Leading life-safety systems manufacturer, C-TEC, has launched a new series of CAST XFP technical help videos.
Created to give engineers clear, visual, on-demand guidance on the installation and operation of its powerful and super-intuitive CAST XFP fire detection and alarm systems, the videos include practical advice on updating firmware, auto addressing, adding new devices and taking downloads from the panel using a PC.
Terry Gordon, C-TEC’s Engineering/Technical Support Manager, said: “Our new help videos are designed to assist anyone installing CAST XFP. As a soft-addressing system, it’s very flexible and can programmed with our handheld programmer or by using the panel’s auto address function for fast sequential programming of all devices. Our videos highlight all these options and also share guidance on identifying loop integrity faults, updating firmware and much more.”
Other initiatives introduced recently to boost the company’s technical support services include the creation of a new CAST technical support team, a new dedicated tech support telephone number and a Cloud-based AI-enabled call logging software system.
C-TEC is a leading UK manufacturer of world-class open-protocol fire detection and alarm system solutions for commercial and residential buildings. In addition to fire systems, lockdown systems and evacuation alert systems, the company also manufactures some of the UK’s most-respected call systems, disabled refuge systems and hearing loop systems.
Honeywell Platinum Partner status places Fire Safe Services among the UK’s top Gent fire detection specialists, strengthening delivery across design, installation and support
Fire Safe Services, a specialist fire detection and life safety business and part of Complii, has been awarded Honeywell Platinum Partner status within Honeywell’s partner programme for Gent fire detection systems.
The accreditation places Fire Safe Services among a select group of high-performing Gent system specialists in the UK and recognises the company’s technical competence, service delivery standards and customer support capabilities.
Nick Fenton, managing director at Fire Safe Services, said: “This is a significant milestone for Fire Safe Services and a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire team.
“For our clients, it means they can have absolute confidence that their fire detection systems are designed, installed, commissioned and supported by a business that Honeywell itself trusts to represent its brand at the very highest level.
“As part of Complii, this achievement further strengthens our collective capability and reinforces our commitment to setting the standard in building compliance.”
Honeywell’s partner programme recognises businesses that demonstrate high standards across technical training, installation quality, commissioning and ongoing support. Platinum Partner status is the programme’s highest tier and is awarded to organisations meeting strict performance criteria.
According to Fire Safe Services, the accreditation will provide clients with manufacturer-recognised expertise, direct access to Honeywell technical specialists and earlier insight into new Gent technologies, firmware updates and design guidance.
The company said the status also supports enhanced compliance assurance through regular Honeywell audits and performance reviews, while helping clients improve long-term system reliability and reduce maintenance burdens through technologies such as Gent Self Test and CLSS integration.
Fire Safe Services recently deployed Gent Self Test technology at University of Worcester as part of a project in the education sector.
The company said the Platinum accreditation would also strengthen confidence in complex and new-build projects across sectors including education, healthcare and commercial real estate, particularly in quality-weighted tender processes.
Over 13,500 fire safety professionals to gather at The Fire Safety Event 2026
The Fire Safety Event will open its doors at the NEC Birmingham on 28-30 April 2026 and will play host to leading manufacturers and suppliers to showcase their latest approved products and solutions.
The event, organised by Nineteen Events, is dedicated to supporting industry practitioners, professionals and organisations in achieving and maintaining the very highest standards of fire safety management.
With over 300 exhibitors participating at the show, some of the industry’s leading brands including Apollo, Checkmate Fire, LFS, Sentry Doors, Strongdor and many more, will be showcasing the latest research and development, product and solution launches and live demonstrations.
A number of key associations and industry bodies will also be supporting The Fire Safety Event and will be on hand to offer guidance and expert advice to visitors, including BAFE, FireQual, ECA/FSA, FIA, Fire Aware, FPA, IFCC, IFE, ISCVE, IWMA, NSI, OSPAs, Smoke Control Association and many more.
CPD-accredited conference theatres
Education is at the heart of The Fire Safety Event.
With industry-led theatres and 45+ hours of free-to-attend CPD content, the event offers the opportunity for visitors to gain direct insight into improving, maintaining and championing fire safety for all businesses.
The Fire Safety Leaders Summit, sponsored by RiskBase, will feature a line-up of industry experts and keynotes, offering insight and expertise on best practice, regulatory updates and topical areas impacting the fire safety sector.
The Passive Fire Conference, in partnership with ASPF, will enable visitors to gain more knowledge on passive fire protection topics and various fire safety measures in the built environment.
Visitors will hear from the experts and get the essential advice from specification, installation, inspection and maintenance.
Meanwhile, the Compliance Theatre (sponsored by UL Solutions) will host essential sessions focused on legislation, standards and regulatory updates, helping fire safety professionals stay ahead of compliance.
