On Thursday 13 November 2025, the UK’s leading voices in fire safety will gather for one of the sector’s most anticipated events – FIRE2025. Taking place at the QEII Centre in London, with the option to join online, this dynamic one-day conference promises to deliver vital insights, foster collaboration, and
Fresh figures from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) reveal that up to 75% of high-rise residential buildings are falling short of the UK’s latest building safety requirements, raising major concerns across the sector. Of the 1,454 high-risk buildings where owners have submitted their mandatory safety case files, the BSR has
The UK and Ireland’s leading architectural bodies have joined forces to launch The Belfast Group – a new alliance committed to raising the bar on fire and life safety design. Find out how this unified approach aims to ensure architects across all nations work to the same high standards, with
Siderise CW-FS120 Firestop for Curtain Walls is now being installed at 989 6th Avenue—delivering robust passive fire protection for this dynamic new 73-story development in the heart of Manhattan. Situated between Bryant Park and the Empire State Building in the Garment District, 989 6th Avenue is a 240-meter mixed-use tower designed
Avant Homes has plunged into the red after setting aside more than £100m to address cladding and fire safety issues across its legacy developments. The housebuilder, led by former Persimmon chief executive Jeff Fairburn, reported a pre-tax loss of £83m for the year ending 30 June 2024. The result marks
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has unveiled a significant reform package aimed at transforming the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), with the goal of reducing project delays and driving forward the construction of 1.5 million high-quality homes. Announced on 30 June 2025, the reforms include a new
Using fire performance cables which meet and exceed current standards and guidance can only help to improve safety in critical fire safety situations, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of following the technical guidance for the selection and installation of cables for Category
Injecta Fire Barrier, the UK’s leading independent installer of passive fire protection systems, is now offering free CPD sessions focused on cavity and compartment fire barriers. Tailored for contractors, surveyors, architects, and fire engineers, the sessions explore best practices, system-tested components, and the practical use of the Injectaclad solution—supporting compliance
Two significant industrial fires broke out on June 21st at opposite ends of the country, destroying commercial buildings, disrupting local communities and tying up vast fire and rescue resources. Sadly, neither of the buildings had sprinklers. In Calne, Wiltshire, 35 firefighters were called to the Porte Marsh Industrial Estate when
Promat has released a significant update to its renowned Passive Fire Protection Handbook, which offers a go-to resource for best practice in specifying and installing passive fire protection systems across the UK construction sector. The newly revised edition introduces an overhauled section on structural steel protection, aligned with the latest
On Thursday 13 November 2025, the UK’s leading voices in fire safety will gather for one of the sector’s most anticipated events – FIRE2025. Taking place at the QEII Centre in London, with the option to join online, this dynamic one-day conference promises to deliver vital insights, foster collaboration, and provide actionable solutions for an industry that continues to evolve at pace. Developed in partnership by the Fire Protection Association (FPA), Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Fire Sector Confederation (FSC), FIRE2025 will bring together over 400 professionals from across the fire, construction, insurance, risk management, local authority, and property sectors. With legislative changes, sustainability requirements, and the push for ever higher safety standards shaping the built environment, FIRE2025 offers an opportunity to hear from industry experts at the forefront of these developments. A full programme of keynote presentations, seminars, and breakout sessions will explore how organisations can meet building safety expectations, adapt to new regulations, and embrace innovation in fire safety technologies. Why Attend?Beyond the speaker sessions, FIRE2025 is designed to be a hub for high-quality networking. Delegates will have the opportunity to connect with peers and suppliers during the dedicated exhibition periods – covering registration, breaks, lunch, and the informal evening drinks reception. Exhibitors will showcase the latest products, services, and solutions, providing hands-on demonstrations and in-depth advice. For professionals seeking to enhance their expertise, the conference offers six hours of IFE-accredited CPD, ensuring attendees not only gain insights but also tangible career benefits. Who Will You Meet?The event attracts a broad and influential audience – from chief fire officers, directors, and chartered building surveyors to fire engineers, risk managers, insurers, architects, and consultants. Whether you’re looking to connect with decision-makers, share best practice, or explore potential collaborations, FIRE2025 brings together the right people in the right setting. A Hybrid ExperienceWith both in-person and online options, FIRE2025 is accessible to professionals across the UK and beyond. The hybrid format ensures those unable to attend in London can still benefit from the knowledge, networking, and exposure the event offers. Be Part of ItWhether you attend as a delegate, showcase your solutions as an exhibitor, or take advantage of the exclusive partnership opportunities, FIRE2025 is a must-attend date in the fire safety calendar. It’s where strategic thinking meets practical application – and where the industry comes together to influence the future of fire protection. For further details, visit fireconference2025.eventbrite.co.uk or contact the event team at events@thefpa.co.uk. Also, to see the Event PDF with further details, please click the below button. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fresh figures from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) reveal that up to 75% of high-rise residential buildings are falling short of the UK’s latest building safety requirements, raising major concerns across the sector. Of the 1,454 high-risk buildings where owners have submitted their mandatory safety case files, the BSR has reviewed 170 to date. Alarmingly, 125 of these did not meet the required standards. Legal notices have now been served on the owners of non-compliant properties, compelling them to act on serious safety failings. Failures range from inadequate assessments and missing resident engagement strategies, to structural and compartmentation issues requiring significant remedial work. The data was part of the BSR’s first formal performance update, covering the period from late 2023 through early 2025. It also revealed a growing backlog in planning approvals. On average, developers are waiting 36 weeks — or nine months — for Gateway approvals, three times the intended 12-week target. Out of 2,108 applications submitted in that window, only 338 received approval. A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) acknowledged the delays and said recent recruitment and process reforms are starting to improve throughput. The BSR has now surpassed a key milestone, with the number of decisions each month finally exceeding the number of new applications received. Further reforms are underway. The BSR, which was previously part of the HSE, is being restructured into a standalone authority. A dedicated Innovation Unit has also been launched to help accelerate new-build approvals, particularly those that adopt modern construction methods or demonstrate exemplary safety strategies. To strengthen enforcement and technical scrutiny, the regulator is also recruiting experienced engineers and building safety professionals following criticism that previous case reviewers lacked sector-specific knowledge. Baroness Taylor of Bolton, chair of the Industry and Regulators Committee, spoke as part of an ongoing inquiry into the BSR’s performance: “The Committee wants to hear from all stakeholders to find out if the BSR has the skills and resources required to ensure the safety of all buildings and its residents in the process of approving applications for high-rise buildings. This is crucial if the Government is going to achieve its manifesto target of building 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament.” As the BSR moves to ramp up its capabilities and regain industry confidence, the figures underscore the scale of the task ahead in transforming building safety in the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK and Ireland’s leading architectural bodies have joined forces to launch The Belfast Group – a new alliance committed to raising the bar on fire and life safety design. Find out how this unified approach aims to ensure architects across all nations work to the same high standards, with life safety at the heart of every project. The professional architectural bodies representing England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland have joined forces to create a unified group, named The Belfast Group, aimed at providing consistent guidance on fire and life safety design for architects across the UK and Ireland. This new collaboration is one of several steps being taken by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA), the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW), and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). These initiatives are a direct response to the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, with a focus on raising standards in building fire safety. The Belfast Group’s key goal is to ensure that fire safety expertise “go beyond national boundaries” and that architects, no matter where they practise, are “equally competent” to design buildings that meet the highest standards of fire and life safety. The group’s members have jointly pledged to work alongside their respective Governments to advocate for architects to have “unfettered access” to all the national regulations, standards and technical resources needed to design buildings that prioritise safety in all five regions. Beyond establishing standards for architects, The Belfast Group also intends to produce guidance to help ensure that all construction professionals have access to consistent fire and life safety information. This will support better decision-making around procurement and the resourcing of building projects. Joint statement “In a shared statement, the presidents of the five institutions – Muyiwa Oki (RIBA), John Lavery (RSUA), Karen Anderson (RIAS), Dan Benham (RSAW) and Sean Mahon (RIAI) – said:“The Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report makes clear that more is required to ensure our buildings are