Building safety reforms must go further to deliver safer and more inclusive buildings, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has said in response to the latest consultation on Approved Document B.
The organisation has urged the Government to continue modernising the statutory guidance that supports fire safety requirements within the Building Regulations in England, warning that current guidance has not fully kept pace with modern construction methods, changing building use or the needs of a diverse and ageing population.
NFCC welcomes progress on evacuation lifts
The NFCC said the consultation from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) includes several measures that would improve clarity and strengthen fire safety standards.
Among the proposals welcomed by the council is the introduction of guidance on evacuation lifts, a measure it said it has called for over many years.
However, the NFCC said the proposed changes do not yet amount to the wider reforms needed to ensure buildings are designed around occupants’ needs and support the Government’s ambition for everyone to reach a place of safety in an emergency without external assistance.
Calls for wider reform of fire safety guidance
Wider provision of evacuation lifts to support residents who are unable to use stairs, with safe evacuation based on people’s needs rather than building height.
Increased use of sprinklers in specialised housing, both with and without care provision.
Further review of fire safety requirements for car parks, including consideration of sprinkler systems and risks linked to modern vehicles and electric vehicle infrastructure.
Greater clarity, research and testing around modern methods of construction and combustible structural materials.
Completion of the wider Approved Document B review programme announced after Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.
‘Buildings should be suitable for the people who live in them’
Dave Russel, NFCC Protection Lead, said: “It is encouraging to see progress in a number of areas, particularly the introduction of guidance on evacuation lifts, something NFCC has been calling for over many years.
“But this is about more than individual changes to guidance. Last year, we set out a vision for a building safety system that reflects how people live today, supports those who may need help to evacuate, and keeps pace with modern buildings and modern risks.
“At its heart, this is about people. Buildings should be suitable for the people who live in them, rather than people having to be suitable for buildings. When someone needs to escape a fire, their safety should not depend on whether a building was designed with their needs in mind.
“The Grenfell Tower fire showed why we must put residents at the centre of every decision. We welcome the progress being made and look forward to working with Government and industry to ensure the wider programme of reform delivers safer, more inclusive buildings for everyone.”
Quelfire shares expert insights into the key lessons from Gateway 2, highlighting common compliance challenges and how construction teams can prepare for Gateway 3
In many ways, Gateway 2 has become the new normal. It’s already changing the industry for the better, especially for teams that genuinely want to get things right. That said, the industry isn’t fully there yet.
Some still hold the mindset of “we’ve always done it this way” and approach the Gateway regime as something they have to do, rather than as something that can make a real difference in how we design and construct buildings.
From our perspective at Quelfire, it’s a much-needed change that is pushing the industry toward better decisions and safer buildings – which can only be good things, surely? In early applications, Ishfaq was surprised by the disconnect between the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) teams and the construction industry.
He highlighted that there seemed to be no established process; some BSR teams used staged applications, while others required full submissions.
Some submissions completed in early Stages 3/4 with no contractor details were approved in 12 weeks, whereas other T1 contractors, for instance, provided thorough information on specific parts of the build and waited about 9 months for approval.
Ultimately, this suggests that the BSR was still very much working out its processes during this stage. Because the introduction of the Gateways was such a significant change for the industry, the focus has naturally been on the first stop-and-go gateway, Gateway 2.
However, as the built environment transitions beyond this, the next unknown is Gateway 3, which introduces a new level of uncertainty. Ishfaq raised concerns about potential delays from Gateway 3, especially given the delays experienced with the second Gateway.
He believes it hasn’t been “road tested enough yet” to know what it will entail; the industry is still waiting for feedback.
Where are construction projects still falling short at Gateway 2?
Typically, R5 Consultants will distribute their project schedule to key parties, ready for submission at Gateway 2.
However, upon receiving the completed schedule, the team often finds gaps in expectations and information, with each party often having different ideas about elements of the project.
Ishfaq said, “The challenge with firestopping is that it’s one of the few elements of construction that is genuinely collaborative. The architect will set their position of all these walls, the structural engineer will dictate what size the openings and letterboxes can be and then the M&E engineer needs to tell you what is actually passing through and where and then you can come to a resolution on what the firestopping needs to be.” What Ishfaq and his team are finding is that they’re getting pushback from consultants due to tight deadlines and rising costs, because they haven’t given enough time to Gateway requirements.
