Promat completes EN testing for SUPALUX fire protection systems

by Featured NewsPassive

Promat completes EN testing for SUPALUX

Promat has completed testing for its SUPALUX fire protection systems to the latest European standards, allowing the system to be used on projects that require EN fire evidence.

Promat said the updated testing covers one of its often specified passive fire protection systems ahead of the planned move from British standards to EN standards in 2029.

SUPALUX has been used to provide fire resistance for more than 40 years.

The system is used where additional fire resistance is required for walls, floors and ceilings.

As part of a system, the A1 non-combustible fire protection board can provide between 30 and 240 minutes of fire resistance.

It can also provide fire resistance for ceilings for up to 120 minutes, depending on the system configuration.

SUPALUX is used for partitions, floors and ceilings across a range of sectors, including high-rise and multi-occupancy buildings.

The system is also specified to protect means of escape and floors that encapsulate life critical services.

Promat sets out compliance and specification details

Promat said it had carried out extensive testing of its fire board systems ahead of the transition from BS to EN standards to support specification and long-term compliance.

Margherita Mullis, Product Manager at Promat, said: “As the industry continues to focus on safer construction, and with an increased demand for test evidence, Promat is committed to not only meeting, but exceeding industry standards through the development and testing of its passive fire protection systems.

“As early adopters of EN testing, we are committed to ensuring all systems provide a reliable, up-to-date and compliant solution, this is especially important for frequently specified systems, such as SUPALUX®, which customers have returned to time and time again due to its versatility and reliability.

“This has been a leading choice for almost 45 years, which stands testament to the quality of performance and ease of installation.

“An integral part of our portfolio, SUPALUX® not only supports contemporary design, it is backed by technical expertise, third-party testing and classification to ensure system integrity for specifiers looking for reliable passive fire protection that goes beyond a standard plasterboard solution.”

Promat also said SUPALUX is backed by an Environmental Product Declaration through its ClearChange sustainability programme, setting out embodied carbon information, materials used and end of use management details.

FSi Promat launches Paraflam Ultra slab edge fire stop for curtain wall facades

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPassive

Fire stop system launched for curtain wall slab edges

Passive fire protection specialist FSi Promat has launched Paraflam Ultra, a dry-fit slab edge fire stop system for buildings with a curtain walling facade.

The company said Paraflam Ultra is designed to protect the building envelope by preventing the spread of fire around the slab edge for a set period of time in curtain wall facades.

Paraflam Ultra is described as an A1-rated, non-combustible, flexible system.

It is designed to support compartmentation systems by containing the spread of fire from one floor to another.

Testing, movement accommodation and installation details

Paraflam Ultra provides up to 2 hours of fire protection for horizontal slab edges in curtain walling systems.

It is tested to the European standard for curtain walling systems EN1364-4.

Testing also included movement accommodation, with Paraflam Ultra providing up to 6% compression and expansion to maintain the seal between the slab and facade where movement occurs in tall buildings.

As a dry-fit design, the system is compression fitted at the slab edge to reinstate compartmentation and limit fire spread, with the aim of allowing occupants time to escape and fire fighters time to respond.

Range position and specification support

Paraflam Ultra expands FSi Promat’s range of specialist fire stopping and cavity barriers for the building envelope, covering finishes from rainscreen applications to masonry.

Liam Blears, National Commercial Manager for Facades at FSi Promat, said: “Curtain walling is an increasingly popular finish for tall buildings where effective passive fire protection is paramount – and, since façade design is often aesthetic-led, it is vital the fire protection systems used to protect it are kept front of mind during the design stage.

“Through creating a carefully engineered, movement accommodating system, FSi Promat is able to support with this.

“With FSi Promat’s commitment to competent technical support and efficient distribution, Paraflam Ultra can be confidently specified and supports ease of installation.

“It complements the range of cavity barriers FSi Promat already produce to provide fire protection for the building envelope; which now includes mixed façade and curtain wall finishes thanks to the introduction of Paraflam Ultra.

“Alongside the launch, we’re offering specification packs to support in the accurate design of passive fire protection at the earliest stages of a project to ensure best-practice and provide the level of detail needed for curtain wall or hybrid facades.