as safe as possible. This is relevant for every architect. While each jurisdiction has its own regulatory framework, there are core competencies when it comes to designing for life safety that transcend political boundaries and project typologies.” The statement continues: “The Belfast Group will share Best Practice, knowledge and information in design standards for life safety. This co-ordination will ensure that appropriate training and competency standards are implemented across each nation.” In closing, the five presidents added: “We continue to work with our relevant Governments to ensure that our members have access to all the regulations, standards and technical information they need, while also providing guidance to clients on how to support the procurement and resourcing of projects such that life safety is at the heart of the appointment process. These steps will help in delivering safer buildings for all.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Siderise CW-FS120 Firestop for Curtain Walls is now being installed at 989 6th Avenue—delivering robust passive fire protection for this dynamic new 73-story development in the heart of Manhattan. Situated between Bryant Park and the Empire State Building in the Garment District, 989 6th Avenue is a 240-meter mixed-use tower designed by C3D Architecture. The concrete-frame structure features a sleek glass curtain wall, open terraces, and a dramatic multi-cylinder podium that contrasts strikingly with the classical façade of the neighboring Haier Building. The intricate unitized curtain wall façade was designed, engineered, and fabricated by Bisam Façade, and installed by Marvel Contracting. As part of their remit, Marvel worked closely with Siderise US distribution partner, Facades X, to procure a passive fire protection solution that exceeds the fire compartmentation requirements while facilitating a smooth installation process. Siderise CW-FS120 Firestop was specified to provide floor-to-floor compartmentation, protecting the void space at the perimeter joint between the edge of the floor slab and the internal surface of the external wall assembly. It offers a third-party certified FT rating of up to three hours (resistance to fire spread and temperature rise on the non-fire side) when tested to ASTM E2307 as part of the CW Perimeter Barrier System. It has also been independently tested to ensure L-rating compliance with the International Building Code (IBC). Additionally, its unique vertical-fibre stone wool Lamella core was specifically engineered to stand up to the demands of building and curtain wall movement on high rise towers, boasting a 60-year design life. In collaboration with façade contractor Bisam Façade and consultants at Socotec, Siderise prepared a thoroughly detailed technical submittal for the perimeter fire barriers—tailored to the project’s complex slab-edge geometry. Special attention was paid to the curved east elevation and its staggered floor edges to ensure continuous compression fit, and long-term performance for design-life movements. To ensure this bespoke onsite work met high standards and followed manufacturer recommendations, Siderise Site Services assisted the Marvel installation team with project specific training and benchmark installations. This support continued throughout the project with regular inspections conducted via the Siderise Inspection App. For more information, please contact Siderise USA: m: +1 (860) 841-7863 e: Brad.Davis@siderise.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Avant Homes has plunged into the red after setting aside more than £100m to address cladding and fire safety issues across its legacy developments. The housebuilder, led by former Persimmon chief executive Jeff Fairburn, reported a pre-tax loss of £83m for the year ending 30 June 2024. The result marks a sharp downturn from the previous year, driven largely by a £107m provision for fire safety remediation. Operating profit fell to £17m, down from £50m last year, with a further £15m in exceptional costs weighing on performance. These included charges for restructuring, asset impairments, and expenses linked to defective buildings. Avant said the increased provision reflected the identification of additional buildings requiring remediation, along with revised cost estimates that incorporate inflationary pressures. The company is also in discussions with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to defer payments to the Building Safety Fund — a move that could relieve short-term pressure on its cash position. In a further potential blow, Avant highlighted an estimated £70m exposure related to new Scottish legislation aligned with the Building Safety Act in England. This figure has yet to be recognised in its financial statements. “We continue to develop a more detailed understanding of remediation costs… the level and cost of the remedial work will become increasingly clearer as we move through this process,” the company said. Despite the significant financial hit, Avant reduced its net bank debt from £145m to £117m and retains access to a £250m revolving credit facility. Revenue dipped 3.6% to £465m, though private average selling prices rose modestly to £310,000. The business saw a fall in social housing completions, down to 185 units from 287, while private rental sector (PRS) deliveries jumped to 319 homes, up from just 7 the previous year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has unveiled a significant reform package aimed at transforming the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), with