Furthermore, Whitty argued that contractors “can’t play the system anymore” and that part of the Gateway regime is about making concrete decisions and following them through on-site.
He said that hidden costs, along with having to redesign a project two or three times, slow development and cost a lot of money to resolve.
What does good Gateway 2 compliance actually look like?
The whole reason for the Building Safety Act 2022 and subsequent Gateways is to improve building safety and protect those in them. Early fire stopping engagement is the only way to ensure this, as it brings all key parties together at the design stage to discuss key deliverables and how they’ll be achieved.
It puts fire safety at the heart of every decision, ensuring the project is designed and then built around available fire stopping tested solutions. Ishfaq said that when looking at the mechanics of what you’re going to submit, it is about design procurement alongside product and system procurement.
If contractors review the information and decide on deliverables, a systematic approach can be taken to articulate it to the regulator.
Further to this, Whitty stated that main contractors need to be clear about and commit to products and systems they want to see in the building. He also raised that you’ve got to make it easy for the regulator to say yes.
You’re taking the BSR on a journey – give examples, show the rationale behind the decisions. This also includes being in dialogue with your regulator spokesperson and finding out what’s required of you: ask the questions.
All panellists agreed that it is better for project teams to take their time at the design stage and focus on getting it right the first time. Multiple redesigns cost time and money, add project pressure and stress and ultimately slow the whole project down.
You might discover that the BSR will ask for additional information after submission. By putting in the effort beforehand, you give yourself an advantage.
Thorough design may take time upfront, but it pays off in the long run for business security and profitability. Not to mention it prioritises building safety!
How can construction teams start preparing for Gateway 3 now?
Both Whitty and Ishfaq agreed that contractors need to improve their QA process. Whitty also went on to say that it’s about the execution of what you set out to do. It’s about evidencing that what you have installed is as per what you submitted at Gateway 2.
You can’t leave it to the last minute to prove how your piling went in, for example, you’ve got to be thinking about all of these things from the get-go.
Ultimately, no one knows what Gateway 3 will fully entail, so if you’re not preparing for it, start now. Willmott Dixon is preparing for Gateway 3 by enhancing its pre-start procedures, working through key deliverables before construction even begins.
The team goes through what they are building, what they will be evidencing and how often and what good looks like. Whitty stated that having these early on-site conversations has been driving value in production and efficiency and that there is generally less conflict on site.
By working closely with supply chain partners, behaviours become apparent. Their willingness to collaborate, but also how they plan, prepare and deliver to make Gateway 3 more achievable.
Are construction projects ready for Gateway 3?
While the built environment’s focus has been on Gateway 2, it highlights one question: Are we ready for what comes next? Gateway 3 is currently the big unknown. The unknown can be scary, but especially for those unprepared.
“We’ll deal with it later” can no longer be an option, as evidence is crucial to demonstrating that what is built is what was designed for Gateway 2. That means thinking ahead now and applying all practices across all projects.
Because, at the end of the day, this is about whole building safety and protecting lives. And sticking to the agreed plan.
This article is based on Quelfire’s London Build 2025 panel discussion, titled Gateway 2: What We Know Now. Craig Wells, Sales Director at Quelfire, was joined by Graeme Whitty, National Product Director at Willmott Dixon and Nasar Ishfaq, Director, Architect and Principal Designer at R5 Consultants, to discuss Gateway 2 and what they have learned since its introduction. However, this article touches on why you should look beyond Gateway 2 to Gateway 3. It also explains how to prepare for it.
FIREscape Nepto Black Edition emergency lighting has been introduced by Hochiki Europe to provide a discreet emergency lighting solution for theatres, cinemas, nightclubs and other design-conscious venues
Hochiki Europe has expanded its emergency lighting portfolio with the launch of the FIREscape Nepto Black Edition emergency lighting range, offering a discreet solution for entertainment venues where maintaining the visual atmosphere is a priority.
The new FIREscape Nepto Black Edition emergency lighting has been developed for theatres, cinemas, nightclubs and similar venues where traditional white emergency lighting can stand out in darkened spaces. Its black finish is designed to blend into contemporary interiors while delivering the same performance as the standard FIREscape Nepto range.
The addressable system is built around a control panel connected to self-contained LED luminaires and exit signs using screened, extra-low voltage cabling. Each luminaire features an intelligent back-up battery capable of providing the required three hours of emergency operation in the event of a power failure.
