Fire safety behaviour change central to UK built environment reform, says Fire Aware

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionConstructionHealth and SafetySafety

Fire safety behaviour change is central to efforts to improve standards across the UK built environment supply chain, Fire Aware has said in comments made this week to industry members and stakeholders.

Fire safety behaviour change is being positioned as a key requirement for delivering lasting cultural reform across the UK built environment supply chain, according to membership organisation Fire Aware.

The organisation said this week that its expanding membership base reflects growing recognition across construction, asset management and building operations that responsibility for fire safety extends across all levels of the sector.

The emphasis on behavioural reform comes amid ongoing changes following the Grenfell Inquiry, which has driven sustained scrutiny of safety culture across the industry.

The inquiry, led by Dame Judith Hackitt, has previously called for a shift towards ethical responsibility and cultural change, rather than reliance on regulatory compliance alone.

Regulatory oversight has also been strengthened through the creation of the Building Safety Regulator, which is tasked with improving competence and raising standards across the built environment.

Fire Aware chief executive Gavin Skelly said behavioural change across contractors, subcontractors, asset owners and managers remains essential to achieving consistent safety outcomes.

He said the challenge is not limited to compliance, but extends to attitudes and day-to-day decision-making across different professional disciplines.

“Changing behaviour can be difficult especially across different disciplines whether you are a contractor, sub contractor, asset owner or manager. However, it is the difference between meeting the cultural change that is needed or not,” he said.

Skelly added that exceeding minimum compliance standards is increasingly seen as both a safety expectation and a commercial differentiator in the post-Grenfell environment.

“Actions do speak louder than words. Adopting best practice above the minimum requirements of compliance can feel like an unnecessary step – yet it is a valuable USP for any business with a duty of care in the post Grenfell era,” he said.

Fire Aware said its members are joining to adopt its code of conduct and sector-specific charters designed to standardise expected behaviours across the supply chain.

The organisation said this is intended to create a more unified approach to competence, accountability and professional responsibility across the industry.

It also highlighted that fire risk is particularly acute in hospitality settings such as bars, restaurants and hotels, as well as healthcare environments where vulnerable occupants may require additional support during emergencies.

Fire Aware said its wider aim is to embed behavioural standards across the built environment by linking moral responsibility with professional practice and regulatory expectations.

New safety protocols announced following fatal Wang Fuk Court fire inquiry

by Featured NewsIncidentsSafety

Fire safety coordination mechanism launched following public inquiry

TThe Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD) will introduce a new system this month to manage building safety complaints following a public inquiry into the fatal Wang Fuk Court blaze.

The South China Morning Post scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3351019/confusion-over-government-agencies-roles-fire-oversight-tai-po-probe-revealsthat this mechanism aims to eliminate confusion regarding departmental jurisdictions by ensuring cases are referred to the most appropriate government unit.

This action follows an investigation into a 43-hour inferno at the Tai Po residential complex that killed 168 people and displaced nearly 5,000 residents on 26 November last year.

Michael Yung Kam-hung, an assistant director of the Fire Services Department, told an independent committee that his department lacked the construction expertise to handle complaints about flammable building materials.

Yung said: “We do not know how it would affect the project’s progress if we arbitrarily decide that certain materials cannot be used.”

The witness stated that legal action was not taken during the renovation of the estate because the department could not identify which materials were integral to the project.

Regulatory gaps identified during Wang Fuk Court fire investigation

The committee legal team noted that the disaster involved several human factors including the use of polyfoam boards to seal windows and substandard scaffolding mesh.

Lead counsel Victor Dawes SC argued that a serious regulatory vacuum existed because multiple agencies denied responsibility for supervising temporary structures and flammable materials used during renovations.

While fire officials claimed such items fell outside their remit, the Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit (ICU) also stated it was not responsible for the temporary arrangements.

The FSD confirmed that future referrals contested by other departments will be escalated to senior management for cross-departmental coordination to prevent complaints from being ignored.

Yung accepted that the previous lack of clarity was not ideal and confirmed that the department would no longer expect residents to identify which authority should receive their reports.

Regarding the maintenance of fire water tanks at the site, senior station officer Ng Wing-kwong said internal guidelines did not require officers to verify the severity of reported leaks.

He noted that he could not provide an explanation for why officers were not required to double-check defects before allowing the continued shutdown of fire hosepipes.

