Acorn Safety Services expands team to meet growing demand for fire and legionella services

by Featured NewsPeople

Two new consultants join Northampton-based Acorn Safety Services

Acorn Safety Services, a Northampton-based health and safety consultancy, has recently appointed two new recruits to strengthen their team.

Former Laboratory Analyst Caitlyn Merrick has joined as a Legionella Consultant, while former RAF Firefighter Darren Manning has been appointed as a Trainee Fire and Legionella Consultant.

The appointments follow a period of growth in demand for the company’s legionella and fire risk services.

Earlier this year, Acorn Safety Services also appointed a new Operations Manager, Zeynep Guzelkasap, who has been instrumental in helping the business transition into larger premises and continue its expansion.

Caitlyn Merrick brings expertise in legionella risk assessments

Caitlyn Merrick, who previously worked as a Laboratory Analyst, will be responsible for conducting legionella risk assessments across commercial, residential, and industrial properties.

She will analyse domestic water systems to identify areas where legionella bacteria may grow, a crucial step in ensuring the safety of water systems.

Merrick said: “My new role entails undertaking legionella risk assessments in a range of commercial, residential, and industrial properties.

A legionella risk assessment consists of analysing domestic water systems to identify areas where legionella may grow, and my day-to-day work varies depending on the sites I assess.

But this is what I love about my job! It provides variation and requires me to be analytical of my surroundings.

I especially love working with different people and helping educate our clients on how to safely manage their water systems.”

Darren Manning looks forward to further growth in fire and legionella safety

Darren Manning, who has experience in both the RAF and the Ambulance Service, will focus on conducting fire risk assessments in his new role as a Trainee Fire and Legionella Consultant.

He will identify potential hazards and ensure that safety regulations are met to protect people and property.

Manning said: “I focus on conducting fire risk assessments, identifying potential hazards, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations to protect people and property.

“Acorn Safety took me on as a trainee FRA, and I’m excited to continue growing with the company where I can further pursue my passion and develop my expertise to create safer environments for everyone.

“It’s been extremely busy, challenging as well as rewarding. For me, Acorn is the best place to be if you wish to learn and grow in your profession of fire safety.”

Growth in demand for services leads to team expansion

The company’s recent growth has been accompanied by an increase in demand for its fire and legionella services.

According to Operations Manager Zeynep Guzelkasap, the appointments of Merrick and Manning reflect Acorn Safety Services’ commitment to maintaining safer environments across various industries.

Guzelkasap said: “We’ve seen phenomenal growth in the demand for our fire and legionella services this year.

“I’m proud that this had led to us strengthening our team here at Acorn Safety Services.

“Darren and Caitlyn bring with them some fantastic skills and experience that will help us in our mission to maintaining safer environments for everyone.”

Acorn Safety Services expands team to meet growing demand for fire and legionella services: Summary

Acorn Safety Services, a Northampton-based health and safety consultancy, has appointed two new consultants to support its fire and legionella risk services.

Former Laboratory Analyst Caitlyn Merrick has joined as a Legionella Consultant, while former RAF Firefighter Darren Manning has been recruited as a Trainee Fire and Legionella Consultant.

Both appointments follow increased demand for Acorn’s services.

Operations Manager Zeynep Guzelkasap attributed the team expansion to the company’s recent growth.

Merrick will focus on legionella risk assessments in various property types, while Manning will conduct fire risk assessments to ensure safety compliance.

FIA nominations for 2024 councils and board close at midnight on October 3rd

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPeople

Nominations deadline approaching for FIA councils and board

The deadline for nominations for the 2024 Fire Industry Association (FIA) Councils and Board is approaching, with submissions closing at midnight on 3rd October 2024.

Member companies of the FIA are encouraged to submit their nominations before the deadline.

These nominations offer the opportunity to have a voice in various councils, which focus on specific areas within the fire safety industry.

Successful nominees will be announced at the FIA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 7th November 2024.

FIA member companies can self-nominate or put forward an employee to serve on one of the FIA’s seven councils or on the FIA Board.

This is an opportunity to shape the future direction of fire safety standards and practices in the UK.

Areas of representation in FIA councils

The seven councils within the FIA focus on different areas of the fire safety industry.

They include the Fire Detection & Alarm Council, Services Council, Fire Extinguishing Council, Fire Risk Assessment Council, Fire Engineering Council, FRES Council (Fire and Rescue Suppliers), and Export Council.