the goal of reducing project delays and driving forward the construction of 1.5 million high-quality homes. Announced on 30 June 2025, the reforms include a new fast-track review process, strategic leadership changes, and major investment in regulatory capacity. The initiative is intended to streamline safety assessments without compromising the protection of residents—a critical issue in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Former London Fire Brigade Commissioner Andy Roe KFSM has been appointed as the non-executive chair of a new board within MHCLG, which will oversee the functions of the BSR. This appointment signals the government’s move toward establishing a single, integrated construction regulator. Roe will be supported by Charlie Pugsley, Deputy Commissioner of the LFB, who takes on the role of Chief Executive Officer of the restructured BSR. Minister for Building Safety, Alex Norris, said: “The establishment of the Building Safety Regulator has been fundamental to centralising safety in the construction process. It’s time to take the next steps—building on that precedent to create a system that works for the sector while keeping residents and their safety at the heart of the process.” The new fast-track system will bring building inspectors and engineers directly into the BSR to help expedite decisions on both new builds and remediation projects. The MHCLG has pledged to hire over 100 new staff members to support these efforts, enhancing capacity and reducing backlogs that have frustrated developers and housing providers alike. Andy Roe commented: “The creation of the BSR was a watershed moment for housing and construction. But the system must continue to evolve to meet the urgent need for safe, new homes. I look forward to working with industry partners to tackle delays and support the delivery of much-needed housing.” The reforms will also see the BSR transition from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to a new arm’s-length body within MHCLG. HSE Chair Sarah Newton acknowledged the milestone, saying: “We are proud of the work we’ve done to establish the BSR. We always recognised that the regulator might move on once fully operational. Our focus now is to ensure a smooth and successful transition.” With these changes, the government hopes to unlock critical housing delivery, speed up safety reviews, and improve trust and transparency within the construction sector—all while ensuring the lessons of past tragedies are never forgotten. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Using fire performance cables which meet and exceed current standards and guidance can only help to improve safety in critical fire safety situations, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of following the technical guidance for the selection and installation of cables for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under the revised British Standard BS8519: 2020 Code of Practice. The guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance cables applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “We are seeing quite an increase in demand for Category 3 Control cables and we can only stress that if they meet and exceed all standards requirements this can only help in the interest of safety of property and lives in these critical spaces. “Meeting standards is a minimum requirement but going above and beyond these standards will help firefighters in a real-life fire situation.” The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more information see the AEI Cables website, tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Injecta Fire Barrier, the UK’s leading independent installer of passive fire protection systems, is now offering free CPD sessions focused on cavity and compartment fire barriers. Tailored for contractors, surveyors, architects, and fire engineers, the sessions explore best practices, system-tested components, and the practical use of the Injectaclad solution—supporting compliance with the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Act 2022. Key benefits of the Injectaclad solution: “Our CPD sessions are designed to provide practical insight into passive fire protection and compartmentation—enabling project teams to make informed, regulation-compliant decisions without invasive façade work,” says Shaun Tasker, Managing Director. Injectaclad is a fire-retardant graphite-based acrylic sealant that restricts fire spread through existing wall cavities—providing a proven, compliant solution for upgrading fire safety. To book a session or learn more, please contact: becky.preston@injectafirebarrier.com More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at: https://injectafirebarrier.