Lakeland Fire + Safety has promoted Kevin Rae to Executive Vice President, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa fire sales, giving him responsibility for its Eagle, Jolly and LHD brands across the region.
Lakeland announced that Rae will lead its fire business across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in the expanded role.
Rae has more than 20 years of leadership experience in personal protective equipment and fire safety across the UK and EMEA.
Since joining Lakeland in 2022, he has served as Vice President, EMEA Fire and Global M&A Integration.
He also serves as Managing Director of Eagle Technical Products Ltd, a position he has held since 2013.
Scope of the appointment
The company said Rae has been involved in shaping its regional fire strategy and integrating acquisitions into a single operating platform.
His new role gives him direct responsibility for Lakeland’s Eagle, Jolly and LHD brands in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Jim Jenkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lakeland Industries, said: “Kevin has been central to building our Fire platform into what it is today, and he will continue to play a key leadership role in driving growth, strengthening customer relationships, and advancing our position as a premier global fire safety platform.
“He understands the customer, the product, and the operational detail required to execute at a high level.
“Kevin’s leadership continues to strengthen our global Fire platform, enhancing operational integration, elevating safety standards, and positioning the company for long-term, sustainable growth.
“This promotion reflects both his leadership to date and the critical role he will play as we continue to scale our Fire business across EMEA.”
Rae comments on next steps
Rae said: “I am proud of what our team has built across Eagle, Jolly, and LHD, and excited about the opportunity ahead with a strong foundation, a differentiated portfolio, and a clear path to growth.
“I look forward to continuing to work closely with our teams and customers to expand our presence and deliver best-in-class fire protection solutions across the region and to providing updates on EMEA on our upcoming quarterly conference call on April 16.”
The announcement states that Rae is due to provide an update on EMEA during Lakeland’s quarterly conference call on April 16.
The promotion places Lakeland’s three regional fire brands under Rae’s direct leadership across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The appointment gives Rae regional responsibility for Eagle, Jolly and LHD as Lakeland prepares its April 16 quarterly conference call
Fire acquisition expands JLA Group footprint in Benelux
JLA Group has acquired LDL Group as it moves to grow its international presence.
JLA Group announced the deal on 13 February 2026.
The company said the acquisition extends its footprint in Europe and is intended to create a platform for further international growth.
JLA Group described itself as a provider of the distribution and servicing of commercial laundry, catering, fire and HVAC equipment.
Deal scope and leadership plans
LDL Group has more than 50 years of heritage and operates across Belgium and the Netherlands.
The business provides laundry, catering, meditech, and heating and boiler services to care, housing, government and leisure facilities.
LDL Group has almost 50,000 assets in use and the company said it has strong customer relationships for its laundry expertise and customer service.
The LDL management team will join JLA Group as shareholders and will stay within the wider group to lead LDL and develop the business further.
Ben Gujral, CEO of JLA Group, said: “LDL is a fantastic business with a long heritage and history of providing exceptional customer service.
“I would like to welcome all LDL colleagues into the JLA Group.
“Their significant expertise and capabilities are a core strength of the business.
“Working together, with a strong management team in place, there is so much more we can achieve through our relationship.
“At JLA, we always aim to be our customers’ trusted partner of choice, and I am delighted that these values mirror those of LDL.
“As part of JLA Group, the team at LDL will be able to further enhance the fantastic service they provide to customers.
“International growth is a core part of our strategy.
“Bringing LDL into the JLA Group expands our international presence and means that we are perfectly placed to meet the commercial equipment needs of laundry customers throughout the Benelux region.”
Johan Stuyven, Managing Director of LDL Group, said: “JLA’s core purpose is to ‘take care of it’, with 22,000 customers trusting them to provide mission critical equipment and end-to-end services that keep their businesses running.
“This aligns perfectly with our ethos at LDL, and joining JLA Group could not come at a better time for our customers.
“In an increasingly demanding business environment, joining a business of JLA’s size, scale, and expertise will unlock new opportunities in the future, and reinforces our commitment to providing the very best care for our loyal customers across the Benelux region.”
Positioning alongside UK operations
JLA Group said the acquisition of LDL Group complements its commitment to the UK and reflects its ambition for future growth.