Secure Information Boxes ensure fire services have critical data

by EvacuationFeatured NewsSafety

Guidance for information boxes

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) have published an updated Code of Practice for the provision of secure information boxes (SIBs) in residential buildings.

This revised document responds to legislative changes and recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The guidance supports the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025.

It provides a framework for responsible persons, designers and regulators to manage SIBs, which were formerly known as Premises Information Boxes (PIBs).

The Code outlines recommendations for the specification, location and maintenance of these enclosures.

It also details the management of Emergency Response Packs (ERPs) to assist fire and rescue services during an incident.

Technical requirements and resident safety

The Code of Practice requires the ERP to include UK contact details for the responsible person and a logbook for tracking access.

It specifies that the pack must contain “Off the Run” notices for any defective fire safety equipment.

Two sets of A3-sized encapsulated plans must be provided within the box.

These plans include orientation maps showing water supplies and floor-by-floor layouts identifying firefighting facilities.

The guidance states: “It highlights the importance of ensuring that fire and rescue services have access to reliable, up-to-date information to support effective decision-making during an incident.

“There is a strong emphasis throughout on the needs of residents, particularly those who may require assistance to evacuate.

“The guidance incorporates the requirements for Resident Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs) and promotes the importance of handling sensitive information securely while ensuring it remains accessible when needed.”

Physical enclosures must be certified to standards such as LPS 1175 or STS 205 to resist unauthorised access.

Siting for the SIB is recommended at the primary arrival point between 1.4m and 2.5m from the floor.

The document introduces a colour-coded system to identify residents requiring assistance, with Category 1 (Red) for those needing three or more people for rescue.

FireAngel warns of compliance gap in domestic installations

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire DetectionIndustry Comment

White Paper highlights institutional oversight while FireAngel identifies a compliance gap

The UK Government has published the Construction Products Reform White Paper to address failings in the safety and compliance of products used in the built environment following the Grenfell tragedy.

FireAngel welcomed the publication as a milestone in addressing regulatory gaps and institutional oversight.

The manufacturer asserts that policy reform requires a shift in installation competence to ensure resident safety.

Kate Guy, Business Unit Director at FireAngel, stated that the strategy aims to tackle loopholes that allowed unsafe products to enter the market.

FireAngel identifies compliance gap in Grade D installations

Guy warned that current industry practices frequently overlook the specific complexities of BS 5839-6 which is the British Standard for fire detection in domestic premises.

“Our own knowledge and recent initiatives highlight a significant “compliance gap” in the domestic fire safety sector, specifically regarding the installation of Grade D fire alarm systems.

“While general electrical competence is often assessed, the specifics of BS 5839-6, the British Standard for fire detection and Grade D fire alarm systems in domestic premises, are frequently overlooked.

“This means that the issued electrical certificate of “compliance” may not guarantee the necessary competence required of the electrical contractor.”

Industry shift toward verified competence

FireAngel launched the Pro Installer Network to provide trade professionals with tools to ensure every installation is compliant.

The initiative provides access to CPD training and a third-party verified design service.

It also includes a compliance labelling solution to support the trade ecosystem.

Kate Guy added: “The White Paper’s focus on “raising the bar” for non-compliance and a testing sector that “can be trusted” aligns perfectly with our mission.

“We believe that true safety requires a shift from “tick-box” exercises to a culture of verified competence.

“We must continue to place stakeholder accountability and resident safety at the core of every building.

“We support the government’s commitment to reducing systemic weaknesses to ensure the delivery of high-quality homes.

“Now is the time for the entire industry to embrace transformational cultural shifts and industry-wide reforms so that compliance is never treated as an optional extra.”

The manufacturer remains involved in the conversation regarding building safety regulations to support the delivery of high-quality homes.

FPA raises building safety concerns over fibre cabling proposals

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPassiveSafety

Building safety concerns in telecoms works

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has warned that relaxing oversight of telecommunications work could increase risks to life and weaken fire compartmentation where penetrations through fire-resisting construction are poorly managed.

In its response to the government consultation Improving Proportionality and Building Safety Outcomes in Building Control: Telecommunications work, the FPA said concerns from its membership centred on penetrations that are inadequately reinstated after work is completed.

The consultation response states: “building control procedural requirements and the drilling of holes for anything, including fibre-optic cabling, are two separate issues.

