How Sugarcrete turned sugarcane bagasse into four-hour fire resistance

by ConstructionFeatured NewsFire EngineeringPassiveProductsResearch

Sugarcrete sets new EI 240 benchmark

The University of East London (UEL) has reported that its Sugarcrete® low-carbon building material has achieved an EI 240 fire resistance rating in full-scale testing in Spain, supporting its use in high-risk and safety-critical building applications.

According to UEL, Sugarcrete is formed from sugarcane by-product bagasse combined with sand-mineral binders and is intended as an alternative to conventional bricks and concrete blocks.

The university stated that the material has an estimated carbon footprint around six times smaller than traditional clay brick while maintaining performance in use.

Sugarcrete was developed at UEL’s Sustainability Research Institute, where researchers have focused on combining lower embodied carbon with stringent safety outcomes.

UEL indicated that fire performance has been a central element of the development programme in order to move the material into more demanding settings.

Full-scale AFITI test conditions and results

UEL reported that recent trials at AFITI Laboratories in Spain exposed Sugarcrete walls to one of the construction sector’s more demanding standardised fire resistance tests.

During the test, the internal face of the Sugarcrete wall was subjected to temperatures of 1,100°C inside the kiln chamber.

The external face of the wall reportedly remained at 26°C throughout the trial.

The test was run for 240 minutes, with UEL confirming that the wall maintained its integrity for the full four-hour duration.

Independent assessors concluded that the system achieved an EI 240 classification under EN 13501-2:2023.

The EI 240 rating indicates that the construction prevented fire penetration and limited heat transfer for at least 240 minutes.

UEL stated that this outcome places Sugarcrete among the highest-performing materials in current use for sustained fire resistance.

Performance compared with existing wall systems

According to the university, Sugarcrete’s performance in the AFITI test outstripped that of standard clay brick and concrete block walls assessed under comparable conditions.

The results were also reported to be in line with specialist fire-partition systems designed for higher-risk environments.

UEL said this brings Sugarcrete into the same category as systems currently specified for installations where extended fire resistance is required.

The university added that the testing focused on both structural integrity and thermal insulation across the four-hour exposure.

The material maintained stability while holding the temperature differential between the exposed and unexposed faces of the wall.

Potential use in safety-critical applications

On the basis of the AFITI trial and independent assessment, UEL stated that Sugarcrete is now a viable candidate for a range of safety-critical applications.

The university highlighted potential use in industrial fire walls designed to separate high-hazard areas within facilities.

It also identified protected escape routes as a key area where long-duration fire resistance and controlled heat transfer are required.

Further potential applications include data centres, where thermal protection and compartmentation form part of wider resilience strategies.

UEL added that petrochemical environments are another target sector, given their reliance on robust fire-rated separation systems.

Low-carbon profile alongside fire performance

UEL noted that Sugarcrete had already drawn attention for its lower embodied carbon profile before the latest fire tests.

The university presented the new data as evidence that reducing embodied carbon does not have to come at the expense of fire resistance or durability in use.

It said that the combination of lower carbon footprint and high fire performance could give construction clients another option when assessing materials for high-risk settings.

Alan Chandler, co-creator of Sugarcrete and Associate at the Sustainability Research Institute, said: “This is a defining moment.

“To hold back fire at over 1,000 degrees for four hours proves Sugarcrete® is not only sustainable, but also safe and resilient enough for the most demanding environments.”

Institution of Fire Engineers extends Elevate CPD pathway for early career professionals

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsFire EngineeringTraining

Elevate webinars to cover British Standards, ethics and sustainable fire engineering topics in 2026

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has announced that its Elevate webinar series will continue throughout 2026, offering a structured online learning pathway for early career fire professionals.

The organisation said the programme will maintain its fortnightly schedule, with sessions focused on technical knowledge, ethics and sector practice.

According to the IFE, Elevate will include webinars on radiation theory, British Standards and their impact on the fire sector, and ethics within the industry during 2026.

The series is designed to contribute to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by combining expert-led content with opportunities for interaction.

The IFE stated that strong engagement to date has led to the decision to extend the initiative into next year.

Early careers focus and CPD structure

Elevate is delivered by the IFE Early Careers Networking Group and is intended to give people at the start of their fire careers a clear development framework.

The programme consists of expert-led sessions, interactive discussions and practical takeaways that are intended to support individual career progression.

