Quelfire unveils upgraded website with improved accessibility and new sealant guns

by Breaking NewsPassive

Quelfire unveils new website and sealant guns

Quelfire has launched a redesigned website and new range of branded sealant guns for firestopping professionals.

According to the company, the new platform aims to improve usability, simplify access to product information and support customer compliance.

The website introduces faster navigation, mobile optimisation and drop-down search functionality.

FAQ snippets and linked resources have been added to help users find information on specific firestopping systems and installation practices.

Quelfire said the redesign also reflects its updated brand guidelines and a refreshed visual identity.

Educational content remains central to the site, bringing together technical documents, training tools and video resources hosted on external platforms such as YouTube.

Redesigned platform guided by customer feedback

Marketing Manager Hayley Clay said that customer insights played a major role in shaping the redesign.

Hayley Clay, Marketing Manager at Quelfire, said: “The new website has been a long time coming.

“It was clear from a survey earlier this year that it was ready for a refresh.

“We’ve redesigned it to be more visually engaging and streamlined the user experience; we’ve completely removed pop-up forms for product information and tested detail drawings, making it easier than ever to access the information you need.”

The updated ordering process is part of Quelfire’s broader commitment to improve customer experience and ensure the platform remains responsive to evolving market expectations.

New sealant guns expand product portfolio

Alongside the website launch, Quelfire has introduced its own branded sealant guns.

The company confirmed that the range includes two sizes: one for 310mm cartridges used with its QHPE HPE and QSS Acrylic Sealants, and another for 600mm acrylic sealant foils.

According to Quelfire, the guns are engineered for durability and control during regular on-site use.

Each model features the company’s orange branding and logo.

Darryl Wells, Commercial & Development Director, said: “We’re pleased to bring our own range of sealant guns to market, designed to give users better control and a smoother experience on the job.

“They’re a complementary addition to our product offering, and now available to order from our new website.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The new Quelfire website and sealant gun range are directly relevant to firestopping contractors, installers, building services engineers and construction compliance officers.

Improved access to installation drawings, product data and training resources can support more efficient specification and installation of passive fire protection systems.

The addition of Quelfire-branded sealant guns provides a reliable, purpose-built tool for applying approved sealants, contributing to consistent performance and compliance in firestopping applications.

Promat expands specification team to meet Building Safety Act demand

by Featured NewsPassivePeople

Promat appoints new Project Specification Manager for South East operations

New appointment supports regional construction sector

Passive fire protection specialist Promat has appointed Dom Mason as Project Specification Manager to support customers across the South East.

Promat said the appointment will strengthen its regional coverage across North London, the Home Counties, Essex and East Anglia.

Mason will work as part of the wider UK team to assist with passive fire protection specification requirements for construction projects.

The company added that Mason brings extensive experience within the passive fire protection sector and a detailed understanding of the impact of recent industry regulations.

He is currently working towards the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 3 in Passive Fire Protection.

Focus on structural steel and large-scale projects

Promat explained that Mason’s work will focus on supporting structural steel projects, large commercial developments and high-rise internal fit-out schemes.

Mason said: “The Building Safety Act has driven major change in the industry, and the need for additional information and support at the specification stage.

“It also allows us to support best practice in the specification of passive fire protection, especially with the level of testing that Promat offers.

“This is a major benefit for customers looking for a more harmonised approach that can be assessed for use in a wider range of applications.

“Being able to provide customers with recommendation details is essential to helping meet demand for more tested solutions.

“I’m looking forward to engaging with existing and new customers as well as meeting up with some familiar faces across the industry.”

Supporting growth under Building Safety Act requirements

Promat said Mason’s appointment aligns with its growth strategy as demand increases for passive fire protection and supporting documentation in line with the Building Safety Act.

National Specification Manager Harvey Brown added: “Dom is a great asset to the team.

“His experience in supporting specification requirements for the Building Safety Regulator will be a real benefit to customers looking for focused support.”

