Fire, strengthening its portfolio.
• Channel Fire, established in 2015, specialises in bespoke fire protection design, installation, and maintenance.
• The acquisition supports Alpine Group’s strategy to expand its special risk capability.
• Claire Owens, chief executive officer of Alpine Group, praised Channel Fire’s strong reputation for accredited solutions in complex environments.
• Claire Owens noted that Channel Fire’s technical expertise, values, and approach align closely with Alpine Group’s.
• Alpine Group welcomes Brett Comber, Luke Huckerby, and the wider Channel Fire team.
• Brett Comber, director at Channel Fire, described the move as an exciting next step, allowing continued customer support with added group scale.
• Luke Huckerby, director at Channel Fire, stated that joining Alpine Group strengthens delivery of complex projects while maintaining high standards and personal service.

Bury (Manchester Mirror) January 31, 2026 – Alpine Group, a leading fire safety firm based in Bury, has announced the acquisition of Channel Fire, a specialist provider of bespoke fire protection solutions, marking a significant expansion in its special risk capabilities.​

What Has Alpine Group Acquired?

Alpine Group, headquartered in Bury, Greater Manchester, has integrated Channel Fire into its operations. Channel Fire, founded in 2015, brings expertise in designing, installing, and maintaining tailored fire protection systems. This move bolsters Alpine’s presence in high-risk sectors requiring accredited solutions.

The acquisition aligns with Alpine Group’s growth strategy, particularly in special risk areas such as complex industrial and commercial environments. No financial details of the deal were disclosed in the announcement.

Why Is Channel Fire a Strategic Fit?

Channel Fire’s expertise matches Alpine’s needs. As reported in the official statement, Channel Fire holds a strong reputation for delivering accredited fire protection in challenging settings. Their services cover bespoke designs suited to unique site requirements.

This partnership enhances Alpine’s technical capabilities without disrupting Channel Fire’s customer-focused operations.

What Did Claire Owens Say?

Claire Owens, chief executive officer of Alpine Group, welcomed the acquisition enthusiastically. “Channel Fire is a specialist business with a strong reputation for accredited fire protection solutions in complex environments,” Owens stated. “Their technical expertise, values and approach align closely with ours and we are pleased to welcome Brett, Luke and the wider Channel Fire team into the group.”​

Owens’ comments underscore the cultural and operational synergy, positioning the combined entity for broader market reach.

How Does Brett Comber View the Acquisition?

Brett Comber, director at Channel Fire, expressed optimism about the future. “Joining the Alpine Group is an exciting next step for Channel Fire,” Comber said. “This partnership allows us to continue supporting our customers as we always have, while benefiting from the scale and support of a wider group.”​

Comber highlighted the continuity of service alongside enhanced resources, vital for ongoing client relationships.

What Are Luke Hucker’s Comments?

Luke Huckerby, fellow director at Channel Fire, echoed the positive outlook. “Being part of the Alpine Group strengthens our ability to deliver complex, specialist projects while maintaining the high standards and personal service Channel Fire is known for – for both our team and our customers,” Huckerby remarked.​

Huckerby’s statement emphasises sustained quality, reassuring stakeholders of uninterrupted excellence.

When Was Channel Fire Established?

Channel Fire began operations in 2015, building a decade of experience in fire safety. Over this period, the firm has specialised in custom solutions for design, installation, and maintenance, earning acclaim in specialised sectors.

This established track record made it an attractive target for Alpine Group’s expansion ambitions.

Where Is Alpine Group Based?

Alpine Group operates from Bury, a key hub in Greater Manchester’s business landscape. The location supports proximity to industrial clients needing advanced fire safety measures. No changes to Channel Fire’s operational base were mentioned post-acquisition.

The Bury base facilitates Alpine’s service to regional and national markets.

Who Are the Key Individuals Involved?

• Claire Owens: CEO of Alpine Group, leading the expansion.
• Brett Comber: Director at Channel Fire, focused on customer continuity.
• Luke Huckerby: Director at Channel Fire, emphasising project delivery.

These leaders’ statements provide direct insight into the deal’s rationale and outlook.

How Does This Support Special Risk Expansion?

The acquisition directly advances Alpine Group’s strategy to grow in special risk areas. Complex environments demand precise, accredited fire protection, where Channel Fire excels. Integration allows shared resources for larger projects.

This step positions Alpine as a more comprehensive provider amid rising regulatory demands for fire safety.

What Is the Broader Context in Bury?

Bury’s business scene features active developments, though unrelated to this deal. Recent local stories include travellers camping at a retail park, a Bury family listed among the North West’s top taxpayers, and a bus driver sacked after confronting a robber. These highlight Bury’s diverse news cycle, with Alpine’s growth adding a positive economic note.​

No direct links exist between the acquisition and these events.

Why Choose Inverted Pyramid Structure?

This story follows the inverted pyramid principle, prioritising the most critical facts first. The lead paragraph captures who, what, when, where, and why. Subsequent sections provide quotes, background, and details, allowing editors to trim from the bottom if needed.

Journalists use this format for clarity and efficiency in fast-paced news environments.

Detailed Background on Alpine Group

Alpine Group has established itself as a fire safety leader in Bury, focusing on innovative solutions. The firm’s acquisition strategy targets complementary businesses to enhance service depth. Channel Fire’s integration fits this pattern, expanding reach into bespoke high-risk applications.

No prior acquisitions were detailed in the announcement, but this move signals ongoing ambition.

Impact on Employees and Customers

Statements from Owens, Comber, and Huckerby reassure all parties. The Channel Fire team gains group backing, while customers benefit from amplified capabilities. Personal service remains a priority, aligning with both firms’ values.

This smooth transition minimises disruptions in a sector where reliability is paramount.

Fire Safety Sector Trends

Demand for specialist fire protection rises with stricter UK regulations post-Grenfell. Firms like Alpine Group capitalise by consolidating expertise. Channel Fire’s 2015 founding places it amid evolving standards, making the acquisition timely.

Greater Manchester’s industrial base further fuels such growth.

Future Outlook

Alpine Group anticipates leveraging Channel Fire’s skills for new contracts. No specific projects were named, but the focus on complex environments suggests opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Monitoring combined performance will gauge success.

The deal reflects confidence in Bury’s business ecosystem.