The FIA said his appointment supports its wider efforts to strengthen professionalism across the fire safety sector.
Zeynep Guzelkasap named Operations Director at Acorn Safety Services
Acorn Safety Services appoints new director amid continued UK growth
Acorn Safety Services has appointed Zeynep Guzelkasap as its new Operations Director, according to an announcement from the company on 12 June.
The Northampton-based consultancy said Guzelkasap joined in January 2023 and has held multiple roles since, including Business Manager and Operations Manager.
The firm stated that Guzelkasap played a key part in scaling its services and growing the business.
Acorn Safety Services has expanded its workforce to 14 staff, moved office twice, and secured new contracts with well-known brands.
According to Acorn Safety Services, the company was recently recognised at the Northamptonshire SME Business Awards and the Safety and Health Excellence (SHE) Awards.
From business manager to board-level leadership
Acorn Safety Services reported that Guzelkasap joined with 12 years of experience in construction, asbestos, and safety.
She holds a degree in construction management and has led internal operations during a period of growth at the consultancy.
The company said she contributed to contract wins and the adoption of new digital tools, including AI.
In 2024, Guzelkasap was named a finalist in the Woman of the Year category at the SHE Awards, which recognises individuals contributing to the safety sector.
The consultancy said this appointment reflects her long-term impact on internal development and strategic planning.
New office reflects consultancy’s continued expansion
Acorn Safety Services is relocating to a 5,400 sq ft office on Moulton Park Industrial Estate in Northampton.
The company said this new space is double the size of its previous office, following a team expansion over the past two years.
It noted that the move marks its third office location since 2023, driven by continued hiring and operational needs.
The company added that the new site will help accommodate its 14-person team and ongoing service delivery growth.
The building is located within the same industrial area as the company’s previous facilities.
Director reflects on personal and professional progress
Zeynep Guzelkasap said: “I am really proud of the team we have built over the last two years and the growth we have experienced.
“We are now working with some big brand businesses across a wide variety of sectors, helping them to remain compliant with regards to legionella, fire, and health and safety.
“Having previously experienced discrimination at university and in the workplace, I am also proud of past me.
“Being a woman in construction and health and safety, there are many times I could have given up and switched career paths, but I am passionate about what I do and am so thankful to have found a company that believes in me and supports women and mothers and encourages them to reach their full potential.
“This appointment coming just as we start a new chapter in a larger office is very timely.
“I’m hugely excited for the future.”
Company director highlights achievements and leadership
Fellow Director Neil Munro commented on Guzelkasap’s appointment in a company statement.
Neil Munro said: “Zeynep has really earned this directorship.
“Through sheer hard work and drive, Zeynep has helped us to scale up our operations, expand our team, develop innovative solutions to help customers to stay compliant, and win awards and contracts.
“We look forward to seeing where we can take Acorn Safety Services with Zeynep on the board of directors.”
Zeynep Guzelkasap named operations director at Acorn Safety Services: Summary
Acorn Safety Services has appointed Zeynep Guzelkasap as Operations Director.
Guzelkasap joined the Northampton-based consultancy in January 2023.
She was promoted to Business Manager and later Operations Manager within a year.
Acorn Safety Services stated she has contributed to team growth, new contracts, and internal operations.
The company said it has expanded to 14 staff and moved offices twice since 2023.
Guzelkasap was named a finalist in the 2024 SHE Awards’ Woman of the Year category.
The firm is moving into a new 5,400 sq ft building at Moulton Park Industrial Estate.
The new office is double the size of its previous site.
Fellow Director Neil Munro praised Guzelkasap’s leadership and achievements.
The appointment was announced on 12 June 2025.
Paul Eagle appointed Chair of BESA Technical Committee
BESA appoints new committee Chair to support technical development
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has appointed Paul Eagle as the new Chair of its Technical Committee.
According to BESA, Eagle replaces Kevin Morrissey, who was recently promoted to the role of Director of Technical.
Paul Eagle is currently Executive Board Technical Director at Dalkia UK.
He has over 25 years of experience in building services, including senior engineering and technical leadership roles.
