ServiceTrade data highlights 2026 fire protection shifts for service contractors

by AI & Deep LearningFeatured NewsSafety

Why fire protection valuations may hinge on recurring revenue

ServiceTrade has shared 2026 predictions from Chief Executive Officer William Chaney on how commercial HVAC, fire protection and mechanical contractors are changing how they operate.

The company said Chaney’s perspective is based on operational activity visible through its platform, which it said runs the operations of thousands of these businesses each day.

ServiceTrade positioned the predictions around labour availability, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, pricing pressure and customer expectations.

The predictions focus on what contractors are currently doing, according to the company.

AI and data move into field workflows

Chaney said agentic AI will become standard for high-performing commercial service contractors in 2026.

William Chaney, CEO of ServiceTrade, said: “In 2026, every high-performing commercial service contractor will rely on agentic AI as a force multiplier in the field.

“Technicians will arrive with AI-built prep packs, instant access to asset information, and guided next steps, so they can focus on skilled work rather than non-billable tasks.

“Recent research shows 93% of field service organizations have already started implementing AI in operations, and 88% say it’s improving uptime and customer experience—evidence that this shift is well underway.”

Chaney also set out a case for platforms that combine operational records with real-time execution.

Chaney said: “2026 will be the year when your system of record has to become a system of action.

“Contractors who give technicians, office staff, and customers a shared, data-rich platform—facility equipment, inspections, photos, quotes, and invoices all in one place—will simply outgrow those still relying on legacy software, spreadsheets, and paper.”

He added that reporting cycles will tighten as dashboards and alerts identify operational exceptions as they happen.

Chaney said: “Automated dashboards and AI-generated alerts will surface exceptions in real time—lagging labor efficiency, overdue inspections, stalled repairs and maintenance—so leaders can act on today’s data instead of last month’s report.

“The companies that win will be the ones that tighten their decision cycle from weeks to hours.”

Labour and training pressure in 2026

Chaney said the skilled trades shortage will deepen in 2026 and he linked growth to efficiency gains in the field.

Chaney said: “The skilled trades shortage will deepen in 2026.

“Analysts estimate the U.S. will need roughly 140,000 additional electricians, HVAC pipefitters, heavy equipment operators, welders, and construction laborers by 2030 just to support infrastructure and AI data center build-outs.

“The contractors who grow fastest won’t be the ones who hire the most people—they’ll be the ones who get the most safe, high-quality, billable work from every technician through better tools, workflows, and training.

“Field Service Management software that leverages solid data and AI will be fundamental to success.”

He also said education choices are shifting towards vocational routes.

Chaney said: “In 2026, more young people will choose ‘earn while you learn’ trades over traditional four-year degrees.

“A recent Harris Poll for the American Staffing Association found that 33% of U.S. adults now recommend trade or vocational school as the best path for high school graduates, compared with 28% who recommend a four-year college.

“Since the pandemic, undergraduate enrollment in four-year programs has fallen by about 900,000 students, underscoring the shift toward solid, long-term careers that offer faster paychecks and less debt—exactly what the commercial service trades deliver.”

Fire protection revenue and consolidation signals

Chaney said recurring, compliance-based revenue will continue to command higher valuations in a volatile market.

Chaney said: “In a volatile market, recurring, compliance-based revenue will continue to command premium valuations.

“Across industries, businesses with 70–80% recurring revenue often achieve EBITDA multiples roughly two to three times higher than transaction-only peers.

“For fire protection and mechanical contractors, that means recurring inspections, monitoring, and maintenance agreements aren’t just good for cash flow—they’re central to long-term enterprise value.”

He said buyers will increasingly favour service businesses with modern systems and consistent data.

Chaney said: “In 2026, buyers will increasingly favor contractors who arrive at the deal table with modern systems, clean data, and repeatable processes.

“Private equity and strategic investors will pay a premium for technology-enabled service companies with recurring revenue, strong retention, and clear productivity metrics—because those are the businesses that scale smoothly post-close.”

Chaney also identified revenue per technician per labour hour as a central metric in 2026.

Chaney said: “Revenue per technician per labor hour will become the single most-watched KPI in 2026.

“It blends scheduling efficiency, pricing, sales follow-through, and technician productivity into one number.

“As AI and workflow automation strip non-billable tasks out of a technician’s day, the contractors who rigorously track and optimize this metric will grow faster and command higher valuations.”