“The procedural requirements ought to guarantee the fire safety protection measures are compliant.

“If they do not then they are the wrong requirements.”

The FPA said even minor works can create serious risks when fire-resisting elements are breached.

It warned: “There is the potential for the spread of fire or smoke through deficient fire protected structure which may lead to a Risk of Death or Serious Injury.”

The response added that FPA members “generally view the risk from uncontrolled drilling and inadequate fire-stopping as high.”

Records and oversight

The FPA said accurate and current as-built drawings are often not readily available in many buildings.

It stated: “In many buildings, accurate and up-to-date ‘as-built’ drawings are not readily available, making it difficult for installers or Responsible Persons to confirm whether a wall is fire-resisting or to verify its original level of protection”.

The response said this uncertainty can leave breaches inadequately sealed and undetected for long periods.

It also warned that reducing notification or approval requirements could make unsafe works invisible to enforcing authorities.

The response states: “There is a very clear risk of works being permitted under dispensations that allow them to become invisible to enforcing authorities,”

It said this could remove the requirement to consult Fire and Rescue Authorities on material changes to occupied premises.

FPA opposes blanket dispensation

Drawing on lessons cited in its response, the FPA referred to the 2009 Lakanal House fire and said the systematic deconstruction of fire resistance over time and across multiple refurbishments led to horizontal and vertical fire and smoke spread.

Survey feedback from members strongly opposed any blanket dispensation for fibre-optic cabling works.

The response reported that “most felt it would not be appropriate to reduce or remove building control procedures for drilling holes for fibre-optic cabling, even with assurances that safety would be maintained”, and said many emphasised that “any penetration through fire-resisting barriers requires proper controls, documentation, and oversight.”

The FPA said any proportionate approach should rely on competence, assurance and traceability, including tested and approved fire-stopping products, clear records of work and effective handover information for building owners and accountable persons.

It concluded that weakening procedural safeguards without robust alternative controls would be unjustified and warned: “It is not reasonable to presume, without reliable evidence, that work affecting fire protection will be done to an appropriate standard.”

Restorative remediation: Global HSE Group outlines Injectaclad cavity barrier repair method

by Featured NewsPassive

Global HSE Group examines Injectaclad, its installation process, applications and key benefits for restoring cavity fire barriers

A building with significant defects in its external wall fire safety systems present serious risks to both the structure and the people inside.

For example, a structure with missing or defective cavity barriers can experience rapid fire spread within wall cavities, causing devastating consequences for businesses, property owners and residents, while also posing a serious threat to critical infrastructure and occupant safety.

For the responsible stakeholders, amending buildings to become safe can be both costly and disruptive, with many projects requiring a full-scale removal of the external façade which often leads to disruption.

One solution available that enables non-intrusive works is Injectaclad, a remediation system for missing or defective cavity fire barriers to be retrospectively installed using a pumped system.

How it works

Injectaclad, for which Global HSE Group is a QA-approved installation contractor, is installed through small access openings created along the required compartment lines.

These can run vertically, horizontally, or around features such as windows and doors.

The openings are typically formed at approximately two-metre intervals horizontally and generally at floor levels for vertical installations.

At these locations, 4mm stainless steel InjectaPins are inserted into pre-drilled 6mm holes within the cavity.

A cylindrical acrylic mesh sleeve, known as InjectaMesh, is then positioned on the pins to establish and maintain the required compartment line.

Once the mesh and pins are in place, Injectaclad SS17 is pumped into the InjectaMesh.

The material expands to fill the cavity void, forming a continuous cavity barrier that reinstates the intended fire compartmentation within the external wall system.

The system, which can be used on a variety of buildings, including high-rise, commercial and residential, works by creating a fire-stopping barrier inside hidden wall cavities without removing the external façade.

By filling the cavity at specific compartment lines with a pumped, fire-resistant material, Injectaclad helps prevent the spread of fire and smoke through the building’s external wall system.

Once fitted, it has been tested to have a working life of 50 years, offers up to 120 minutes of fire resistance and is designed in accordance with fire safety regulations such as BS EN 1366-4 and BS 8414-1 &1366 part 4.

Visit www.globalpassivefire.co.uk/our-services/injectaclad-cavity-barrier/ for more information.

This was originally published in the April 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

A key part of fire safety strategy: Passive fire protection growth driven by regulation and risk

by Featured NewsPassive

International Fire and Safety Journal explores the growth within the passive fire protection market

According to the Fire Protection Association (FPA), the purpose of passive fire protection is to slow or prevent the spread of fire within a building through the use of fire rated materials.

These systems ingrained within a building’s overall fire safety strategy are not there to extinguish a fire but to minimise the spread of fire throughout the building.

Passive fire protection is one of the most impactful ways to safeguard a structure, not only because it protects the structural integrity of a building but also because it is often very cost effective too.

This is due to the minimal maintenance costs surrounding the passive fire protection, which includes fire resistant doors, walls and floors and how the systems often have a longer lifespan compared to active systems.

A report by IMARC Group into the sector revealed that the global passive fire protection market reached USD 4.7 billion in 2025.

According to IMARC, they predict that the market will reach USD 6.3 billion by 2034, showing a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.21% during 2026-2034.

This increased growth is expected to happen as a result of an increased awareness surrounding fire hazards, a shifting focus on safety in the construction industry and an increased demand for updated regulations.

These mitigating factors are already on the uptake, as the fire protection market is only gaining more prevalence.

Regulations and repercussions

Like many industries within fire and safety, stringent regulations and standards mold the way companies work and the products that they produce.

Within passive fire protection, regulations are particularly notable because they are helping the protection of life and properties, therefore, operating at the highest level of importance.

If these standards are not met, then the repercussions can be critical.

Operating in high-risk industries

Alongside adapting to regulations, the passive fire protection market is also having to accommodate to high-risk industries such as oil and gas, chemicals and power generation.

These industries are centered around hazardous materials, flammable substances and complex machinery, making them increasingly susceptible to fire risk.

This means that there is a heightened desire for passive fire protection to try and prohibit the spread of any incidents on scene.

Companies working within these high-risk industries are looking to invest in advanced fire-resistant materials, fire barriers and other protective measures.

These investments all help to drive the economic growth within the passive fire protection market.

Overall, the markets’ mindset is changing.

Companies are understanding the importance of passive fire protection more than ever.

With increased media coverage of incidents and disasters, public awareness is only building surrounding the importance of implementing fire protection strategies.

This heightened awareness is only helping to accelerate the growth of the global passive fire protection market.

This was originally published in the April 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

England building safety funding to train inspectors and fire engineers

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringSafety

Building safety funding for workforce gaps

A £70 million funding package has been announced to address shortages in building safety professions and support the delivery of 1.5 million homes.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Samantha Dixon MBE MP published the announcement on 26 March 2026.

The funding is set to increase the number of Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) by up to 700, including inspectors at Class 3H level who can inspect High-Risk Buildings.

It also includes funding to increase the number of fire engineers and expand the availability of Fire Engineering education.

The announcement states that shortages in building control and fire engineering are limiting housing supply and were highlighted as an area of concern in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The three-year programme responds to recommendations from the House of Lords regulatory committee for the government to increase capacity in building control and fire engineering.

It also follows points raised by the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel and responses to the Building Control Independent Panel’s call for evidence on the need for suitably qualified and trained professionals.

How the funding will be allocated

The funding is split between Building Control, which will receive £55 million, and Fire Engineering, which will receive £15 million.

For Building Control, the funding will support local authorities’ building control teams in England to recruit new RBIs and train them to the required Class 2 standard.

It will also support local authorities’ building control teams in England to upskill existing RBIs, with many trained to the standard required to inspect High-Risk Buildings at Class 3H.

Further funding is intended for the training of new entrants in Registered Building Control Approvers and local authorities.

For Fire Engineering, the funding will support higher education provision through postgraduate bursaries as well as research and academic development.

Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy Samantha Dixon said: “We’re boosting the building safety workforce to get more skilled building inspectors and fire engineers into the system quickly to keep people safe and unlock the new homes this country needs.

“This is a vital step in building 1.5 million safe homes and ensuring we continue to deliver on lessons from the Grenfell Tower tragedy.”

The mechanisms for applying for the funds are under development and more information will be published in the coming months.

Consultation opens on mandatory certification for fire risk assessors in UK

by Featured NewsIndustry Comment

Fire risk assessors certification consultation opens

The UK government has launched a consultation on mandatory certification for fire risk assessors, with proposals linked to its response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and scheduled to run for 12 weeks.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Samantha Dixon MBE MP announced the consultation in material published on 26 March 2026.