With expert-led discussions and practical guidance, it offers vital insights for businesses striving to maintain best practices and meet evolving client expectations.
The Innovation Theatre, sponsored by Hochiki, will spotlight the latest advancements, emerging technologies and forward-thinking solutions shaping the future of fire safety.
Through expert-led sessions, the theatre offers attendees a look ahead at the new innovations driving progress and improving safety outcomes across the industry.
Finally, the FIA Guidance Theatre will offer expert insights and practical advice on fire safety regulations and best practices.
Attendees can learn from industry leaders, stay updated on compliance standards and discover innovative solutions to enhance fire protection strategies.
Key features for 2026
UKTC will showcase the operations of a fire testing laboratory with live on-site commentary of passive fire protection product tests.
The UKTC sessions will allow visitors to experience fire tests on a 2.5 x 1.5m screen with the opportunity to ask questions to UKTC’s own experts and take part in thought-provoking debates.
The Fire Safety Event has also partnered with Worldskills UK to bring a fully immersive and interactive zone dedicated to the security engineers of tomorrow.
Hosting the National Qualifiers onsite, this will raise the standard for apprentices to excel in their careers.
Meanwhile,the Fire Safety Event has renewed its commitment to empowering and celebrating women in fire safety management, with visitors able to meet Women Talking Fire on its stand and networking drinks at the end of day one.
According to the organisers, the show is inclusive of people of all ages who are passionate about championing the next generation of talent, describing the network as a genuine movement committed to driving change within an ageing workforce.
As such, there will be specially curated sessions designed for the next generation of industry talent.
After a day filled with discussions and valuable insights, networking opportunities are available at the Networking Café, where complimentary Networking Drinks take place at the end of Day One.
Giveaways and competitions
For the first time, the FIA is to host on its stand a live, hands-on challenge for trainees, apprentices and early career technicians working in fire detection and alarm systems.
Running across all three days, competitors will work on a non-addressable fire alarm system to identify faults and non-compliances, apply safe working practices, test the system correctly and document their work just as on a real maintenance visit.
Visitors to the Specify & Build visitor trail will get the opportunity to take home a cash prize.
To enter, visitors just need to pick up a trail booklet, visit participating exhibitor stands, collect stamps and could win £10,000.
Nineteen Events said the trail is a fun, interactive way to discover new products, meet exhibitors and get more from your day.
Networking at the NEC
Visitors will be able to connect with peers at the Networking Café (sponsored by FIA) or finish the day with networking drinks to celebrate your achievements.
They will also be able to join senior fire safety leaders and influential professionals for an elevated show experience – crafted exclusively for Platinum VIP Club members.
Platinum VIP members gain access to premium networking spaces, curated content, exclusive hospitality benefits at the show and personalised experiences that help to connect with the right people, discover the latest innovations faster and maximise every moment at the show.
Meanwhile, a free-of-charge AI concierge service connects visitors with the right people at the right time.
Using smart matching based on your role and interests, it schedules one-to-one meetings so you can build meaningful connections, save time, and get more value from your event experience.
For instant access to seminars, exhibitor listings, floorplan, speaker detail and live updates, the Safety & Security Series Show App is an essential event companion.
The app enables you to plan your visit, build your schedule and find all the information you need to get the most from the show before, during and after attending.
One place, multiple events
The Fire Safety Event is uniquely co-located with The Security Event, The Health & Safety Event, The Workplace Event and The National Cyber Security Show, which together form The Safety & Security Series.
With only one registration, delegates have access to all shows.
In addition, the event offers free on-site parking at the NEC.
With a train station, airport, and direct access to the M42 motorway, the NEC provides convenience for all attendees.
This series has also partnered with Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Avanti West Coast, Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines for exclusive discounts.
Trail Group appointment strengthens passive fire safety leadership
Trail Group has appointed David Humphrey as Operations Director, with operational responsibility for the group’s Passive Fire Safety division.
Humphrey has more than 25 years of experience in high-end housebuilding and construction, working for tier one contractors.
His experience includes cost planning, contract administration, strategic procurement, subcontractor management and operational oversight for major construction projects.
Jon Crosby, Managing Director of Trail Group, said: “David brings considerable commercial expertise, leadership experience and operational strength to Trail Group at a pivotal time in our growth.
“We are delighted to welcome him to the business and to the Board.”
Role scope and professional background
In the role, Humphrey is responsible for leading and strengthening the operational teams and managing the financial performance of the business.
This includes embedding commercial processes and delivering quality, compliance and customer satisfaction across workstreams and projects.
He will support the group’s wider commercial strategy, including new sectors and partnerships for business development, and will work with the board on growth plans.