Each council plays a vital role in representing specific industry needs, attending quarterly meetings to discuss and guide industry policies and standards.

By nominating a representative to one of these councils, member companies can ensure their voices are heard in important discussions that shape the industry’s future.

Voting process and upcoming AGM

While nominations close on 3rd October, voting will not commence until 4th October 2024.

This voting process will determine which nominees will take up positions on the councils and the board.

The formal announcement of successful candidates will be made during the FIA AGM on 7th November.

The AGM will serve as an important event for the FIA and its members, where the elected council members and board will be confirmed, marking the beginning of their term for 2024.

How to submit a nomination

FIA member companies looking to nominate must log in to the FIA website and complete the nomination form provided.

This process is open to all FIA members and allows them to nominate either themselves or an employee for a council position.

Nominations will officially close at midnight on 3rd October.

FIA nominations for 2024 councils and board close tomorrow: summary

The FIA has announced that the deadline for nominations for the 2024 FIA Councils and Board will close on 3rd October 2024.

Member companies can nominate either themselves or an employee to serve on one of the FIA’s seven councils or the FIA Board.

These councils cover key areas of the fire safety industry and will meet quarterly to influence the industry’s future direction.

Voting will begin on 4th October, with successful candidates announced at the FIA AGM on 7th November 2024.

Compliance specialist Inspectas expands with six new appointments in fire safety and compliance roles

by Featured NewsPeople

Six new hires boost Inspectas’ expertise in property safety

Compliance specialist Inspectas has announced six new appointments, enhancing its property safety expertise across multiple disciplines.

As reported by Inspectas, the West Yorkshire-based firm, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, has expanded its team by adding fire, equipment, laboratory, asbestos, and business development professionals.

The appointments include Management Board Director Andy Walker, Senior Consultant Darren Tubb, Business Development Manager Jason Smith, Assistant Laboratory Manager Irene Tom, Senior Asbestos and Framework Manager Kristian Bailey, and Trainee Analyst Surveyor Alex Robinson.

These additions bring Inspectas’ team to a total of 56 professionals.

Strategic hires support business growth

The new hires reflect Inspectas’ commitment to supporting its strategic growth, with Management Board Director Andy Walker leading the company’s expansion.

The six new professionals collectively bring over eight decades of experience in compliance, contributing to the company’s multi-disciplinary team.

Inspectas’ Director and co-founder Matthew Fahy said: “We are experiencing a rapid period of growth thanks to a series of new contracts in specialist housing, education, local government and the energy sector.”

Expanding services for diverse sectors

The company has been working with more than 150 clients across various sectors, including education, healthcare, retail, construction, and industrial markets.

The growth in client base has led to a need for expanded services, including fire risk assessments and asbestos management.

Matthew Fahy noted: “Legislative requirements for building compliance is non-negotiable but can be a minefield for businesses to navigate.”

He highlighted the company’s investment in skilled professionals to meet these demands and continue delivering their specialist services.

Team growth reflects industry demands

The new hires at Inspectas mark a significant development in the company’s capacity to meet the increasing demands of building safety and compliance.

By welcoming both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the industry, Inspectas aims to bolster its reputation for delivering high-quality, specialist services.

Matthew Fahy said: “It’s fantastic to provide opportunities for new starters in our industry while also attracting seasoned professionals who bring the technical knowledge to strengthen our offering even more.”

Compliance specialist Inspectas expands with six new appointments in fire safety and compliance roles: Summary

Inspectas, a compliance specialist based in West Yorkshire, has made six new appointments to its team, strengthening its capabilities in fire safety, asbestos management, laboratory operations, and business development.

The new hires include senior professionals and trainees, adding over eight decades of expertise to the company.

Inspectas serves over 150 clients across sectors including education, healthcare, and industrial markets.

The company’s co-founder, Matthew Fahy, attributed the expansion to new contracts in housing, education, local government, and energy sectors, underscoring the importance of legislative compliance in building safety.

IWMA elects new Scientific Council Chairman in Antwerp as Lakkonen assumes Presidency

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionPeople

IWMA holds annual member meeting in Belgium

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) held its 2024 annual member meeting in Antwerp, Belgium, on 17th September.

During this meeting, members elected a new chairman for the IWMA Scientific Council.

Two candidates were in the running for the position: Kemal Sarp Arsava of RISE Norway and Bogdan Raciega from the Baltic Fire Laboratory.

Following the election, Bogdan Raciega emerged as the new chairman.

