JELD-WEN confirms certified timber sourcing across UK manufacturing sites

by Featured NewsFire DoorsSustainability

JELD-WEN UK timber sourcing and certification

JELD-WEN has confirmed that all timber used in its UK manufacturing operations is sourced from certified responsible suppliers, covering its facilities in Sheffield and Penrith.

According to the doorset manufacturer, both sites use timber from forests certified under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

This applies to all wood used in its UK production processes.

The approach is intended to support protection of forests, ecosystems and natural resources, alongside safeguarding the rights of local communities connected to timber supply chains.

Traceability systems and wider sustainability targets

JELD-WEN has also introduced a specialist software system to provide full traceability of timber and support compliance with the European Deforestation Regulation.

This system is designed to track timber throughout manufacturing processes and demonstrate sourcing compliance.

Responsible timber sourcing forms part of the organisation’s wider environmental, social and governance commitments.

These commitments include reducing carbon emissions and working towards zero waste to landfill by 2050.

Cradle to Cradle Certification has also been achieved for core UK-manufactured products, supporting circular economy objectives.

Marcin Bacik, EHS Manager at JELD-WEN, said: “Protecting the Earth’s natural resources and playing our part as a manufacturer in taking action to help to mitigate climate change is a priority for JELD-WEN. Taking action to protect against deforestation lies at the heart of this.

“Creating products made with timber that is carefully managed is an absolute priority as this ensures the longevity of the world’s forests, which play such an important role in addressing climate challenges, but also ensures protection of natural resources.

“Low impact construction is the model that we need to adopt more widely, having a minimal impact on the natural world.

“Environmental responsibility informs every part of our organisation, and in the UK sustainability has been a lynchpin of development to allow us to build a sustainable supply chain, seeing considerable investment in more sustainable operations.

“Timber is at the very heart of what we do here at JELD-WEN making supporting sustainable wood sourcing second nature.

“Operating very much ahead of the curve, we have successfully ensured all wood used is from a certified source while we are in a position to already demonstrate the traceability required for the enforcement of the EUDR, which is still yet to come into force.”

The announcement confirms that certified sourcing and traceability systems are already in place across its UK timber supply chain.

NAHFO publishes 2026 annual conference programme for University of Liverpool

by EventsFeatured NewsHealth and SafetySafety

NAHFO annual conference programme now live

The programme for the NAHFO Annual Conference & Exhibition 2026 has been published for 8 to 10 June 2026 at the University of Liverpool.

NAHFO describes the three-day event as bringing together healthcare fire safety, estates and risk professionals.

Day one opens with welcome remarks from Stewart Crowe, Assistant Director at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Paul Fitzpatrick, Director of Estates & Facilities at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is listed to speak on responsible person and fire safety duties.

Cheryl Couling, Principal Consultant at Fire Safety Partnership, is scheduled to present an overview of the authorising engineer (fire) role within healthcare estates.

Louise Mansfield, Legal Director at Bevan Brittan, is scheduled to lead a session titled The Building Safety Act in Practice: What’s New, What Still Applies, What to Do Now.

The day one agenda also includes a TECL case study on passive fire protection and digital tools and a session on lithium-ion battery fire risk led by Emily Bond, PhD Researcher at Queen’s University Belfast.

Sessions listed across the three days of the NAHFO programme

Day two includes a session on hospital evacuation strategies led by Aoife Hunt, Professor of Crowd Safety and Security Science at the University of Greenwich, and Steve Gwynne, Professor of Evacuation and Pedestrian Dynamics at the University of Greenwich.

Graham Gray, Fire Safety Manager at the University of Sussex, is scheduled to present a case study on managing fire alarm incidents in a live campus environment.

Mansfield is scheduled to lead Fire Safety on Trial: Decisions, Consequences and Accountability, described as a courtroom-based session with audience participation.

Rik Hutchins, CEO at Soterweb, is listed to present an industry session on digital platforms for fire risk and building safety.