The company also said adding LDL Group expands its international presence across the Benelux region.
Gusi Peace Prize recognises US fire advocate in Manila
Gusi Peace Prize International has recognised former US Congressman Curt Weldon for his advocacy on behalf of firefighters and emergency medical services at its 40th annual awards ceremony in Manila, Philippines.
He accepted the 2025 Gusi Peace Prize on behalf of 2 million domestic responders in the US and more than 25 million firefighters and EMS personnel worldwide.
The award is presented annually by a Philippine foundation to individuals and organisations for contributions to global peace, human rights and progress in fields such as the arts and sciences.
The 2025 celebration, described by Weldon as the 40th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL GUSI PEACE PRIZE, took place in late November and early December in Manila.
The Gusi Peace Prize is sometimes referred to as the “Asian Nobel Peace Prize” and the event is recognised by the Philippine government.
Weldon attended the ceremony wearing an FDNY jacket that he said was given to him by New York City Fire Department Rescue Chief Ray Downey one year before Downey’s death following the 9/11 attacks.
Curt Weldon, former US Congressman and volunteer firefighter, said: “Thank you. 50 years ago this year, I was a 28-year-old volunteer firefighter, fire chief, and I faced the largest fire in America when two ships collided in my hometown.
“Hundreds of volunteers from all over three states rushed to our town, as they do all over America and all over the world to help us defeat the terror.”
Weldon stated that he dedicated the award to firefighters and EMS personnel in the Philippines, the US and across the world.
He described paid and volunteer firefighters and paramedics as “the root soul of the world and mankind” who are motivated by a desire to help others rather than by money or power.
Fire tradition and global role of first responders
In his remarks, Weldon linked the Manila ceremony to a wider historical and international perspective on fire and emergency services.
He noted that Benjamin Franklin established the Union Hose Volunteer Fire Company in Philadelphia in 1736, four decades before the US was founded as a nation.
Weldon said that around 33,000 fire and EMS departments have since developed in US cities, towns and villages, with approximately 85% of departments staffed by volunteers.
He wrote that firefighters and EMS personnel respond to emergencies regardless of race, income level or religion.
He contrasted the public standing of emergency responders with that of other public institutions, stating that political parties divide public support and that polling for the police and military is far below support for firefighters and EMS.
According to Weldon, surveys in the US show that roughly 98% of respondents support firefighters and EMS personnel.
He emphasised that in US communities many firefighters, including himself earlier in his career, serve on a voluntary basis without pay.
Weldon noted that he has led Congressional Delegations to 104 nations and has been on scene at major disasters including events in Banda Acha, L’Aquila and Beslan.
He wrote that firefighters and EMS personnel in different countries speak different languages but share a common commitment to assist others in crisis.
Global fire and EMS initiatives outlined
Weldon used the Gusi Peace Prize platform to promote several initiatives focused on global fire and emergency response.
In his LinkedIn post, he wrote that he challenged Philippine, national and United Nations leaders to understand the FIRE/EMS 290 Initiative and the One World for Life non-governmental organisation.
He stated that these initiatives are intended to identify, organise and empower firefighters and EMS personnel while changing the disaster paradigm by adding prediction and prevention to existing response models.
Weldon referenced his previous role as Chair of all US Department of Defense Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funding, which he described as a 150 billion dollar annual portfolio.
He said he held meetings and briefings in Manila with the Speaker and Parliament, reporting what he described as intense interest and strong support for the initiatives.
According to Weldon, 2026 will be designated the YEAR OF THE FIREFIGHTER/EMS.
He wrote that eight task forces led by fire and EMS stakeholder groups will be implemented using funds committed from private trusts.
Weldon argued that the strength and resilience of the US over 290 years has come from local emergency responders rather than from politicians, entertainers or sports figures.
He stated that these local emergency response personnel form the backbone of communities as they respond to everyday incidents and major disasters.
Weldon said: “2026 will be the YEAR OF THE FIREFIGHTER/EMS as we implement 8 Task Forces led by FIRE/EMS Stakeholder Groups using funds committed from private Trusts.”