The consultation is described as part of the government’s commitment to introduce mandatory certification for fire risk assessors.

It is also framed as a step toward delivering Recommendation 26 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 report.

The material states that Responsible Persons, usually the owner or landlord, can currently carry out their own fire risk assessments or appoint a fire risk assessor to assist them.

It adds that the consultation is looking at stronger standards and at making sure those carrying out assessments have the competencies and capabilities required.

What the consultation covers

The consultation seeks views on defining the role of fire risk assessors and their protected assistance duties, the Responsible Person’s ability to conduct their own assessments, competency frameworks and standards, career pathways, and regulatory powers for implementation.

Samantha Dixon MBE MP, Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy, said: “Fire risk assessors play a vital role keeping our communities safe from fires.

“I would strongly encourage you to respond to this consultation, to help us introduce the right measures to make sure we have consistent competency across the profession.”

The proposals also include apprenticeships and a proficient workers scheme.

The consultation launched on 26 March and will close on 18 June.

Responses can be submitted until 18 June.

The Built List reveals 20 fire safety influencers shaping construction in 2026

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPeopleSafety

The Built List 2026 spotlights leading voices in fire and building safety

A group of 20 professionals shaping fire and building safety across the built environment has been named as part of The Built List 2026, a new initiative recognising influential voices across construction and related sectors.

The Built List, developed by construction PR consultancy Liz Male Consulting (LMC), identifies 100 individuals driving change across five priority areas: fire and building safety, digitalisation, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and skills, recruitment and retention.

The fire and building safety category brings together engineers, campaigners, housing professionals, consultants and technical specialists working across policy, practice and public engagement.

The selected individuals have been identified through a six-month research process assessing engagement, media presence and industry visibility, rather than follower counts alone.

Dan Gerrella, Managing Director at LMC, said: “We want to shine a spotlight on the campaigners, activists, changemakers and thought leaders who are turning important conversations into action, shaping policy and public understanding, and building the profile of our sector.

“This is an opportunity to recognise a wider community of individuals who are influencing how the industry approaches safety, risk and accountability, while also helping organisations connect with trusted voices on the issues that matter most.”

The list is not ranked and is designed to reflect breadth of influence rather than competition.

LMC said the intention is to highlight different ways individuals are contributing to industry progress, from technical expertise and regulatory insight to communication and advocacy.

Fire and building safety: 20 selected influencers

The following individuals have been named within the fire and building safety category of The Built List 2026:

Colin Bailey

President and Principal, Queen Mary University of London and Executive Leader

An internationally recognised engineer and executive leader, Colin Bailey has built a career spanning structural safety, fire engineering and higher education leadership. His work focuses on helping the industry better understand risk and improve building design, alongside championing social mobility within engineering.

Kwajo Tweneboa

Social Housing Activist, Author and Campaigner

Kwajo Tweneboa is a prominent voice in housing safety, known for exposing unsafe living conditions and advocating for reform. His work centres on amplifying residents’ experiences and driving accountability among landlords and housing providers.

Steph Brady

Director, Innovation Fire Engineering

Steph Brady leads strategic planning and operations at Innovation Fire Engineering, with a focus on how fire engineers operate within communities. Her work explores the relationship between regulation, risk management and the built environment.

Hannah Mansell

Principal Technical Consultant and Facilitator of the UK Fire Door Think Tank, Adoorability

Hannah Mansell has played a central role in advancing competence and standards in fire safety, particularly around fire doors. Her work includes leading national campaigns and translating regulatory requirements into practical approaches for the industry.

Kizzy Augustin

Partner (Health and Safety, Environmental and Fire), Mischon de Reya

Kizzy Augustin specialises in legal cases involving fire, health and safety, including corporate manslaughter. Her work addresses accountability, compliance and directors’ duties, alongside advocacy for equality within the legal and construction sectors.

Peter Apps

Contributing Editor, Inside Housing and Freelance Journalist

Peter Apps is a journalist focused on housing and fire safety, with extensive reporting on the Grenfell Tower fire and its wider implications. His work examines systemic risk, policy and accountability across the built environment.

Glenn Horton

Director, Horton and Horton Fire

Glenn Horton leads fire engineering design work on large-scale mixed-use developments globally. His focus includes building regulations, fire safety engineering and risk management in complex construction projects.

