Collaboration the missing link in Building Safety Act compliance, says Etex

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Etex to discuss early collaboration for Building Safety Act compliance

Etex Building Performance will use this year’s London Build event to highlight how early collaboration can support compliance with the Building Safety Act.

The company said its Siniat and Promat brands will focus on the role of test data in improving specification accuracy during project design.

Siniat is sponsoring the Fire Safety Stage at the event, which will host industry discussions on façade design, digital tools and balancing fire risk with sustainability.

Panel discussion on early-stage collaboration

Siniat’s Head of Specification, Steve Warriner, will take part in a panel discussion examining how collaboration during early design can help project teams address fire risk and compliance.

According to Etex, the session will bring together manufacturers, engineers, architects and principal designers to explore how joined-up working can help meet Building Safety Act requirements.

The company said the discussion aims to improve understanding of how early engagement between stakeholders can support smoother progress through Gateway 2 and reduce project delays.

Industry experts joining the panel

Warriner will be joined by Gary Neal, Head of Fire Risk Management at Skanska UK; Neal Morgan-Collins, Director and Head of Design Delivery Unit at Scott Brownrigg; Sun-Mee Ban, Principal Design Manager at Wates; and Amy Cooper, Senior Fire Safety Business Partner at Home Group.

Warriner said: “There has been a huge amount of discussion around the implementation of the Building Safety Act, and the impact this will have on building design.

“It is clear that the demands of the gateway system require accessible, accurate data to demonstrate compliance.

“The key to getting a full picture at the start of a project, and to avoid delays down the line, is through collaboration with all key stakeholders.

“This means close involvement of manufacturers to provide up-to-date, classified test data, and also to take responsibility for the details that they issue.

“This is a key shift in approach where specification of construction products has previously been more fluid.

“The spotlight is on specification, and the need for that to be right first time.

“This panel discussion will focus on how that works in practice, what the industry needs to see and what best practice looks like going forward to ensure compliance, especially in life critical safety such as passive fire protection.”

Event details and exhibition presence

London Build will take place at Olympia London on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 November 2025.

The event will bring together contractors, developers, architects, housebuilders, procurement teams, specifiers and engineers from across the construction industry.

Etex confirmed that experts from both Promat and Siniat will be available at Stand O50 to discuss testing requirements for passive fire protection and structural integrity.

Implications for construction design and safety professionals

The discussion led by Etex, Siniat and Promat will be directly relevant to architects, principal designers, fire engineers and specification professionals working under the Building Safety Act framework.

The focus on early collaboration highlights how manufacturers’ classified test data can inform safer and more compliant designs at the planning stage.

For contractors and compliance officers, the insights shared at London Build will demonstrate how early engagement across disciplines could streamline Gateway 2 approval and prevent costly redesigns or project delays.

The participation of fire risk managers and design leaders also positions the event as a forum for practical strategies to meet evolving legal and technical requirements in fire safety design.

Health and safety awards celebrate 70 years of workplace excellence

by EventsFeatured NewsHealth and SafetySafety

Applications open for 2026 RoSPA Health and Safety Awards

Health and safety professionals across the world are invited to enter the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Health and Safety Awards 2026, sponsored by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH).

The awards mark their 70th anniversary in 2026.

They began in 1956 as a small initiative to recognise companies prioritising worker safety in the UK and have since grown into one of the largest international health and safety awards programmes.

According to RoSPA, nearly 2,000 entries were received from almost 50 countries for the 2025 awards.

Recognising global safety achievements

The 70th anniversary provides an opportunity for RoSPA to reflect on workplace safety improvements since the mid-twentieth century.

The organisation said that award winners have played a major part in improving safety culture worldwide.

The 2026 edition will recognise organisations and individuals continuing that tradition, with an emphasis on innovation and the future of safety in modern work environments.

Becky Hickman, Chief Executive at RoSPA, said: “Reaching the 70th anniversary of the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards is an achievement of which RoSPA is incredibly proud.

“It has been a real privilege for RoSPA to celebrate and recognise those organisations and individuals whose tireless efforts prevent accidental deaths and injuries in the workplace.

“This year we are once again looking forwards to honouring those who show their longstanding dedication to the highest health and safety standards by entering year after year, and also inviting new entrants to join RoSPA in working towards our vision of an accident-free world.”

Categories and judging process

The awards are open to organisations of all sizes, from small and medium enterprises to multinational companies.

Main categories focus on organisational safety management systems, while the Inspiration Awards highlight individual and team achievements.

Entrants can receive Gold, Silver, Bronze or Merit non-competitive awards, and sector-specific winners will be chosen in industries such as construction, manufacturing and entertainment.