Each webinar contributes to CPD by addressing defined learning aims within fire engineering and fire safety.

The IFE said Elevate has grown into a resource that early career professionals can return to on a regular basis.

The stated aim is to equip attendees with knowledge and confidence to engage with complex areas of fire safety practice.

The organisation also linked the series to awareness of different career paths within the wider fire sector.

Quarterly booking and 2026 topic themes

The Institution said a new quarterly booking system has been introduced for Elevate webinars in 2026.

Delegates can now pre-book all sessions within a three month block so they remain enrolled for the full quarter.

The IFE explained that this approach is intended to make it easier for attendees to keep track of upcoming events and avoid missing sessions.

Content for the 2026 programme is planned to cover suppression systems, fire safety in schools, BS 9999 and enclosure fire dynamics.

The IFE also highlighted newer areas such as sustainable building practices and current debates about ethical questions in the sector.

Bookings for Elevate sessions taking place between January and March 2026 are already open.

According to the organisation, places can be reserved via the events section of the IFE website.

Why Elevate matters for development leads

The Elevate series provides a regular CPD route for early career fire engineers, fire safety officers and other practitioners who need structured technical learning.

Its focus on topics such as suppression systems, fire safety in schools, BS 9999 and enclosure fire dynamics aligns with areas that feature in design work, risk assessment and code application.

Sessions on British Standards and ethics in the industry are directly relevant to professionals who interpret and apply standards or who advise on governance within organisations.

Training officers and instructors responsible for early career development can reference the Elevate schedule when planning learning pathways or signposting staff to external CPD.

For fire engineering consultants and fire safety officers, the inclusion of sustainable building practices and ethical debates provides an opportunity to engage with current questions affecting design choices and professional conduct.

Fire safety focus as IFE unveils twelve day festive advice programme

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsFire EngineeringSafety

Holiday fire safety campaign targets seasonal risks

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has launched its first 12 days of fire safety campaign, running from Monday 1 December for twelve days with a focus on reducing domestic fire risks during the holiday period.

The organisation said the initiative will deliver daily themed messages through digital channels and community networks, covering topics such as decorative lighting, candle use, cooking routines and night-time safety checks.

IFE stated that the campaign is intended to make practical fire safety actions easy to understand and apply at home during a time when households often introduce extra candles, fairy lights and electrical devices.

According to the organisation, the increased presence of these items in homes during the holidays is linked to a higher likelihood of domestic fires, many of which can be prevented with simple precautions.

The IFE added that fire crews face added pressure at this time of year and that any reduction in avoidable incidents can ease that demand.

The campaign is presented as a way for households to take straightforward steps that support both their own safety and the workload of local fire services.

Daily themes and resources for the public

IFE explained that each of the twelve days will focus on a specific topic, pairing a clear theme with practical steps the public can follow to reduce risk.

Daily messages will include prompts to check decorations for damage, avoid overloading sockets, use candles safely and maintain safe cooking practices in busy kitchens.

The campaign will also encourage households to test smoke alarms, plan escape routes and adopt safer night-time routines during the festive period.

IFE will publish graphics and downloadable guidance that can be used both in the home and in community settings, with all materials made available through the organisation’s website and social media channels.

The organisation said the content is designed to be easy to follow and share, and it is inviting people to pass on posts and documents to friends, family and colleagues.

The campaign will also invite the public to share their own safety tips and holiday setups using the hashtag #12DaysOfFireSafety, creating a visible focus on safer festive practices.

IFE confirmed that it will release a free downloadable Fire-Safe Holidays Guide at the end of the campaign, bringing the daily advice together in one document.

Shared responsibility and community engagement goals

IFE stated that the objective of the 12 days of fire safety campaign is to educate the public, reduce fire incidents and support a safer holiday season for everyone.

The organisation highlighted that the initiative is intended for a broad audience, including fire safety professionals, educators and members of the public.

By framing the campaign as a shared effort, IFE is encouraging participation from individuals, families and professionals who can extend the reach of the messages in their own networks.

The organisation is asking people to engage with the campaign by sharing official posts, distributing downloadable materials and adding their own practical examples of safe festive practices online.

IFE emphasised that the success of the campaign relies on widespread engagement, with every shared message or resource regarded as a way to reinforce simple, preventative behaviours.

Further information about the campaign and access to materials is available through the IFE website and its LinkedIn presence.