Raciega is also an IWMA representative at the European Commission’s Fire Safety Expert Group.

He succeeds Max Lakkonen, who stepped down from the role after being elected as the new IWMA President.

Election follows leadership change

The election of a new chairman for the IWMA Scientific Council marked a significant shift in leadership within the organisation.

Max Lakkonen, who previously held the role of chairman, stepped down following his election as IWMA President.

Lakkonen’s predecessor, Are W. Brandt, had served as president for two terms but stepped down due to term limits outlined in the association’s articles.

The IWMA’s annual member meeting typically involves elections for board positions, and this year was no exception.

However, the need to elect a new Scientific Council chairman made this meeting distinct, as the last such election took place in 2018.

Board of directors confirmed

In addition to the election of a new chairman, the IWMA Board of Directors remains in place following the meeting.

The board includes several prominent figures from the fire safety industry. Dirk Sprakel from Fogtec serves as the IWMA Vice-President. The other board members are Luciano Nigro from Jensen Hughes, Henrik Bygbjerg from Danfoss Fire Safety, Ann Micheli from Ultra Fog, Dirk Laibach from Johnson Controls International, Robert Harley Mostad from RISE, Markku Vuorisalo of Marioff, and Jonathan Carpenter from FM Approvals.

With the election of Max Lakkonen as IWMA President, the board had anticipated the need to elect a new Scientific Council chairman and began the search for candidates in advance.

Continuity within the IWMA

As Raciega steps into his new role, the IWMA will continue to work towards its goals of promoting water mist technology and enhancing fire safety standards globally.

The board remains largely consistent with previous years, ensuring continuity in leadership and strategy for the association.

With the appointment of Raciega, the IWMA Scientific Council will continue its work on key research and standards development in fire safety.

The IWMA, known for its dedication to water mist technology, organises this annual member meeting to keep its members engaged and to ensure that the association remains active in its pursuit of innovation and safety in fire protection systems.

IWMA elects new scientific council chairman: Summary

At the 2024 annual member meeting of the International Water Mist Association (IWMA), held in Antwerp, Belgium, on 17th September, a new Scientific Council chairman was elected.

Two candidates competed for the role: Kemal Sarp Arsava from RISE Norway and Bogdan Raciega from the Baltic Fire Laboratory.

Raciega, who also represents the IWMA at the European Commission’s Fire Safety Expert Group, was elected chairman, succeeding Max Lakkonen.

Lakkonen had stepped down after being elected IWMA President.

The meeting also reaffirmed the members of the IWMA Board of Directors, ensuring stability in the association’s leadership structure.

Promat strengthens fire safety with new UK Fire Test Manager

by Featured NewsPeople

Appointment of new fire test manager at Promat

Promat has appointed Dan Gibson as the new Fire Test Manager for the UK market.

This move aligns with the company’s focus on maintaining high standards in fire testing classification and certification.

As reported by Promat, the introduction of the Building Safety Act has driven increased demand for clearer guidelines on the use of passive fire protection products.

Promat’s extensive testing database is already one of the largest in the industry, and Dan Gibson’s appointment aims to bolster this resource further.

Expanded role and responsibilities

In his new role, Dan Gibson will manage testing activities across Promat’s UK operations.

He will ensure the availability of fire test data for a broader range of applications, providing critical information to construction professionals.

Gibson will also support larger construction projects by demonstrating that Promat’s products meet the necessary safety and compliance standards.

His experience in fire testing will help to showcase Promat’s product capabilities in various construction environments.

Demand for certified fire safety standards

The increased focus on fire safety certification following the Building Safety Act has created a need for robust fire testing and certification.

Dan Gibson said: “Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act the demand for clear, demonstrated fire testing certification is stronger than ever.

“The commitment to standards at Promat is impressive and I look forward to working closely with the product development teams to fully demonstrate the capabilities of Promat’s products.”

Commitment to fire safety

Promat’s Technical Director, Nigel Morrey, commented on the importance of rigorous fire testing, stating: “Promat is committed to delivering tested systems that have the transparency, detail and level of performance needed to give architects, specifiers and contractors the confidence they need in a life-critical product.”

He added that Dan Gibson’s role will involve coordinating tests and liaising with both testing laboratories and certification bodies.

This will help ensure the highest standards of safety and performance across Promat’s product range.

Promat strengthens fire safety with new UK fire test manager: Summary

Promat has appointed Dan Gibson as the new fire test manager for the UK market.