He is a Chartered Manager and Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, as well as a Member of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
BESA stated that his industry background positions him to lead the Committee through current regulatory and technological developments.
Leadership transition at the Building Engineering Services Association
Paul Eagle’s appointment follows Kevin Morrissey’s move to BESA’s senior leadership.
Reflecting on his time as Chair, Kevin Morrissey said: “Serving as Chair of the BESA Technical Committee has been a rewarding experience, and I am confident that Paul Eagle’s leadership will further enhance our technical initiatives. His deep industry knowledge and dedication to excellence will undoubtedly benefit BESA and its members.”
BESA has confirmed that Eagle will now lead the Technical Committee in setting direction for the association’s engineering standards and guidance.
Eagle’s industry experience and affiliations
Paul Eagle brings extensive qualifications and experience to the role.
In addition to his work at Dalkia UK, he holds credentials from several professional bodies.
He is a CMgr FCMI, MCIBSE and MIET.
These affiliations reflect both his technical background and his involvement with leadership and professional development in the sector.
BESA noted that his combined experience will support the Committee’s ongoing technical work.
Eagle outlines priorities for technical direction
Paul Eagle said he looks forward to building on the work of his predecessor.
He stated: “I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of the BESA Technical Committee. Building upon the solid foundation established by Kevin, I look forward to collaborating with industry professionals to drive innovation, uphold high standards, and address the evolving challenges in building engineering services.”
BESA added that the Technical Committee will continue to provide support and direction for members under Eagle’s leadership.
Paul Eagle appointed Chair of BESA Technical Committee: Summary
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has appointed Paul Eagle, Executive Board Technical Director at Dalkia UK, as Chair of its Technical Committee.
He succeeds Kevin Morrissey, who has been named Director of Technical.
Eagle has over 25 years of experience in the building services sector and holds several professional qualifications, including CMgr FCMI, MCIBSE and MIET.
Morrissey said Eagle’s knowledge and commitment will support BESA’s technical work.
Eagle said he aims to maintain high standards and respond to industry challenges.
The appointment is intended to guide the Technical Committee through upcoming regulatory and technological developments.
UL Fire Council appoints Telgian’s Leonard Ramo
Telgian Engineering & Consulting President and fire protection expert Leonard Ramo was recently invited to join the Fire Council of UL for a three-year term. The Fire Council is one of nine councils whose esteemed members provide support to UL by sharing practical experience on a wide range of engineering and safety topics.
The Fire Council selects members based on their fire protection industry expertise, integrity and a proven commitment to furthering public safety. Council members include academic experts, building officials, federal government agencies, fire service members, independent fire safety experts and representatives from the insurance industry, all of whom share a collective goal to identify safety challenges arising from new products and innovative technology.
For over 100 years, the Fire Council has provided vital insight and advice on building designs and materials, as well as safety performance requirements for fire suppression, passive fire test methods, and alarm and detection equipment. As a member, Ramo will be instrumental in the development of effective programs, which address fire safety needs throughout the US and abroad.
In addition, Fire Council members work towards the establishment of requirements regarding the installation of products and materials, components and systems, interpretation and development of standards, and suitability of test methods, as well as regulatory needs and acceptance. Members also provide insight to UL on safety requirements and research related to fire resistant building designs, the flame and smoke characteristics of building materials and a variety of fire suppression equipment and fire safety products.
“It’s an honour to be selected as a member of the Fire Council,” says Ramo. “Together, the Council will continue to develop crucial safety solutions as new products and technologies emerge and the impact of this work we do will have a positive effect around the globe.”
As a Fire Council member, Ramo brings significant industry experience to the table. His career spans more than twenty five years as a practicing fire protection engineer, consultant, and executive. Currently, Ramo is President of Telgian Engineering & Consulting, a full-service global engineering and risk mitigation consultancy specialising in complex, multi-discipline public and private sector projects.
Professional accreditations include registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in all fifty U.S. States, District of Columbia, and select Territories, as well as a P. Eng. in select Canadian Provinces. In addition, Ramo is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) and holds a U.S. Department of Homeland Security CVI certification.