“Plus, a range of training and extra supporting collateral is in development so watch this space.”

The company said it already offers closed and open state cavity barriers for ventilated and non-ventilated facades, including the Silverliner range.

Specification packs are also available for rainscreen and masonry facades.

Ready for impact: The fire, blast and impact case for Promat DURASTEEL

by Featured NewsPassive

Jason Challenger, Bid Manager at Global HSE Group, looks at the Fire Plus performance, applications and key system benefits of Promat DURASTEEL®

In critical environments where fire resistance alone is not enough, Promat DURASTEEL® provides a proven, high-performance solution.

DURASTEEL® is an A1 non-combustible composite fire and blast protection system, engineered to deliver up to 240 minutes of fire stability, integrity and insulation, while also offering exceptional resistance to impact, explosion and severe weather.

Constructed from a fibre-reinforced cement core mechanically bonded to steel facings on both sides, DURASTEEL® combines structural robustness with certified fire performance.

This unique combination makes it a preferred system for high-risk applications including energy infrastructure, transport hubs, defence, industrial plant and critical national infrastructure, where failure is not an option.

With its Fire Plus performance characteristics, DURASTEEL® is a multi-hazard protection system designed to perform under extreme conditions.

Promat DURASTEEL® achieves up to four hours of integrity and depending on the system configuration up to four hours of insulation.

One of its unusual features is the ability, in certain integrity only applications, to achieve up to four hours of protection (in either direction) with a single sheet fitted to one side of the framework.

Many systems require boards on both sides.

The system’s robustness also means it can be designed as a load bearing system.

Promat DURASTEEL® is used to form walls, ceilings, service enclosures and duct systems.

Service enclosures can be built for cables, protecting both the cables themselves and the surrounding spaces.

DURASTEEL® ductwork is also used for smoke extraction, ventilation and kitchen extraction applications.

The system retains performance when exposed to firefighting water, mechanical vibration and external environments and is certified to British, European and international standards.

The role of licensed contractors

Promat operates a licensed contractor network to safeguard the performance of DURASTEEL® installations.

Global HSE Group (GHSE) are one of 10 contractors within that approved network.

With inhouse structural and fire engineers GHSE are the only licensed contractor with both design and installation capabilities, offering a complete turnkey solution.

The licensed contractor scheme ensures that every DURASTEEL® installation is engineered and fitted in line with the manufacturer’s tested configurations, supported by inspection and a Certificate of Conformity on completion.

For clients, the inclusion of GHSE in the Promat network provides confidence that Promat DURASTEEL® is installed according to the correct standards, from detailed design to final certification.

For GHSE, it represents formal recognition of its “do it right” ethos and technical expertise already applied across the complex fire protection industry.

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

Promat targets drying process carbon footprint with steam reuse system

by Featured NewsPassiveSafety

Promat reduces energy in passive fire protection board drying

Passive fire protection specialist Promat has cut energy use in its drying process by up to 66 per cent with a new technology installation.

The change forms part of the company’s ClearChange sustainability program and supports accelerated decarbonisation targets.

Promat identified the drying stage on a major production line as the most energy-intensive part of manufacturing fire protection boards, accounting for around 60% of the carbon footprint at that stage.

The company installed the new drying system at its Tisselt factory in Belgium. Working with cleantech partner CEE, Promat implemented technology that reuses super-heated steam to dry the boards. Heat is recovered and reused throughout the process via an industrial heat pump.

Duncan Gardiner, sustainability and communications manager at Promat, said: “The new line uses energy far more efficiently, with heat recovered and reused throughout the process via an industrial heat pump.

“Thanks to this steam dryer technology we have seen a decrease in energy consumption during the production of our boards, which is a considerable contribution towards our decarbonisation targets.”

Further steps in manufacturing decarbonisation

Promat is part of ETEX, which has committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company continues to invest in lower-energy technology at the Tisselt plant, including solar panels and electrification of some production processes.

All boards produced at Tisselt carry Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to provide third-party verified sustainability data for customers.

Promat designs new products with higher circular content and lower water and energy consumption.

The new drying process contributes to lower embodied carbon in Promat fire protection solutions.