Customer portals and predictive service expectations

Chaney said commercial facility customers will expect more transparent, digital service experiences by 2026.

Chaney said: “By 2026, commercial facility customers will expect consumer-grade transparency from their service partners: live job status, photo-rich reports, issue tracking, and digital approvals in a single portal.

“Contractors who can’t clearly show where they’ve been, what they found, and what happens next—in real time—will lose business to those who can.”

He said reactive break-fix models will shrink as inspection and asset data supports predictive and compliance-first service.

Chaney said: “Reactive break-fix business models will shrink as AI models learn from years of inspection, work orders, and asset data.

“Early research already shows that AI is boosting uptime and first-time fix rates for field service fleets, laying the groundwork for predictive service models.

“In 2026, the contractors who win will be those who package and sell uptime, compliance, and risk reduction—not just emergency response.”

How this could affect contractor operations

Fire-protection contractors and system installers who rely on recurring inspection, monitoring and maintenance work may view Chaney’s comments as a reminder that recurring, compliance-based revenue is being tied to valuation outcomes.

Procurement officers and facility managers in commercial environments may recognise the customer-experience elements Chaney described, including live job status, photo-rich reporting and digital approvals delivered through a single portal.

Fire safety officers and risk assessors who manage inspection evidence may also focus on the emphasis on shared records, including inspection results, photos, quotes and invoices in one place.

Training officers and instructors working with service teams may note the focus on improving billable output per technician through tools, workflows and training, alongside the use of AI-built preparation and guided next steps in the field.

Mechanical and electrical engineers involved in maintaining building systems may also watch for how “system of record” platforms are used to support real-time decision-making on overdue inspections and stalled repairs.

Euralarm publishes guidance on protecting Europe’s critical installations

by Featured NewsFire DetectionSafety

Euralarm releases new precautionary guidance

Euralarm has released a new guidance document on precautionary measures for protecting vital installations and facilities across Europe.

The organisation said the document is intended to provide practical direction to strengthen the physical protection and resilience of critical infrastructures.

It described the guidance as a reference for policymakers, infrastructure operators and security professionals involved in protecting vital facilities.

Euralarm said the document aims to illustrate the importance of physical security and safety, along with basic requirements, in the field of critical infrastructure.

Focus on interdependence and shared responsibility

Euralarm said European societies rely on interdependent systems including energy and water supply, healthcare, transport and communications.

It said incidents and evolving threat scenarios have shown how vulnerable vital installations can be to targeted attacks, natural disasters and technical failures.

The guidance states that continued functionality is essential for social stability, public safety and economic security.

Euralarm said the document frames critical infrastructure security as a shared responsibility involving public authorities, security agencies, private operators and specialist security service providers.

Alignment with EU resilience requirements

Euralarm said the guidance builds on the European Directive on the Resilience of Critical Entities (CER/RCE), which establishes minimum standards for protecting critical infrastructures.

It said the document promotes cross-sector physical security arrangements that complement cyber and IT security measures.

The guidance notes that national implementation timelines may vary.

Euralarm said the document calls for proactive protective measures to mitigate risks associated with changing threat scenarios.

Risk analysis and layered protective measures

Euralarm said the guidance places risk analysis and resilience planning at the centre of protection for critical infrastructures.

It said these processes help operators identify vulnerabilities early, prevent threats and improve the ability to withstand and recover from disruptive events.

The guidance sets out an integrative security strategy combining structural, technical and organisational measures.

Euralarm said physical security measures cited in the document include perimeter protection, access control, intrusion and fire detection and video surveillance.

It said the approach is intended to create a protective shield tailored to each infrastructure’s risk profile.

Integrating fire detection into critical infrastructure security

The guidance describes fire detection and fire alarm systems as part of a coordinated security concept for critical infrastructure resilience.

It sets expectations for system design based on documented risk analysis, including special fire detection technologies where point detectors are unsuitable.

Examples included aspirating smoke detection for transformer rooms and critical plant, linear smoke detection for large volumes and targeted monitoring of cabinets, junction boxes and power supply equipment.

The document also addresses system interaction, including interfaces between fire alarms, access control and emergency management systems to support evacuation, containment and coordinated response.

It highlights the need for resilient alarm transmission, redundant power supplies and assured connectivity to alarm receiving centres and emergency responders.

It also links fire detection and alarm systems to cybersecurity considerations where products rely on IP networks, remote access and software-based components.