Promat manufactures passive fire protection systems designed to contain the spread of fire, allowing safe evacuation and protecting the integrity of buildings and assets.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The appointment of a new Project Specification Manager at Promat is directly relevant to building specifiers, architects, fire engineers and contractors working on construction projects in the South East.

Mason’s focus on structural steel, high-rise fit-outs and large commercial buildings aligns with areas most affected by the Building Safety Act’s increased requirements for transparency and tested passive fire protection systems.

Professionals involved in design, compliance and material specification will have access to additional technical support and tested data, improving assurance across regulated projects.

This development also highlights the industry’s continued response to post-Grenfell regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding evidence-based fire-protection design.

What NFCC’s new remediation warning means for safety reform

by Breaking NewsConstructionPassiveSafety

Building remediation hindered by broken safety system

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has warned that building remediation is being delayed by deep-rooted problems in the UK’s building safety regime.

Launching its Remediation Position Statement, the NFCC said that relying on fire and rescue services to enforce a system that is not functioning properly is unsustainable.

The organisation urged ministers to create a centrally coordinated programme to address compliance, funding, accountability and workforce shortages.

It said that without such an approach, serious safety gaps would remain unresolved.

NFCC warns of barriers to government remediation targets

According to the NFCC, the Government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan is a step forward but faces major obstacles.

The plan aims to complete remediation of all high-rise buildings over 18 metres by 2029 and medium-rise buildings over 11 metres by 2031.

NFCC said that fluctuating government estimates of affected buildings, ranging from 5,900 to 12,000, have made it difficult to plan.

Of the 5,554 buildings within the public remediation programme, almost two-thirds remain incomplete.

The Government’s current working estimate is around 9,000 buildings.

Funding inconsistencies have also limited progress, NFCC said, with existing schemes often covering cladding but excluding other major defects.

The organisation added that fragmented funding arrangements, based on factors such as tenure, height and materials, have left many buildings stalled in uncertainty.

Financial and workforce pressures strain fire services

NFCC highlighted the financial pressure on fire and rescue services if they are required to inspect all buildings that may need remediation.

Depending on the final number of buildings within scope, the council estimated costs between £29.86 million and £61.77 million, with a working figure of £46.11 million based on 9,000 buildings.

NFCC said that this financial demand comes as many services face real-terms budget cuts, reducing their ability to oversee other high-risk sites such as hospitals and care homes.

Workforce shortages are also compounding delays, with fewer than 30 fully competent fire engineers currently working within English fire and rescue services.

The council said that training for such roles takes years and that recruitment has been made harder by experienced staff moving into the private sector.

Fire safety and building protection staff currently make up just 2.7% of the total fire and rescue service workforce in England.

The wider construction sector faces similar challenges, with the Chartered Institute of Building reporting a 250,000-person shortfall at a time of rising demand for new homes and infrastructure.

NFCC said its calls for a cross-departmental Construction Skills Strategy to address these shortages have not yet been acted upon.

NFCC chair calls for stronger regulation and accountability

Phil Garrigan, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: “The Grenfell Tower fire was a national tragedy that exposed fundamental flaws in how we design, build, manage and regulate our homes.

“Fire and rescue services have played a vital role in making buildings safer, but enforcement alone cannot fix a broken system.

“Eight years on, progress is not where it should be. We must tackle the root causes – fragmented oversight, weak regulation, and chronic gaps in workforce, funding and data.

“Fire risk must be embedded into every stage of building safety, not left to emergency response.

“Underpinning all of this must be tougher regulation. The Grenfell Tower fire showed us, in the most devastating way, what happens when building regulations are too weak to protect people.

“We cannot allow that lesson to be ignored. The Government must implement the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations in full and strengthen regulation to ensure no community is ever put at such risk again.”

NFCC outlines six priority actions for reform

The council’s position statement calls for six core actions.