Implications for seasonal public education and outreach

Fire safety professionals involved in community outreach can use the IFE 12 days of fire safety campaign as a ready-made set of seasonal messages and resources.

The availability of graphics, themed daily guidance and a consolidated Fire-Safe Holidays Guide provides material that can be incorporated into local campaigns, social media schedules and school or community sessions.

Educators responsible for holiday safety messaging can align their own content with the IFE daily themes, reinforcing public understanding of decoration checks, candle use, cooking safety and night-time routines.

Teams that manage organisational social media channels can also amplify the campaign by sharing IFE posts and using the #12DaysOfFireSafety hashtag, extending the reach of the messages beyond IFE’s own audience.

Household-facing professionals, such as housing officers and community safety workers, can direct residents to the downloadable documents and encourage them to apply the advice at home across the holiday period.

Alpine Group wins BVCA Vision Award for sustainability, innovation and diversity

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringSustainability

Alpine Group takes BVCA Vision Award

Alpine Group has received the 2025 Vision Award from the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) in recognition of its sustainability, innovation and workforce diversity, following the association’s annual awards evening on 12 November 2025.

The Vision 2025 Awards celebrate equity and venture capital backed companies across the UK, from early-stage businesses to firms at the expansion and exit phase.

According to Alpine Group, the judges praised the company’s ability to combine commercial excellence with a clear sense of purpose.

They noted Alpine Group’s expansion, its focus on diversity and its emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) across the business.

The judging panel also highlighted the company’s campaign to reduce, recycle and reuse the four billion litres of drinking water used every year in fire detection and suppression tests.

Alpine Group stated that it supports the BVCA’s mission to promote DE&I in the financial industry and to recognise firms that want to build inclusive environments.

Sustainability, innovation and diversity at Alpine Group

Alpine Group said the award reflects its strategy of sustainable growth, operational innovation and building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Claire Owens, CEO of Alpine Group, said: “This recognition celebrates our commitment to sustainable growth, operational innovation, and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.

“We’re proud to be recognised by the BVCA during such a defining chapter in Alpine’s growth.

“This award reflects our progress and, most importantly, the people who drive our success every day.”

Investment partner notes Alpine Group’s growth

Private equity firm WestBridge, which backs Alpine Group, linked the award to the company’s recent development and environmental, social and governance (ESG) progress.

The firm noted that Alpine Group has strengthened its sales and people functions and completed a strategic acquisition to enter new, high-value markets since WestBridge invested.

Thomas Dutton, Investment Director at WestBridge, said: “It’s been a pleasure to support Alpine Group’s ambitious management team through a period of transformational growth, and we’re honoured that this has been recognised by the BVCA with this award win.

“Following our investment, the business has made huge strides in its ESG progress, strengthened its sales and people functions and made a strategic acquisition to enter new, high-value markets.”

Implications of Alpine award for testing practice

Alpine Group’s award submission drew attention to the four billion litres of drinking water used annually in fire detection and suppression tests.

For procurement officers and facility managers responsible for commissioning testing programmes, that focus on reduction, recycling and reuse offers a concrete reference point for evaluating suppliers.

Fire engineering consultants, system installers and fire-protection contractors can use the campaign as an example of how environmental performance may be integrated into test planning.

The case also shows how environmental, social and governance priorities are influencing private equity backed fire and safety businesses, which may affect investment decisions around test facilities and equipment.

Training officers and standards bodies may find Alpine Group’s work relevant when considering how sustainability metrics are incorporated into future guidance or certification schemes.

For risk assessors working with high-volume fire test operations, the campaign highlights practical opportunities to cut potable water use without changing the underlying test regime.

Private sector partnerships such as the one between Alpine Group and WestBridge indicate that sustainability performance can now carry weight alongside growth, expansion and workforce diversity in external evaluations.

Fire testing collaboration launched to support UK building safety reforms

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsFire EngineeringPassiveResearch

Fire testing rules tighten inside the FPA UL PartB plan

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has announced a collaboration with UL Solutions and PartB to deliver independent fire testing for the UK built environment at a time of strengthened regulation and closer scrutiny of construction products.

The collaboration is outlined in a joint paper titled Testing Times: a solutions-focused collaboration for UK fire testing.

According to the FPA, the aim is to provide impartial and transparent testing services that support compliance in a sector shaped by the Building Safety Act and the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The organisations highlighted that the Building Safety Regulator’s Gateway programme and extended liability under the Defective Premises Act have increased pressure on dutyholders to evidence the fire performance of products and systems.

They stated that stakeholders now need reliable data to show that every component and assembly used in construction meets defined fire safety standards.

Independent laboratory and response to inquiry findings

The FPA said it will use its independent fire testing laboratory to host testing commissioned by UL Solutions and PartB clients in a secure and confidential environment.

The organisation stated that tests will be carried out at arm’s length from the client to protect impartiality and ensure that intellectual property and proprietary data remain confidential.

The initiative is positioned as a direct response to issues raised in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report around the need for independent testing to rebuild trust in the construction sector.

According to the partners, access to impartial fire performance data is intended to help clients make better-informed choices, reduce remediation costs and show a commitment to recognised good practice.

FPA Chief Executive Dr Gavin Dunn said the collaboration is intended to address gaps in how complex building systems are assessed.

Gavin Dunn, FPA Chief Executive, said: “This new collaboration addresses a critical gap in the construction sector: the need to test and certify the fire performance not just of individual products, but increasingly also the interfaces and combinations of systems that often present the greatest fire safety risks.

“Leveraging the FPA’s independent testing capabilities, UL Solutions’ certification expertise, and PartB’s engineering insight, offers a holistic approach to fire safety validation for the whole UK built environment sector.”

Roles for FPA UL Solutions and PartB

UL Solutions was described as bringing more than 130 years of global experience in testing, inspection and certification to the collaboration.

The firm’s work helps manufacturers meet regulatory requirements and obtain market access through established certification schemes.

Through this collaboration, UL Solutions and the FPA plan to offer testing of building products and systems such as wall assemblies, fire doors and joint systems.

The partners said this work will support both UKCA and CE-marking requirements for applicable products and systems.

PartB was presented as a provider of pragmatic fire safety solutions based on real-world project experience and engineering judgement.

The company’s approach is focused on offering engineered alternatives to conventional remediation, which can avoid invasive and high-cost work while maintaining safety performance.

According to PartB, its experience shows that compliance can in some cases be achieved through engineered solutions that maintain fire safety without defaulting to full-scale replacement.

Jamie Davis, PartB Group Chief Technical Officer, explained that the publication of the white paper marks an important step for the partners.

Jamie Davis, PartB Group Chief Technical Officer, said: “We are proud to announce the publication of this white paper.

“It marks a significant progress in enhancing collaboration to ensure proper testing and compliance measures.

“By sharing these insights, we aim to promote safer building environments and strengthen our commitment to innovation and technical excellence in fire risk mitigation, in a proportionate and responsible manner”

Panel session at London Build and access to the paper

The FPA said representatives from the three organisations will take part in a panel discussion on the Fire Safety Stage at London Build to explain how the collaboration relates to modern methods of construction.

The session, titled Ensuring Fire Safety in MMC: Addressing Industry Concerns, is scheduled for Thursday 20 November at 10:00.

Speakers are due to include Simon Ince, Programme Manager – UK/Europe Codes and Regulatory Services at UL Solutions, George Edwardes, Technical Director at the Fire Protection Association, and Richard Howells, Managing Director (Technical Services) at PartB.

The panel will also feature Jon Cumberlidge, Co-Founder and Director at C3 Design Approvals.

The FPA confirmed that hard copies of the joint paper will be available at the panel session and at the FPA trade stand during London Build.

The organisations added that the full Testing Times paper on the collaboration can also be downloaded online.

They stated that the collaboration is intended to support a safer, greener and higher-quality future for UK buildings by providing reliable, independent fire performance data to project teams.

How independent fire testing data could be used in practice

For architects, fire engineering consultants and building services engineers working on UK projects, this collaboration offers a route to obtain independent fire performance data on products, systems and interfaces that have been tested in an impartial laboratory environment.

For facility managers across industrial, commercial and public sectors, the availability of transparent test evidence may help in assessing existing installations and planning remediation strategies where fire safety concerns have been identified.

For system installers, fire-protection contractors and risk assessors, access to testing that covers complete assemblies such as wall systems, fire doors and joints can support more accurate specification and on-site verification of installed solutions.

For standards and certification bodies and relevant government departments, the partners’ stated focus on impartial testing and traceable data aligns with regulatory frameworks linked to the Building Safety Act, the Building Safety Regulator’s Gateway programme and extended liability under the Defective Premises Act.