SOCOTEC highlights construction fire safety advice on scaffold sheeting

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPassiveSafety

Construction covering materials guidance restated

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland has reminded construction firms of UK recommendations on temporary protective covering materials (TPCMs) used on construction sites.

The company said it has provided fire safety advice to construction sites for over 10 years, supporting compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and insurer requirements.

SOCOTEC said the reminder follows increased attention on TPCMs and what it described as uncertainty within the industry.

Construction requirements for scaffold cladding

SOCOTEC referenced the Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation (JCoP) for recommendations on flexible materials used to clad scaffolding.

The guidance quoted by SOCOTEC states: “10.3 When flexible materials are used to clad scaffolding, these materials must conform to the requirements of LPS 1215: Requirements for the LPCB approval and listing for fire performance of containment net and sheet materials for external use on construction sites (ref 15) or Warringtonfire Certifire Technical Schedule 62, Reaction to fire performance requirements: materials used to clad scaffolding (ref 16).

“The material shall be manufactured in accordance with a quality assurance and certification programme, and the scaffolding covering material shall be approved by a third-party certification body accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service.

“The relevant approval mark shall be printed on the material”.

HSG168 advice on scaffold sheeting

SOCOTEC also cited Health and Safety Executive guidance in HSG168 on the use of fire-retardant scaffold sheeting where scaffolding forms part of the means of escape.

HSG168 states: “207 If the scaffold is intended as part of the means of escape the scaffold sheeting must be to a flame-retardant standard and you must carefully consider the extent of the sheeting.

“Do not use the sheeting to enclose scaffold stair towers or escape ladders (see Figure 7).

“This is to minimise smoke in the escape route and make fire and rescue service access easier.

“Flame-retardant sheeting is also recommended in other circumstances such as on a structure containing exposed timber or flammable insulation material or on an occupied building.

“An example of sheeting that satisfies flame-retardant criteria is that which complies with the Loss Prevention Standard LPS 1215 or equivalent, such as TS62: Technical Schedule 62: Reaction to fire performance requirements: materials used to clad scaffolding, CERTIFIRE product certification scheme.

“Products compliant with either standard will be marked with the relevant certification.

“If the sheeting is printed with an image or colour this may affect its compliance with the flame-retardant testing.”

SOCOTEC recommends reviewing materials in use

With the guidance in mind, SOCOTEC recommended that construction firms review any covering materials currently used on their sites.

The company said it provides Construction Fire Safety strategies for firms across the UK & Ireland, with a primary goal of practical solutions for fire safety problems that can be encountered on construction sites.

SOCOTEC said its website sets out information for organisations starting their own Construction Fire Safety Strategy.

The company added that its communication was provided for general information purposes and should not be treated as professional advice for specific project circumstances.

Electric vehicle safety outlook predicts five-fold growth in EV fire coatings

by Featured NewsResearchSafety

Forecast raises new supply chain questions around electric vehicle safety

Future Market Insights said a newly released report values the PFAS-Free EV Battery Fire-Protection Coatings market at USD 1.6 billion in 2026, rising to USD 7.7 billion by 2036.

The report described a compound annual growth rate of 17.6% across the forecast period.

Future Market Insights linked the market shift to efforts to prevent battery fires described as thermal runaway and to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from coating chemistries.

Electric vehicle safety drivers cited by report

Future Market Insights said some fire-resistant coatings have historically relied on PFAS due to heat tolerance.

The report said tightening regulations in North America and Europe and growing demand for cleaner manufacturing are pushing original equipment manufacturers to move to PFAS-free alternatives.

Future Market Insights framed the change as affecting automotive supply chains as electric vehicle production volumes increase.

Coating types and reported market shares

Future Market Insights said liquid coatings hold a 40% market share because they can be applied across complex battery pack geometries.

The report said intumescent coatings account for 30% of the market.

Future Market Insights said intumescent coatings expand under heat to form a char barrier intended to insulate the battery and create time for passengers.

Regional growth rates highlighted by Future Market Insights

Future Market Insights said China leads forecast growth at 12% compound annual growth, which it linked to domestic electric vehicle production volumes.

The report said India follows at 11%, which it linked to government incentives including the FAME scheme.

Future Market Insights said the US is forecast at 10% and the UK at 9%, which it linked to environmental regulations and a shift toward sustainable transport.

What this means for electric vehicle safety engineering

Fire engineering consultants and mechanical and electrical engineers working on vehicle systems may use the forecast figures and coating-type shares to benchmark where suppliers are concentrating product development.