It has urged the Government to establish a centrally led, risk-based remediation programme with defined roles, responsibilities and timelines.

It also wants a construction skills strategy to address shortages of fire engineers, surveyors, risk assessors and related trades.

Funding should be kept under review to ensure both internal and external defects are covered without costs being passed to leaseholders.

NFCC called for an urgent review of building regulations guidance to make sure safety standards are enforceable, risk-based and realistic.

It said that recently introduced enforcement powers must be clarified so that the Building Safety Regulator can coordinate action effectively.

Finally, NFCC said that the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations should be implemented through regulation of relevant professions, a large-scale product testing regime and publicly available compliance data.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This development affects several key groups within the fire and building safety sectors.

Fire and rescue services are directly impacted, as NFCC’s estimate shows potential inspection costs exceeding £46 million depending on the final scope of remediation.

Building control professionals, fire engineers and risk assessors face growing demand for skilled expertise amid workforce shortages and increased regulatory expectations.

For construction and facilities managers, the NFCC’s call for a risk-based remediation programme highlights the operational challenges of coordinating funding, timelines and compliance under fragmented schemes.

The proposed reforms also have implications for policymakers, regulators and those responsible for enforcing the Building Safety Act, particularly where responsibilities overlap with the Building Safety Regulator.

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.

FPA and FDM partnership to deliver advanced fire safety standards across UK facilities

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire DoorsPassiveTraining

FPA and FDM partner on fire safety standards

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has announced a new partnership with FDM to provide fire safety training courses and qualification pathways across their UK sites.

The collaboration follows the FPA’s earlier announcement of its new Training and Education Centre (TEC) in Oxfordshire, which is set to open in January 2026.

According to the FPA, the TEC will offer learners an authentic and practical training environment supported by several industry partners, including FDM.

The organisation said that through this agreement, FPA learners will soon be able to complete FDM courses at the new site.

Partnership expands course availability and accreditation

FDM, which was named Training Provider of the Year at the 2025 Fire & Security Matters Awards, will provide several of its specialist courses at the TEC.

These include its Fire Door Installation and Fire Door Repair and Maintenance courses, along with the Fire Door Procurement training course and the Level 3 Diploma Qualification in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets.

The FPA confirmed that these will be delivered under licence at the new facility.

Additionally, the collaboration will allow the FPA to deliver its Fire Risk Assessor qualifications at FDM’s training centre in Bury, Greater Manchester.

Shared commitment to raising fire safety standards

Nicola John, Managing Director of FDM, said: “We’re extremely proud that the FPA, one of the industry’s most well-established and respected associations, has recognised that our courses and materials are industry leading.

“We share a dedication to raising fire safety standards, and this collaboration is just the start of a long and prosperous partnership.

“Together, we’ll bridge knowledge gaps for its thousands of members across the UK and shape the future of fire safety in our industry.”

Kelly Donoghue, Head of Training at the FPA, said: “Our partnership with FDM further strengthens our comprehensive range of fire door training and complements our wider suite of fire safety training courses and qualifications which we deliver to support professionals with their ongoing competence.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to improvement for the industry, using our joint expertise to raise fire safety standards and educate and upskill fire and construction professionals.”

How ASSA ABLOY is shaping the standard for safer fire door systems

by Breaking NewsFire DoorsPassive

Certification, product range, and installation expertise are all important when specifying compliant fire doors, with insight from Daniel Swannack, Chief Commercial Officer for the Door Business Segment at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA

A fire door is a critical component in any building’s fire safety strategy.

Unfortunately, not just any solid door will do the job.

Fire doors are tested and certified as complete systems, and each part – from the frame and hardware to seals and glazing – must meet a required specification.

Getting the choice of doors right demands manufacturing expertise and a range of specialist solutions.

Fire doors work by containing fire and smoke to one area, keeping escape routes clear for as long as possible.

They do not need power or intervention; they just have to be closed and in good condition.