Technology to predict and prevent fires and disasters
In a related speech, Weldon outlined a plan to build a global network that brings together first responders and integrates predictive technology into disaster management.
He described an earlier meeting at the United Nations with Margareta Wahlström, then Assistant Secretary General for disaster risk reduction.
Weldon said he asked for a list of all the people who respond to fires and disasters worldwide and was told that no such list existed.
He reported that UN officials could identify organisations such as the Red Cross but did not hold a registry of firefighters and other first responders who work during active disasters.
He stated that this gap helped to inspire the One World for Life initiative.
According to Weldon, One World for Life was announced at the World Economic Forum in Atyrau, Kazakhstan.
He said the initiative aims to unify around 25 million firefighters and EMS personnel worldwide and to provide them with improved support and technology.
The programme is intended to add prediction and prevention to existing disaster management models that currently focus on response, mitigation and recovery.
Weldon outlined plans to use satellite technology originally designed to detect rocket launches to identify small fires anywhere in the world.
He reported being told that satellites can already detect a fire less than one hectare in size.
He added that an algorithm has been developed to warn countries when the moisture content of farmland is approaching a level where an incendiary spark could ignite fires.
Weldon also described a planned device to be worn by firefighters and EMS responders that would show their vertical and horizontal location and track breathing and physical condition in real time.
He said this information would allow incident commanders to monitor personnel during operations and adjust tactics based on their status.
Curt Weldon, former US Congressman, said: “Our goal right now is simple, and it is the reason I am here.
“We are organising all the first responders in the world.
“We are going to give them technology that changes the entire approach.
“We are going to change the world.”
Political engagement and call to prioritise fire and EMS voices
Weldon used his speeches to urge fire and EMS leaders to assert their position more directly in political and policy discussions.
He recalled giving a keynote speech to the California Fire Chiefs in which he advised them to stop focusing their efforts on influencing politicians.
He contrasted the divided public opinion on policing and the military with high levels of support for fire and EMS services.
He argued that attempts to defund emergency medical responders do not attract support because communities rely on them for medical emergencies and disaster response.
Weldon characterised firefighters and EMS personnel as people who disregard race and religion in favour of assisting neighbours and citizens in need.
He linked these remarks back to his own experience as a volunteer firefighter who did not receive payment for service.
He concluded by thanking the host foundation and its ambassador for the invitation to Manila and for their support in advancing his global initiatives.
Weldon said he believes this backing will help him and his partners to change the way disasters are managed worldwide.
Practical implications for emergency and fire service leaders
Senior fire and rescue chiefs can use Weldon’s plans to assess how global initiatives such as One World for Life may influence future approaches to organising firefighters and EMS personnel.
Emergency and disaster response managers can track developments in the FIRE/EMS 290 Initiative and the proposed eight task forces as potential models for coordinating stakeholders across jurisdictions.
Government departments responsible for civil protection may review Weldon’s description of satellite-based early warning, farmland moisture monitoring and algorithmic alerts when considering investment in predictive tools for wildfire and drought-related risk.
Training officers and instructors can examine how wearable tracking devices and real-time monitoring could shape doctrine on crew safety, accountability and command decision-making during complex incidents.
Fire engineering consultants and risk assessors may find Weldon’s focus on shifting from response, mitigation and recovery to prediction and prevention relevant when advising on long-term resilience strategies.
A fire in a warehouse in West London has been declared a major incident after it was reported that fireworks and gas cylinders were inside the building.
About three quarters of the structure is alight, according to London Fire Brigade (LFB) which was called to the two-storey building in Middlesex Business Park on Bridge Road, Southall, at about 08:55am GMT.
According to the Brigade, 25 fire engines and around 150 crew members were sent to the scene, including firefighters from Southall, Heston and Ealing.
Assistant Commissioner, London Fire Brigade, Pat Goulbourne’s statement on London warehouse fire
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said all firefighters had withdrawn and were now fighting the fire from a greater distance to ensure crew safety.
He added: “Firefighters are working hard to bring this fire safely under control.
“The incident involves a mixed retail and warehouse space, with a significant part of the structure currently alight.
“Around three-quarters of the structure is currently alight. Three of the Brigade turntable ladders have been deployed to scene, allowing crews to fight the fire from height.”
Three nearby schools and residential block have been evacuated as a precaution and traffic in the area is expected to be affected.
The service said residents in the area were advised to keep doors and windows closed “due to the large amount of smoke being produced by the incident”.
Traffic in the area would “also be impacted,” the LFB added, also saying first reports of the fire were received at 8.55am.
A scaled up operation
The London Fire Brigade scaled up its operation after originally deploying 70 firefighters, describing it as a “protracted incident”, adding crews would be “carrying out firefighting operations throughout the day”.
As of 17:00pm GMT, the cause of the fire is unknown.
The London Ambulance Service added how there have been no injuries as a result of the incident.
The Brigade posted an update to X, stating: “Due to the large amount of smoke being produced by the fire, residents in the local area should keep doors and windows closed as crews respond.”
The Brigade’s control officers have taken some 60 calls regarding the fire.
United Nations climate talks at the COP30 summit in Belem, Brazil, were evacuated after a pavilion fire disrupted negotiations on Thursday, with 13 people treated for smoke inhalation, according to organisers.
Media reports from AP News, The Guardian and Sky News stated that the fire broke out in the pavilion area used for side events and exhibits.
Organisers said the blaze was brought under control in about six minutes.
The affected structures were described as reinforced canvas or fabric pavilions with three walls and a floor.
Brazil’s Tourism Minister Celso Sabino said the incident started near the China Pavilion, one of several national and thematic spaces in the zone.
Footage reported by AP News showed flames running along a wall close to pavilions for African countries and the Climate Live Entertainment + Culture Pavilion.
Para state Governor Helder Barbalho told local outlet G1 that early indications pointed to a generator failure or a short circuit in a booth.
According to The Guardian, the local fire department also reported that an electrical device, probably a microwave, was being examined as a possible source.
Evacuation, injuries and immediate fire response
Organisers said the fire department and UN security staff responded quickly to the incident in the blue zone of the venue.
They confirmed that people were evacuated safely from the site.
Thirteen individuals were treated on site for smoke inhalation and received medical support.
Officials said their condition continued to be monitored after the fire was extinguished.
AP News reported that the entire conference site was then closed for around seven hours.
When the venue reopened, attendees were allowed back into areas away from the damaged pavilions to collect belongings or resume meetings.
Security staff remained in place behind metal barricades to prevent access to the affected pavilion zone.
Curtains were used to shield the burned area from view as people re-entered the site.
Volunteer Gabi Andrade, who is from Belem and had been working on accreditations, described being guided out of the venue while seeing black smoke.
Gabi Andrade, a volunteer from Belem, said: “It’s so sad for us,
“We all worked so hard.”
Conference timetable and negotiations hit by venue closure
Reports stated that the incident came during the final scheduled days of COP30 negotiations.
The Guardian said talks had already missed a self-imposed deadline on Wednesday to complete an initial package of decisions.
According to the same report, the COP30 presidency had been preparing a fresh draft of the “mutirão” decision when the fire occurred.
That decision was expected to include a potential commitment to develop a roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels.
Planned meetings between the presidency and negotiating groups, including the Alliance of Small Island States, were cancelled or delayed after the evacuation.
An internal European Union ministerial coordination meeting and a later session with the presidency were also placed in doubt.
Sky News reported that delegates had travelled from many regions of the world to participate in in-person negotiations on climate action.
The outlet noted that the disruption added further difficulty to discussions already focused on how to close the gap between current warming trajectories and previously agreed temperature goals.
Construction conditions and cause of the fire under review
AP News reported that much of the summit site in Belem had been under construction shortly before the talks opened.
The venue included exposed beams, open plywood floors and metal mesh corridors around the convention centre.
Workers in hard hats were described as completing unfinished pavilions during a pre-summit event as leaders delivered speeches nearby.
The pavilion area where the fire occurred consisted of temporary structures erected for country and thematic exhibits.
Officials indicated that the precise cause of the fire remained under investigation.
Local authorities were considering both a possible generator failure and a short circuit involving equipment at a booth.
The Guardian reported that the fire department believed an electrical device, likely a microwave, may have been involved.