For organisations working with modern methods of construction, the London Build panel and the Testing Times paper provide insight into how engineered solutions and system-level testing approaches are being applied to address fire safety concerns in newer forms of construction.

OFR Consultants transition to Employee-Ownership model

by Breaking NewsFire Engineering

OFR Consultants, the UK-based independent fire engineering consultancy, has transitioned to an Employee-Ownership Trust (EOT) model, with an employee-owned trust acquiring a controlling stake in the company.

The company will also continue to operate it’s Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) share option scheme.

In the announcement, OFR shared their aim of ensuring that colleagues can benefit both collectively and individually from OFR’s success.

This dual approach intends to reinforce the OFR’s long-term independence, empowers its people and demonstrates a commitment to rewarding employees at all levels of the business.

Impact on clients

OFR spoke of how it believes the announcement will impact its pre-existing client base: “Clients can expect the same trusted teams, high-quality service and innovative fire engineering solutions.

“The move strengthens governance and safeguards the independence that underpins OFR’s reputation, with no change to contracts or delivery.”

Impact on colleagues

Every OFR colleague is now a beneficiary of the trust, with their interests represented by employee representatives on the Board of the Trust.

This model means employees have a greater voice in how the business is run, as well as a share in its success.

Founder, OFR Consultants, Sam Liptrott’s statement

“Evolving into a partly owned EOT secures the best path forward for shareholders and staff.

“It safeguards our entrepreneurial spirit, guarantees independence and ensures we keep delivering outstanding projects while leading the fire engineering discipline.”

Graduate Fire Engineer, OFR Consultants, Antonela Colic’s statement

Antonela Colic, a Graduate Fire Engineer at OFR Consultants offered her perspective on the announcement: “The new model offers employees the chance to share in the company’s growth and rewards and supports OFRs intention to inclusivity in every aspect.

“As a young professional, this change gives me freedom to learn without the need to aim for an executive position to enjoy meaningful rewards.

“It’s a structure that values and rewards technical contribution and expertise, without needing to step into CEO or managerial roles and just climbing the ladder.”

OFR Consultants transition to Employee-Ownership model: Summary

OFR Consultants has shared its decision to transition to an Employee-Ownership Trust (EOT) model, with an employee-owned trust acquiring a controlling stake in the company.

Skills legacy programme secures first graduate

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringTraining

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has reported a strong start to its Skills Legacy programme launched in March 2025.

The initiative was created to address the shortage of apprenticeship trainers, assessors and building safety auditors across the UK.

BESA said the scheme has already attracted high interest and achieved its first graduate.

Jon Hogg from Ductbusters became the first participant to complete the training and receive the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement.

Two further candidates are currently enrolled, with two more awaiting start dates and several others preparing to join once accepted by a provider.

Addressing shortages across training and assessment

According to BESA, the programme’s goal is to recruit 100 qualified trainers, assessors and building safety auditors.

The association said the shortage of suitably qualified professionals is preventing further education (FE) colleges from expanding apprenticeship provision.

Stuart Rattray, Head of Competence at BESA, said: “We have been hugely encouraged by the enthusiasm among members and the wider industry for this scheme.

“It already shows that employers recognise the urgency of overcoming the challenges we face when trying to plug our skills gaps.

“The critical shortage of trainers and assessors remains a major Achilles heel in our training provision and anyone helping to address this will be providing an invaluable service to future generations of engineers.”

The Manly Charitable Trust is co-sponsoring the scheme and funding the first 50 participants.

Founded in 1991 by former BESA President Graham Manly, the trust supports charities that promote opportunities for young people in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

BESA said the support would give FE providers confidence to continue delivering engineering training despite shortages in qualified personnel.

Industry response and next steps

Rattray added: “Our workforce is ageing and is already under intense pressure.

“The average age across construction-related sectors is 53 so without a dramatic increase in numbers of young people coming in, a labour force crunch is looming.

“However, simply improving recruitment will not address the fundamental problems we face.

“Unless we address the shortage of trainers and assessors who can deliver programmes, the industry will find itself unable to meet demand within a few short years.”

The programme is bringing together employers, education providers and auditors under one national framework.

Those training as building safety auditors will be assessed against the ISO 9001 management standard.

Hogg said: “I am delighted and proud to be the first graduate from this vital scheme.

“I knew immediately that this was something I wanted to do so I signed up straightaway.

“We are constantly talking about skills shortages and our collective failure to recruit enough new talent into our industry, but talk is cheap, and this is an opportunity to do something about it.