Features such as intumescent seals, which expand with heat, and fire-rated cores help to maintain door integrity and slow a fire’s progress.

There are many types of fire door, tailored to different environments and with specific qualities to ensure a building meets the new generation of more stringent safety standards.

Many operate manually, but hinged fire doors may instead be automated.

In large or open spaces, fire curtains or sliding systems provide the same protection by closing automatically when an alarm is triggered.

Construction materials are another consideration.

In hotels, offices and multi-use commercial buildings, timber doors are often chosen for aesthetics and acoustic performance.

At industrial sites, data centres or high-security areas, steel doors could be a safer option.

Wide openings in warehouses, airports or car parks may need sliding fire gates or curtains instead.

To identify the best solution for a space, specification support when a building is at design stage – or during retrofit planning – is critical.

As with many complementary building technologies and systems, digitalization is a growing concern – and may be beneficial in the right environment.

Smart building systems can keep track of fire doors, showing if they are closed, blocked or need maintenance, for example.

Fire doors and curtains can link to alarms so they close automatically when needed or connected with access control to maintain fire compartmentation.

In complex environments like hospitals or data centres, smarter or integrated systems provide useful auditing and maintenance records, ensuring doors are always ready to perform.

The importance of certification and expertise

Third-party certification of a fire door reassures building owners, architects and insurers about compliance.

It proves the door has been tested, audited and manufactured consistently to meet safety standards – and that it will do its job in any emergency.

Certification applies to all fire doors, timber or steel, and to larger solutions like fire gates and curtains.

Certification also helps to smooth the approval process with building code enforcement and demonstrates compliance with legal requirements.

Across Europe, fire doors are covered by EN 16034, with testing done under EN 1634-1 for fire resistance and EN 1634-3 for smoke control.

Hardware is tested separately under EN 1634-2.

In the UK, BS 476 is still recognized alongside EN standards.

Fire curtains are tested to EN 1634-1, and where smoke control is needed, to EN 12101-1 or EN 1634-3.

EI-rated curtains block both fire and heat transfer, while EW-rated systems, often used in the UK, focus on integrity with reduced heat radiation.

Testing is always carried out on the complete system, including the door, frame and hardware, to make sure everything performs as intended.

To maintain this performance, installation must follow certified details exactly.

If the door is not installed properly, it may not meet its fire rating, even if all components are correct.

Expert maintenance is another key to reliable performance.

This means checking that seals, hinges, and closers perform properly and are undamaged.

Automatic fire curtains, sliding doors or hinged doors need motors and controls tested.

Many regulations call for checks every six months.

A fire door is only as good as its maintenance: a small fault can make a big difference in an emergency.

Specialist fire safety solutions from ASSA ABLOY

ASSA ABLOY’s portfolio of fire doors provides customers in a broad range of verticals with a choice of security door to match their precise needs, without making compromises.

“Martech focuses on engineering high-performance fire curtains for a range of applications,” explains Daniel Swannack, Chief Commercial Officer for the Door Business Segment at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA.

“In different ways, and for different types of building, Mercor, Portafeu, Metalind, Fichet, and HSD deliver industry-leading fire and technical door solutions tailored to their respective markets.”

“Choosing the right door and keeping it properly maintained is essential,” he adds.

“Our role is to make the customer’s life easier in terms of compliance, performance and design flexibility.

“All our fire-specialist manufacturers share ASSA ABLOY’s deep commitment to safety, quality, reliability, and innovation.

“Their portfolio scale and expertise gives customers the convenience of a one-stop-shop for fire doors and peace of mind that their solutions are compliant.”

Photo credit: ASSA ABLOY

Photo caption: ASSA ABLOY offers fire door expertise plus a range of models and solutions

Wetherby Wall Systems launches InteriA retrofit solutions for solid wall properties in the UK

by Featured NewsPassiveProducts

Wetherby Wall Systems introduces new retrofit solution

Wetherby Wall Systems has launched InteriA, a new Internal Wall Insulation (IWI) system designed to provide A-rated, moisture-open retrofit solutions for solid wall buildings in the UK.