His role will involve coordinating fire tests across the company and ensuring the availability of crucial testing data.

Gibson will also offer bespoke support for larger projects, assisting with compliance and safety certification.

The appointment comes in response to the increased demand for fire safety standards following the introduction of the Building Safety Act.

Technical Director Nigel Morrey emphasised the company’s commitment to maintaining transparency and high performance in fire protection systems through rigorous testing and certification.

Dubai engineer Salma Humaid Saeed Al Ali named joint winner of International Woman of the Year award

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringPeople

Recognition of Dubai engineer at London awards

Engineer Salma Humaid Saeed Al Ali has been awarded the prestigious International Woman of the Year award at the Women in Fire Safety Awards.

The ceremony, held on 12 September 2024 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London, celebrated her contributions to fire safety in Dubai.

As reported by Emirates Safety Lab, this award acknowledges Engineer Salma’s efforts in enhancing fire safety standards in the Emirate.

Her work includes overseeing fire compliance planning approvals and updating regulations.

This recognition highlights her role in advancing safety measures locally and her influence on the global fire safety community.

Women in Fire Safety Awards promote gender equality in fire safety

The Women in Fire Safety Awards, established in 2021, aim to recognise the contributions of women in the fire safety industry.

This year’s event highlighted the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and progression in the sector.

Co-founded by Chloe Antoniuk and Kate Blake, the awards encourage the next generation of women to pursue careers in fire safety.

With a focus on promoting gender equality, the event brought together industry professionals to celebrate outstanding achievements in fire safety.

Salma’s impact on fire safety in Dubai

Engineer Salma has played a key role in improving fire safety standards in Dubai.

Her responsibilities include approving fire compliance for new construction projects, updating fire safety regulations, and implementing new technologies to ensure compliance.

Her leadership at Emirates Safety Laboratory and Dubai Civil Defence demonstrates the importance of diversity in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

Through her work, she has set new standards for fire safety and inspired a more inclusive industry.

Mentorship and advocacy for women in fire safety

Beyond her professional work, Engineer Salma has been a mentor to many in the fire safety community.

Her guidance has helped develop the skills of personnel at both Dubai Civil Defence and Emirates Safety Laboratory.

Her efforts in advocating for diversity and gender equality align with the values of the Women in Fire Safety Awards, which aim to create a more inclusive and supportive industry.

Her recognition is a call to action for continued progress in this area.

Dubai engineer Salma Humaid Saeed Al Ali receives International Woman of the Year award at 2024 Women in Fire Safety Awards in London: Summary

Engineer Salma Humaid Saeed Al Ali, of Dubai Civil Defence, has been recognised with the International Woman of the Year award at the Women in Fire Safety Awards, held in London on 12 September 2024.

The award honours her contributions to fire safety in Dubai, where she has overseen compliance planning and the implementation of new technologies.

The awards, which promote diversity and gender equality in the fire safety sector, highlight the importance of supporting women’s achievements.

Salma’s recognition reflects her leadership in the industry and her mentorship of the next generation of fire safety professionals.

NEBOSH awards honorary diplomas to two professionals in health and safety

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyPeople

NEBOSH awards individuals for contributions to HSE industry

Two professionals, Dr Waddah S Ghanem Al Hashmi and Roger Schulp, have been awarded an honorary diploma by NEBOSH for their outstanding contributions to the health, safety, and environmental (HSE) industry.

The awards were presented at the NEBOSH Graduation Ceremony in September 2024, held in the United Kingdom.

Both recipients have played key roles in advancing health and safety standards and promoting education to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, according to NEBOSH.

Roger Schulp: Armed forces to health and safety expert

Roger Schulp began his career in the Armed Forces and transitioned into health and safety after becoming a qualified Barrister in 1995.

He spent decades working as a Regulator with the Health and Safety Executive, consulting for global organisations, and specialising in incident investigation.

Schulp led bp’s investigation team following the Deepwater Horizon incident, focusing on human behaviour, psychological safety, and trauma-informed interviewing to improve safety learning.

He stated: “I am honoured and proud to receive this prestigious award from NEBOSH.

“This recognition fuels my desire to make a difference and drive improvements in learning from incidents.”

Dr Waddah S Ghanem Al Hashmi: Middle East energy leadership

Dr Waddah S Ghanem Al Hashmi is a well-known figure in the Middle East’s energy sector, advocating for stronger health and safety leadership at senior management levels.

He holds several prestigious positions, including Chairman of the Platform for Connected Leadership and Fellow of multiple professional institutions.

