A DIGITAL company has teamed up with the fire service to boost its online training and communications technology.

AVM Solutions UK, based on Minerva Road in Farnworth, won a major contract with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in December.

The GMCA was so impressed by AVM’s online services that the public body agreed to install its technology in all 41 of the region’s fire stations.

The technology, which helps firefighters stay in touch safely amid the pandemic, allows crews from multiple stations to hold video calls and other activities such as training sessions.

Each site has a 65-inch 4K interactive multi-touch displays, which allows different apps and online services to be used such as Microsoft Teams.

And the company has wasted no time after winning the contract with the technology now being rolled out in all the fire stations.

Managing director Krishan Mistry said: “The software is about helping firefighters communicate quickly and effectively, especially with the Covid situation. We have made sure it is really user friendly for crew members too.

“We love a challenge and in this case it was to make complex technology simple to use.

“The technology will improve operations for the fire service.”

The company, which has offices just outside London and Goa, also works with office space firm Bruntwood and clothing retailer Gymshark.

Mr Mistry said: “It is good to appreciate the wins, especially in these hard times. The team put a lot of work into it.

“We are only a small business of around 30 people but we have pride in everything we do, everything has got to be right.

“It feels good when we win business from public sector clients. The crews are putting out fires and saving lives so by contributing to them is a good feeling.”

A fire service spokeswoman said: “We have been installing new audio visual equipment across our fire stations to upgrade our current equipment and increase digital functionality.

“We have made this investment to help us to improve the ways we communicate with colleagues on fire stations and help enable a more agile and involved workforce. We feel this is particularly important during the pandemic."