The company, part of the ROCKWOOL Group, confirmed that InteriA was developed in response to growing demand for insulation systems that combine strong fire performance with effective moisture management.

The launch took place earlier this week and marks the latest addition to Wetherby’s retrofit portfolio.

Addressing challenges in insulation for solid wall buildings

Wetherby Wall Systems said Internal Wall Insulation remains essential for improving thermal efficiency where external upgrades are limited by planning, heritage or access constraints.

The company noted that the market has lacked a complete system capable of balancing fire safety and moisture control, both now recognised as central to government best practice guidance.

According to the manufacturer, InteriA is made entirely from A-rated, non-combustible stone wool components, meeting modern safety expectations while incorporating a moisture-open construction that allows walls to dry on both sides.

The company explained that this approach aligns with advice from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), which identifies moisture permeability as key to minimising condensation and safeguarding long-term building health.

Compliance, performance and sustainability

Wetherby Wall Systems said InteriA delivers a slim profile that enables refurbishment U-values with 100mm of insulation while supporting compliance with PAS 2035 and the Building Safety Act.

The system offers a 60-year design life, uses recyclable materials and can be integrated into the RockCycle waste recovery scheme.

The firm stated that installation has been engineered for minimal disruption and improved practicality, making it suitable for occupied dwellings and large-scale retrofit programmes.

Industry response to new A-rated system

Joe Ragdale, Technical Director at Wetherby Wall Systems, said: “InteriA has been developed in direct response to what the industry has been calling for: an A-rated, moisture-open internal wall solution.

“It has been carefully designed to give specifiers, housing providers and programme managers confidence that compliance, resident safety and building durability are all addressed within one system.

“By combining safety, sustainability and compliance, InteriA represents a significant step forward for IWI solutions and will play a valuable role in helping the UK meet its carbon reduction and energy efficiency targets.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Fire engineers, housing providers and building services consultants involved in retrofit and refurbishment programmes will find this development directly relevant.

The InteriA system’s A-rated, non-combustible composition and alignment with the Building Safety Act address ongoing concerns over material compliance in occupied residential properties.

For specifiers, the inclusion of moisture-open design principles consistent with BEIS guidance supports safer long-term building performance by reducing risks associated with trapped moisture and condensation.

Programme managers and compliance officers overseeing decarbonisation or energy-efficiency schemes can also apply InteriA in cases where external insulation is not feasible, ensuring fire safety standards remain consistent with PAS 2035 expectations.

ASFP marks milestone year with 2025 Awards shortlist across seven categories

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsPassive

ASFP reveals 2025 Awards shortlist marking 50th anniversary

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has revealed the shortlist for the ASFP Awards 2025.

The Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership across the passive fire protection sector.

The event coincides with the organisation’s 50th anniversary and has attracted a record number of entries.

Finalists have been named across seven categories recognising projects, products, partnerships and individuals driving quality and competency within the built environment.

Installation project categories recognise scope and scale

The Small Scale Installation Project of the Year category includes Checkmate Fire Solutions for upgrades at the University of Leeds, Isoler for work at Hedworth Court and Golden Thread Fire Delay for delivery at the HWE HUB pathology centre in Watford.

In the Large Scale Installation Project of the Year category, Kilnbridge Fire Protection, R. Lewis & Co and Firesafe Installations are shortlisted for major schemes at Olympia London, the Paragon Project and Everton FC’s new stadium respectively.

The ASFP said the shortlisted projects demonstrate best practice in large and small installations, with entrants delivering technically verified, tested and compliant passive fire protection solutions.

Innovation categories highlight training and digital tools

The Innovation Project of the Year shortlist features Siderise for the G-Gate Project at Olympia, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions for its ductwork training facility and Global HSE Group for its accredited Level 3 training programme.