“I look forward to welcoming many more of my industry peers into the scheme and to working with our FE partners to deliver many more apprenticeships in the future.”

Training provider Brooks Kirk said it was proud to celebrate Hogg’s success.

The organisation said: “Jon’s commitment reflects the urgent need for more qualified assessors in the industry.

“The demand for skilled assessors has never been greater.

“Without them, apprentices cannot complete their qualifications and industries cannot address the pressing skills shortages holding them back.

“Jon’s achievement is just the beginning.

“With more people stepping up to train as assessors, we can ensure that businesses meet today’s challenges and thrive in the future.”

Training is delivered in a hybrid format combining online and in-person learning.

BESA is also developing a national assessor register and plans to highlight the achievements of future graduates as they complete the programme.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The Skills Legacy programme could influence sectors that rely on trained engineers for critical safety infrastructure, including fire detection, suppression and mechanical systems.

For fire protection contractors, building services engineers and safety auditors, the initiative may help reduce delays in apprenticeship qualification caused by assessor shortages.

Further education providers working in fire safety disciplines may also benefit from the funding support and structured recruitment pipeline.

The focus on building safety auditors aligns with new competence standards introduced under the Building Safety Act, reinforcing compliance requirements across the built environment.

This article was informed by information from the following source: the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA)

BGF completes exit from BB7 following growth in fire safety sector

by ConstructionFeatured NewsFire EngineeringPassiveSafety

Fire safety leader BB7 enters new phase under Certania after BGF exit

BGF has announced the completion of its exit from London-based fire safety consultancy BB7.

During its partnership with BGF, BB7 expanded into the UK’s largest specialist consultancy in fire and façade engineering.

The growth capital investment supported BB7’s buy-and-build strategy, including the acquisitions of Omega Fire in Manchester and Goldsmith Engineering in Ireland.

According to BGF, the exit generated a three-times money multiple return and a 21% internal rate of return (IRR).

Expansion, leadership and certification achievements

BGF said its funding enabled BB7 to expand its senior leadership team, introduce new systems and adopt a data-led approach to decision making.

The company added that BB7 became a certified B-Corp and achieved recognition from Best Companies during the investment period.

BB7 now operates from ten offices and employs nearly 200 staff across the UK and Ireland.

Post-exit, BB7’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ben Bradford, will become CEO of the Buildings and Infrastructure Division of Certania Group.

The division will continue a buy-and-build strategy to establish an inter-disciplinary platform within the engineering and consultancy sector.

Leadership reflections on partnership outcomes

Ben Bradford, CEO of BB7, said: “With BGF, we set out an ambitious plan to build the UK’s leading fire and façade engineering consultancy.

“I would like to thank the entire BB7 team.

“I’m hugely proud of what we have achieved together and excited for BB7’s next chapter with Certania.”

Jane Gilbert Boot, Investor at BGF, said: “This is a fantastic result for BGF and for Ben and his team.

“The business has grown significantly under our partnership and is now well positioned for its next phase of growth with Certania.”

Andy Gregory, CEO of BGF, said: “These recent exits are a testament to the quality of the founders and management teams we back.

“The strength of our portfolio reflects the fact that we continue to attract high-quality businesses, and that’s what’s enabling us to deliver strong returns.”

Sell-side advisors on the transaction were Clearwater and Squire Patton Boggs, with additional support from Eight Advisory, CIL Management Consultants and DSA Advisory.

UL Solutions and TS Co. expand partnership to strengthen fire safety in Saudi Arabia

by Breaking NewsFire EngineeringMiddle East - Breaking NewsResearchSafety

Strengthened partnership expands fire safety testing in Gulf

UL Solutions and GCC Technical Services Company (TS Co.) have announced an expanded partnership aimed at advancing fire safety in the Gulf region.

According to UL Solutions, the collaboration now includes TS Co., a GCC Labs affiliate, as part of the UL Witness Test Data Program (WTDP) for fire safety.

Under this arrangement, TS Co. will conduct fire safety tests at its Dammam laboratories under direct supervision from UL Solutions engineers.

UL Solutions will review the data and grant certification based on test results, authorising the use of the UL Mark for compliant products.

The company explained that this localised approach removes the need for manufacturers to ship product samples abroad, helping shorten certification timelines and accelerate market entry.