No fatalities were reported and authorities confirmed that the fire was contained to the pavilion zone.
Operational implications of the COP30 pavilion fire
The COP30 incident highlights the fire risks associated with temporary pavilions, extensive electrical equipment and ongoing construction work at major international events.
Emergency and disaster response managers involved in large conference operations may review how evacuation procedures function when a single zone fire requires full-site clearance.
Fire and rescue chiefs and senior officers will note that the blaze was controlled within minutes yet still led to hours of disruption for negotiations.
This dynamic underlines the need to balance rapid suppression, smoke control and safe re-entry protocols where political or diplomatic timetables are time-sensitive.
Facility managers for convention centres and exhibition complexes can draw lessons from the way unfinished structures, exposed materials and temporary generators interacted with high delegate density.
Standards and certification bodies may consider how guidance on electrical devices, temporary structures and emergency planning applies to global summits where many national pavilions operate within a shared envelope.
Architects and building services engineers working on modular or temporary venues may also review layout, compartmentation and access routes in light of an incident that originated in one pavilion yet led to whole-site impacts.
The Guardian has reported that a fire has destroyed the national parliament building of the Marshall Islands.
The Marshall Islands fire department told Reuters that around half of the Nitijela building had been burned during the overnight blaze.
It said firefighters were called during the early hours of Tuesday morning when the structure was already engulfed in flames.
According to police, while the fire was eventually stopped, the remaining building is no longer usable.
Radio New Zealand (RNZ) reported that the chamber, offices, library and archives were destroyed.
Impact on parliamentary operations
RNZ Pacific correspondent Giff Johnson said: “The building is no longer usable, and already, alternative plans are being talked about, about where they’re going to hold parliament, because parliament is actually in session right now.”
He added that the fire has forced immediate consideration of temporary venues for legislative work.
The loss of chambers and archives has also disrupted access to documents required for proceedings.
Authorities have not yet announced a timeline for when an alternative meeting site will be selected.
Reaction from government and officials
The Guardian reported that neither the parliament of the Marshall Islands nor President Hilda Heine’s office responded to requests for comment.
Officials have not yet issued any public statements regarding the cause of the fire or future rebuilding plans.
No reports have been released about casualties connected to the incident.
The fire service and police have not provided further detail on whether investigations into the cause have begun.
Regional and international context
The Marshall Islands is a Pacific archipelago located between Hawaii and Australia, with a population of about 42,000 people.
Roughly half of its citizens live in Majuro, where the parliament building is located.
The country maintains a compact of free association with the United States.
Under this arrangement the US provides economic support in exchange for military access.
The nation is also one of the states that maintains diplomatic recognition of Taiwan.
Taiwan’s response
Taiwan’s foreign minister Lin Chia-lung expressed condolences to the Marshall Islands after the fire.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it will remain in contact with the Marshall Islands government.
It noted that it will provide assistance in a timely manner if required, without giving further details.
The statement did not specify the form of potential support or funding.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The fire that destroyed the Marshall Islands parliament highlights the vulnerability of public and government buildings to large-scale fire incidents.
It demonstrates the importance of fire services being able to respond quickly, despite challenges posed by remote island locations.
The loss of archives and administrative facilities shows the broader consequences of such incidents beyond structural damage.
This case may also serve as a reference for future planning in relation to fire resilience for government buildings worldwide.
Marshall Islands parliament destroyed in overnight fire: Summary
The Guardian reported that a fire has destroyed the parliament building of the Marshall Islands.
The blaze broke out overnight and firefighters responded in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The Marshall Islands fire department told Reuters that half of the Nitijela was burned.
Police said the remaining structure cannot be used.
RNZ reported that the parliament chamber, offices, library and archives were destroyed.
RNZ Pacific correspondent Giff Johnson said parliament must now find an alternative venue while in session.
The Guardian reported that officials did not respond to requests for comment.
The cause of the fire has not been confirmed.
The Marshall Islands is located between Hawaii and Australia and has a population of about 42,000.
The country has a compact of free association with the United States.
It also recognises Taiwan diplomatically.
Taiwan’s foreign minister Lin Chia-lung expressed condolences after the incident.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it will remain in contact with the Marshall Islands.