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two significant industrial fires broke out on June 21st at opposite ends of the country, destroying commercial buildings, disrupting local communities and tying up vast fire and rescue resources. Sadly, neither of the buildings had sprinklers. In Calne, Wiltshire, 35 firefighters were called to the Porte Marsh Industrial Estate when a fire broke out at the QSIL metals facility, a specialist manufacturer involved in high-end machining and metal finishing. The fire consumed a 1,500m² unit, with smoke visible for miles. Crews worked for hours to bring the incident under control, and local roads were closed as a precaution. On the same day in Enfield, Essex, over 80 firefighters and 12 appliances from Hertfordshire and Essex County Fire and Rescue Services were deployed to a major warehouse fire in Enfield. The blaze engulfed a 3,600m² building operated by kitchenware distributor SQ Professional. With no sprinkler protection, the fire spread rapidly, forcing emergency services to urge local residents to keep windows and doors shut due to toxic smoke. Crews remained on the scene overnight to dampen down hotspots. The SQ warehouse is located next to a Tesco Fulfilment Centre, a modern, high-risk logistics hub protected by automatic sprinklers. Fire crews appeared to be actively defending this neighbouring site from potential fire spread. While no injuries were reported in either incident, the scale of the response speaks volumes. The two fires required the mobilisation of more than 115 firefighters, extensive fire control assets, and coordination across counties. Local roads were closed, businesses disrupted, and in Calne, key industrial activity was brought to a halt. These two locations were modest in size by modern standards and yet they required extensive resources with outcomes that saw the location severely damaged. These events are a sobering reminder of the stark consequences of failing to invest in proven fire protection systems. “We are seeing, time and again, the immense pressure that industrial fires place on both businesses and the emergency services,” said Tom Roche, Secretary of the Business Sprinkler Alliance. “These fires not only damaged buildings and livelihoods, they tied up life-saving resources for hours, caused environmental harm, and disrupted communities. These cases were modestly sized and we build much larger facilities, with similar hazards, without sprinklers.” This double blow mirrors a growing pattern across the UK where industrial and commercial premises, often packed with combustible materials or high-value machinery, lack basic fire suppression systems. By contrast, incidents in sprinkler-protected buildings tend to be quickly contained or extinguished before the fire can escalate. This limits damage, preserves business continuity, and drastically reduces the strain on fire crews. In the absence of sprinklers, every second counts, and every fire has potential to become a major incident. As these two June 21st fires show, the consequences go far beyond the building itself. Fires in unsprinklered buildings continue to utilise considerable resources and still pose a serious threat to business resilience, jobs, and public safety. For more information about the BSA visit the www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Promat has released a significant update to its renowned Passive Fire Protection Handbook, which offers a go-to resource for best practice in specifying and installing passive fire protection systems across the UK construction sector. The newly revised edition introduces an overhauled section on structural steel protection, aligned with the latest test standards and regulatory requirements. This new content supports contractors, designers and specifiers working to meet the heightened compliance demands introduced under the Building Safety Act. The update reinforces the handbook’s role in promoting best practice and delivering peace of mind as the sector adjusts to tighter safety regulations. In particular, it supports the Golden Thread requirement by providing up-to-date and traceable technical detail on tested systems. The newly updated structural steel section includes information on choosing the correct protective board, performance guidance for specialist steel protection boards including VERMICULUX®-S, PROMATECT®-250 and PROMATECT®-XW, installation guides for 1, 2, 3 and 4-sided encasements, and treatment of complex steel profiles, including cellular beams. The handbook also covers how to calculate the level of protection needed, and guidance on achieving a range of fire resistance from 30 minutes up to 240 minutes. It also highlights the standards that need to be met, such as EN 13381-4 and EN 1363-1. The revised content brings Promat’s technical guidance in line with the latest industry testing and performance criteria. Promat now offers the most comprehensive testing portfolio for structural steel fire protection available in the UK, making the handbook a vital reference for professionals involved in specifying and installing life critical safety. Josh Slack, Commercial Director at Promat, said: “The Passive Fire Protection Handbook is one of the most trusted resources in UK construction. This update takes it to the next level. With the spotlight rightly on building safety, there’s a real desire for absolute clarity, certainty and compliance – and that’s exactly what this updated guidance delivers. “It gives our customers the confidence they need when specifying structural steel protection, which is especially important as this continues to be a popular construction method.” This structural steel update is part of Promat’s wider commitment to raising standards to support the latest legislation to improve building safety. By offering detailed technical data and real-world application guidance, the handbook helps to ensure that fire protection systems are not only specified correctly, but installed to perform as tested. Josh added: “For anyone responsible for demonstrating compliance – from principal designers through to contractors and building owners – the handbook provides a reliable, thoroughly tested foundation to work from. It reflects Promat’s role as a proactive partner in the industry’s drive towards safer, more accountable construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals