In a world where safety, compliance and reliability are non-negotiable, one manufacturer is proving that quality fire protection and expert craftsmanship can go hand-in-hand. Based in Barton, Preston, Better Fire Doors has firmly established itself as the North’s leading provider of timber fire doors and fire-rated screens — trusted across
By Thomas Roche, Secretary of Business Sprinkler Alliance A new Fire Safety: Property Protection report, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG), explores the state of property protection in fire safety regulations and examines international approaches to safeguarding buildings from fire damage. While the findings highlight
Leading installer of regulatory-compliant passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, have been honoured with a dedicated ‘Injectaclad Contractors Award’ in recognition of their successful implementation of the Injectaclad solution across the UK. The Injectaclad Contractors Award celebrates approved installers who demonstrate outstanding delivery, meticulous project management and a strong dedication
Health and wellbeing is naturally high on the agenda in healthcare facilities, but what more can be done to ensure fire door safety is being met with competency and not complacency? Alex Airnes of Allegion UK discusses. Healthcare environments are synonymous with caution, wellness and safety. Though, where National Health
Hochiki Europe, a leading manufacturer of innovative life safety solutions, is pleased to announce that its ESP intelligent fire detection range has been installed at a brand new 17,000 square metre storage hub near Galanta, Slovakia. The extensive warehouse facility, owned by KL Logistic, presented a significant fire safety undertaking
UK fire door manufacturer JELD-WEN will be on hand to discuss sector-specific fire door solutions at this year’s Fire Safety Event. Returning to the event for the second year in a row, the specialist manufacturer of timber doors will be showcasing its expanded range of certified fire doorsets – and
The benefits of the partnership approach adopted by Siemens has been demonstrated in a project by EDSB to develop a fire detection and air sampling solution for a new warehouse operated by one of the UK’s most prominent retailers. The facility in Warrington saw some 1,000 devices installed to protect
MILLER Knight has been appointed to the communities and housing investment consortium (CHIC) fire and building safety framework, reinforcing and solidifying the contractor’s reputation in remedial fire protection and building safety compliance. Awarded by CHIC, a not-for-profit organisation, the framework provides a robust procurement route for fire safety and compliance works
Fire stopping specialist FSi Promat has successfully reduced carbon emissions in a key part of its manufacturing process by 52.5 per cent by switching to a demand responsive system. By changing the way that a high-pressure air compressor is used at the company’s Measham factory, FSi Promat has reduced the
Leading corporate services provider, NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched a new framework agreement, Building Safety and Fire Compliance, to address the need for robust fire safety systems in healthcare settings. This comes as healthcare buildings across England face mounting infrastructure challenges, emphasising the need for fire safety,
In a world where safety, compliance and reliability are non-negotiable, one manufacturer is proving that quality fire protection and expert craftsmanship can go hand-in-hand. Based in Barton, Preston, Better Fire Doors has firmly established itself as the North’s leading provider of timber fire doors and fire-rated screens — trusted across residential, education and healthcare sectors. With a purpose-built manufacturing facility and accreditation under the BWF Certifire scheme, Better Fire Doors offers fully certified FD30, FD60 and FD120 doors. These products not only meet stringent UK fire safety regulations but are also tailored to deliver high performance, style and long-term durability. The company’s product range includes bespoke and pre-hung door sets, flush and glazed options, as well as factory-fitted ironmongery, enabling faster installation and reducing time spent on site. They also offer fully glazed fire screens, tested to provide integrity and insulation for up to 60 minutes — a perfect fit for modern buildings where aesthetics must balance strict compliance. Beyond fire protection, Better Fire Doors delivers solutions for high-demand environments. In education, doors are designed to withstand constant use while meeting severe-duty fire and acoustic performance standards. In healthcare, the firm provides hygienic, robust doors for hospitals, clinics and care homes — always combining ease of access with safety and a therapeutic design touch. What truly sets Better Fire Doors apart is their comprehensive in-house joinery expertise. From handcrafted staircases and traditional windows to bespoke kitchens and outdoor structures, their attention to detail and use of both traditional skills and CAD planning ensures each project is delivered to exacting standards. Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed — the firm was recently named Best Fire Door Manufacturer 2023 – Northern England, a reflection of their commitment to British manufacturing and industry-leading service. In an industry where fire safety saves lives, Better Fire Doors continues to push boundaries — offering better quality, better design, and ultimately, better protection. Contact Better Fire Doors:📞 07731 454 121🌐 www.betterfiredoors.