Mitch Dean, National Sales Manager at SDS, is scheduled to present on designing, testing and maintaining fire doors for complex healthcare environments.

The programme also lists a session on 3D building mapping with intelligent AI asset recognition led by Derek Lawrence and Lee Searle of Safelincs.

Aoife Hunt is scheduled to present a session titled Martyn’s Law Connected. Protected. Prepared?

A session on solar panels and photovoltaic systems is listed, focused on safety, risk and best practice.

Sponsors and day three CPD sessions

The published programme lists Honeywell as gold sponsor and BORIS Software Ltd/TECL_UK and SOTERweb as silver sponsors.

Day three is presented as a professional development day with four CPD-accredited sessions operating via a colour-coded rotation system.

The day three CPD sessions listed are titled Digital Workforce and Fire Safety Compliance and are attributed to Boris Software.

The programme also lists a closing reflections session titled Connected. Protected. Prepared – Reflections, Leadership and What Comes Next, including an announcement of the NAHFO Annual Conference 2027 in London.

The programme includes an AGM for members on day one and an awards dinner on day two.

Forza Doors wins £500,000 fire doors package at 105 Victoria Street

by Featured NewsProjects

Fire doors package for 105 Victoria Street

Forza Doors has announced it will supply fire doors, washroom doors and panels as part of a £500,000 package at 105 Victoria Street, Westminster.

The company outlined the scope as covering all fire doors, washroom doors and panels for the development.

The scheme is being delivered by contractor Skanska for developer BGO.

The mixed-use development is described as a 500,000 sq. ft scheme opposite Westminster City Hall, with 15 floors of office space, ground-floor retail and a two-storey basement.

Project specifications and quoted comments

The development is described as the UK’s largest fully electric, net-zero office development, targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, EPC A and WELL Platinum.

It is also described as set to become the UK’s largest 100% electric net zero office in operation as well as build.

The building is described as including an urban farm with community allotments and a multi-purpose arena intended to be available to local schools for sports games and events.

Emma Foster, principal at BGO, said: “Forza Doors have successfully supplied veneer doors throughout 105 Victoria Street, delivering a high-quality finish that combines durability with refined design detail.”

Will Hunnam, managing director at Forza Doors, said: “This is exactly the type of project where our technical authority, design expertise and sustainability leadership come together.

“We’re proud to contribute to a Grade A development in the capital at a time when there’s increasing pressure on developers to upgrade ageing office stock to meet occupiers’ demands for best-in-class working environments.”

The scheme was designed by architect Kohn Pederson Fox alongside interior architect Henning Larsen.

Forza Doors said the doors for the building will be manufactured in its West Sussex facility using FSC-certified timber.

Complii adds passive fire expertise through Capital Fire Doors integration

by Featured NewsFire DoorsMergers & Acquisitions

Complii acquires Capital Fire Doors

Complii has acquired London-based passive fire protection specialist Capital Fire Doors in a move to expand its UK building compliance services.

The company, formerly known as Compliance Group, described the deal as broadening its integrated building compliance offering across the country.

According to Complii, Capital Fire Doors is recognised for third-party accredited passive fire protection solutions and a focus on high standards of safety and compliance.

Complii said the acquisition will enhance its passive fire protection capabilities and extend its operational footprint across London and the wider UK.

Range of passive fire protection services

The company outlined that Capital Fire Doors delivers fire door installation and repair, accredited surveys and inspections plus pre-planned fire door maintenance.

Its services also include fire stopping and compartmentation, steel and aluminium doors and screens and automatic opening doors.

Complii reported that Capital Fire Doors serves residential, educational, healthcare, hotel and leisure, commercial and industrial buildings across the UK.

The acquisition is presented as reinforcing Complii’s ability to offer a single source for passive fire protection within its wider compliance portfolio.