The ministry added it will provide assistance in a timely manner.
No details were given on the nature of that assistance.
Guatemala court jails ex-officials over 2017 shelter fire deaths
A Guatemalan court has sentenced six former officials in connection with the deaths of 41 girls in a 2017 fire at a state-run youth shelter.
According to AP News, Judge Ingrid Cifuentes delivered cumulative prison terms ranging from six to 25 years on charges including manslaughter and abuse of authority.
Prosecutors had asked for sentences of up to 131 years for some of the accused, all of whom were former government employees responsible in different capacities for child welfare and security.
The court also ordered an investigation into former President Jimmy Morales over his government’s role in assigning police to the shelter, which housed minors who had not committed crimes.
One defendant, former Social Welfare Secretary Carlos Rodas, received the longest term of 25 years in prison.
Details of the sentencing
AP News reported that among those convicted was former police officer Lucinda Marroquín, who held the key to the room where the girls were locked during the fire.
She was sentenced to 13 years after evidence showed she failed to open the door when the fire broke out.
The judge said investigators traced her phone records and confirmed she was on a call at the time.
A witness testified that when informed of the fire, Marroquín responded with profanity and said: “let them burn.”
A former government prosecutor tasked with child protection responsibilities was acquitted.
Survivor testimony and reactions
During proceedings, survivor Emily del Cid Linares, who was 25 years old at the time of sentencing, expressed relief at the verdict.
She said: “I feel like a weight has been lifted from me.”
She added: “What I most feel is that they (the victims) will be able to rest in peace.”
She continued: “(Those responsible) are going to pay for what they did.”
Rodas also spoke in court before sentencing, telling families that he had not caused “any harm to their daughters and the survivors.”
Events leading up to the fire
The fire took place on 8 March 2017 at the Virgen de la Asunción Safe Home, located 14 miles east of Guatemala City.
AP News stated that the incident began when a girl lit a foam mattress on fire in a locked room where more than a dozen girls had been confined for hours.
The blaze quickly spread, filling the room with smoke and flames.
In total, 41 girls were killed and 15 others injured.
Cifuentes explained that the fire was the result of systemic abuse within the institution.
She said some girls had previously reported being given sleeping pills, confirmed by autopsy results that showed the presence of drugs in their systems.
Conditions inside the facility
According to AP News, the Virgen de la Asunción Safe Home housed around 700 minors, despite having a maximum capacity of 500.
The majority of the children had not committed crimes.
Many were there because they had been abused, had run away from home, or were migrants referred by the courts.
The night before the fire, a group of girls had escaped from the facility.
Police later returned them and locked them in the room where the fire began, giving them foam mattresses but no access to a bathroom.
After demanding for hours to be released, one of the girls set the mattress on fire.
Judicial commentary on systemic failures
Judge Cifuentes said that the fire was “the culmination of a series of abuses” that had been reported but not addressed by authorities.
She noted that the combination of overcapacity, lack of care, and reported mistreatment created the conditions that led to the deaths.
The court’s decision also reflected the state’s responsibility in maintaining a facility that confined minors who had not committed any crimes under such conditions.
The case has renewed scrutiny of Guatemala’s child protection system.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This case highlights the consequences of inadequate safety management in institutional settings.
The incident illustrates how locked exits and restricted egress can directly contribute to fire-related fatalities.
It also demonstrates the risks of overcrowding and lack of emergency planning in facilities housing vulnerable populations.
For fire and safety professionals, the case underscores the importance of independent oversight and the enforcement of clear evacuation protocols in residential care settings.
Guatemala court jails ex-officials over 2017 shelter fire deaths: Summary
A Guatemalan court sentenced six former officials for their role in the 2017 youth shelter fire.
The fire at the Virgen de la Asunción Safe Home killed 41 girls and injured 15.
Judge Ingrid Cifuentes issued prison sentences ranging from six to 25 years.
Former Social Welfare Secretary Carlos Rodas received a 25-year sentence.
Ex-police officer Lucinda Marroquín was sentenced to 13 years.
A former government prosecutor assigned to child protection was acquitted.
The court also ordered an investigation into former President Jimmy Morales.
Prosecutors had requested sentences of up to 131 years.
Survivor Emily del Cid Linares expressed relief at the outcome.
The fire started when a girl set a foam mattress alight in a locked room.
More than 700 children were held in a facility built for 500.
Many had not committed crimes and were sent there by courts.
Autopsies revealed the presence of drugs in some victims.
Judge Cifuentes described the fire as the result of systemic abuse.
The case has raised scrutiny of Guatemala’s child welfare system.
Allegion announces acquisition of Manchester-based UAP
Allegion has acquired UAP Group Limited, a Manchester-based fire and security hardware manufacturer, according to a company announcement.
The company said UAP will join Allegion International, strengthening its position in the UK non-residential sector.
UAP manufactures door hardware solutions, including patented and trademarked products, and will now operate as part of Allegion’s broader European operations.
The purchase price has not been disclosed. UAP CEO David Jennings will remain with the business during the transition period.
UAP product line and intellectual property portfolio
According to Allegion, UAP holds close to 200 patents, registered designs, and trademarks across its range of door hardware.
Its Armasmart range, which the company said eliminates 99.98% of viruses including COVID-19, was highlighted as a key example of its product development.
Allegion stated that UAP’s design-led approach and responsiveness to customer needs were aligned with its global strategy.
UAP has previously won the “Hardware Company of the Year” award in both 2023 and 2024 from the National Fenestration Awards.
It also received the 2024 Guild of Architectural Ironmongers’ Community Award for Company Innovation.
Company leadership and integration plans
UAP CEO David Jennings will remain involved in the business following the acquisition.
Allegion stated that Jennings will support the integration process and help drive growth across the combined UK operations.
Jennings said: “Bringing together UAP and Allegion adds great value for our joint distribution and customer base. We’re broadening our high-quality portfolios and creating meaningful opportunities to innovate together.”
Allegion explained that the transition will help accelerate its delivery of regional customer solutions.
The integration will take place under the Allegion International segment.
Allegion outlines strategic rationale
Allegion Senior Vice President and President of Allegion International, Tim Eckersley, said: “This is a natural extension of Allegion’s core mechanical portfolio with highly specifiable products that will leverage our existing solutions offerings and capabilities.”
He added: “Through our go-to-market alignment, complementary channels and sales expertise, we’ll fuel additional growth for both UAP and Allegion.”
Allegion stated that the move will increase its ability to serve UK customers with a wider range of mechanical and software-based fire and security products.
The company noted that combining portfolios would allow greater channel alignment across its mechanical and electronic solutions.
UAP will continue to serve customers in the UK from its base in Manchester.
Company background and UK operations
UAP was founded in 1996 and has operated as a manufacturer and supplier of door hardware from its Manchester headquarters.
The company’s UK operations will continue under the Allegion International banner.
Allegion said UAP’s customer-focused approach, regional manufacturing, and award-winning product lines made it an appropriate addition to its UK strategy.
According to Allegion, the acquisition also supports its ambition to expand across Europe with a stronger presence in the UK fire and security hardware market.
UAP’s distribution network serves customers across the UK construction and architectural sectors.
The acquisition is part of Allegion’s wider effort to integrate mechanical and digital access technologies across its markets.
Allegion acquires UAP to expand UK fire and security offering: Summary
Allegion has acquired Manchester-based door hardware company UAP.
UAP will become part of the Allegion International segment.
The acquisition is aimed at expanding Allegion’s presence in the UK market.
UAP holds nearly 200 patents, trademarks, and registered designs.
UAP’s Armasmart range eliminates 99.98% of viruses, including COVID-19.
UAP has won awards in 2023 and 2024 for product innovation.
CEO David Jennings will stay on to support the transition.
Allegion said the deal aligns with its mechanical and software strategy.
The acquisition strengthens Allegion’s non-residential UK offering.
UAP will continue operations from Manchester under the new ownership.
Emergency services respond to over 6,400 barbecue incidents across UK
Safety Group UK has reported that emergency services responded to 6,451 barbecue-related incidents across the UK over a three-year period, resulting in 78 injuries or fatalities and 309 hospital admissions.