Procurement officers and equipment specifiers supporting electric vehicle manufacturing may track the reported shift away from PFAS-based chemistries when reviewing material specifications for battery pack fire protection.

Standards and certification bodies may also watch the market direction described in the report, as it frames PFAS-free coatings and thermal runaway mitigation as linked requirements in future battery designs.

Emergency and disaster response managers may note the report’s focus on thermal runaway prevention as a driver behind new protective materials entering the vehicle fleet over the 2026 to 2036 period.

Hot Work fires fell 9% across England, CE Safety analysis finds

by Featured NewsResearchSafety

Hot Work fire incidents across England

CE Safety has analysed Office for National Statistics (ONS) records and identified 199 hot work-related fires in non-dwelling buildings across England in 2023/24 and 182 in 2024/25.

The company said the data covers more than 26,000 non-dwelling fire incidents recorded by the ONS across England’s fire and rescue areas over the two financial years.

It reported that hot work fires fell by 9% year on year, and that they accounted for 1.3% of all non-dwelling fires in 2024/25.

Welding and cutting remain dominant

CE Safety said welding or cutting was the source of ignition in 85% of hot work-related fires in 2023/24.

It added that the proportion linked to welding or cutting remained at 85% in 2024/25.

The company said this indicates welding and cutting continued to be the dominant ignition source within the hot work incidents it identified.

Construction settings and casualty counts

CE Safety said 12 hot work fires in 2023/24 occurred in buildings under construction.

It reported that eight incidents in 2024/25 occurred in buildings under construction.

Across both financial years, CE Safety said 32 hot work fires had at least one casualty or fatality at the scene.

It reported that 19 of those incidents were recorded in 2023/24 and 13 were recorded in 2024/25.

Regional proportions and incident totals

CE Safety said Cumbria recorded the highest proportion of hot work fires in 2024/25, accounting for 4.55% of all non-dwelling fires attended in the region.

It said Derbyshire recorded 4.06%, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly recorded 3.85%, North Yorkshire recorded 3.57%, and Hereford and Worcester recorded 3.5%.

CE Safety said London Fire Brigade recorded the highest number of hot work fires in 2024/25, with 14 incidents.

It added that the 14 incidents accounted for 0.81% of all non-dwelling fires in the region.

For 2023/24, CE Safety said the five regions with the highest percentage of hot work fires were Northumberland (4.6%), Hertfordshire (3.98%), Devon & Somerset (3.91%), West Yorkshire (3%) and North Yorkshire (2.93%).

CE Safety comments on oversight and permits

Gary Ellis, Managing Director of CE Safety, comments: “While the number of fires related to hot works don’t contribute to a huge percentage of the total number of fires in England every year, our analysis of data from the ONS still shows that these highly dangerous incidents do still happen consistently every year.

“Although there was a drop in the number of hot work-related fires in 24/25, this drop was only small and there’s still a significant number of them being attended.

“However, these fires should be near enough avoidable.

“There is often a lack of managerial oversight of hot work activities.

“The requirements for a fire risk assessment and hot work permit (HWP) are well known, but in many cases they are generic and treated more like a paper exercise by both the client and the contractor.

“The data we’ve presented here shows that proper practices should always be put in place when conducting hot works, ensuring everyone has had comprehensive fire training to ensure they stay safe.”

What the Hot Work figures mean for controls

The CE Safety analysis identifies welding and cutting as the ignition source in 85% of recorded hot work fires across both 2023/24 and 2024/25.

This points training officers and instructors towards welding and cutting controls, including how hot work permits are applied in practice and who is responsible for oversight.

Risk assessors, facility managers and fire-protection contractors can use the regional percentages to prioritise scrutiny where hot work incidents form a higher share of non-dwelling fires.

The casualty and fatality count attached to 32 incidents across the two years provides a prompt to review whether permit processes, supervision and fire training are being treated as task-specific controls.

The construction figures, covering 12 incidents in buildings under construction in 2023/24 and eight in 2024/25, provide a reference point for site managers planning hot work activity and monitoring.

Harmony Fire joins UK Outstanding employers list

by Featured NewsSafety

Harmony Fire receives Two Star rating

Harmony Fire has been named an ‘Outstanding Company to Work For’ in the Best Companies annual survey of UK workplace engagement, after moving from a 2025 One Star rating to a 2026 Two Star accolade.

The company said the rating follows Best Companies’ employee engagement assessment of participating organisations.

Harmony Fire described itself as a national life safetylife safety specialist.

Best Companies’ annual rankings are due to be revealed in 2026.

How Best Companies runs its survey

Best Companies said it was established to help organisations benchmark and improve their performance as employers.

The organisation said it does this through an anonymised annual employee survey called the b-Heard questionnaire.

Best Companies said the questionnaire asks employees to rate statements linked to engagement.

It said topic areas include wellbeing, pay and benefits, personal and career growth and leadership.

Best Companies said the data informs annual survey rankings and can be used by organisations to refine employee engagement strategies.

CEO links rating to culture goals

Warwick Melvin, CEO of Harmony Fire, said: “We are unashamedly an organisation with a mission to transform the life safety sector, because we do not accept that there is ever a compromise when it comes to people’s lives.

“Creating a culture where we attract and retain the most talented, ambitious and motivated individuals starts with our clear purpose of helping people who want to get somewhere, get there.

“We see the profound impact that attracting ‘A-players’ into our business has on team engagement and overall happiness, and we empower our talented colleagues to influence, drive and shape the direction of our business as we grow and innovate together.

“Further recognition from Best Companies, alongside the calibre of talent seeking out Harmony Fire for their next career move, underscores our laser focus on being the best employer for those who thrive on surpassing expectations.”

What this could mean for employers and contractors

Workplace engagement schemes such as Best Companies’ b-Heard questionnaire can be relevant for fire-protection contractors, system installers and facilities teams that rely on stable delivery staff across maintenance, remedial works and compliance programmes.

A shift from a 2025 One Star rating to a 2026 Two Star rating provides a reference point for organisations benchmarking retention, development and leadership practices using external survey frameworks.

For procurement officers and facility managers, publicly stated employer standards can form part of due diligence when assessing supplier capacity, continuity of service and workforce stability for long-term contracts.

For fire safety managers and risk assessors working with contractors, the survey topics Best Companies listed, including wellbeing, pay and benefits, personal and career growth and leadership, align with areas that can affect staffing levels, supervision and consistency on site.

House of Lords Committee cites cladding delays risking 1.5 million homes target

by Breaking NewsConstructionSafety

Delays linked to cladding remediation

A cross-party House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee has warned the Government that Building Safety Regulator (BSR) approval delays are leaving residents in England waiting longer for dangerous cladding remediation, with higher costs for leaseholders.

The Committee published its report, The Building Safety Regulator: Building a better regulator, on Thursday 11 December 2025.

It said the delays have stretched beyond the regulator’s statutory timelines for building control decisions.

The Committee said it welcomed the increased scrutiny the BSR has brought to the design, construction and management of buildings in the interest of safety.

It also warned that delays could put the Government at risk of missing its target to build 1.5 million homes by 2029.

Findings on guidance and application quality

After hearing from witnesses including campaign groups, developers, housing associations and regulators working closely with the BSR, the Committee said the BSR has not given clear enough guidance on how applicants should demonstrate that buildings are safe.

It said many applications are being rejected or delayed because of basic errors.

It also said applicants are struggling to evidence how they are considering elements of fire safety and structural safety.

The Committee said this reflects poorly on the construction industry.

It also raised concerns that many construction products do not have relevant product standards, leaving them unregulated.

Inspector workforce and scope concerns

The Committee said difficulties in local authority funding and the introduction of regulation have contributed to an ageing workforce of building inspectors who are struggling to meet demand.

It said smaller works, such as bathroom renovations in high-rise buildings, are being subject to the scrutiny of the BSR’s multidisciplinary teams (MDTs).

The Committee linked that to pressure on MDT capacity.

It said a more streamlined approach is needed for smaller works.

Calls for BSR process changes

The Committee called on the BSR to give greater guidance to MDTs on how compliance with the Building Regulations should be evidenced and assessed to improve consistency.

It also called on the Government to remove smaller works from the BSR’s building control approval processes, or introduce a streamlined approval process for them.

The Committee said allocating the same MDTs to similar buildings or projects built by the same organisation could improve efficiency and consistency.

It also called on the Government to provide long-term funding for the training of new building and fire inspectors.

BSR response on processing times

The Building Safety Regulator said: “We recognise that building control applications have been taking too long to process.

“Since the Committee began its hearings in the summer, we have made significant changes to speed up decision making with a focus on new build and cladding remediation applications.

“These include a new Innovation Unit, batching processes, and the introduction of account managers to improve communication with applicants.