The top honour, the Sir George Earle Trophy, recognises one organisation annually for outstanding workplace safety commitment.

Aramark UK received the trophy in 2025.

Fran Collison, Safety Director at Aramark UK, said: “The awards process encourages us to reflect on our progress, celebrate our achievements and inspire ourselves to improve further.

“It is also great external recognition, demonstrating our commitment to safety and reinforcing our strong safety culture.

“The award emphasises us as leaders within our industry and strengthens trust with existing clients and customers but also supports our efforts to attract and win new business.”

Judging panel and expert oversight

Entries are assessed by a panel of senior occupational health and safety professionals.

The main judging panel is chaired by Dee Arp, Chief Quality Officer at NEBOSH.

Arp said: “For 70 years, the RoSPA Awards have been a guiding light for what’s possible when safety meets dedication, commitment, and passion.

“Entering not only earns well-deserved recognition for organisations that put their people first — it also inspires a culture where excellence is shared, celebrated, and multiplied.

“Throughout the Awards’ history, thousands of organisations have stepped forward to champion the very best in safety, creating a legacy that continues to lead positive change.

“Entering the RoSPA Awards is a powerful statement: we are stronger together, and keeping people safe, healthy, and well in workplaces around the world is a legacy we must uphold.”

Further details and entry information are available at www.rospa.com/awards.

The importance of awards for safety advancement

The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards continue to highlight evolving best practice and innovation in occupational safety management.

For facility managers, fire safety officers and training coordinators, participation can help benchmark safety standards and identify areas for continuous improvement.

For larger organisations, the structured assessment and feedback from judges offer insights into compliance, workforce wellbeing and operational risk management.

Involvement also provides public recognition that can strengthen safety culture and credibility with clients and regulators.

Building safety discussions bridge design and firefighter experience

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionSafety

Bridging design and real-world building safety discussed at Sertus event

More than 100 professionals attended Sertus Live 2: Smoke Control in Action at the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Training and Development Academy in Aintree.

The event, organised by UK smoke ventilation manufacturer Sertus, focused on the ongoing challenge of aligning design intent with real-world firefighter experience.

Attendees included specialists in fire safety, mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering, architecture and building services.

Live smoke control demonstrations, continuing professional development (CPD) sessions and panel discussions explored how system performance translates into firefighter safety.

The highlight of the day was a keynote address from Dame Judith Hackitt DBE FREng, who led the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Her address, titled “Building Safety: Changing Thinking and Culture,” called for an industry-wide shift towards competence, accountability and collaboration across the entire building lifecycle.

Dame Judith Hackitt DBE FREng said: “Real change doesn’t come from legislation alone – it comes from mindset.

“Every part of the supply chain has a responsibility to design, specify, and deliver with safety at its heart.

“Events like Sertus Live 2 help turn that principle into practice.”

The demonstrations showed how theoretical compliance can fall short if systems are not integrated, particularly in how smoke control impacts firefighter safety during incidents.

An environment built for realism and learning

Sertus Live 2 took place at the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Training and Development Academy, a national centre supporting the National Resilience Assurance Team (NRAT), the UK International Search and Rescue Team (UKISAR) and secondary Fire Control.

The facility allows firefighters to train for complex high-rise and urban scenarios under realistic fire and smoke conditions.

Sertus supplied smoke ventilation systems used in the academy’s construction to simulate authentic airflow and smoke movement in controlled environments.

Phil Byrne, Area Manager at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: “What’s designed on paper doesn’t always work in the heat of an incident.

“Sertus Live 2 gave people a unique chance to see that reality, to talk openly, and to start closing the gap between design and operational effectiveness.

“That dialogue is essential if we’re serious about safer buildings.”

Building competence through connection

The event featured CPD sessions led by Sertus on “The Future of Smoke Control Shafts” and by Quelfire on “Passive Fire Protection for Service Penetrations.”

Presentations highlighted the interdependence of active and passive fire systems in protecting life and property.

A closing fireside panel encouraged participants to discuss how design, manufacturing, regulation and operational firefighting could align more closely.

Shane White, Managing Director at Sertus, said: “Our mission is simple – to safeguard lives and property through unequivocally compliant, expertly engineered smoke control products.

“Sertus Live brings that mission to life.

“By connecting manufacturers, contractors, consultants, and firefighters, we’re not just talking about compliance – we’re building competence and changing culture.”

Fraser Ruthven, Marketing Manager at Sertus, added: “Hearing the firefighter perspective first-hand was eye-opening for many attendees.