Patrick Abgrall, Director and Regional General Manager of the Built Environment group at UL Solutions, said: “This important step in the evolution of our collaboration with TS Co. will allow UL Solutions to effectively utilise their Dammam facility, strengthening fire safety and conformity services throughout Saudi Arabia and the greater Gulf region.”

Local facilities to serve regional manufacturers

UL Solutions said the enhanced partnership enables local testing for manufacturers across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Based in Dammam, TS Co. provides testing, inspection and certification services across industrial sectors to assess equipment safety, reliability and efficiency.

The company said the new arrangement supports its role in enabling Gulf-based manufacturing by providing internationally recognised fire safety certification within the region.

TS Co. Chief Executive Officer Khalaf Masaeed said: “By combining UL Solutions’ global leadership in safety science with our deep regional expertise, we are creating an unparalleled value proposition for the market.

“It also streamlines product evaluation and certification, ensuring that the ambitious construction projects in our region are built with materials and systems that meet the highest international safety standards.”

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 development

UL Solutions noted that the partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which is driving major national infrastructure and development projects.

These include NEOM, the Red Sea development, THE RIG offshore tourism destination and the New Murabba project in Riyadh.

Preparations are also underway for new World Cup stadiums and Expo venues, bringing the combined investment of these giga-projects to more than $1.5 trillion, according to the KSA Construction Cost Benchmarking Report 2025.

UL Solutions stated that the collaboration with TS Co. will help meet fire and life safety demands across these large-scale developments by providing advanced testing and certification within Saudi Arabia.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The partnership between UL Solutions and TS Co. introduces regional access to UL-certified fire safety testing for manufacturers, contractors and specification professionals operating in the Gulf.

For construction, infrastructure and industrial project stakeholders, the development allows fire-rated materials and systems to be evaluated within Saudi Arabia, reducing both cost and lead times.

Fire engineers, consultants and project managers working on Vision 2030 projects may benefit from faster certification cycles and closer oversight of product conformity to international standards.

By localising the testing process, the partnership also supports consistent quality assurance and reduces logistical challenges linked to global supply chains.

The team shaping SFPE Canada’s vision for fire protection

by Featured NewsFire Engineering

SFPE Canada names inaugural Board of Directors

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) has announced the first Board of Directors for SFPE Canada, formally launching its new regional division dedicated to fire protection and fire safety engineering in the country.

The organisation confirmed that Kieran Ager has been elected Chair, with Lindsay Ranger as Chair-Elect.

Beth Weckman, Chris Anderson, Leslie Sims and Alana MacLellan-Bonnell will serve as Directors-at-Large.

One of the Directors-at-Large will also assume the role of Secretary, to be appointed during the Board’s inaugural meeting.

The formation of the Board marks the official start of SFPE Canada, also known as the Association des ingénieurs en protection incendie Canada.

SFPE stated that the new Board will focus on strengthening its global network while addressing regional needs in education, professional growth, standards development and collaboration within Canada’s fire engineering sector.

Focus on collaboration and professional development

Kieran Ager, Chair of the SFPE Canada Board of Directors, said: “It is an honor to serve as the inaugural Chair of SFPE Canada.

“It also allows us to connect Canadian professionals to the global SFPE network.

“With the support of our dedicated Board and members, we look forward to shaping innovative solutions, fostering professional growth, and strengthening fire safety practices that protect people, property, and the environment.”

According to SFPE, the division will operate in line with the global organisation’s mission to advance the science and practice of fire protection engineering worldwide.

It will provide Canadian professionals with access to SFPE’s international resources while creating programmes tailored to local needs.

Advancing the global fire protection network

The creation of SFPE Canada marks another step in the organisation’s regional expansion strategy, aligning with its goal to support engineers in diverse national contexts.

By establishing a dedicated Canadian division, SFPE said it intends to strengthen collaboration across public, private and academic sectors.

The Board’s establishment also positions the organisation to respond to the specific regulatory and technical environments shaping fire protection engineering in Canada.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The creation of SFPE Canada introduces a national platform for engineers, educators and technical consultants working in fire protection to engage more directly with international standards and research.

For professionals involved in fire engineering design, building safety compliance and standards development, the new Board’s focus on education and collaboration could expand access to specialised training and cross-border knowledge exchange.

Fire engineers and risk assessors in both private practice and public sector roles may benefit from new opportunities to align domestic practices with SFPE’s global framework.

This development also has practical implications for institutions and training providers seeking alignment with evolving international fire protection engineering standards.