National Firefighter PPE Framework appointment sees Ballyclare chosen across multiple PPE and service categories for UK fire and rescue services
Ballyclare has been selected as a preferred supplier on the National Firefighter PPE Framework, a new procurement initiative designed to provide modern firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) and related services to the UK’s approximately 50,000 firefighters.
The National Firefighter PPE Framework, managed by the Kent and Medway Towns Fire and Rescue Authority, aims to streamline procurement processes for fire and rescue services while providing access to high-quality PPE ensembles and maintenance services.
Following a competitive tender process that included technical assessments, cost evaluations and practical user trials, Ballyclare secured selection across several categories, including Managed Services, Structural Firefighting PPE, Lightweight Firefighting PPE, Structural Firefighting Boots, and Cleaning and Maintenance.
The company’s submission included a next-generation version of its Xenon structural firefighting ensemble, designed to provide protection during structural firefighting operations. The ensemble incorporates a three-layer fabric construction, reinforced elbow and knee protection, and fire-retardant phosphorescent tape intended to improve visibility in low-light environments. The garment has also been engineered with durable seams, stitching and fabrics to withstand operational demands and repeated cleaning cycles.
Also selected under the framework was Ballyclare’s newly developed lightweight hybrid jacket and trouser ensemble for technical rescue and wildland firefighting applications. The garment is designed to meet the relevant EN standards for both operational environments and features flame-retardant fabrics intended to provide protection against blood-borne pathogens, chemicals and particulates while maintaining wearer comfort.
Through the framework, Ballyclare will additionally supply two fire boot models from its Tuffking range, which are used by fire and rescue services across the UK.
The company will also provide cleaning and maintenance services through the framework, offering a seven-day turnaround service for the collection, cleaning, repair and return of firefighting kit. Ballyclare said the service will be delivered in partnership with a professional cleaning provider operating facilities at multiple locations across the UK.
Philip Tasker, Global Sales Lead for Fire & Security at Ballyclare, said: “We are delighted that our services have been selected through such a competitive process and that our kit has been recognised for its technical performance, wearer comfort and overall value for money. Our success reflects the strength of our product innovation, our deep understanding of the fire sector, the agility of our company as a UK-based SME and the expertise of our teams across design, manufacturing and service delivery.
“Ultimately, this is about making sure the UK’s firefighters have kit they can trust when it matters most, and we’re proud to be delivering that on a national scale.”
The framework is intended to simplify procurement for fire and rescue services while ensuring access to compliant PPE and support services through approved suppliers. Ballyclare’s appointment positions the company to support fire and rescue organisations across the UK through the framework’s procurement structure.
In today’s era of large-scale energy storage deployment, fire safety is no longer simply a matter of “whether a fire can be extinguished.” When a lithium-ion battery goes into thermal runaway, it releases large quantities of flammable gases, including hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane.
When these gases mix with air and accumulate within confined spaces such as BESS containers, they can reach explosive limits. Once that happens, any ignition source can trigger a violent explosion.
However, one risk that has long been overlooked is that the fire suppression product itself can become the ignition source for an explosion.
Conventional fire suppression systems can become ignition sources
Conventional fire suppression systems—such as gas systems, CO₂ extinguishers and FK-5112 systems—typically contain high-pressure vessels, solenoid actuators and electrical tubing.
In the event of flammable gas accumulation inside an energy storage enclosure, if these devices activate or malfunction, their internal electrical contacts, motor operation and high-pressure discharge can generate electrical arcs, high temperatures or mechanical sparks—potentially igniting the surrounding flammable gas atmosphere.
In other words, a fire suppression system without explosion-proof design can be more dangerous in an energy storage explosion scenario than the fire itself.
Are aerosol fire suppression systems suitable for hazardous BESS environments?
Aerosol fire suppression systems have become one of the commonly used fire protection solutions in BESS due to their non-pressurised design, simple installation and maintenance and environmental benefits. So, the question is: how do aerosol units perform in potentially explosive atmospheres?
If we look at the design standards for aerosol systems, not all aerosol products are automatically suitable for use in hazardous explosive areas:
EN 15276-2:2019—Fixed firefighting systems—Condensed aerosol extinguishing systems—Part 2: Design, installation and maintenance—Clause 4.3 explicitly states: Where aerosol generators are used in potentially explosive atmosphere, the compatibility of the generator to the atmosphere for the determined lifetime should be assessed according to ATEX directive 2014/34/EU[5].