Leadership continuity and integration within Complii

Complii confirmed that Capital Fire Doors will continue to operate under its existing leadership team after the acquisition.

Commercial Director Michael Fisher and Operations Director Nathan Cranstoun will remain in their current positions along with the wider workforce.

Michael Fisher, Commercial Director at Capital Fire Doors, and Nathan Cranstoun, Operations Director, said: “This is an exciting milestone for our team and our customers.”

They noted that joining Complii provides additional scale and support while maintaining the service standards that clients expect.

The directors also pointed to access to a broader range of building compliance solutions across the combined organisation.

Complii stated that the integration is intended to maintain existing client relationships while offering a more comprehensive suite of services.

Complii fire division and executive perspectives

According to Complii, Chief Executive Officer Sarah Dixon views the deal as strengthening the company’s passive fire protection capabilities in response to rising demand and regulatory focus on building safety.

Sarah Dixon, Chief Executive Officer of Complii, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Michael, Nathan, and the entire Capital Fire Doors team on board”.

Scott McKay, Managing Director of Complii’s fire division, commented: “Capital Fire Doors brings exceptional accreditation and geographic strength in London and the South East, immediately enhancing our operational footprint and specialist capabilities.”

McKay added: “Integrating their expertise solidifies our position as the partner of choice for clients seeking high-quality, comprehensive fire compliance solutions across the UK.”

Complii highlighted that the combined business will focus on delivering passive fire protection and compliance services as a partner committed to shared safety goals for building owners and operators.

How ASSA ABLOY is shaping the standard for safer fire door systems

by Breaking NewsFire DoorsPassive

Certification, product range, and installation expertise are all important when specifying compliant fire doors, with insight from Daniel Swannack, Chief Commercial Officer for the Door Business Segment at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA

A fire door is a critical component in any building’s fire safety strategy.

Unfortunately, not just any solid door will do the job.

Fire doors are tested and certified as complete systems, and each part – from the frame and hardware to seals and glazing – must meet a required specification.

Getting the choice of doors right demands manufacturing expertise and a range of specialist solutions.

Fire doors work by containing fire and smoke to one area, keeping escape routes clear for as long as possible.

They do not need power or intervention; they just have to be closed and in good condition.

Features such as intumescent seals, which expand with heat, and fire-rated cores help to maintain door integrity and slow a fire’s progress.

There are many types of fire door, tailored to different environments and with specific qualities to ensure a building meets the new generation of more stringent safety standards.

Many operate manually, but hinged fire doors may instead be automated.

In large or open spaces, fire curtains or sliding systems provide the same protection by closing automatically when an alarm is triggered.

Construction materials are another consideration.

In hotels, offices and multi-use commercial buildings, timber doors are often chosen for aesthetics and acoustic performance.

At industrial sites, data centres or high-security areas, steel doors could be a safer option.

Wide openings in warehouses, airports or car parks may need sliding fire gates or curtains instead.

To identify the best solution for a space, specification support when a building is at design stage – or during retrofit planning – is critical.

As with many complementary building technologies and systems, digitalization is a growing concern – and may be beneficial in the right environment.

Smart building systems can keep track of fire doors, showing if they are closed, blocked or need maintenance, for example.

Fire doors and curtains can link to alarms so they close automatically when needed or connected with access control to maintain fire compartmentation.

In complex environments like hospitals or data centres, smarter or integrated systems provide useful auditing and maintenance records, ensuring doors are always ready to perform.

The importance of certification and expertise

Third-party certification of a fire door reassures building owners, architects and insurers about compliance.

It proves the door has been tested, audited and manufactured consistently to meet safety standards – and that it will do its job in any emergency.

Certification applies to all fire doors, timber or steel, and to larger solutions like fire gates and curtains.

Certification also helps to smooth the approval process with building code enforcement and demonstrates compliance with legal requirements.

Across Europe, fire doors are covered by EN 16034, with testing done under EN 1634-1 for fire resistance and EN 1634-3 for smoke control.