According to data provided through a Freedom of Information request, fire services recorded 3,983 barbecue-related fires since 2022.
Despite the scale of response, only 67 fines were issued by councils and 35 arrests made by police forces.
The figures were released alongside new polling, which found that 51.7 per cent of UK adults plan to host or attend a barbecue this summer.
Tom Richmond, Group Operations Director of Safety Group UK, said: “These figures show a gap between the scale of BBQ-related emergencies and enforcement action.”
Fire service response varies by region
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service recorded 627 barbecue-related fires, the highest number of any UK fire authority.
London Fire Brigade followed with 332 fire incidents and reported the highest number of casualties, with 17 injuries or fatalities.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service reported 277 barbecue fires, with seven casualties.
South Wales Fire & Rescue Service recorded 255 fires, with no casualties reported, while Kent Fire and Rescue Service reported 168 fires and four casualties.
Tom Richmond said: “The data indicates some regions, particularly Scotland and tourist destinations like Brighton and Dorset, have much higher numbers of incidents. This implies seasonal trends and outdoor activity areas need specific safety campaigns and enforcement efforts.”
Police enforcement shows regional inconsistency
Cambridgeshire Constabulary recorded the highest number of barbecue-related police incidents, with 493 reports but no arrests.
Dorset Police followed with 475 reports and also recorded zero arrests.
North Wales Police reported 360 incidents and made seven arrests.
North Yorkshire Police had a lower number of incidents, 32, but had the highest arrest rate at 18.8 per cent.
Northumbria Police and Northamptonshire Police reported 91 and 172 incidents respectively, with eight and six arrests.
The data suggests enforcement practices differ across jurisdictions, potentially influenced by local bylaws or public space protection orders.
Council fines concentrated in limited areas
Brighton and Hove City Council issued 37 fines, more than all other councils combined.
Richmond upon Thames Borough Council issued 15 fines, and Wandsworth Borough Council issued seven.
Brent Borough Council and New Forest District Council issued five and three fines respectively.
Out of more than 300 UK councils, only five reported taking enforcement action for barbecue-related offences.
According to Safety Group UK, 273 councils issued no fines despite emergency services attending thousands of incidents over the same period.
NHS and ambulance data reveal injury clusters
Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust recorded the highest number of admissions with 49 patients treated for barbecue-related injuries.
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust followed with 46 admissions.
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust reported 43 admissions, while Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust recorded 39.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust responded to 147 barbecue-related call-outs, accounting for 92 per cent of the total ambulance responses reported.
Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust reported nine call-outs, and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service recorded four.
Safety Group UK noted that variations in reporting methods may explain the disparity, with some trusts potentially classifying barbecue-related cases under broader categories.
Polling and public safety concerns for summer 2025
Safety Group UK’s survey found that over half of UK adults intend to host or attend a barbecue during the 2025 summer season.
The organisation said that the combination of increased outdoor cooking and minimal enforcement could place further strain on emergency services.
Richmond said: “When emergency services are responding to thousands of incidents, yet only 67 fines are issued nationally, it suggests either a lack of necessary powers or not enough resources for enforcement.”
He added: “It’s clear that barbecue safety is a public safety concern.”
A case study from Harlow, Essex, detailed the experience of Alfie Preater, who suffered a serious foot burn at the age of four after stepping on a hot barbecue lid, illustrating the lingering hazards even after the fire is out.
UK fire services respond to over 3,900 barbecue incidents since 2022: Summary
Safety Group UK reported that fire services responded to 3,983 barbecue-related incidents since 2022.
The data also included 309 hospital admissions and 160 ambulance call-outs related to barbecue injuries.
Police recorded 1,949 barbecue-related incidents during the same period.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary reported 493 police incidents, the highest among UK forces.
Brighton and Hove City Council issued 37 of the 67 total fines reported nationwide.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service recorded the highest number of fires, with 627 incidents and eight casualties.
London Fire Brigade reported 332 incidents and the highest number of casualties at 17.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust recorded 147 of the 160 total call-outs.
Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust had the most admissions, with 49 patients.
Over 50 per cent of UK adults plan to attend or host a barbecue in summer 2025.