“It’s not about pointing fingers; it’s about recognising where systems fail in real-world use and working together to fix it.

“That honesty and collaboration are what Sertus Live is all about.”

Driving collaboration and raising standards

Now in its second edition, Sertus Live has become a recognised forum for industry-wide knowledge sharing and practical engagement.

Sertus confirmed that further events in the series are already planned to continue fostering open dialogue and shared learning between technical and operational disciplines.

The company said its goal remains to strengthen building safety through integrated design, effective specification and continuous professional development.

Building safety insight for design and operations professionals

The Sertus Live 2 event provided a rare live opportunity for professionals in fire safety design, mechanical and electrical engineering, and building services to see smoke control systems tested under realistic fire conditions.

For fire and rescue professionals, the demonstrations offered insight into how system performance affects operational safety during incidents.

Architects, engineers and consultants gained practical context for how smoke control design decisions influence firefighting strategy and occupant protection.

The inclusion of CPD sessions and direct dialogue with firefighters emphasised the value of aligning design competence with frontline experience.

Future events in the Sertus Live series are expected to continue supporting this integrated learning approach within the UK building safety framework.

The short film exposing the real cost of deliberate fire setting

by Featured NewsSafety

TWFRS launches film to combat deliberate fire setting

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) has launched a short film to highlight the real impact of deliberate fire setting across the North East.

The campaign comes as the service prepares for one of its busiest periods of the year following the clocks going back on Sunday 26 October 2025.

According to TWFRS, firefighters responded to 683 deliberate fires between 17 October and 17 November 2024.

These incidents involved crews being mobilised to nearly 700 avoidable callouts, diverting resources from potentially life-threatening emergencies.

The new campaign aims to prevent a repeat of these numbers by raising public awareness of the consequences of anti-social fire behaviour.

Just A Normal Day film launched in Gateshead

At the centre of the initiative is Just A Normal Day, a short film commissioned and funded by TWFRS.

The project was developed in collaboration with Digital Voice, Gateshead Council and Gateshead Youth Justice Service.

Based on real events, the film tells the story of a serious deliberate fire through the perspectives of those affected and the professionals involved in prevention and response.

TWFRS confirmed that Just A Normal Day will form part of its Fire Safety Intervention Programme.

The programme supports young people under 18 who are involved in, or at risk of, fire setting by helping them and their families understand the dangers and long-term consequences.

Community and police partnership during darker nights

Paul Russell, Area Manager for Community Safety at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Deliberate fires have a devastating impact on our community – they destroy property, harm the environment, and in the worst cases, cost lives.

“Even a small fire can quickly get out of control, putting both the person who started it and others at serious risk.

“Every year, our crews attend thousands of deliberate fires, draining resources and potentially delaying responses to life-threatening emergencies.

“We urge everyone to consider the consequences of anti-social behaviour – deliberate fire-setting isn’t just dangerous, it can be deadly.”

Chief Inspector Rob Bosson of Northumbria Police said: “We hope everyone across the North East enjoys the upcoming Bonfire Night period.

“As always, we’ll be working closely with our partners during this time to deal with any issues as they arise and to proactively prevent any disorder from occurring.

“But we’d also like to ask people to exercise some personal responsibility around what they are doing and how it might affect those who may not feel as comfortable with the darker nights.

“As a Force, our priority is to keep the public safe and our multi-agency operation is in place to do just this.

“Anybody who is concerned about anti-social behaviour in their area is asked to report it to us by speaking to an officer on patrol, by sending us a direct message on our social media channels, or by getting in touch on our website.

“If a crime is ongoing, always call 999.”

Reporting deliberate fire setting

TWFRS is encouraging professionals working with young people to use Just A Normal Day as a discussion tool to illustrate the human cost of deliberate fire behaviour.

The film can be viewed on the TWFRS website under the Fire Safety Interventions page.

The public can report deliberate fire setting anonymously through FireStoppers.

Reports can be made by calling 0800 169 5558 or visiting www.firestoppersreport.co.uk.

Addressing deliberate fire risk through prevention and intervention

The TWFRS campaign is directly relevant to fire prevention officers, community safety leads and youth intervention practitioners.

It demonstrates how fire services can combine education, film media and partnership working to reduce deliberate fire incidents.

The inclusion of the film within the Fire Safety Intervention Programme shows a structured approach to early prevention targeting at-risk youth.

For law enforcement and local authority safety teams, the campaign highlights coordinated strategies for handling anti-social behaviour linked to fire setting.

Operational fire commanders and resource planners may also draw on the data shared by TWFRS to anticipate seasonal risk increases during darker nights and adjust deployment accordingly.

Multitone shares German market insights on personal safety and time critical messaging

by CommunicationsFeatured NewsFire DetectionSafety

Interview outlines evolution of Multitone Germany

Multitone Electronics has published an interview with Frank Rotthoff on the development and future direction of its German critical communications business.

According to the company, the piece focuses on Rotthoff’s role as Managing Director of Multitone Elektronik International GmbH and his work in modernising the operation since 2008.

The firm said the interview sets out how Multitone’s German arm has built its position in personal safety and time-critical messaging, as well as the sectors it now serves.

In the interview, Multitone explained that Rotthoff joined the business after a career in semiconductor and electronic components, attracted by the company’s reputation and its patented EkoTek personal security system.

Frank Rotthoff, Managing Director of Multitone Germany, said: “Multitone is a renowned company with a long history and an excellent reputation in the market, which impressed me a lot.”

He noted that learning about EkoTek as a system that could be deployed across different vertical markets was decisive in his decision to take on overall leadership responsibility for the German company.

According to the interview, Multitone Germany has expanded EkoTek into the broader EkoFamily portfolio, which the company said is now used in industrial sites, the healthcare market and public offices across Germany.

Rotthoff added that recent work in Germany includes one of the largest projects in the subsidiary’s history.

Company views on German critical communications demand

According to Rotthoff, time-critical communication linked to workplace safety has become very important in the German market.

He stated that applications now range from lone worker protection in industry to laboratory environments, healthcare and nursing settings and municipal public sector locations with public access.

Rotthoff said: “Time-critical communication, especially in connection with workplace safety, has become enormously important.”

He added: “Safety in the workplace is a fundamental basic need and has the highest priority in times of skilled labour shortages and demographic change.”

The interview explained that German users operate under various DIN standards and European Union directives, which the company said set high requirements for user protection and system functionality.

According to Multitone, customers are looking for flexible, small and lightweight devices that are unobtrusive but reliable, with low investment needs and rapid implementation.

The company described this requirement as a need for versatile and comprehensive systems that support a range of applications.

Rotthoff noted that there is a competitive environment in this area, but argued that when customers review base technology, advice, support and total cost of ownership, the number of providers they consider reliable reduces.

According to the interview, Multitone said it is often selected as the solution after this evaluation.

Public safety, care growth and alerting priorities

Rotthoff identified public safety as the topic that will dominate future demand for critical communications in Germany.

In the interview, he referred to recent incidents and said they have increased the sense of urgency across urban areas, public authorities and educational institutions.

He also highlighted the healthcare sector, including outpatient services and emergency services, as an area where this heightened awareness is visible.

Rotthoff said that the care industry is growing disproportionately due to an ageing society, which he linked to rising demand for time-critical alerts.

According to the company, this growth means communication and alerting systems play a fundamental role in supporting law enforcement and protecting emergency and care personnel.

Multitone stated that it has developed a portfolio of solutions aimed at these applications and that it is continuously reviewing new technologies with the goal of making systems smaller, faster and more reliable.

Technology strategy and cybersecurity for German customers

In the interview, Rotthoff outlined Multitone’s view that the German telecommunications market is moving towards cloud applications and software as a service.

He said: “The trend is clearly moving towards cloud applications and software as a service (SaaS).”

“It already includes cloud solutions and SaaS.”

According to Rotthoff, traditional telephony using DECT or on-premises telephone systems is being replaced by Internet Protocol based telephony.

He noted that the company sees the German market as relatively conservative compared with Anglophone markets such as the UK and US when it comes to adopting new technologies.

Multitone said it is developing new solutions with artificial intelligence support that are intended to meet future technological requirements, including cloud based architectures and software as a service models.

Rotthoff also described cybersecurity as one of the greatest challenges facing organisations.

He said: “Cybersecurity is one of the greatest challenges of our time.”

According to the company, Multitone applies measures against cyberattacks with high levels of caution and adapts them continuously to provide protection for its systems and users.

The firm added that it handles General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements with the same level of attention.

Customer base, reference sites and sales approach in Germany

Multitone stated that it has more than 8,000 customers in Germany who value reliability and durability in its solutions.

According to the company, customers also respond positively to regular product developments and to its technical and commercial service.

The interview reported that Multitone is a market leader in personal safety systems for public authorities and mental health facilities.

The firm said its EkoTek system is designed to be flexible and to operate without extensive cabling.

Rotthoff explained that the system can handle assistance and alarm calls and can transmit the precise location of the person calling for help so that responders can reach them in a short time.