“These improvements are helping to increase industry confidence and, in the 12 weeks to 24 November, enabled construction to proceed on over 11,000 new homes.

“We also saw a 73% approval rate for new build decisions during that time, demonstrating that changes introduced are beginning to work.

“Making sure buildings with dangerous cladding are remediated quickly is also a priority and will be the focus of our new Remediation Enforcement Unit which will begin working on cases in the new year.

“The Committee’s recognition that BSR has successfully driven a ‘crucial cultural shift’ toward safer homes is a welcome endorsement of the new regime.

“We remain firmly committed to being a proportionate and enabling regulator that works alongside the construction sector to protect residents and deliver safe buildings in support of the government’s housing targets.”

Committee Chair comments on delays

Baroness Taylor of Bolton, Chair of the Committee, said: “The tragic loss of 72 lives at the Grenfell Tower fire laid bare the urgent need to reform building safety regulation in England, particularly for high-rise buildings.

“We welcome that the Government and the BSR are now acting to try and make practical improvements, but this will not address the anxiety and frustration that residents and companies have experienced.

“It does not improve safety to delay vital remediation and refurbishments, nor to deter the delivery of new housing in high-rise buildings.

“We expect to see further action from the Government and the BSR to ensure that construction projects in high-rise buildings can be brought forward more quickly, without compromising on vital safety improvements.”

What this means for approval teams and dutyholders

Delays linked to BSR approvals can affect fire engineers, building services engineers and design teams that need to evidence fire safety and structural safety decisions within building control submissions.

The Committee’s comments on basic application errors and missing evidence may lead dutyholders, principal designers and principal contractors to tighten internal checks before submissions, especially on how fire safety and structural safety have been considered.

Facilities managers and housing providers overseeing cladding remediation and refurbishment programmes may also see knock-on impacts where approvals sit on MDT caseloads for longer.

The Committee’s recommendations on removing smaller works from the BSR process, or streamlining approvals for them, could change how high-rise maintenance projects are planned and scheduled.

The call for long-term funding to train building and fire inspectors is directly relevant to enforcement capacity and the consistency of building control decisions.

Industry response from fire door manufacturer

Will Hunnam, Managing Director, Forza Doors, said: “The Lords committee is right to highlight delays created by the Building Safety Regulator.

“Excessive processing time is resulting in material project delays, the direct cost impact of these delays is ultimately rendering many projects economical unsustainable.

“Fire safety now has to be designed in from day one.

“When compliance and performance requirements are aligned early, projects move faster and deliver better outcomes.

“Delays disrupt that process and create uncertainty across the supply chain.

“Increased regulation is welcome, but only if it comes with clear guidance, proper resourcing and unwavering standards.

“Fire doors and passive protection are critical to keeping people safe and protecting asset value.

“The industry is ready to deliver.

“It now needs a regulator that can keep pace.”

Siderise curtain wall firestop system named Architectural Record Product of the Year

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsConstructionSafety

Siderise system wins Architectural Record award

Siderise has announced that its CW-FS Firestop and CW-CB Cavity Barrier system has been named a 2025 Architectural Record Product of the Year in the Building Systems & Materials category.

The recognition comes from the New York based architecture and design publication Architectural Record, which highlighted innovation, performance integrity and contributions to the built environment.

The award relates to the CW-FS and CW-CB configuration for modern curtain wall façades and perimeter joints.

Siderise introduced the system to the US market in January 2025 after an extended programme of testing, research and refinement.

The company presents the solution as a passive fire protection option for projects that must accommodate façade movement and complex geometry at the slab edge.

Curtain wall firestopping engineered for movement

According to Siderise, the CW-FS and CW-CB combination is built around its Lamella vertical fibre stone wool construction.

This material arrangement is described as maintaining form, fit and fire performance as the façade and structure move over time.

The company sees this behaviour as especially important at the perimeter joint, where deflection and changes in joint width can be pronounced.

The system is intended for use with curtain wall assemblies where maintaining a reliable fire resisting seal under service movement is a design requirement.

Siderise states that the Lamella construction supports long term perimeter fire containment where traditional firestopping approaches may be challenged by movement.

Modular system and technical support package

The CW-FS Firestop and CW-CB Cavity Barrier system is offered as a modular solution to simplify specification and installation.

Siderise manufactures pre cut sections in a range of widths to tight tolerances for repetition in standard details.