According to Hochiki Europe, the low-voltage design and continuous self-testing and monitoring capabilities help simplify installation and maintenance while reducing associated costs compared with central battery or mains-powered emergency lighting systems.
The luminaire batteries have an expected lifespan of 10 years, helping to minimise replacement and maintenance requirements over the lifetime of the installation. The luminaires are certified to BS EN 60598-2-22 and BS EN 62034 Type PERC, while exit signs comply with BS EN ISO 7010. The complete system also meets the requirements of BS 5266.
The FIREscape Nepto range is designed to be scalable, with each control panel supporting up to two lighting lines and 127 devices per line. Up to 12 panels can also be networked together and controlled from a single keypad, making the system suitable for both single-site installations and larger estates.
The system includes adjustable lighting levels, day and night operating modes and the ability to configure luminaires as maintained or non-maintained, allowing users to tailor operation outside emergency situations.
While aimed at entertainment venues, Hochiki Europe said the Black Edition is also suitable for other environments where aesthetics are important, including premium retail spaces, gyms and modern office developments.
The Building Engineering Services Association has launched a new training programme designed to improve competence in fire damper inspection and maintenance across UK buildings.
The BESA DW145 Fire Damper Inspection and Maintenance course is mapped to the industry’s primary guide to good practice, DW145, and the National Occupational Standard BSEFSD04. It is accredited by specialist awarding body EAL and delivered by the BESA Academy with training partners across the UK.
The hybrid programme combines online learning, an onsite portfolio build and three days of practical work and assessments at a BESA-approved training centre. Successful learners will qualify to apply for the appropriate SKILLcard, supporting access to project sites.
BESA said the launch follows its 2024 update of DW145, which came after annual maintenance inspections revealed a rise in incorrectly installed fire dampers. Issues identified included dampers that did not follow manufacturers’ instructions, were damaged, had never been tested or could not be accessed for inspection.
The new course focuses on the role of dampers within legal life safety requirements, including compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England and Wales, the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010. It also reflects BS 9999, which states that dampers should be tested at least annually, depending on system type.
Competence and record keeping central to training
Under DW145, testing must be carried out by a competent person, with inspection and maintenance activity supported by accurate, verifiable records. A full asset register should also be maintained, showing the location and condition of each damper.
The training covers the full inspection process, from checking and recording the physical condition of the damper, including damage to blades or frames, to assessing actuators and penetration seals.
It also includes functional testing and resetting of dampers, as well as their interface with fire alarms and building control systems, recognising that dampers often operate as part of a wider fire control strategy.
Kevin Morrissey, technical director at BESA, said: “When inspecting and testing fire dampers, you’re essentially verifying that they will operate correctly in a real fire scenario and maintain compartmentation. Will they contain the spread of smoke and/or fire at the critical moment so helping to keep people and property safe?”
Morrissey said the programme reflected the sector’s wider focus on competence and compliance, as well as BESA’s response to increased scrutiny of building safety following the Grenfell Tower disaster.
He added: “Unsurprisingly, UK fire authorities are taking an in-depth interest in this aspect of building safety and many clients, although not all, are now more aware of their legal and social obligations. This, in turn, places greater pressure on damper and ductwork contractors to provide evidence of their own competence and ability to comply with legislation – hence the need for this kind of specific, targeted training.”
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched a new e-learning module to help construction professionals understand and meet their responsibilities under the latest building regulations.
The competency-led course, ‘Building Regulation Compliance: Contractor Roles,’ provides practical guidance on compliance requirements and how they apply to contractors. It is aimed primarily at directors, managers and senior leaders, while also offering valuable insight for project teams and supervisors responsible for maintaining standards on site.
A key focus of the course is addressing the misconception that roles such as Principal Contractor and Contractor apply only to higher-risk buildings. These roles are mandatory across all regulated works, making a clear understanding of responsibilities essential for compliance.
According to FIS, the course explains these requirements in a straightforward, accessible way, helping contractors understand where they fit within the regulatory framework and what is expected of them.
Developed in collaboration with FIS members and industry experts, the module aims to simplify complex regulatory requirements and support organisations in embedding best practice.
Participants will gain a greater understanding of the new regulations and the building control process, while strengthening organisational competence and capability. The course also provides CPD points to support professional development.