He will also oversee passive fire safety operations from contract award to completion, with responsibility for delivery to specification, schedule and budget.
Humphrey said: “Trail Group is a business with real momentum.
“I was impressed by the entrepreneurial and customer-focused culture at every level; the high calibre of people in each division, and the genuine commitment to looking after its clients.
“Its teams have a really positive and proactive attitude, rarely shying away from a challenge, and consistently going the extra mile to deliver outstanding results.
“The opportunity to help shape and grow the business really appealed at this stage of my career – to build on these strong teams, strengthen commercial rigour, and open up new avenues of work with developers, public sector organisations, social landlords and commercial clients.”
Humphrey has a degree in quantity surveying and has held senior commercial and project director roles, working across pre-construction and construction delivery.
Trail Group said its services include passive and active fire protection, construction and refurbishment, security solutions, electrical testing and installations and planned maintenance.
The company said it works nationally with housing associations, local authorities, NHS trusts, emergency services, museums, large private landlords and commercial organisations.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has urged the UK government to fund the fire and rescue service in the upcoming Budget, saying services are overstretched during one of the busiest times of the year.
According to the FBU, Bonfire Night again exposed a lack of resources across fire and rescue services, with crews responding to a sharp rise in incidents.
The latest government figures show that fire and rescue services in England attended 165,697 fires in the year to June 2025, representing a 28% increase compared to the previous year.
Overall incident attendance reached 628,764, marking a 25% increase over the past decade.
The FBU said the rise was largely driven by a 52% increase in outdoor primary fires, which are incidents causing harm to people or damage to property.
Fire-related fatalities also rose to 279 deaths in the same period, up 21% on the previous year, with 208 of those occurring in house fires.
Steve Wright, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary, said: “The fire and rescue service is on its knees after another round of deadly funding cuts, and firefighters are working to save lives under more pressure than ever.
“It also allows us to coordinate better with neighbouring services.
“Latest figures show a dramatic increase in serious fire incidents, with outdoor fires rising by over 50%.
“We have seen fire and rescue services pushed beyond limits responding to major wildfire incidents throughout the year, which are only predicted to worsen with the climate crisis.
“The loss of 1 in 5 firefighter posts since 2010 means fire cover and resilience have been decimated across the UK.
“The outcome is that it takes longer for fire engines to arrive at incidents, when every second counts.
“Political decisions to cut funding are tragically reflected in rising fatalities.
“The FBU is calling on the government to tax the ultra rich to fund our vital public services.
“To save lives, Rachel Reeves’ upcoming Budget must include a progressive wealth tax to rebuild the fire and rescue service.”
Attacks on firefighters condemned amid bonfire night incidents
Alongside calls for funding, both the FBU and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) condemned reports of attacks on firefighters during bonfire night incidents.
NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said: “It is appalling to see firefighters and other emergency service colleagues come under attack while doing their duty and protecting their communities.
“Their bravery should never be met with violence or abuse.
“Attacks on firefighters, like all emergency workers, are serious criminal offences that can carry custodial sentences.
“Those responsible for these disgraceful acts must be held accountable and brought to justice.”
In Scotland, the FBU said firefighters were pushed “far beyond safe limits” as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported more than 700 calls on 5 November.
The London Fire Brigade recorded 821 calls on the same night, the highest since 2016.
The union said attacks included a Merseyside crew targeted with fireworks while tackling a tower block fire.
Steve Wright said: “Firefighters are humanitarian workers, dedicated to saving lives.
“The last thing they need while fighting fires on the busiest night of the year is to come under attack.
“Fire and rescue services are severely under-resourced and overstretched.
“In the last decade, we have lost 1 in 5 firefighters to cuts.
“This means that fewer firefighters are responding to more incidents, and are pushed far beyond safe limits during periods like bonfire night.
“Cuts to fire and rescue service’s community outreach, and the axing of youth centres and services, are contributing to this chaos.
“The government must reverse austerity and fund public services to keep firefighters, and the public, safe.”
Union rejects political remarks on firefighter pensions
The FBU also criticised comments from Reform UK about potential changes to public sector pensions.
Steve Wright said: “Reform UK are a party led by millionaires.
“Firefighters will be shocked that the multi-millionaire deputy leader of Reform UK wants to raid the pensions of firefighters and other public sector workers.
“Firefighters put their lives and their health on the line day-in and day-out to protect the public.
“Farage and Tice are threatening firefighters hard earned pensions.
“The FBU will fiercely resist any attempt to cut the pensions that firefighters have already paid into.
“Firefighters’ pensions have been systematically attacked by various governments over the years, and Reform UK while professing to be different are clearly demonstrating that they are no different at all from those who have previously attacked firefighters’ pensions.