The firm also supplies sheet material for adaptation on site when façade joints or cavity conditions fall outside typical configurations.

To support accurate specification, Siderise provides Digital Specification Packs that collate current technical datasheets, certifications, BIM objects and specification clauses.

Project teams can receive detailed technical submittals that align with particular building geometries and stated performance criteria.

Design stage guidance is available for architects, façade engineers and fire consultants working through curtain wall interface details.

The company also refers to site services delivered through the Siderise app, including training, benchmark constructions and installation inspections.

These tools are presented as a way of helping project teams align in service performance with the results achieved in laboratory testing.

Siderise comments on Architectural Record recognition

Brad Davis, Head of Commercial, Siderise North America, welcomed the Architectural Record Product of the Year award for the curtain wall system.

Brad Davis, Head of Commercial, Siderise North America, said: “We are honored to receive this recognition from Architectural Record,”

“The CW-FS and CW-CB system for curtain walling reflects our commitment to engineering passive fire protection solutions that are not only robust and resilient, but that support design teams with transparent, specification-ready information.

“This award reinforces the importance of providing movement-tolerant systems that safeguard perimeter fire containment over the entire design life of the building.”

NFCC calls for building regs overhaul to modernise England’s safety system

by Featured NewsSafety

NFCC calls for modernised building regs framework in England

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has called for modernisation of England’s building regulations and guidance, stronger accountability and more inclusive building design in a new Building Regulations and Guidance Position Statement issued on Wednesday 10 December 2025.

NFCC states that the Building Regulations 2010 and their Approved Documents no longer reflect modern construction methods, changing patterns of building use or the needs of a diverse and ageing population.

The organisation points out that much of the guidance is still based on post-war building studies.

It notes that this material has not kept pace with new risks or subsequent legislation such as the Equality Act 2010 and the Building Safety Act 2022.

According to NFCC, the current system leaves residents and building owners facing uncertainty over compliance and safety outcomes.

NFCC highlights that following the Approved Documents does not automatically secure compliance with the Building Regulations, while non-compliance does not always incur liability, which it says creates ambiguity that needs clearer standards, stronger competence and better oversight.

The Position Statement adds that some areas, including guidance on access and facilities for fire and rescue services, have gone more than a decade without detailed review.

NFCC also stresses that building design should enable all residents to evacuate without external assistance where possible.

It notes that government guidance still does not require evacuation lifts even in new residential buildings, despite the fact that many occupants cannot safely use stairs in an emergency.

Human factors, Grenfell lessons and evacuation expectations

NFCC links its call for reform directly to the experience of residents in real incidents.

The organisation states that design must consider human factors that can affect people’s ability to leave a building safely.

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair, Phil Garrigan, said: “Buildings should be designed with the safety of the occupier in mind.

“Safety should never be compromised or considered secondary to the building design and the design should be inclusive and accessible from the outset.

“The Grenfell Tower fire highlighted the need to consider the human factors that can affect a person’s ability to leave a building safely – this must be built into planning and design from the very beginning.

“Our position statement is clear – the building regulation guidance is outdated, hasn’t kept pace with modern methods of construction, is too often misunderstood, and too slow to change.

“Residents have the right to expect that, should they need to, they can evacuate, or be supported to evacuate, their homes safely, including those with mobility impairments or other vulnerabilities.

“And those responsible for designing, constructing and managing buildings must adhere to clear and consistent standards.

“The Government’s commitment to further consultation and regular review of Approved Document B is welcome, but it must translate into meaningful, timely action.

“We need a modern, inclusive, and accountable system that reflects how people live today and ensures tragedies like the Grenfell Tower fire can never be repeated.”

NFCC underlines that residents should be able to expect safe evacuation or supported evacuation if needed.

The council states that those responsible for designing, constructing and managing buildings must work to clear and consistent standards that reflect this expectation.

Culture change, consultations and current practices under scrutiny

NFCC sets its Position Statement in the context of Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.

That review called for a cultural shift towards prioritising safety and for consideration of how buildings will be used and managed once complete.

NFCC reports that fire and rescue services provided advice on more than 45,000 building regulation consultations last year.

The council notes that this advice is not always acted upon.

It warns that failure to follow that advice can result in costly measures such as prohibition notices and waking watches.

NFCC also draws attention to current interpretations of guidance that allow developers to rely on non-worsening provisions.

According to the Position Statement, these interpretations can be used to avoid installing life-safety systems such as sprinklers and firefighting lifts during refurbishment, even where such systems could be added at relatively low cost.