Hardware is tested separately under EN 1634-2.

In the UK, BS 476 is still recognized alongside EN standards.

Fire curtains are tested to EN 1634-1, and where smoke control is needed, to EN 12101-1 or EN 1634-3.

EI-rated curtains block both fire and heat transfer, while EW-rated systems, often used in the UK, focus on integrity with reduced heat radiation.

Testing is always carried out on the complete system, including the door, frame and hardware, to make sure everything performs as intended.

To maintain this performance, installation must follow certified details exactly.

If the door is not installed properly, it may not meet its fire rating, even if all components are correct.

Expert maintenance is another key to reliable performance.

This means checking that seals, hinges, and closers perform properly and are undamaged.

Automatic fire curtains, sliding doors or hinged doors need motors and controls tested.

Many regulations call for checks every six months.

A fire door is only as good as its maintenance: a small fault can make a big difference in an emergency.

Specialist fire safety solutions from ASSA ABLOY

ASSA ABLOY’s portfolio of fire doors provides customers in a broad range of verticals with a choice of security door to match their precise needs, without making compromises.

“Martech focuses on engineering high-performance fire curtains for a range of applications,” explains Daniel Swannack, Chief Commercial Officer for the Door Business Segment at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA.

“In different ways, and for different types of building, Mercor, Portafeu, Metalind, Fichet, and HSD deliver industry-leading fire and technical door solutions tailored to their respective markets.”

“Choosing the right door and keeping it properly maintained is essential,” he adds.

“Our role is to make the customer’s life easier in terms of compliance, performance and design flexibility.

“All our fire-specialist manufacturers share ASSA ABLOY’s deep commitment to safety, quality, reliability, and innovation.

“Their portfolio scale and expertise gives customers the convenience of a one-stop-shop for fire doors and peace of mind that their solutions are compliant.”

Photo credit: ASSA ABLOY

Photo caption: ASSA ABLOY offers fire door expertise plus a range of models and solutions

Inside the Ark Fire Protection and Rutland UK partnership redefining quality

by Featured NewsFire DoorsPassive

Ark Fire Protection and Rutland UK unveil new partnership video

Ark Fire Protection has announced a new partnership with Rutland UK focused on premium fire protection services.

To mark the collaboration, the two companies have released a documentary-style video titled A Day in the Life: Ark Fire Protection x Rutland UK.

The video captures the complete service process from client enquiry through to installation and final compliance checks.

According to Ark Fire Protection, the project aims to demonstrate the efficiency, coordination and expertise behind each installation.

Behind-the-scenes look at quality assurance

The video presents behind-the-scenes footage of product selection, staff training, installation and compliance inspections.

It highlights the precision and teamwork required to deliver compliant systems using Rutland UK’s certified products.

Joe Gale, Operations Director at Ark Fire Protection, said: “This video illustrates the seamless process we offer our clients, from the moment they make an enquiry to the final sign-off of the installation.”

“It also shows how our partnership with Rutland UK has enabled us to maintain the highest standards in fire safety.”

“Their trusted products and our expert team ensure that we provide solutions that are compliant, efficient and reliable.”

Emphasis on training and shared expertise

Ark Fire Protection said its staff have undertaken detailed training with Rutland UK to build technical understanding of the products and their compliance requirements.

The company stated that this knowledge-sharing approach strengthens consistency and quality during installation.

Kieran Grinnell, Sales and Marketing Director at Rutland UK, said: “We’ve worked closely with Ark Fire Protection for some time now via third party suppliers, and this video highlights the strength of our partnership.”

“At Rutland, we take pride in the products we create and supply, and we know that Ark shares our commitment to delivering only the best.”

“This collaboration is a perfect example of how a strong supplier-client relationship can lead to exceptional results in the field of fire protection.”