Arnold Tarling

Director, Beta Surveyors

Arnold Tarling is a chartered surveyor and fire safety expert known for his media work on building risk and fire hazards. He has contributed to public understanding of safety issues in residential buildings, particularly following Grenfell.

Benjamin Ralph

Director and Head of Building Safety and Fire, Hollis

With more than 16 years’ experience, Benjamin Ralph focuses on risk-based design and interdisciplinary approaches to building safety. His work addresses façade risks, fire engineering challenges and improving standards across the sector.

Andrea White

Managing Director, A W Fire

Andrea White is an independent fire engineer and accredited fire risk assessor. She also founded Women Talking Fire, supporting professional networks within the sector, while focusing on compliance, risk and representation in construction.

Helen Hewitt

Chief Executive, British Woodworking Federation

Helen Hewitt leads the British Woodworking Federation, representing a large membership across manufacturing and construction. Her work highlights the role of fire doors and competence across the supply chain in improving building safety outcomes.

Mike Kelly

Building Safety Manager, Livv Housing Group

Mike Kelly works across compliance, fire and building safety within social housing. His focus includes risk assessment, cladding remediation and strengthening accountability in building management.

Nathan Hooper

Director and Head of Hotels and Residential, Hollis

Nathan Hooper brings experience in construction and real estate, focusing on improving safety standards in buildings. His work links compliance, design and property management in residential and hospitality sectors.

Dan Hollas

Director of Building Safety, Clarion Housing Group

Dan Hollas has more than 25 years’ experience in social housing and building safety. His role includes regulatory engagement and advising on safety frameworks through his involvement with the Building Advisory Committee.

Hannah Carpenter

Associate Director and Building Safety Specialist, LMC

Hannah Carpenter specialises in fire and building safety communications and industry insight. She has worked across legislation-focused projects and leads initiatives such as The Building Safety Wiki.

Adam Sanders

Technical Director, RiskBase

Adam Sanders focuses on digital systems for managing building safety and compliance. His work centres on improving consistency, reporting and visibility through software platforms.

George Edwardes

Technical Director, The Fire Protection Association

George Edwardes has a background in fire testing and consultancy, with expertise in façade safety and material performance. His work examines how design choices and emerging materials influence fire risk.

Alan Elder

Senior Fire Engineer, Horton and Horton Fire

Alan Elder specialises in fire risk assessments, site inspections and design reviews. His work focuses on practical application of fire safety standards and regulatory developments.

Dr Gavin Dunn

Chief Executive, The Fire Protection Association

Dr Gavin Dunn is a Chartered Building Engineer focused on the relationship between sustainability, decarbonisation and fire safety. His work explores how new materials and technologies affect risk across the built environment.

Gill Kernick

Transformation Director, Arup, Committee Member, BSI, Author and Speaker

Gill Kernick works on systemic safety reform and cultural change in construction. Drawing on personal experience and professional work, she contributes to discussions on accountability, risk and long-term change following major incidents.

Reflecting industry priorities

LMC said the fire and building safety category reflects a shift in how the sector engages with risk, regulation and public accountability, particularly following recent legislative changes and increased scrutiny of building safety practices.

Individuals on the list contribute across a range of areas, including fire engineering design, legal accountability, housing safety, regulatory compliance, fire testing, façade risk, fire doors, and resident engagement.

Many are also active in communicating complex technical issues to wider audiences, including policymakers, residents and industry stakeholders.

Methodology based on impact and visibility

The Built List is drawn from a wider industry influencer database maintained by LMC and used to support communications and collaboration strategies across the built environment.

Three core metrics were used to assess influence:

  • Engagement rate, based on interaction levels across recent social media activity
  • Media coverage, including reach and authority of publications featuring each individual
  • Visibility, measured through participation in conferences, events and wider communications activity.

This approach is intended to capture how individuals contribute to industry conversations and decision-making, rather than focusing solely on audience size.

Supporting industry engagement

LMC said the list is designed to support organisations seeking to engage with credible voices across key areas of change in the built environment.

“The list is deliberately not ranked and it’s not a competition,” Gerrella added.

“If the industry is going to improve outcomes in areas such as safety, sustainability and skills, it needs to engage with a broader range of perspectives and communication channels.”

The Built List 2026 is available to download via LMC’s website.