THE Vent Trade Story
Founded in 1988 in Poole, Dorset, our family business Ventec 100 ltd has grown to become one of the most respected smoke ventilation companies in the UK. With 100+ employees nationwide, we design, supply, install and commission smoke and natural ventilation systems.
Our Story
Over three decades of serving the trade
The Beginning
Tullio Jones starts the family-owned business in Poole, Dorset - supplying spindles to the conservatory industry.
Importing Actuators
The business begins importing actuators and manual winding gear, becoming an early UK specialist in ventilation control hardware.
First Ventec Controller
Design and manufacture of our 1st Ventec actuator controller - marking our move into in-house product development.
European Partnerships
Appointed UK distributor for TOPP srl, Mingardi and Ultraflex srl, bringing world-class European actuators to the British market.
Growing Team
The office team reaches six full-time employees as demand for natural and smoke ventilation products and installation services continues to grow.
New Family Leadership
Lorenzo Jones is appointed Managing Director, bringing fresh energy and a vision for growth while maintaining the family values the business was built on.
Maintenance Division
Launch of a dedicated Maintenance Division for smoke ventilation, offering ongoing service and support across the UK.
First £100k Project
First installation contract exceeding £100,000 - a significant milestone reflecting the company's growing reputation in the smoke ventilation industry.
Ventec Product Ranges
Launch of the Ventec smoke vent, louvre and damper ranges - a full suite of smoke ventilation products designed and manufactured in the UK.
First £250k Project
First installation contract exceeding £250,000 completed, as the business takes on increasingly complex multi-storey smoke ventilation projects.
Projects Division
Ventec Projects Division established, taking on full smoke ventilation system design and installation for stairwells, corridors and car parks.
Mechanical Controls
Launch of the in-house developed Ventec range of mechanical ventilation control panels, expanding the product offering into powered smoke extract and pressurisation systems.
Industry Accreditations
Achieves NICEIC and Constructionline Gold Certification, reinforcing the commitment to quality, safety and compliance across all installations.
IFC Certification
One of the first UK companies to achieve IFC Certification for smoke ventilation - all engineers certified to SDI 19, the industry gold standard.
National Growth
Workforce grows to 85+ employees with dedicated mechanical contracts division. Maintenance operating nationwide across the UK and Ireland.
Record Year
Company turnover exceeds £10M. The Ventec 1000 system is installed in the world's tallest modular building - 44 storeys, 135 metres!
Vent Trade Is Born
Vent Engineering's supply division is rebranded as Vent Trade - a dedicated trade brand offering smoke and natural ventilation products, actuators, controls and components at fantastic trade prices with next day despatch.
Fire Innovation of the Year (Shortlisted)
The O Range smoke control panel is shortlisted at the FSM Awards 2026 in the Fire Innovation of the Year category. The judges recognised the panel's combination of no dip switches, engineer 2-factor authentication, verified user accounts, O Range Connect mobile commissioning, and 3-core firefighter switch wiring: features designed specifically to address the Golden Thread audit and Building Safety Act requirements that the rest of the smoke control market still treats as bolt-on extras.
Why The Trade Chooses Us
What sets us apart
We Never Sub-Contract
Every installation is handled by our own SDI 19 certified. We design, manufacture, supply, install, commission, and maintain - all in-house.
Industry Leadership
Lorenzo Jones chairs the SCA Maintenance Guidance working group: the authoritative body that defines smoke control maintenance standards across the UK. Anthony Munn sits on the SCA smoke control damper committee. NICEIC and Constructionline Gold certified.
Family Values, National Reach
Founded by Tullio Jones in 1988, now led by Lorenzo Jones as MD. 100+ employees nationwide, with our Technical Department in Waterlooville headed by Di Small.
Supplying the UK smoke ventilation industry since 1988
With over £1 million of smoke vents, control panels, fans, and actuators held in the UK and available for next-day delivery, your projects keep moving.
We design and manufacture our own control panels in-house, ensuring complete quality control from design through to commissioning.
“Our aim is to be the preferred company for customers seeking repeat collaborations. This stems from our commitment to offering flexible solutions, delivering a professional and accountable service, and ensuring the provision of UK-compliant systems using fully certified products. - Lorenzo Jones, Managing Director”
Other Vent Websites
Ventec 100 Ltd operate as part of the Vent Group. We operate a number of specialist supply channels and websites designed to support different sectors of the smoke control and natural ventilation industry.
AOV-Direct.co.uk
Ventec 100's online store for smoke ventilation AOV roof vents and controls — a simple, convenient way to buy smoke control systems, replacement components and equipment directly from stock.
Visit website →Window-Actuators.co.uk
Ventec 100's specialist resource for electric window actuators and automated opening systems. From chain and spindle actuators to bespoke window automation, it offers expert product knowledge and a comprehensive range of actuator options.
Visit website →vent.co.uk
Ventec 100's main website as a specialist, bespoke, turnkey operator — designing, supplying, installing and maintaining natural, mechanical and pressurisation smoke ventilation systems, including car park ventilation.
Visit website →Speak To Us
Talk to our team about stock availability, technical support, and project requirements.