Partnership aims to reinforce compliance standards

According to both companies, the collaboration demonstrates how coordinated relationships between manufacturers and installers help maintain the highest levels of compliance and quality control.

Ark Fire Protection said the partnership supports its goal of delivering reliable fire protection systems backed by robust assurance processes.

The companies described the collaboration as part of their wider commitment to improving safety outcomes through dependable, fully tested solutions.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The collaboration between Ark Fire Protection and Rutland UK will be of interest to system installers, fire-protection contractors and facility managers.

The video demonstrates how close alignment between suppliers and installation teams can improve efficiency, accuracy and compliance verification.

For procurement officers and specifiers, it highlights the benefits of partnerships that integrate product knowledge and installation expertise.

The emphasis on training also reflects the increasing importance of competence and product familiarity in maintaining fire safety standards across commercial and industrial sites.

The FDM qualification raising the bar for fire doorset installation competence

by Featured NewsFire DoorsTraining

FDM launches new Level 3 Diploma in installation of fire resistant doorsets

Qualification launched to certify fire door installation competence

FDM – Training & Development (FDM) has launched the GQA Level 3 Diploma in Installation of Fire Resistant Doorsets.

The vocational qualification certifies individuals as competent installers of fire resistant doorsets.

It was developed with awarding body GQA Qualifications and training provider National Skills Centre.

The diploma includes 11 core units, four optional units and 226 guided learning hours.

FDM said the qualification provides 159 more guided learning hours and up to 12 additional units compared to its closest competitor.

The company confirmed it forms part of its “super series” of Level 3 Diplomas, following the Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets qualification launched earlier in 2025.

Course content focuses on skills, knowledge and behaviour

The diploma covers the practical skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours required for fire door installation.

It provides guidance on meeting legislative standards and completing installation checks and records.

Assessment content focuses on planning and carrying out installation, conducting checks and maintaining continuing professional development.

Learners install six types of fire resistant door made of materials including timber, composite and steel.

This range of door types is unique to the qualification, according to FDM.

Each learner is assessed onsite to demonstrate practical competence and ongoing performance in a workplace setting.

Industry collaboration supports qualification delivery

Since its launch in February 2024, FDM said it has educated more than 1,200 professionals across the supply chain on fire door safety best practice.

The company has received industry recognition, winning Training Provider of the Year at the 2025 Fire & Security Matters Awards and Training Company of the Year at the 2024 National Fenestration Awards.

Nicola John, Managing Director of FDM – Training & Development, said: “We’re driving change with our robust and holistic training and assessments.

“We’re raising safety standards for everyone by bridging knowledge gaps for fire door installers.”

John added that the qualifications were designed by and for the construction industry to meet its fire door safety needs and support compliance.

Partners highlight industry-wide impact of new qualification

Martin Sadler, Qualifications and Product Development Manager at GQA Qualifications, said: “We’re continuing to shape the industry with the Level 3 Diploma in Fire Door Installation.

“We’re working to ensure the next generation of fire door installers are qualified, developing their ongoing competence journey, and demonstrating how they are meeting the requirements of the 2022 Building Safety Act.

“This qualification is a major step in that mission.”

Debra Green, Business Owner of National Skills Centre, noted: “With this qualification, we’re changing industry standards for installer competence.

“By being comprehensive and exploring both practical and legislative requirements of fire door installation, we are creating a safer, more knowledgeable construction workforce.”

Driving low-carbon compliance through EPDs: Forza Doors advances fire door design

by Breaking NewsFire DoorsPassive

Will Hunnam, Managing Director at Forza Doors, examines how EPDs support low-carbon specification, regulatory alignment, and sustainable manufacturing across the fire safety sector

In fire safety, compliance and performance are non-negotiables – but in today’s construction industry, so too is sustainability.

As a UK manufacturer specialising in bespoke timber fire doors, Forza Doors is seeing a new dimension when it comes to specification decisions: balancing certified fire protection with verified low-carbon performance.