ISO 15779:2011—Condensed aerosol fire extinguishing systems—Requirements and test methods for components and system design, installation and maintenance —General requirements—Clause 4.6 similarly states: Under certain conditions, the potential for explosive atmospheres may exist. Areas where such potential may exist are classified as hazardous. Condensed aerosols may be used in hazardous areas subject to the manufacturer obtaining the specific listings and approvals for such areas from the appropriate authorities.
Only when an aerosol unit has obtained the necessary approval for use in explosive atmospheres can it be installed in BESS. This is likely a design requirement that has been overlooked within the industry.
Explosion-proof fire suppression design is becoming critical for energy storage safety
Energy storage safety is a complete, multi-layered defense: it requires preventing thermal runaway, controlling flammable gas accumulation and—most critically—ensuring that the fire suppression equipment that activates under accident conditions is itself safe and reliable.
With their non-pressurised design, arc-free operation and modular construction, aerosol fire suppression systems—after obtaining explosion-proof certification—are a fire protection solution worth prioritising in energy storage applications.
Energy storage safety is no longer just about “whether the fire can be put out.” Under the most severe accident conditions, whether the fire suppression product itself remains safe and operational is what designers should consider most. An effective system design is one that strictly follows the fire suppression system’s design standards.
HAIX UK Sales Manager Simon Ash explains how climate change, evolving fire risks and stricter regulations are driving new performance expectations for firefighter PPE and firefighting footwear
In the high-stakes world of firefighting, there are fundamental commonalities that transcend borders and languages. Whether it is a professional crew navigating Europe’s urban density, a wildfire team in the United States, or a volunteer department in a rural village, the mission remains the same: to protect and save lives.
This shared dedication to protecting the public creates a unique global community, one that is united by fire. At the same time, firefighters operate in an increasingly complex environment.
Changing climate conditions, changing fire characteristics and heightened regulatory standards are reshaping the demands placed on both personnel and their equipment.
Despite differences in the environment, geography, cultures and on-the-ground challenges, there remains a critical interdependence across the sector, a nod to shared pressures, demands and passion for keeping society safe.
The concept of excellent PPE across the industry has therefore never been more relevant than today with the desire for high-quality, versatile and comfortable footwear being a universal requirement.
As the industry changes, PPE must meet baseline standards and actively enable strong performance, resilience and long-term wellbeing. PPE manufacturers must support current and future generations of firefighters so they are able to perform to the best of their ability as safely as possible.
The critical role of firefighting footwear in operational safety
Firefighters are inherently practical. They are engineers of emergency who operate in a world defined by physics, dynamic and often unpredictable conditions and split-second decision-making. For this demographic, the mindset is typically a fact-first approach and a need to understand the what, how and why behind decisions, actions and PPE equipment.
There is a strong and important connection between a firefighter and their equipment. The industry often focuses on the heroic narrative of the individual or team, but it is the technical reliability and performance consistency of PPE that underpins operational effectiveness.
If a firefighter is distracted by discomfort or concerned about the integrity of their PPE, such as from their footwear, their focus is split, which can lead to dangerous situations and reduced efficiency. By ensuring that every firefighter has access to the highest quality PPE, operational safety, biomechanical support and performance optimisation are maximised.
For HAIX, the role of advanced PPE is considered in every step. Its 70 years of expertise ensure that every element of manufacturing, design and quality benefits from proven German engineering principles. This expertise is translated into measurable performance outcomes at the point of need, ensuring that in the very instant a firefighter requires reliability most, they are supported by innovative, comfortable and protective footwear.
How climate change Is reshaping firefighter PPE requirements
Within the varied global requirements for adequate protection, the industry is currently facing a period of intense change. This includes regulatory developments, increasingly diverse fire profiles (from wildfires to lithium-ion battery incidents), advancements in material science, stricter safety standards and a growing emphasis on long-term firefighter health, including ergonomics and contamination management.
This changing environment tests the strength of the firefighting world, particularly in relation to consistency of PPE standards, access to innovation and the ability of equipment to perform under increasingly difficult conditions. This is why global brands, such as HAIX, are developing solutions that address international requirements.
Whether responding to large-scale wildfires or tackling emerging urban risks, such as e-mobility-related fires, the needs of the modern firefighter must be met.
Access to comfortable, secure and innovative footwear is a critical component of risk mitigation and performance readiness. Firefighters facing unpredictable climates now require footwear that balances structural protection against heat and penetration hazards with lightweight construction and ergonomic flexibility, enabling mobility and endurance over extended operational periods.
The expectation is for multi-functional PPE solutions that perform across a range of incident types and environmental conditions without compromising on comfort or safety. The need is for a singular boot that is effective in multiple scenarios and environments, while maintaining performance throughout long shifts. Future generations must also be considered in PPE development.
What works for firefighters now must also reflect the needs of the next wave of professionals, whether based on changing operational demands, increased diversity within the service or a greater focus on long-term health outcomes. Manufacturers that prioritise user-led innovation, field testing and continuous product development will play a key role in ensuring the industry remains both connected and future-ready.
The future of firefighter PPE and industry collaboration
The coming years will bring new challenges to the fire and rescue sector. From the impacts of climate change to the complexities of the built environment, the demands on firefighters will only increase.
Every firefighter plays a key role in the global safety puzzle and deserves equipment that meets a standard and sets a new one. The response must be to double down
on the values that have always sustained the service: camaraderie, expertise and a relentless pursuit of quality. For PPE manufacturers, this means investment in innovation and rigorous quality benchmarks.
Fire Eagle 3.0
HAIX’s latest innovation, the Fire Eagle 3.0, will be unveiled at this year’s INTERSCHUTZ. Characterised by speed, weight and feel, the third iteration in the best-selling series is a picture of technology influenced by real-life firefighter research and input. It is a refinement of the quality, craftsmanship and excellence ingrained in HAIX’s 70-year legacy.
Effective procurement
To ensure the delivery of high-performance PPE that meets the specific demands of the fire sector, the following strategies are recommendedfor procurement and supplier teams: End-user engagement: Involve frontline personnel early as their insight is critical to defining meaningful requirements and identifying improvements for safety and comfort Feature prioritisation: Distinguish between mandatory and desirable criteria to ensure a balance between innovation and technical possibility Standards compliance: Clearly define requirements that comply with the most recent and relevant safety standards Continuous communication: Maintain open dialogue between procurement officers and suppliers to ensure clarity at every stage of the process Quality focus: Ensure that safety, quality and compliance are prioritised throughout the process and valued above the price point
Fire chiefs urge parents to speak to young people after four teenagers drown over bank holiday weekend
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has issued an urgent water safety warning as hot weather continues across the half term holidays, following four confirmed drownings of teenagers in inland water over the bank holiday weekend.
Fire chiefs said the incidents were a “stark reminder” of the dangers posed by open water, with rivers, lakes, quarries, canals and reservoirs attracting more visitors during periods of warm weather.
The NFCC warned that despite high air temperatures, water in open environments can remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold water shock, which can affect breathing and movement within seconds.
Emergency services often see a rise in water-related incidents during warmer weather, with officials warning that many people underestimate the dangers of open water. Hidden currents, submerged objects and sudden drops can pose serious risks, even for strong swimmers used to pools rather than open water conditions.
Research released by Bournemouth University in 2024 found that when UK average maximum air temperatures reach or exceed 25°C, the risk of accidental drowning increases fivefold compared to days averaging 10°C. The analysis also showed three times as many accidental drowning fatalities occur on days where temperatures reach 25°C or higher compared with the seasonal average.
Gavin Ellis, NFCC drowning prevention lead, said: “No family should have to experience the devastation of losing a loved one in the water. We know that warm weather encourages people to visit rivers, lakes and reservoirs, but these places can be extremely dangerous.
“Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how confident they feel in the water. Jumping into open water can cause an involuntary gasp response, panic and loss of swimming ability almost immediately, which is why we urge people not to swim in unsupervised locations during this hot weather.
“We’re asking parents and carers to have open conversations with children and teenagers about the risks, and for young people to look after each other and make safe decisions around water. These incidents can happen very quickly, but many are preventable.”
The NFCC is urging families to follow water safety advice during the warm weather, including swimming only in supervised locations, avoiding jumping into water to cool off and never entering the water to attempt a rescue.
People spending time near water are also encouraged to install location apps such as what3words to help emergency services identify their location quickly in the event of an incident.
Fire chiefs are also reminding the public of the “Phone, Float, Throw” advice if they see someone in trouble in the water:
Phone 999 immediately.
Encourage the person to float on their back.
Throw them something that floats.
The NFCC is also promoting the “Float to Live” guidance for anyone who gets into difficulty in the water, advising people to tilt their head back with ears submerged, relax to control breathing, move their hands to stay afloat and call for help or swim to safety once the initial shock passes.
Fire chiefs have issued a wildfire safety warning ahead of expected warmer, drier conditions
Fire chiefs are urging the public to take extra care during the upcoming bank holiday, with forecasts indicating warm and dry weather that can increase the risk of wildfires and accidents around open water.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has renewed its appeal for vigilance as wildfire activity continues to rise. NFCC National Resilience data shows more than 270 wildfires have already been recorded in England and Wales. By November, fire and rescue services had responded to just over 1,000 wildfires in 2025, exceeding the 994 incidents recorded in 2022, previously the worst year on record.