The training forms part of FIS’s support of the sector through regulatory change, providing timely, practical training that reflects the realities faced by contractors.
FIS members can access the module free of charge through the FIS Academy while non-members can enrol for a fee.
Fire safety behaviour change is central to efforts to improve standards across the UK built environment supply chain, Fire Aware has said in comments made this week to industry members and stakeholders.
Fire safety behaviour change is being positioned as a key requirement for delivering lasting cultural reform across the UK built environment supply chain, according to membership organisation Fire Aware.
The organisation said this week that its expanding membership base reflects growing recognition across construction, asset management and building operations that responsibility for fire safety extends across all levels of the sector.
The emphasis on behavioural reform comes amid ongoing changes following the Grenfell Inquiry, which has driven sustained scrutiny of safety culture across the industry.
The inquiry, led by Dame Judith Hackitt, has previously called for a shift towards ethical responsibility and cultural change, rather than reliance on regulatory compliance alone.
Regulatory oversight has also been strengthened through the creation of the Building Safety Regulator, which is tasked with improving competence and raising standards across the built environment.
Fire Aware chief executive Gavin Skelly said behavioural change across contractors, subcontractors, asset owners and managers remains essential to achieving consistent safety outcomes.
He said the challenge is not limited to compliance, but extends to attitudes and day-to-day decision-making across different professional disciplines.
“Changing behaviour can be difficult especially across different disciplines whether you are a contractor, sub contractor, asset owner or manager. However, it is the difference between meeting the cultural change that is needed or not,” he said.
Skelly added that exceeding minimum compliance standards is increasingly seen as both a safety expectation and a commercial differentiator in the post-Grenfell environment.
“Actions do speak louder than words. Adopting best practice above the minimum requirements of compliance can feel like an unnecessary step – yet it is a valuable USP for any business with a duty of care in the post Grenfell era,” he said.
Fire Aware said its members are joining to adopt its code of conduct and sector-specific charters designed to standardise expected behaviours across the supply chain.
The organisation said this is intended to create a more unified approach to competence, accountability and professional responsibility across the industry.
It also highlighted that fire risk is particularly acute in hospitality settings such as bars, restaurants and hotels, as well as healthcare environments where vulnerable occupants may require additional support during emergencies.
Fire Aware said its wider aim is to embed behavioural standards across the built environment by linking moral responsibility with professional practice and regulatory expectations.
In facade design, passive fire protection must perform over time in real building conditions, not just in testing.
This is especially important in curtain wall construction, where facades accommodate movement from wind loads, thermal expansion, and structural deflection. In these cases, a firestop or perimeter seal must do more than fit at installation. It must maintain the seal over time as the building moves.
This is where a Lamella material offers something distinctly different.
Fire protection must do more than achieve fire resistance
Passive fire protection performance depends on more than fire rating alone. It must also maintain the right form, fit, and compressibility over the life of the system.
Some standard stone wool solutions use a horizontal fiber structure. While stable, this can reduce their ability to accommodate repeated lateral compression over time. As movement and compression continue, internal fiber bonds can break down, reducing the product’s ability to recover and potentially allowing gaps to form between the fire protection and the facade or slab edge.
In curtain wall systems, where movement is expected, that loss of recovery can become a critical performance issue. Passive fire protection must remain closely fitted between the facade and the floor slab or inner construction, maintaining integrity as those elements move relative to one another. If the material cannot flex, recover, and sustain contact, the long-term effectiveness of the seal may be at risk.
A material engineered differently
Siderise® developed its own unique Lamella to address these real-world demands. Rather than using a conventional horizontal fiber structure, Siderise Lamella is manufactured from a specially formulated stone wool with vertically oriented fibers. This vertical arrangement allows the product to better withstand lateral compression and to recover more reliably from movement. Accelerated age testing in accordance with EOTA Technical Report 024 has demonstrated that Siderise’s Lamella structure can be repeatedly laterally compressed without loss of recovery or flex.
A smarter experience on site
Lamella also brings practical advantages. The integrated foil facing is clearly marked on top/bottom, and with the fibers already oriented vertically, it significantly reduces the risk of installer error.