Promat wins four industry awards for structural steel fire protection campaign

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPassive

How Promat turned specification guidance into four awards

Promat has ended 2025 with four industry award wins linked to a structural steel campaign focused on testing standards and correct application of passive fire protection, according to the company.

The company said it received two Construction Marketing Awards, covering Best Mid-Range Budget Campaign and Best Go-To-Market.

Promat said the campaign work was delivered in collaboration with marketing and PR agency Lesniak Swann.

The company also said it took a gold award at The Drum B2B awards.

Campaign focus on testing and specification

Promat said its structural steel campaign highlighted the need for accurate specification backed by the correct level of testing.

The company said the work aimed to raise awareness of testing standards and correct application for structural steel protection.

Promat said wider industry attention has increased in recent years on effective fire protection for structural steel buildings, from design and specification through to installation and maintenance.

The company said this focus has highlighted potential knowledge gaps across the industry.

Promat said the campaign targeted architects, specifiers and installers, with attention on compliance with the Building Safety Act.

Guidance and technical comparison content

Promat said it published a guide to specifying passive fire protection for structural steel.

The company said it also produced a white paper on the effectiveness of using a board system against intumescent paint.

Promat said informative content was the key driver behind increased awareness of its passive fire protection systems for structural steel in the Drum Awards submission.

Individual recognition at ASFP awards

Promat said Product Manager Margherita Mullis won the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) award for Rising Star of the Year.

The company said the award recognised Mullis’s work to extend the level of testing to support confident specification of Promat passive fire protection systems.

Promat said this included EN testing and classification.

Marketing lead comments on approach

Andy Mudie, Head of Marketing at Promat – Etex Building Performance, said: “To end the year with multiple award wins has been a fantastic recognition of the team’s hard work to publicise both the work that Promat do to support safer building design, but also to raise awareness of that across the construction industry.

“Taking an expertise-led approach, the aim of the marketing campaign is to add real value to those people who are looking for the depth of information the construction industry now demands at the specification and design stage.

“This is where our strength is as a manufacturer of passive fire protection – we know what works where, and what level of protection is needed.

“Through dedicated campaigns such as the structural steel campaign, we aim to raise awareness of best practice – and signpost what that looks like in practice.

“It is great to have seen this recognised.

“We are also hugely proud of Margherita and her win as the ASFP’s Rising Star for 2025.

“A passionate advocate for the highest standards in life critical safety, Margherita has been instrumental in developing product and service innovations that benefit Etex Building Performance, Promat, and the wider passive fire protection sector and it is great to see her passion for the industry celebrated this way.”

What this means for specification work

Architects and fire engineering consultants often rely on product evidence and test classification detail when selecting passive fire protection approaches for structural steel.

Promat’s campaign placed testing scope and specification accuracy at the centre of its messaging.

For specifiers and building services engineers, the guide and white paper referenced by the company provide material intended to support decisions at design stage.

Installers and fire-protection contractors can also be affected when product selection is tied to test-backed application requirements that need to be followed on site.

Standards and certification bodies may view the ASFP recognition as a marker of ongoing work around EN testing and classification that manufacturers use to support compliant specification.

Promat technical director Nigel Morrey concludes 37 year sector career

by Featured NewsPassivePeople

Nigel Morrey to retire in December

Promat Technical Director Nigel Morrey will retire at the end of December after nearly a decade at Etex Building Performance and nearly 37 years in the passive fire protection sector.

Etex Building Performance said he has overseen product performance and development for passive fire protection specialist Promat and dry walling manufacturer Siniat during that period.

The company stated that his work has focused on aligning product development, testing and system design with changing regulatory requirements.

Promat confirmed that he was appointed Technical Director of Promat in 2002 and became Technical Director of Siniat in 2016, with Etex Building Performance incorporated in January 2017.

The manufacturer added that he will step down from his role at the end of December.

Shifting standards at Promat and Siniat

According to Etex Building Performance, Nigel Morrey has led change at both Promat and Siniat to maintain high levels of performance backed by testing in response to a changing regulatory environment.

Siniat was one of the first companies in the UK to secure Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) verification, and introduced classification as standard on its dry wall products to evidence fire performance.

Within Promat, the company said he has driven the move from British Standards (BS) fire test standards to European (EN) standards, supporting a system based approach to passive fire protection.