Digital innovation is recognised separately, with Quelfire’s QuelSelector tool, PlanRadar’s platform for fire protection documentation and Onetrace’s QA workflow system all named as finalists.

Each of these initiatives focuses on bridging compliance gaps, improving efficiency and promoting verified knowledge transfer across the sector.

Campaigns, service and rising talent also recognised

Marketing Campaign of the Year finalists include Quelfire’s “Because It’s Your Job to Know”, UKTC’s “Let’s learn / Let’s talk” and FSI’s “Building Movement” campaign.

In the Supplier Relationship of the Year category, GSI Contract Services with Nullifire, Swegon’s Actionair brand and Novus with Rockwool are shortlisted for collaborative partnerships advancing safety and training.

Best Customer Service of the Year nominees include Optima Systems, SGD, FSI Promat and Quelfire.

Rising Star of the Year finalists are Margherita Mullis of Promat, Francesca Burkey of Saint-Gobain and Chloe Flowers of Isoler, recognising early-career professionals making strong technical and leadership contributions.

Winners to be announced at 50th anniversary ceremony

Additional honours for academic achievement, advocacy and lifetime contribution will also be presented during the ceremony.

The ASFP said an independent judging panel from across the built environment assessed all entries based on merit.

ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward declared: “The ASFP is proud to represent all those in the passive fire community who look to evidence their commitment to improving quality, standards, and competency within the built environment by virtue of their membership of the Association.

“It’s those members who put forward their nominations for the ASFP Awards, knowing their nomination will come under scrutiny, but having the confidence in themselves to put it forward all the same.

“Whether being shortlisted or winning, the mere confidence and commitment to apply is what makes the ASFP Awards such a great event.

“Thank you to all those who applied, good luck to all nominees on this, the 50th anniversary of the ASFP. It’s going to be a very special event indeed.”

The 2025 ASFP Awards will feature entertainment from comedian Simon Brodkin and a post-event lunch and drinks reception.

According to the ASFP, members and non-members alike are encouraged to attend, with full event and booking details available on the association’s website.

ASFP Awards 2025 shortlist overview

Small Scale Installation Project of the Year (Under £1 Million)

  • Checkmate Fire Solutions – Springfield Mount, University of Leeds
  • Isoler – Hedworth Court
  • Golden Thread Fire Delay – HWE HUB, Watford

Large Scale Installation Project of the Year (Over £1 Million)

  • Kilnbridge Fire Protection – Olympia London
  • R. Lewis & Co – Paragon Project
  • Firesafe Installations – New Everton FC Stadium

Innovation Project of the Year

  • Siderise – G-Gate Project, Olympia
  • Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions – Technical Insulation Training Facility
  • Global HSE Group – Level 3 Award in Understanding and Installing Passive Fire Protection

Innovation Digital Project of the Year

  • Quelfire – The QuelSelector
  • PlanRadar – UK launch of PlanRadar
  • Onetrace – Approvals (QA workflows)

Marketing Campaign of the Year

  • Quelfire – Because It’s Your Job to Know
  • UKTC – Let’s learn / Let’s talk
  • FSI – Building Movement

Supplier Relationship of the Year

  • GSI Contract Services – GSI and Nullifire
  • Swegon – Actionair by Swegon
  • Novus – Novus and Rockwool

Best Customer Service of the Year

  • Optima Systems
  • SGD
  • FSI
  • Quelfire

Rising Star of the Year

  • Margherita Mullis – Promat
  • Francesca Burkey – Saint-Gobain
  • Chloe Flowers – Isoler

Additional awards to be announced:

  • Level 2 Academic Achievement Award
  • Level 3 Academic Achievement Award
  • Advocate of the Year Award
  • Lifetime Contribution Award

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The ASFP Awards 2025 provide a detailed overview of the current direction of passive fire protection practice, with shortlisted projects spanning education, healthcare, high-rise residential, and large public venues.