Dr Al Hashmi has contributed extensively to the academic field, publishing numerous books, papers, and working with publications such as Harvard Business Review Arabia.

On receiving the award, he said: “It is truly an honour for us to be nominated for such a prestigious award from an institution which has been a pillar in the health and safety world of practitioner development.”

A shared commitment to education and safety

Both recipients share a commitment to promoting safety education as a critical element in preventing workplace incidents.

They have significantly influenced the health and safety profession through their leadership, research, and dedication to improving industry standards.

Their awards highlight the importance of ongoing professional development and their contributions to shaping safer working environments across the globe.

NEBOSH acknowledged their commitment to enhancing safety practices through continuous learning and innovation in their respective fields.

NEBOSH awards honorary diplomas to two professionals in health and safety: Summary

NEBOSH awarded honorary diplomas to Dr Waddah S Ghanem Al Hashmi and Roger Schulp for their contributions to the health, safety, and environmental (HSE) industry at its September 2024 Graduation Ceremony in the UK.

Schulp, a former Armed Forces member and barrister, has spent decades working as a Regulator and incident investigator.

Dr Al Hashmi is a prominent figure in the Middle East energy sector, advocating for active health and safety leadership.

Both professionals were recognised for their commitment to preventing workplace injuries and advancing HSE education.

Serco unveils +impact to deliver sustainable and user-centric consultancy services

by Featured NewsMiddle East - Breaking NewsPeople

Serco launches new international advisory firm

As reported by Serco, the company has launched a new advisory business called +impact, which will provide practical, sustainable, and user-centric consultancy services.

The launch reflects Serco’s commitment to offering advice only in areas where it has operational expertise.

The services offered by +impact will range from the initial stages of a project to implementation and operations.

The company aims to deliver real-world solutions by combining Serco’s operational experience with cutting-edge technology and global insights.

+impact led by Serco Middle East CEO

Phil Malem, who currently serves as CEO of Serco Middle East, will lead +impact while continuing in his current role.

Malem played a key role in the rapid growth of Serco’s Middle East advisory unit, which was launched last year.

Serco’s advisory business has been involved in several key initiatives, including Vision 2030 and local government giga-projects.

The advisory unit has also expanded its sustainability capabilities through the acquisition of Climatize, an engineering company known for its environmental services.

Commitment to practical solutions based on experience

Phil Malem, CEO of +impact, explained the approach of the new advisory business.

He said: “For decades, Serco has brought together the right people, the right technology and the right partners to deliver solutions to some of the world’s most urgent and critical challenges.”

Malem emphasised that the expertise +impact offers comes from Serco’s own experience in delivering and managing services on a large scale.

He further stated: “It was a logical next step for us to bring this deep international experience together with world-class advisory services.”

Serco’s global CEO on the future of +impact

Mark Irwin, Group CEO of Serco, also shared his thoughts on the launch of +impact.

He said: “We are proud to bring this transformational offering to our partnership with government customers as well as businesses delivering essential services to citizens and residents.”

Irwin highlighted how +impact aims to provide innovative but practical solutions that will assist governments and businesses in addressing the challenges they face today.

Serco unveils +impact to deliver sustainable and user-centric consultancy services: Summary

Serco has announced the launch of +impact, a new advisory business that will offer practical, sustainable, and user-centric solutions.

The business is led by Phil Malem, CEO of Serco Middle East, and will draw on Serco’s operational expertise and global insights.

Malem will expand the business internationally, building on the success of Serco’s Middle East advisory services.

The new business will support projects from their early stages through to full implementation, with a focus on delivering real-world solutions.

Serco’s Group CEO, Mark Irwin, highlighted the aim of +impact to deliver innovative and practical services for government and business customers alike.

Mark Lerche joins DBI as international client manager to enhance maritime fire safety

by Featured NewsPeople

Appointment of Mark Lerche at DBI

Mark Lerche has been appointed as the International Client Manager at DBI – The Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology, effective from 15 September 2024.

As reported by the Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology, Lerche will be based at DBI’s Aarhus office and will focus on expanding the organisation’s position in maritime fire safety. His responsibilities will include strengthening DBI’s collaboration across the entire maritime value chain.

Industry expertise and background

Mark Lerche brings a wealth of experience from various industries, having previously worked with several organisations, including Maersk, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Trade Council, the Danish Export Association, and Arepa, where he served as Sales Manager.