Traditional solutions can also require application of spray, with insulation cut and compressed onsite before being sealed with an elastomeric compound. Because Siderise’s product is pre-compressed in the factory, Lamella and the applied foil scrim provide such a high level of fire resistance that an additional wet seal is unnecessary. As that compression is applied, the facing visibly wrinkles, providing a visual indicator that the product has been installed correctly.
Built for the reality of modern facades
Siderise Lamella is engineered to maintain form, fit, and integrity in building envelope applications where movement is inevitable. In curtain wall systems, where small gaps can have significant consequences, that ability to move with the building is a critical performance requirement.
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) made 323 gateway 2 decisions in the 12 weeks to 1 May 2026, with 71% of applications approved, according to its latest building control update.
Of all decisions made during the period, 62% related to London projects.
Applications covering 17,046 residential units were determined during the 12-week period, including approvals for 12,299 housing units. BSR said 36,984 units remain in live cases.
The regulator also reported receiving new applications covering up to 17,626 residential units over the same period.
BSR’s Innovation Unit, which manages more complex higher-risk building applications, made 33 decisions in the 12 weeks to 1 May, approving 24 applications, equivalent to a 73% approval rate.
Fourteen of those approvals were for London projects. BSR said all 14 Innovation Unit decisions in London during the period were approved.
The regulator said all-time Innovation Unit approvals now total 33, with a median approval time of 22 weeks. The unit is currently handling 143 live applications representing 27,900 residential units.
Gateway 2 approvals continue to rise
BSR also published updated figures on remediation applications. The number of legacy remediation cases submitted in 2024 has fallen to 20, down from 42 at the start of 2026, with a further 12 applications expected to be determined by mid-May.
The regulator said remediation approval rates are nearing its 2026 target of 65%.
Under BSR’s batching process, where applications are grouped for external assessment, the median time from a case being issued to a supplier to a full assessment being returned was four weeks across new build, remediation and refurbishment categories.
The regulator said 254 new build cases, 408 remediation cases and 758 refurbishment cases have been issued through batching so far.
Median times from issue to supplier through to decision were nine weeks for new build cases, 10 weeks for remediation cases and 11 weeks for refurbishment cases.
BSR said the number of long-term legacy cases has been reduced to eight, which are being managed separately as complex cases.
Transitional cases have risen to 43 after BSR took over higher-risk building projects previously managed by Assent Building Control following the company’s closure in November 2025.
Charlie Pugsley, acting chief executive officer of BSR, said the regulator was continuing to process new build and remediation applications while maintaining building safety requirements.
Omniconn secures GCC first with UL 3115 certification
Omniconn has become the first company in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to receive UL 3115 certification for the ethical and secure deployment of artificial intelligence in safety-critical building environments.
The UAE-based firm announced the achievement following an assessment of its Platform 4.0 by UL Solutions, an international leader in applied safety science.
This certification establishes a verified framework for using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) within systems that manage fire panels and other essential building infrastructure.
UL 3115 requires that these technologies operate in a predictable and reliable manner while maintaining appropriate human oversight throughout the lifecycle of the software.
The evaluation ensures that AI systems used in mission-critical applications meet rigorous international standards for risk governance and auditable performance.
Ibrahim Lari, Chairman of Omniconn said: “Being the first company in the region to achieve UL3115 certification marks a major milestone for Omniconn and for AI innovation developed in the UAE.
“This certification validates the trustworthiness of our platform and its AI in supporting mission-critical systems that protect buildings, assets, and people.
“Through centralised monitoring, real-time control, and intelligent automation across fire, energy, and building systems, Omniconn helps strengthen the resilience, safety, and reliability of the UAE’s infrastructure, supporting its vision for smart, secure, and connected environments.”
Integration of fire panels and building systems
The certified Platform 4.0 serves as a centralised dashboard that unifies building management systems, operational technologies and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
It integrates fire panels, sensors and HVAC systems into a single interface to allow for real-time monitoring and predictive analytics across a facility.
This consolidation provides a single point of control for complex operations to help organisations improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
The technology is designed to interface with existing infrastructure to transform raw data into actionable intelligence for data-driven decision-making.
In addition to safety functions, the platform supports sustainability targets and carbon emission reductions through the optimisation of resource consumption.
The system also incorporates cybersecurity measures to safeguard building operations and prevent unplanned downtime in connected environments.
By meeting the UL 3115 standard, the company aims to support the development of secure digital ecosystems and long-term infrastructure reliability.
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.