For fire-protection contractors and installers, the shortlisted installation projects illustrate current benchmarks for compliant system integration and documentation.

Manufacturers and suppliers can review nominated innovation and digital projects to identify areas where technology is improving workflow, traceability and on-site verification.

Training officers and building service engineers can note the sector’s increasing focus on accredited learning, demonstrated through programmes such as Global HSE Group’s Level 3 Award and Saint-Gobain’s technical training facility.

For facility managers and fire engineers, the collaboration and customer service categories highlight the operational value of partnership-based delivery and clear communication in maintaining compliance.

This article was informed by information from the following source: The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP)

Element launches Q-Mark certification for timber, metal and composite doorsets

by Featured NewsFire DoorsPassive

Element launches new Q-Mark schemes for EN 13501-2 transition

Element Materials Technology (Element) has launched three new Q-Mark certification schemes and updated an existing one to support the shift to the EN 13501-2 European fire classification system.

The company said the changes follow the UK Government’s announcement on 2 September 2024 that National Classes fire testing standards will be withdrawn from Approved Document B (England) on 2 September 2029.

By that date, products such as fire-resistant doorsets will be expected to achieve classification to EN 13501-2 for fire resistance and, where applicable, smoke control.

The new Q-Mark schemes, which launched on 7 October 2025, cover timber, metal and composite doorsets and provide manufacturers and systems houses with a route to compliance under the EN framework.

Element said the introduction of these schemes now allows manufacturers to continue producing doorsets meeting current requirements while preparing for the updated classification system.

The company added that early adoption could help certified companies gain a competitive advantage ahead of the 2029 transition.

Q-Mark offers pathway for ongoing compliance

According to Element, Q-Mark certification is designed to confirm that products meet high standards through continuous assessment.

The certification process involves Factory Production Control audits and periodic audit testing, providing evidence of long-term commitment to quality and performance.

These processes are supported by the technical expertise of BM TRADA and Warringtonfire, both accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

Victoria Brennan, General Manager for Certification and Technical at Element, said: “Organisations don’t just need to meet standards once – they need to show that they’re committed to maintaining them. This is where the Q-Mark excels.

“It also allows us to respond more quickly to evolving regulations.

“At Element, our priority is to lead the industry through this transition. We’re doing this by maintaining our trusted certification schemes, offering expert technical guidance, and working closely with stakeholders to interpret and respond to evolving regulations.”

Regulatory change set for 2029 implementation

The move from British Standard (BS) to European Norm (EN) testing represents one of the largest changes to building product regulation in recent years.

Brennan explained that while the future of BS 476 outside England remains uncertain, Element expects current schemes to remain valid unless future regulatory changes are announced.

She continued: “We’re committed to evolving our services in response to these changes – both in England and internationally – so our clients can continue bringing their products to their chosen markets with confidence.”

Element said that although the new requirements do not come into effect until 2029, it is encouraging early adoption to avoid manufacturing and supply chain disruption.

To support the transition, the company will host an open webinar on 23 October 2025, led by Peter Barker, Technical Policy Manager.

The session will explain how EN classification can be integrated within third-party certification schemes to confirm product performance for doorsets.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This development is most relevant for manufacturers, certification bodies, fire engineers and compliance managers involved in the specification and testing of fire-resistant doorsets.

The new Q-Mark certification schemes create an early framework for aligning with the EN 13501-2 classification system before it becomes mandatory in 2029.

For fire-protection contractors and systems integrators, this provides clarity on forthcoming compliance pathways, helping ensure that installations remain valid beyond the regulatory change.

Certification professionals and auditors will also benefit from the enhanced Factory Production Control and audit testing requirements embedded in the Q-Mark framework.

The upcoming Element webinar in October 2025 offers additional guidance for those responsible for navigating the regulatory transition across construction and manufacturing sectors.