NFCC warns that, without regulatory action to prevent this type of practice, the culture change set out in the Independent Review will not be achieved.

The council states that firefighters must be able to rely on buildings to provide safety for crews and adequate facilities to perform their role.

It lists clear standards for vehicle access, water supply, well-designed firefighting shafts and effective corridor and basement ventilation as core requirements to support life-saving operations.

NFCC’s three core recommendations to government

NFCC’s Position Statement sets out three main recommendations for government.

On updating guidance, NFCC wants comprehensive reviews of Approved Documents at least every five years.

It calls for clearer definitions of common building situations and for mandatory evacuation lifts in all new residential buildings.

The council also advocates for retrofitted sprinklers in single-stair high-rise buildings.

It wants improved provisions for firefighter access and water supply.

NFCC adds that guidance should explicitly address long-term building management responsibilities.

On competence, NFCC’s statement refers to examination of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations.

It highlights potential measures including licensing principal contractors on higher-risk buildings and mandatory accreditation for fire risk assessors.

The organisation supports the development of a government-led Construction Skills Strategy to address workforce gaps across the system.

On oversight and accountability, NFCC recommends protecting building control bodies from commercial pressures.

It wants fire and rescue service advice to have statutory weight in the process.

The council calls for a review of non-worsening provisions to prevent avoidance of safety upgrades.

It also backs consistent enforcement of Operational Standards Rules to secure more reliable outcomes across projects.

Telgian at 40: From a small consultancy to global safety provider

by Breaking NewsSafety

Telgian marks 40th anniversary in Phoenix

Telgian has celebrated its 40th anniversary at its corporate headquarters in Phoenix, US, highlighting four decades of fire, life safety and security work.

The company said the anniversary event took place in November, with the press announcement issued on Tuesday 9 December 2025.

According to Telgian, the business was founded in 1985 as a small consulting firm focused on fire protection.

Over time, it has developed into a global organisation delivering services for tens of thousands of facilities around the world.

The company added that some of the world’s best-known brands now rely on its teams to help protect people and property.

Four decades of fire and life safety services

Telgian reported that its current service offering covers fire protection engineering and design, inspection, testing and maintenance.

The company also provides risk mitigation support for a wide range of occupancies.

These services are intended to help organisations manage the full spectrum of fire and life safety needs in a single programme.

According to Telgian, this approach is designed to keep facilities compliant with changing codes and standards.

The company also pointed to its focus on innovation and adaptability in response to a changing regulatory environment.

It stated that new technologies and evolving risks require ongoing development of both technical solutions and service delivery models.

Telgian said its goal is to give customers confidence in their ability to operate safely while meeting regulatory expectations.

Leadership highlights Telgian culture and future focus

Jim Tomes, CEO of Telgian Holdings, said: “Reaching 40 years is a milestone that reflects the passion, dedication, and expertise of our entire Telgian team.

“Our mission has always been clear: protect lives and enable our customers to operate with confidence.

“As we look to the future, we remain committed to advancing the industry through forward-thinking solutions and a customer-centric approach.”

Telgian described this mission as central to how the organisation plans its future growth and investment.

The company also highlighted the role of its internal culture in shaping its development over time.

Russ Leavitt, Chairman of Telgian, said: “What began as a small group with a bold vision has become a company recognized worldwide for excellence and innovation.

“We’ve earned the trust of some of the most respected brands in the world by listening, partnering, and consistently delivering.

“That trust is the foundation of our next 40 years.”

Customers recognise Telgian’s role in compliance and safety

To mark the anniversary, Telgian hosted a celebratory event at its Phoenix headquarters attended by representatives from several global brands.

The company said attendees used the event to reflect on long-standing partnerships and the role Telgian plays in their safety programmes.

Customer representatives described how the company helps them remain compliant and safe across their operations.

According to Telgian, speakers also linked this work to the experience of associates and customers using their facilities.

One senior executive from a Fortune 100 company shared: “For decades, we have relied on Telgian as our trusted partner in fire protection and life safety.

“Telgian has helped shape how we design and implement fire protection, from performance-based design to emerging risks and code development – always keeping our associates and customers safe.

“Congratulations, Telgian, on 40 years of excellence.”

Telgian stated that as it enters its fifth decade, it plans to expand technological capabilities and deepen customer relationships.

The company said these steps are intended to advance its mission to create safer workplaces and communities worldwide.