“In fact they intend to go further than previous governments ever did by getting rid of defined benefit pensions for public sector workers.
“In the forthcoming Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves must urgently introduce a wealth tax to properly fund public services, pensions and increase pay for all workers.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The FBU’s call for increased funding highlights operational strain across UK fire and rescue services.
Rising incident numbers, particularly outdoor and residential fires, indicate heavier demand on response capacity and equipment readiness.
Fire and rescue leaders may review staffing, coverage and community engagement strategies in light of these trends.
The growing frequency of attacks on firefighters also underlines the need for stronger safety measures and coordination with law enforcement during public events.
For policymakers, the data provides evidence of service pressure and potential areas for future resource allocation in the upcoming Budget cycle.
ProGroup Recruitment reports record growth after five years in fire protection
Recruitment firm celebrates milestone with expansion and training focus
ProGroup Recruitment has marked five years in business with record growth, new service offerings and a continued focus on raising standards in the UK fire protection industry.
The Southampton-based specialist recruiter has grown its team from seven to ten consultants and launched a dedicated Active Fire division alongside its established Passive Fire expertise.
The company has also expanded its executive appointments service for senior-level positions within the fire protection sector.
ProGroup Recruitment recorded 15% year-on-year growth, a 108% increase in white-collar permanent placements and a doubling of management-level hires compared with the previous year.
Toby Mackay, Director of ProGroup Recruitment, said: “I’m incredibly proud of where the business stands today compared to where we started five years ago.”
“I’m grateful to all our employees who have helped us grow and to every client and candidate who has entrusted us with supporting their recruitment.”
“We will continue to strive to offer the very best service.”
Company expands Active Fire division and strengthens white-collar team
Director Jack McArthur said: “We’ve entered a fast-moving market as a new business and have grown significantly year on year, establishing ourselves as a leading recruitment partner for fire protection businesses across the UK.”
“We’re excited to see where the next five years will take us and how we can strengthen our partnerships even further.”
Over the past year, ProGroup has expanded its white-collar division, which has doubled in size during the last three months.
The firm’s investment in staff development has included customer service workshops and CPD sessions delivered by manufacturers such as Quelfire.
ProGroup Recruitment also maintains charter-compliant membership with Fire Aware, the UK initiative promoting ethical and transparent recruitment in the fire safety sector.
CPD and ethics shape recruitment standards
McArthur said: “Continual learning through CPD sessions with product manufacturers like Quelfire has been instrumental in deepening the team’s technical understanding of fire protection products and installation standards, ensuring consultants can better advise both candidates and clients in a competitive and rapidly evolving sector.”
Hayley Clay, Marketing Manager at Quelfire, said: “Quelfire sees real value in delivering CPD sessions that not only give attendees the practical knowledge and confidence to make the right decisions on their projects, but also contribute to raising standards across the industry.”
“By educating professionals on how to do firestopping the right way, we ultimately help create safer buildings that protect people and property.”
“We are proud to support ProGroup Recruitment’s commitment to driving this mission forward and congratulate them on their fifth anniversary.”
UK fire protection recruitment market grows more competitive
According to ProGroup Recruitment, the UK fire protection market continues to evolve, with increasing demand for skilled professionals and new contractors entering the sector.
Candidates frequently receive multiple job offers, while salary expectations have risen due to cost-of-living pressures and a shortage of experienced workers.
ProGroup said its approach is to act as an advisor to clients, helping them secure top talent by responding quickly to applicants, refining offer packages and understanding workplace culture.
Around 10% of the company’s placements now come from referrals within its network, reflecting the level of trust built with professionals across the sector.
ProGroup’s goal for the year ahead is to fully establish its Active Fire division while continuing to invest in training and feedback-driven improvement.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
Recruitment trends within the fire protection industry directly affect fire engineers, contractors, system installers and building service firms seeking qualified professionals.
The growth of ProGroup Recruitment’s Active Fire and Passive Fire divisions reflects wider market expansion in fire detection, alarm and suppression system installation.
For senior managers and project leads, the firm’s increased focus on executive appointments indicates growing demand for leadership expertise within the sector.
Training initiatives such as CPD sessions from Quelfire demonstrate the value of technical product knowledge in recruitment and highlight the link between education, competency and safer building outcomes.
By promoting ethical hiring through Fire Aware membership, ProGroup’s approach contributes to the professionalisation of fire protection employment practices across the UK.
Specialist cable supplier AEI Cables has said that safety must remain the top priority for the electrical supply chain despite current economic challenges.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has issued two separate revisit letters in England, setting out distinct findings for Avon Fire and Rescue Service and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.