The company stated that this capability is aimed at helping to prevent worse outcomes in incidents where staff need immediate support.

In the interview, Multitone listed reference installations at university hospitals such as Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich and Hannover Medical School.

The company also cited deployments with public authorities including the district of Harburg, in the automotive industry with Volkswagen and in retail with IKEA.

According to the firm, these organisations use its solutions to support protection for employees.

Relationship management and market priorities for Multitone Germany

Rotthoff said Multitone maintains contact with customers through service agreements and regional sales teams.

He stated that satisfaction with solutions and support is the company’s top priority and that users value this focus.

According to the interview, Multitone believes that the reputation of its solutions leads to recommendations within sector networks and in specific vertical markets.

Rotthoff also noted the contribution of internal and external sales staff, describing them as experienced colleagues who achieve a high rate of new customer acquisition.

He said this acquisition is supported by a target group strategy that the company has developed for German markets.

Looking ahead, Rotthoff described Multitone’s development work as both market and technology oriented.

He said: “We perform outstanding market– and technology-oriented development work.”

“This enables our solutions to identify and meet market needs at an early stage.”

According to the interview, Multitone believes that combining development work with its sales activities creates a synergy that will support its market leadership in personal security and time-critical messaging.

The company added that it expects this position to continue in the future.

Company background and further information

In editor’s notes accompanying the interview, Multitone said it was founded in 1931 as an international telecommunications company with experience in critical communications and infrastructure deployment.

According to the company, its aim is to help organisations optimise efficiency, reduce costs and improve organisational effectiveness through communication solutions.

The firm stated that it supports clients and partners with a consultative approach to project requirements so that solutions align with organisational strategies.

Multitone added that its system architecture is designed to accommodate new technologies and operational requirements over time without the constraints of proprietary systems.

The company said that further information can be requested by contacting Peter Lomax on +44 (0)1256 320292.

How Multitone’s German focus relates to critical communications work

According to Multitone, the interview outlines demand trends for time-critical communication and personal safety systems in industrial sites, healthcare facilities and public offices in Germany.

This focus is directly relevant for facility managers across industrial, commercial and public sectors who oversee lone worker environments, laboratories and municipal buildings with public access.

The company’s emphasis on public authorities, mental health facilities and large university hospitals indicates potential interest for healthcare estate teams and security managers responsible for staff safety during high-risk interactions.

Rotthoff’s comments on cloud applications, software as a service and the shift from on-premises telephony to Internet Protocol based telephony provide context for system installers, fire-protection contractors and communications engineers planning future infrastructure.

The interview’s focus on cybersecurity and GDPR measures is pertinent for organisations that must integrate critical alerting with broader information technology and data protection frameworks.

Multitone’s description of regional sales structures, service agreements and reference customers may also inform procurement officers and risk assessors who are reviewing suppliers for personal safety and messaging systems in Germany.

Euralarm announces upcoming webinars and round table on fire and perimeter protection

by EventsFeatured NewsFire DetectionSafety

Euralarm to host data centre fire protection webinar and perimeter security round table

Euralarm will host two key events this November focusing on fire protection for data centres and the future of perimeter security in Europe.

The organisation confirmed that a free webinar on Tuesday 18 November 2025 will explore best practices for selecting fire protection systems in data centres, followed by a Perimeter Round Table on Tuesday 25 November 2025 during its Section Meetings in Athens.

Both sessions are designed to bring together professionals from across the fire and security industries to share knowledge, discuss standards and support innovation across critical infrastructure protection.

Webinar to focus on fire protection for data centres

According to Euralarm, the 18 November webinar will provide expert guidance on how to select appropriate fire protection systems for data centres.

The organisation said the session will address key regulatory requirements and standards that apply to data centre fire safety design.

Attendees will learn how to match fire protection solutions to their specific operational needs and risk profiles.

The agenda will include a comparative overview of available technologies, such as sprinkler systems, water mist, gaseous systems and oxygen reduction.

Euralarm explained that the session will also cover operational strategies for prevention, detection, intervention and recovery.

The organisation added that participants will gain practical insights into business continuity and rapid reinstatement after a fire incident.

The webinar is open to data centre managers, IT professionals, facility managers and fire safety consultants seeking to enhance their understanding of system selection and compliance.

Round table to explore future of perimeter protection

Euralarm confirmed that its Perimeter Round Table will take place on 25 November in Athens, offering both in-person and online participation.

The organisation stated that the session will gather stakeholders from across the security industry to discuss challenges and opportunities in perimeter protection.