The industry is undergoing a clear shift in how it approaches environmental performance.

As operational energy use improves, embodied carbon has become the main focus.

In fact, by 2030, it’s expected to account for most of a building’s total lifecycle emissions.

This change creates both challenges and opportunities for specifiers.

With a growing emphasis on whole-life carbon assessment, decisions made during product selection now have greater impact.

Verified environmental data is no longer a bonus – it’s becoming essential.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are emerging as a key tool in this process.

For those specifying fire doors, this means balancing proven, certified fire safety performance with transparent sustainability credentials.

At Forza Doors, we’ve seen growing demand not only for quality, but for clear environmental evidence.

A need for reliable carbon data

Fire door specifiers today are navigating a minefield of environmental claims.

Almost every product is marketed as “green” or “low carbon”, but these claims are often vague or inconsistent.

With increased pressure to meet embodied carbon targets and align with net zero goals, inconsistent data becomes a barrier to confident decisions.

EPDs address this issue.

Developed under standards such as EN 15804, they offer third-party verified data on a product’s environmental impact across its lifecycle.

EPDs allow transparent, like-for-like comparisons based on real carbon data, not abstract claims.

Integration with specification workflow

Construction has led the way in EPD adoption, reflecting the urgency around embodied carbon.

On large projects with many components, access to standardised data early in the process is critical.

EPDs also align with digital workflows.

Many are now integrated into BIM libraries, referenced in schemes like BREEAM, and requested in early procurement stages.

This makes them especially valuable on projects with digital modelling, carbon budgets, or sustainability goals.

Changing expectations for manufacturers

This shift is also changing how manufacturers operate.

Focus has expanded from just operational emissions to include product-level impacts.

Specifiers now expect transparent proof, not just broad sustainability claims.

Creating an EPD involves assessing a product’s full lifecycle – from raw materials to disposal.

This often highlights carbon hotspots and encourages supply chain collaboration.

We were the first UK timber door manufacturer to publish verified EPDs for our core range – helping specifiers make informed, low-carbon choices without compromising on performance or compliance.

The role of regulation

New regulatory developments add further weight.

The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), effective from 2024, sets a precedent for environmental reporting across supply chains.

While UK law hasn’t matched it yet, similar expectations are appearing through voluntary frameworks and procurement practices.

Lifecycle assessment is increasingly essential for manufacturers to stay competitive.

Standardisation is critical

For EPDs to be effective, consistency matters.

If methods or formats vary, comparisons become unreliable.

Third-party schemes like BRE’s Environmental Profiles or the International EPD System ensure alignment and standardisation.

Specifiers should also check that EPDs use equivalent functional units (e.g.

per square metre) and include comparable assumptions like lifespan and installation method.

When these factors align, EPDs offer a sound basis for carbon-conscious decisions.

A core part of modern specification

Embodied carbon is now a key procurement metric, and EPDs are becoming a core requirement.

They offer specifiers reliable data, enable more confident choices, and support wider project goals.

For manufacturers, EPDs provide a way to stand out through transparency and accountability.

As carbon performance becomes as important as cost or compliance, verified product data is now essential.

EPDs offer the clarity and confidence that both specifiers and manufacturers need to meet the demands of low-carbon construction.

About Forza Doors

Forza is a leading UK manufacturer of bespoke timber fire doors and joinery.

Operating across the commercial interiors sector, the company provides timber solutions for the office, education, hospitality, healthcare and residential markets.

Its products are not only designed for awesome spaces but are fully compliant, offering complete peace of mind when it comes to safety.

Forza Doors is proud to be a British manufacturer.

Its West Sussex-based team brings decades of industry experience across fire, acoustic and structural specification.

The company is the first UK timber door manufacturer to publish verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its core range and is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Forza Doors prioritises safety through rigorous primary testing and extensive investment in product development, ensuring spaces are safe, secure and specified correctly.