At DBI, Lerche will apply his extensive experience in networking to connect key players within the maritime industry, fostering cooperation to address fire safety challenges across the sector.

Strengthening fire safety within the maritime sector

In his new role, Lerche will concentrate on building and expanding DBI’s relationships with stakeholders throughout the maritime sector.

DBI aims to leverage Lerche’s expertise to drive the development of collaborative solutions that will benefit society, businesses, and customers, enhancing the overall safety standards within the industry.

Focus on global collaboration

Lerche’s work at DBI will not be limited to Denmark. He will engage internationally to broaden DBI’s reach, reinforcing its fire safety initiatives on a global scale.

The Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology anticipates that his appointment will bolster their efforts to address fire safety concerns within the maritime industry worldwide.

Mark Lerche joins DBI as international client manager: Summary

Mark Lerche has been appointed as the International Client Manager at the Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology (DBI), effective 15 September 2024. Based in Aarhus, Denmark, Lerche will focus on enhancing DBI’s fire safety initiatives within the maritime sector through international collaboration. Drawing on his background from organisations such as Maersk and the Danish Export Association, Lerche will strengthen partnerships across the maritime value chain to develop fire safety solutions. DBI expects Lerche’s global approach to significantly enhance fire safety standards within the industry.

Adrian Hurley appointed president of BESA, aims to tackle UK building safety and net zero goals

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsPeopleSustainability

Adrian Hurley takes leadership of BESA for 2024-25

Adrian Hurley C. Eng has been elected as the President of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) for 2024-25, as reported by BESA.

Hurley is the managing director of FP Hurley & Sons, a contractor founded by his grandfather 75 years ago.

He has been an active member of BESA since 2019 and previously served as Vice President.

At BESA’s AGM, Hurley expressed his pride in leading the Association during its 120th anniversary year.

He highlighted BESA’s history and its role in providing leadership and expertise to help members navigate future growth opportunities.

Hurley emphasised: “The Association will once again provide leadership, guidance, and expertise to ensure members seize the opportunities for growth and diversification that are essential to the future of our businesses and the people we employ.”

Urgent need for building retrofits in the UK

During the BESA President’s Lunch, Hurley spoke about the importance of commercial building retrofits and called on the government to prioritise this work.

He noted that many of the UK’s 30 million buildings urgently require upgrades, particularly to support the country’s net zero goals.

Hurley said: “The deployment of new technologies, like heat pumps, is exciting and progressive, but there is so much we could still do to improve the performance of what is already built and installed.”

Hurley also warned that the large-scale retrofitting and refurbishment work could face delays due to a shortage of skilled workers.

He suggested that a combination of innovation, digital technology, and better recruitment practices would be needed to meet the demands of this task.

Increasing diversity and improving training in the building sector

Hurley raised concerns about the low number of women entering the building engineering sector and the trend of many leaving the industry before reaching their full potential.

He stressed that BESA is committed to improving training, attracting new talent, and providing opportunities for individuals already in the industry to enhance their skills.

“BESA is relentlessly pursuing ways to improve training and attract new talent,” said Hurley.

He also announced that BESA would be restructuring its training and skills services, aiming to better support members in proving their technical and professional competence and compliance with industry standards and legislation.

Commitment to the Building Safety Act following the Grenfell Inquiry

Following the publication of the final report from the Grenfell Tower disaster public inquiry, Hurley urged BESA members and the wider industry to fully commit to the Building Safety Act.

He described the Act as “groundbreaking legislation that goes far beyond safety into every aspect of our work.”

Hurley reminded members that the Grenfell Inquiry had been highly critical of the construction industry, highlighting many systemic failings.

He also stressed that building safety must not come at the expense of performance, arguing that buildings should provide both safety and comfort.

Hurley added: “Buildings need to be comfortable and have good indoor air quality.

“They need temperature control, and healthy levels of natural lighting and space.”

Adrian Hurley appointed president of BESA, aims to tackle UK building safety and net zero goals: Summary

Adrian Hurley has been elected as President of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) for 2024-25.

Hurley, managing director of FP Hurley & Sons, aims to lead BESA through a period of growth, focusing on retrofitting existing buildings and supporting net zero targets.

He highlighted concerns about the shortage of skilled workers needed to complete building retrofits and called for better recruitment and innovation.

Hurley also addressed the need to increase diversity in the sector and improve training programs.

Following the Grenfell Inquiry, he urged the industry to fully commit to the Building Safety Act, stressing the importance of building safety alongside performance.