Euralarm noted that as technology advances and threats become more complex, perimeter protection is becoming a vital component of safeguarding people, property and infrastructure.

The event aims to bring together manufacturers, integrators and sales organisations involved in perimeter protection technologies to define common priorities and a roadmap for development.

According to Euralarm, the round table will encourage open dialogue and collaboration among industry experts and decision-makers committed to strengthening perimeter protection through innovation and harmonisation.

The organisation invited all interested parties involved in securing critical infrastructure and outdoor environments to join the discussion and contribute to shaping the future of the perimeter business.

Collaboration and innovation at the core of both events

Euralarm stated that both November events are part of its wider effort to promote collaboration across the European fire and security industries.

By offering open forums and free expert-led sessions, the organisation said it seeks to advance best practice, regulatory understanding and technical excellence.

Through these initiatives, Euralarm continues to engage with diverse industry groups to improve safety and resilience across multiple sectors.

Why these events matter for safety and security professionals

The upcoming Euralarm webinar and round table are relevant for professionals involved in data centre fire safety, perimeter protection and critical infrastructure security.

For fire engineers, facility managers and system designers, the webinar offers insight into compliance and system selection for data centres – environments where downtime and damage can have major operational and financial consequences.

Security specialists, manufacturers and integrators attending the round table will benefit from updates on technological trends and collaborative approaches to enhancing perimeter protection standards in Europe.

Both sessions present opportunities for industry professionals to contribute to collective learning, strengthen cross-sector cooperation and align practices with evolving safety requirements.

This article was informed by information

SOCOTEC-backed UKTC expansion to boost UK fire testing capability

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPassiveSafety

UKTC expands East Kilbride fire testing facility

Fire testing specialist United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC) has started construction on a £2.5 million expansion at its East Kilbride facility.

The project will double the company’s fire resistance testing capacity and create around 20 new jobs.

The expansion follows UKTC’s acquisition by SOCOTEC UK and Ireland in July 2025.

The development will add more than 7,000 square feet of new space and include a furnace capable of testing horizontal structures up to 3 metres wide by 4 metres long, and vertical structures up to 5 metres high.

The facility’s 10-metre eaves height allows testing of tall vertical structures using a proprietary furnace add-on, making it the first of its kind commercially available in the UK.

Investment supported by Scottish Enterprise

According to UKTC, the expansion is being part-funded by Scottish Enterprise through an £835,000 grant awarded in 2024.

A visit to the site in November by SOCOTEC CEO Hervé Montjotin, SOCOTEC UK and Ireland CEO Matthew Marriott and Managing Director of Environmental Science Jim Clay marked the start of the steel works phase.

The company said the larger laboratory will improve operational efficiency and enable more testing functions to be brought in-house, reducing reliance on European subcontractors.

The extension is expected to be completed in 2026.

Facility history and industry demand

The East Kilbride site was previously used by Rolls-Royce as an Aero Testbed facility until 2017.

UKTC took over the site in 2020 and invested heavily to bring it in line with regulatory standards and fit it with specialist fire testing equipment.

Andrew Hutchison, Operations Director at UKTC, said: “The need to expand and invest in a new test hall was simply to meet growing demand we are experiencing from the construction industry for fire testing, from both existing and new customers.

“The planned extension will be completed in 2026, and will house a new full-scale fire resistance test furnace.

“Ultimately, upgrading our facilities will allow us to continue delivering the highest standards of fire testing for our clients across the UK and Europe.”

SOCOTEC highlights growth potential

Matthew Marriott, CEO of SOCOTEC UK and Ireland, said: “The extension of UKTC’s existing facility is incredibly exciting for us.

“The team in East Kilbride is vastly knowledgeable and talented, so expanding the facilities to meet the increased demand for fire testing services at the site was the logical next step forward to help the continued growth of UKTC, and provide the best service possible to its customers across the UK and Europe.

“We look forward to continued integration of UKTC into the wider SOCOTEC UK and Ireland operations, as there has already been so much interest in the expanded capabilities we can now provide following the acquisition’s completion in July.”

Expanding capacity for compliance testing

UKTC provides fire resistance testing, reaction to fire testing and certification services for building materials and systems.

Its UKAS-accredited facilities assess products against British, European and international standards, supporting compliance for manufacturers, specifiers and building owners.

The company said the expansion will help it meet growing industry demand for large-scale, high-accuracy fire resistance testing.

Implications for construction and testing sectors

The UKTC expansion will strengthen access to large-scale fire resistance testing within the UK, reducing the need for manufacturers and building system suppliers to use overseas facilities.