He has also overseen the development of specialist fire board protection systems designed to meet changing construction demands, including increased use of structural steel.

Etex Building Performance reported that, most recently, he led the decision for the business to take design liability for systems across both the Siniat and Promat brands to reduce the burden of risk on principal designers following the Building Safety Act.

Nigel Morrey, Technical Director at Promat, said: “It has been an honour to be part of the significant achievements of both Promat and Siniat.

“Working within Promat the emphasis is clearly on passive fire protection, and to me it made sense that we applied those same rigorous testing regimes to Siniat dry walling.

“It is the success that we have achieved in creating a genuinely market-leading level of tested systems that has been most rewarding – in particular the move to classifying systems.

“This journey has taken us from historical BS tests to more recently being an early adopter of EN standards, EXAP testing and classification.

“It has taken many years and has seen us carry out over 120 full scale fire tests each year but has allowed us to become technical leaders in the UK.

“This level of test data not only reduces the risk taken by designers, it crucially supports the construction of buildings that are safer for those who occupy them.

“Likewise, it was a bold decision for us to take design liability but it is the right thing to do; to take the risk away from others and enshrine the design of life critical systems in demonstrated competency.

“Most of all though it has been about the people, and it has been great to be part of that team.

“We have created an environment that nurtures technical excellence and embraces learning, with a team that is passionate about their technical development.

“This is what I have loved being a part of and we have built great foundations to move forwards on.”

Industry roles and focus on competency

Etex Building Performance highlighted that Nigel Morrey’s expertise has been recognised through a series of industry roles.

He has served as both Chair and Vice Chair of the Association of Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), and has been a member of its Council and Strategy Groups.

He has also represented ASFP on Expert Panel D, Passive Fire Protection at the Loss Prevention Council Board.

Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, he was invited to chair the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) Fire Safety Group, and served as a director of the Finishes and Interiors Sector across what the company described as important years for the industry.

The company said he has consistently promoted the importance of competency for accurate specification, use and installation of passive fire protection.

Etex Building Performance reported that 35 current members of staff have passed the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 3 in Passive Fire Protection, with a further 17 currently working towards the qualification.

Awards and recognition for Nigel Morrey

Promat stated that in 2024, Nigel Morrey received the ASFP Lifetime Achievement award for his work to raise awareness of passive fire protection and his commitment to improving fire safety.

In 2025 he became a lifelong fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers.

The company said these honours reflect his long standing involvement in shaping passive fire protection practice and guidance.

John Sinfield, Country Manager for Etex Building Performance, said: “Nigel is one of a kind and we will miss him immensely.

“His knowledge of passive fire protection, and the passion he has to drive change has left a lasting legacy of high standards – and, in turn, safer buildings.

“The passion he has brought to the role was infectious, and the team at Etex Building Performance look forward to continuing to build on the impressive work he has achieved.”

How testing, classification and design liability affect practice

The decision by Etex Building Performance to take design liability for systems across Siniat and Promat reduces the burden of risk on principal designers after the Building Safety Act.

This approach means fire engineering consultants and architects can work with system designs where responsibility for performance evidence sits with the manufacturer.

The move from BS fire test standards to EN standards at Promat supports a system based view of passive fire protection rather than a focus on individual components.

This is relevant for fire engineering consultants, building services engineers and system installers who need tested system data when specifying fire board protection around structural steel or other elements.

Siniat’s early CCPI verification and the introduction of classification as standard on its dry wall products provide clearer evidence of fire performance for specifiers and risk assessors.

The programme that has seen 35 staff members achieve IFE Level 3 in Passive Fire Protection also affects contractors and designers who interact with Etex Building Performance, as they are more likely to work with teams holding recognised qualifications.

Recognition from ASFP and the Institution of Fire Engineers shows that the technical frameworks established under Nigel Morrey’s leadership are aligned with wider industry bodies that influence passive fire protection practice.

Promat case study shows passive fire protection design for Warrington tyre distribution centre

by Featured NewsPassiveProjects

Promat delivers tailored fire protection for Warrington tyre warehouse

Promat has developed a passive fire protection design for Stapleton’s Tyre Services as the company moves into a refurbished 255,000 sq ft distribution centre at Hardwick Grange in Warrington.