As a globally recognised industry professional, he plays an integral role in international codes and standards development by serving on select National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) committees. He is also a member of Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) and on both the SFPE Standards Making Committee on Performance-Based Fire Safety Design and the SFPE Committee on Outreach and Advocacy (COA). Ramo is the past president of the Central Gulf Coast Chapter of SPFE, as well, and a member of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME).
Coltraco Ultrasonics promotes Lizi Popham to Head of After-sales
Coltraco Ultrasonics have announced a promotion for one of their valued team members: Mrs Lizi Popham to the role of Head of After-sales.
Since March 2020, the company have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting their team. Coltraco Ultrasonics appreciate the challenges of coronavirus and are working together to ensure they are all reaching for a vision of a profitable, sustainable and happy business.
“I enjoy greatly working with all members of the team,” said Lizi. “Coltraco has an excellent Technical Support system for any customer experiencing any issues and this is something I feel extremely proud of.
“I look forward to the second half of 2020 and am very excited for the future with Coltraco.”
Perimeter Solutions gains presence in Middle East
Perimeter Solutions, producers of fire retardants, foams, and water enhancing gels for managing wildland, industrial, and municipal fires, has announced the appointment of industry veteran Tamer Gaber as Regional Sales Representative for the Middle East and Sandeep GR as Regional Sales Representative for India.
Mr. Gaber brings more than twenty years’ experience to Perimeter Solutions having worked for Gamewell, FCI and Notifier – Honeywell Fire Safety MEA. In his new role Tamer will be responsible for sales and business development of AUXQUIMIA® and SOLBERG® brand foam concentrates and SOLBERG foam suppression systems.
Mr. Gaber will lead the company’s sales efforts in the Middle East as it pertains to channel segmentation and management, client management and retention strategies and sales planning.
Sandeep Gulur joins Perimeter Solutions from NAFFCO where he held the position of Research Engineer and Head of Foam Equipment. NAFFCO FZCO is among the world’s leading producers and suppliers of top-tier firefighting equipment, fire protection systems, fire alarms, security and safety engineering systems.
Mr. Gulur previously worked for Newage Company where he liaised with consulting and design engineers and Intertek and Underwriters Laboratories India Pvt Ltd as a Project Engineer where he led approval certification projects in support of fire suppression and containment products.
Sandeep will now be responsible for sales and technical services of AUXQUIMIA® and SOLBERG® brand foam concentrates and SOLBERG foam suppression systems in India and Pakistan.
The expansion to establish a factory sales office in the Middle East and India was a natural next step for Perimeter Solutions to support the company’s growing fire safety business,” stated Perimeter Solutions EMEA Region, General Manager Javier Castro. “We’re thrilled to have a respected industry veteran like Tamer and a tech savvy engineer like Sandeep join the Perimeter Solutions family.”
Perimeter Solutions holds a major manufacturing position in Class A foam products for municipal and wildland firefighting in North America and is a top innovator with superior technology capabilities in the Class B foam market globally.
Encon enhances Fire Protection expertise with new Business Development Manager
With the growing importance of Fire Protection in the construction industry, Encon Insulation & Nevill Long has welcomed Neville White into the business. Neville White is taking on a newly created role, Business Development Manager – Fire Protection
White is taking on a newly created role, Business Development Manager – Fire Protection, with the aim to build and grow the team’s knowledge and expertise in the supply of fire protection products across all sectors.
White began his career working for the manufacturer Cape Boards in 1980 as a trainee. He progressed into a number of different job roles including Customer Services Manager, ASM, Regional Manager, National Projects Manager and Marine Manager.
In 2002 Cape Boards were purchased by Promat where he continued his roles in Regional and National Sales Manager positions. In 2016 Promat was amalgamated into the Etex Group and White helped the transition as the Business Development Director – Promat, before leaving at the beginning of 2019.
Prior to joining Encon in April 2020 he worked at Fire Protection on the development of its fire rated ducting systems.
White said: “I feel very excited about the opportunity of growing the Fire Protection business with all my colleagues up and down the country. Having provided sales and technical advice for over 37 years into this industry as a manufacturer, I am really looking forward to helping and supporting our customers, as well as working with and assisting my colleagues on fire protection opportunities.”