For architects, engineers and product developers, the increased capacity at East Kilbride will provide faster turnaround for testing and certification aligned with UKAS standards.

The facility’s ability to test both horizontal and vertical structures up to 5 metres high will also enable more complex assessments of wall and floor assemblies used in commercial and residential construction.

As demand for performance verification continues to rise under UK and European fire safety regulations, the expansion positions UKTC and SOCOTEC to play a larger role in supporting compliance and innovation across the built environment.

How JELD-WEN’s new contractor management process raises the bar for site safety

by CommunicationsFeatured NewsFire DoorsHealth and SafetySafety

JELD-WEN introduces contractor management room to improve site safety

JELD-WEN has opened a new contractor management room at its Sheffield site as part of wider improvements to its safety processes.

The manufacturer said the new facility was introduced to strengthen oversight of contractor activities and ensure on-site safety applies equally to external contractors and internal staff.

The new area includes an on-site mapping system that provides real-time visibility of where contractors are working across the facility.

JELD-WEN explained that while the company already had strong health and safety procedures, the new measures were developed to create clearer processes for contractors attending the site.

Oversight, induction and auditing improvements

The contractor management room provides a space for a ‘Responsible Person’ to carry out safety inductions, verify documentation and confirm contractor competency.

The company said the process ensures that risk assessments and method statements accurately reflect the work being undertaken.

The system also uses JELD-WEN’s existing auditing framework to verify compliance with safety procedures and conduct periodic checks throughout the working day.

Following a trial period, during which feedback from contractors and site teams was collected, the new contractor management room is now fully operational.

Reinforcing commitment to health and safety

Paul Bailey, Environment, Health and Safety Manager at JELD-WEN Sheffield, said: “Safety is a number one priority for JELD-WEN, and we have robust procedures in place across the site to safeguard employees, contractors and visitors. However, it was felt that we could enhance our procedures further to ensure optimal safety.

“Thanks to this new initiative and improved visual management, the contractor management room shows exactly how many contractors we have on site at any one time, and where each set of works is taking place.

“The introduction of the contractor management room reaffirms JELD-WEN’s commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone, at all times, on our sites.”

Implications for health and safety management in manufacturing

The development at JELD-WEN’s Sheffield site highlights how industrial facilities are refining contractor management to improve visibility and compliance.

For environment, health and safety managers, the use of a dedicated mapping and induction space offers a practical approach to maintaining oversight of external contractors during high-risk or concurrent operations.

Facility and site managers within manufacturing, processing and construction settings may also view JELD-WEN’s approach as an example of how to integrate contractor safety into wider site management systems.

By combining existing auditing frameworks with new real-time monitoring, the system ensures traceability and accountability in contractor activities across complex operational environments.

What happens when fire curtain maintenance is left too late

by Featured NewsPassiveSafety

Fire curtain maintenance and compliance focus of A1S Group blog

In a blog post, A1S Group highlighted the importance of maintaining and testing fire and smoke curtain systems in line with UK regulations.

The company said maintenance is not optional, describing it as both a legal and moral responsibility under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

According to A1S Group, fire and smoke curtains must be serviced at least every six months to meet the requirements of BS 8524 and BS EN 12101.

The company stated that failure to maintain systems correctly could result in prosecution, fines, invalidated insurance or loss of life.

A1S Group said its maintenance contracts are designed to ensure ongoing compliance, with each visit including certified testing, inspection and documentation.

Legal framework and responsibilities

The company explained that the Responsible Person – such as a facilities manager, employer or building owner – carries the duty to ensure that fire safety systems are properly maintained.

According to A1S Group, this duty cannot be left to chance and must be fulfilled by competent professionals.

It added that partnering with the original manufacturer allows the Responsible Person to meet all legal, insurance and compliance requirements confidently.

A1S Group said its engineers are certified to carry out maintenance using genuine fire-rated components and provide full reporting for traceability.

The cost of neglecting maintenance

A1S Group warned that neglecting routine servicing can result in unplanned failures that disrupt operations or compromise evacuation routes.

It added that reactive repairs are typically more expensive and expose building owners to greater regulatory and reputational risks.

The company said preventative maintenance helps identify potential faults early, reducing the likelihood of downtime and maintaining performance standards.

Technical expertise and nationwide service

According to A1S Group, its engineers have over 37 years of experience in manufacturing, installing and maintaining fire curtain systems across the UK.

The company said its service team is trained to handle complex systems and to work safely within occupied buildings.

It added that maintenance visits are carried out with minimal disruption and in accordance with relevant British Standards.

A1S Group said customers receive detailed reports, certification and continued support to help ensure their systems remain operational and compliant.