Officials said many wildfires are preventable and are often caused by everyday behaviours such as disposable barbecues or carelessly discarded smoking materials.
Fire data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) shows fire and rescue services in England responded to around 40,000 more incidents in the year ending December 2025 compared with the previous year, driven largely by a 29% rise in fires linked to outdoor incidents.
The NFCC is also warning of increased drowning risks during warmer weather, as more people spend time in and around water. Data from the Water Incident Database Water Incident Database, published by the National Water Safety Forum National Water Safety Forum, recorded 193 accidental drowning fatalities in the UK in 2024, with May seeing the highest monthly total at 28 deaths.
NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said, “With the risk of wildfires increasing as we go into the warmer months, we’re asking everyone to take a few simple precautions to help keep themselves, their communities and the environment safe this summer.
“Wildfires can start quickly and spread fast, but small actions make a big difference. Avoid using disposable barbecues in parks or open countryside, take care not to drop cigarettes or leave glass behind, and follow local fire safety advice. If you see signs of fire, call 999 immediately.
“Fire and rescue services are already dealing with a high number of incidents, and by working together we can help reduce the risk and ease that pressure. Taking care outdoors helps protect homes, wildlife and open spaces for everyone.
“We’re also encouraging people to stay safe around water. Cold water can be a shock, even on warm days. If you see someone in trouble, call 999, encourage them to float, and throw something that floats to help.”
Officials also highlighted prevention advice, including avoiding disposable barbecues in open countryside, not discarding cigarettes or glass, and following local restrictions. The public is also urged to report fire risks immediately and contact police or Crimestoppers if arson is suspected.
Water safety guidance includes the “Phone, Float, Throw” approach promoted by the Crimestoppers Crimestoppers supported safety messaging and the National Water Safety Forum. It advises calling 999, encouraging floating, and throwing flotation aids to anyone in difficulty.
The NFCC also reinforced “Float to Live” guidance, encouraging people who find themselves in trouble in water to tilt their head back, relax, control breathing, and float until help arrives.
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.
UK safety industry firm Arco has been awarded Platinum status by EcoVadis, placing the business in the top 1% of organisations worldwide for sustainability performance.
The upgrade from Gold to Platinum marks a significant milestone for Arco and represents the highest level of recognition within EcoVadis’ global assessment framework. The company also achieved the top score among UK safety equipment suppliers in its sector.
Arco reported a 10% overall improvement on last year’s performance, with near-perfect scores in the Environment category and strong gains in Labour and Human Rights. The EcoVadis methodology assesses more than 150,000 organisations globally across Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.
Award strengthens position in UK safety industry
The company said the result strengthens its position as a leader in environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and supports customers in meeting their own sustainability and procurement targets through independently verified supply chain practices.
Arco highlighted its wider ESG programme, including audited ethical standards through SMETA, alongside ongoing reductions in carbon emissions, water use and waste. It also reported strong progress in sustainable procurement, with increased supplier transparency around raw materials, conflict minerals and deforestation risks.
In its most recent ESG report, Arco said 75% of its waste is now recycled into new products, with zero waste sent to landfill over the past year. It also confirmed that 15% of its textiles are made from certified recycled sources.
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.
The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) has launched an updated version of its Health and Safety at Work Award to include mental health awareness.
This foundation-level qualification is designed to provide essential skills for identifying common hazards and conducting risk assessments across all industrial sectors.
The refreshed 2026 syllabus provides clearer expectations of learning outcomes and introduces a new section focused on mental ill-health in the workplace.
The course is structured as a bite-sized qualification that participants can complete within three days or eighteen hours of study time.
NEBOSH has aligned the refreshed award with its more advanced certifications to provide a clearer progression path for those pursuing higher-level professional study.
Janet Dawson, NEBOSH Product Development Senior Lead, said: “The NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work Award is the perfect entry point into the world of health and safety management.
“Learners gain important knowledge to make immediate improvements and reduce incidents.
“What’s more, the assessment is based on the learner’s own workplace so they can add instant value to their organisation during their studies.”
Global availability and professional progression
The qualification is currently available through a global network of learning partners with tuition provided in both English and Arabic.
Previous participants have given the course a 93% recommendation rating according to data released by the examination board.
Akram Ali Khan, an HSE Engineer in Saudi Arabia, used the award as a starting point before completing the NEBOSH General Certificate and Diploma.
Khan said: “I was keen to build a strong foundation in health and safety principles, and I felt this course would help me do that.
“Studying for the Award gave me a clear understanding of key areas such as risk assessment, hazard control and the importance of developing a strong safety culture.”
The assessment for the qualification requires learners to apply their knowledge directly to their own specific work environment.
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.