The project forms part of a wider refit of the warehouse, with fire protection measures required to meet Building Regulations while supporting Stapleton’s operational needs.

According to Promat, the brief combined full compliance with a need to maximise usable floor area and maintain a tight project schedule.

The passive fire protection package was therefore designed around the specific geometry and construction details of the existing building.

Promat stated that early involvement at the design stage allowed its team to produce a technical specification in a short timeframe.

This specification set out where fire performance requirements could be met using a more space-efficient solution than the original proposal.

Case study focuses on mezzanine performance and retained value

The warehouse includes a three-storey mezzanine structure that Stapleton’s wished to retain as part of the move to Hardwick Grange.

James Glover, Senior Contracts Manager at ISS Property, said: “A key challenge of the move to the Hardwick Grange distribution centre was making sure the existing building retained a 3-storey mezzanine structure to maximise the storage space and retain the mezzanines original value.

“So, we were keen to see how experts in key areas such as passive fire protection could help to both streamline the project and make our use of the building as efficient as possible.”

Promat was asked to review the original fire protection concept, which included a suspended ceiling beneath the mezzanine comprising four layers of gypsum boards.

This suspended ceiling would have been time consuming to install and would have added weight to the mezzanine structure.

According to Promat, the additional loading from the original ceiling design would have reduced the live load capacity of the mezzanine to the point where it was no longer viable for Stapleton’s intended use.

The company therefore developed an alternative based on PROMATECT 250 to maintain the required 90 minutes’ fire performance while preserving live load conditions.

PROMATECT 250 replaces suspended ceiling system

Promat advised that PROMATECT 250 was selected as the core product for the mezzanine fire protection system.

The company said this solution removed the need for the four-layer gypsum suspended ceiling that had been specified previously.

PROMATECT 250 was installed in a single or double layer direct-fix arrangement rather than as a suspended ceiling.

Promat stated that this configuration reduced installation time and helped lower labour costs on the project.

The firm added that PROMATECT 250 is lighter than a multi-layer gypsum build-up, which supports a more favourable live load condition for the mezzanine.

According to Promat, the board comprises autoclaved calcium silicate spheres bound in a mineral matrix and has been specifically tested for mezzanine applications.

The resulting design was intended to deliver the 90 minutes’ fire performance required while taking up minimal space within the warehouse envelope.

Product supply, site support and contractor feedback

Promat worked with sub-contractor Archway Building Services to progress the passive fire protection specification.

The company said it provided the evidence needed to demonstrate the proposed PROMATECT 250 system could meet the fire performance requirements.

This allowed Archway Building Services and the wider project team to move forward quickly with the warehouse refurbishment.

Promat reported that it arranged a quick turnaround on product manufacture so the boards could be delivered to site in line with the installation programme.

The firm also carried out multiple site visits by its technical staff to check that the system was installed in accordance with the specification.

Harvey Brown, National Specification Manager at Promat, said: “Warehouses and distribution centres like Hardwick Grange must comply with stringent Building Regulations regarding fire safety, which can mean taking up space that would otherwise be useful for the occupants.

“By getting involved from the specification stage, we were able to provide Stapleton’s with a more space-effective way of complying fully with fire regulations.

“The passive fire protection expertise we have in-house meant this could be done in a tight timeframe, supplying a bespoke design that draws on best practice from other similar developments.”

Barry Simpson, Director of Archway Building Services, added: “The quick, accurate response we got from Promat was very welcome in allowing the initial specification to meet the requirements for the building and ensure the passive fire protection design would offer the level of protection needed, while also helping to save space in the warehouse.

“This means the risk of fire can be managed with minimal impact on day-to-day operations.”

Warehouse case study for passive fire designers

This project sets out how Stapleton’s Tyre Services, Promat and Archway Building Services approached passive fire protection within a large distribution warehouse that already contained a three-storey mezzanine.

Fire engineering consultants and building services engineers can see how an existing mezzanine structure was retained by replacing a heavy suspended ceiling design with a direct-fix PROMATECT 250 solution.

The case study details how a 90 minutes’ fire performance requirement was met while maintaining mezzanine live load capacity and usable storage space.