Readers can view the full blog on A1S Group’s website.

Maintaining fire curtain systems for legal and operational assurance

For facilities managers, building owners and employers, the A1S Group blog outlines the regulatory framework governing fire and smoke curtain maintenance in the UK.

It explains that fire curtains are classed as life safety systems under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and must be serviced every six months in line with BS 8524 and BS EN 12101.

This means that compliance requires ongoing professional inspection, testing and documentation by certified engineers.

Failure to meet these requirements can lead to legal consequences, invalid insurance and reduced building safety.

Preventative maintenance, as described by A1S Group, helps maintain operational readiness and reduces the likelihood of costly reactive repairs.

The information is directly relevant to those responsible for building safety compliance, including facilities managers, fire safety officers and contractors overseeing life safety systems.

AEI Cables calls for careful selection of cables for life safety systems

by Featured NewsLightingPassiveSafety

AEI Cables advises on specification checks

AEI Cables is advising organisations in the supply chain to check fire performance cable specifications whenever doubts arise about products.

The supplier said there is a need for certainty around the fire performance of cables that are intended to operate during an incident.

According to the company, this applies across all fire performance cables, with particular attention on Category 3 fire performance cables designed to work for up to 120 minutes in heat and flame.

AEI Cables stated that these cables are used to help protect equipment, property and lives where critical circuits must continue to function during a fire.

Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “These are challenging times in the supply chains and there is a need for certainty across all services, products and delivery.”

“Ultimately, we are protecting people and our buildings in which people move about.”

“The way to ensure protection is to use the most relevant quality products to meet specific requirements.”

“These requirements will change according to the level of protection needed for each project so we advise checking each and every time depending on the type of building and the product required.”

Fire performance cable categories and typical applications

According to AEI Cables, Category 1 fire performance cables provide 30 minutes of resistance to flames.

The company said these Category 1 products are typically used for emergency lighting circuits.

Category 2 fire performance cables provide 60 minutes of fire protection, the supplier added.

AEI Cables stated that Category 2 cables are commonly installed for fire alarm systems.

For firefighting use, the firm said additional operating time is required from the cables that supply power.

Category 3 fire performance cables are described as being able to withstand up to 120 minutes of fire exposure.

The company said these Category 3 cables provide enhanced emergency power to assist firefighters during operations.

According to AEI Cables, Category 3 fire performance cables support critical safety circuits in tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia.

Category 3 cables in life safety and evacuation systems

AEI Cables explained that its guidance on Category 3 Control fire performance cables covers several types of life safety systems.

According to the supplier, these cables are used for evacuation alarms for disabled occupants in care homes.

The company said they also serve emergency voice communications systems in relevant buildings.

Category 3 Control fire performance cables are further described as being used for voice alarm systems.

AEI Cables noted that systems powered by these cables can include smoke and heat extraction systems.

The supplier said these systems assist fire services with firefighting activities and support safe evacuation when life safety is at stake.

According to AEI Cables, the cables are designed to reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread during a real fire.

Firetec Enhanced approvals and code categories

AEI Cables reported that its Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) to BS8519 Annex B.

According to the company, Firetec Enhanced meets Category 3 Control requirements and also holds approval for Category 2 Control under BS8519.

The firm said the BS8519 Code of Practice contains six categories of cables.

These categories cover three types of power cables and three types of control cables, each aligned with survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.

AEI Cables stated that all of its products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including the British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC) and LPCB.

The company added that it also holds approvals from Lloyds, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Network Rail and London Underground Limited (LUL).

According to AEI Cables, its products are manufactured to meet international standards used in markets around the world.

How cable categories may guide project design and procurement

Electrical contractors, system installers and fire-protection contractors who work with emergency lighting, alarm systems and other critical circuits can use the described cable categories to match 30, 60 or 120 minute fire performance with project requirements.

Fire engineers, building services engineers and architects involved in the design of tall buildings, hospitals, office spaces, shopping malls and stadia can reference the Category 1, 2 and 3 classifications when specifying circuits that must continue operating during fire conditions.

Facility managers responsible for care homes and other relevant buildings can take into account the use of Category 3 Control fire performance cables for evacuation alarms for disabled occupants, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems.

Standards and certification bodies, together with fire engineering consultants, can relate the approvals for Firetec Enhanced cabling to the six cable categories set out in BS8519, which distinguish between power and control cables and define survival times of 30, 60 and 120 minutes.

Procurement officers working with AEI Cables’ products can factor in the independent approvals from BASEC, LPCB, Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL when reviewing specifications for fire performance cables in life safety applications.