System installers and fire-protection contractors may be interested in the use of a lighter board product to reduce installation time and labour costs on a live refurbishment programme.

Architects and facility managers responsible for warehouse refits can refer to this example when assessing how early engagement with a passive fire protection supplier can support project scheduling and compliance.

The description of product manufacture, delivery to site and ongoing technical visits outlines a service model that may be relevant to other large warehouse schemes.

Promat sustainability data supports embodied carbon decisions in UK projects

by Featured NewsPassiveSafetySustainability

Promat expands EPD coverage across portfolio

Promat has published Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for 86% of its products sold within the Etex Building Performance UK division, providing third-party verified sustainability data to support passive fire protection specification.

The UK based manufacturer said the move forms part of its ClearChange sustainability programme, which aims to increase transparency for customers using its board products.

According to the company, the published EPDs cover the majority of board products in its current portfolio and give specifiers a basis for comparing options on environmental performance.

Promat stated that the declarations are designed to help customers make more informed choices and, in some cases, reduce the environmental footprint of projects where its products are used.

The company added that EPDs also act as a tool for manufacturers, helping them identify material choices, production stages and supply chain elements that can reduce embodied carbon across their ranges.

EPDs detail embodied carbon and lifecycle data

Promat explained that its EPDs are the result of assessments that are independently verified for impartiality and aligned with ISO 14025 and EN 15804+A2/A1.

The firm said a dedicated internal team works to ensure that its products and technologies are progressively covered by EPDs.

Current EPDs include Promat medium density calcium silicate boards such as PROMATECT, SUPALUX and MASTERBOARD, which are used in building and industrial applications.

The declarations provide upfront embodied carbon figures for the boards and include information on packaging, waste treatment and end-of-life recycling.

Promat reported that this lifecycle approach allows the total embodied carbon of the passive fire protection boards to be evaluated rather than focusing only on initial production.

The company noted that this level of detail is intended to support customers who are working to meet environmental targets alongside fire-protection requirements.

Manufacturing measures support lower environmental impact

Promat said the EPDs also reflect measures taken within its manufacturing facilities to reduce environmental impact.

At its Belgium facility, the company uses a mix of hydropower, local combined heat and power (CHP) and solar energy to help mitigate the impact of the production process.

According to Promat, linking operational energy sources to product declarations gives customers additional context on how the boards are manufactured.

The manufacturer indicated that this information can be relevant for projects where both operational and embodied carbon are being assessed at design stage.

Promat added that its sustainability work is ongoing as part of the wider ClearChange programme.

ClearChange programme and customer support

Duncan Gardiner, Promat Platform Sustainability and Communications Manager, said: “We take our commitment to the environment seriously, and by offering EPDs for most of our current portfolio, we ensure our customers can do the same.

“There are some instances where EPDs are not possible, such as bespoke and complex applications, however, we are able to provide comprehensive support in these instances to ensure that our customers’ needs are met.

“Our ClearChange sustainability program demonstrates how we as a company will tackle sustainability challenges, and EPDs are the first step in ensuring we can make a tangible difference to our environmental impact.

“By delivering clear environmental impact data to support our customers, architects and specifiers, we hope to empower the industry to make informed decisions around sustainability, not only to meet regulations but to invest in a more sustainable construction sector.”

How Promat’s EPDs affect specification decisions

Promat’s publication of EPDs for most of its passive fire protection boards provides architects, fire engineering consultants and building services engineers with verified data that can be used directly in project assessments.

The lifecycle information, including upfront embodied carbon, packaging, waste treatment and end-of-life recycling routes, allows design teams to compare Promat products on environmental impact as well as fire-performance criteria.

For procurement officers, facility managers and fire-protection contractors, the declarations create a common reference point when evaluating board options for tenders or refurbishment projects that must meet corporate sustainability targets.

Risk assessors and system installers can also use the EPD data when providing advice on product selection in buildings where both fire safety and embodied carbon are under scrutiny.

By linking the ClearChange programme to independently verified EPDs that cover 86% of products within the Etex Building Performance UK division, Promat gives project teams information that can feed into building certification schemes and internal reporting processes.

Although bespoke or complex applications may not yet have EPDs, the company’s commitment to providing support in these cases means specifiers still have a route to obtain environmental information for planning purposes.

Compliance in modern facade fire protection under spotlight at London Build

by EventsFeatured NewsPassive

FSi Promat to focus on facade fire safety at London Build

FSi Promat will highlight the importance of fire safety compliance in modern facade design during a panel session at this year’s London Build event at London Olympia.

The company confirmed that National Commercial Manager – Facades at FSi Promat, Liam Blears, will join the Building Safety & Security Stage panel at 11am on Wednesday 19 November.

He will speak alongside Head of Façade Engineering at WSP, Rimmy Vij, Technical Officer at the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), Dr Andrew Taylor, Greta Invernizzi from Aecom, Neesha Gopal from Foster and Partners and Zara Edwards from Buro Happold.

The panel is set to take an in-depth look at the role of fire protection and facade design in meeting current building safety requirements.

According to FSi Promat, the discussion will centre on how facade design choices interact with regulations and technical expectations for passive fire protection.

Panel to examine facade fire safety compliance and regulation

The company said the session will address how increasing use of lightweight facades and curtain walling affects the way fire safety is built into projects from early-stage specification.

Panellists will discuss the regulatory demands that must be met when designing facades so that fire safety requirements are embedded before construction begins.

The session will also consider the level of collaboration needed between designers, manufacturers and contractors to deliver compliant passive fire protection solutions.

FSi Promat noted that the panel will look at the role of third-party testing in helping to protect buildings with curtain walling or mixed facades from rapid fire spread.

Liam Blears, National Commercial Manager – Facades at FSi Promat, said: “There continues to be an industry-wide emphasis on the role of compliance and competency around the Building Safety Act to ensure robust building safety.

“The panel discussion at London Build provides a perfect platform to explore the challenges around ensuring the correct, compliant passive fire protection is specified, that products perform as expected in the event of a fire, and that products serve the customers design requirements.

Passive fire protection in modern building envelopes

Blears explained that the panel will look closely at how passive fire protection is used within the building envelope to control the spread of fire.

“Passive fire protection, such as firestops and cavity barriers, are vital in preventing the spread of fire within the building envelope.

“As life critical safety products, ensuring passive fire protection is fully compliant with current regulations and correctly specified at the design stage is essential to protecting occupants from the spread of fire and ensuring the integrity of buildings to allow firefighters time to respond safely.

“Our panel discussion will look at what best practice in fire safety and compliance looks like for modern facades, and will emphasise that the full lifetime of the building should be considered.”

The company indicated that the discussion will address how specification decisions influence performance over the entire service life of a facade system.

FSi Promat added that the session is intended to support clearer understanding of what robust, compliant passive fire protection looks like in practice for facade applications.

Etex group brands represented at London Build

FSi Promat confirmed that sister companies Promat and Siniat will also be represented at London Build.

All three brands are part of the Etex group.

According to the group, Promat specialises in passive fire solutions used across building applications.

Siniat is described as a leading dry walling specialist providing systems for a range of construction projects.

The companies said their presence at London Build is intended to show how their respective products can be combined to support fire safety and facade performance.

Facade design, passive protection and regulatory drivers

Architects, fire engineering consultants and building services engineers involved in facade design can use the London Build panel themes to align specification practice more closely with current regulatory expectations on passive fire protection.

System installers, fire-protection contractors and cavity barrier specialists may find the focus on third-party testing relevant when selecting and installing products for curtain walling or mixed facades.

For facility managers responsible for buildings with lightweight facades, the emphasis on the full lifetime of the building highlights how early specification decisions influence future maintenance and fire safety strategies.

Those working within the framework of the Building Safety Act and related guidance can draw on the discussion’s attention to compliance and competency to review how data collection, product selection and design coordination are handled on their projects.

By centring on passive fire protection within the building envelope, the panel content provides a reference point for teams seeking to check whether their facade designs, product choices and installation practices match the performance expectations described by FSi Promat and its partners.

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

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Etex to discuss early collaboration for Building Safety Act compliance

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

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

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

Panel discussion on early-stage collaboration

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

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

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

Industry experts joining the panel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event details and exhibition presence

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

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

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

Implications for construction design and safety professionals

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

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

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

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