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Thomas Roche, Secretary of Business Sprinkler Alliance A new Fire Safety: Property Protection report, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG), explores the state of property protection in fire safety regulations and examines international approaches to safeguarding buildings from fire damage. While the findings highlight significant issues and areas for improvement, the Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) questions whether the government’s actions thus far can be considered a regulatory success for property protection. The report forms part of the government’s wider response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, which followed the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017. While the core focus of the regulations has always been life safety, a public call for evidence revealed growing concerns that building and property protection were being neglected. In response, this review was commissioned to explore how fire safety regulations could better reduce property damage, drawing on international examples and a structured assessment of literature, codes, and interviews with key stakeholders. Property protection overlooked The report states clearly that fire safety regulations in England and Wales prioritise life safety, with property protection largely absent from the statutory framework. It notes that “most of the guidelines designed specifically to protect buildings and property from fire are non-statutory in nature,” meaning they are voluntary or insurance-driven rather than embedded in legislation. It further concludes that “there is no empirical evidence to indicate the extent to which property protection is achieved through life safety,” underscoring the need for explicit protection measures within regulations themselves. Sprinklers proved most effective Sprinklers were consistently identified throughout the review as the most effective active fire protection system. According to the report, “sprinklers are especially prominent in literature about property protection and building resilience,” with both academic research and stakeholder input highlighting their unmatched role in containing and extinguishing fires. It also states that “research into the fire resilience of buildings tends to emphasise sprinklers as the primary method of protecting buildings from fire,” a finding that strengthens the Business Sprinkler Alliance’s longstanding advocacy for wider sprinkler adoption across UK buildings. Stricter fire protection for industrial buildings overseas The review highlights that warehouses and industrial facilities in countries such as the USA, Sweden, and Germany are subject to more rigorous fire protection requirements than in England. The report points out that “sprinklers are almost always mandatory” in these countries and that “warehouse size thresholds, which place limits on the size of un-sprinklered warehouses, are generally much lower than in England.” These stricter requirements reflect an international recognition of the high economic and operational risks posed by industrial fires which is an approach the UK has yet to replicate Prioritising sustainability over resilience As the UK construction sector embraces sustainability, the review warns that new methods may compromise fire resilience. It explains that “the drive to construct ‘green’ buildings with low embodied carbon has the potential to conflict with fire safety and resilience,” particularly in relation to mass timber and modular construction. These methods, it states, have “critical vulnerabilities,” including concealed cavities that can accelerate fire spread and the use of combustible materials that are not adequately addressed in current regulations. Schools and heritage buildings at risk The review found that in countries like Scotland and New Zealand, stricter fire protection requirements for schools are in place specifically to minimise disruption and safeguard their educational function. It notes that “stricter requirements reflect the fact that schools are often seen as important service providing-buildings and community resources.” The report also observes that historic buildings, despite their cultural value, are rarely treated differently in regulation and often receive “fire safety provisions… no different to domestic buildings.” In contrast, countries like the USA and Germany have developed tailored fire safety guidance for heritage sites that balances protection with preservation. A clear case for change In response to the findings, the Business Sprinkler Alliance is urging policymakers to broaden the scope of fire regulations to explicitly include property protection and to consider the wider adoption of automatic sprinklers as a proven, effective measure. “Fires don’t just threaten lives, they destroy vital community assets, commercial operations, and our built heritage,” said Iain Cox, Chair of the Business Sprinkler Alliance. “This report validates what we’ve been saying for years that sprinklers are a cornerstone of resilience, and we must look at the bigger picture and do more to embed property protection in UK fire safety regulation. The concentration in UK fire regulation on life safety has meant that a completely destroyed building – be it a school, a factory or a historic building – was deemed a success if no lives were lost or injuries suffered. The consequent effect on children’s education, unemployment and our heritage were never taken into account. Hopefully, now, they will.” For more information about the BSA visit the www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading installer of regulatory-compliant passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, have been honoured with a dedicated ‘Injectaclad Contractors Award’ in recognition of their successful implementation of the Injectaclad solution across the UK. The Injectaclad Contractors Award celebrates approved installers who demonstrate outstanding delivery, meticulous project management and a strong dedication to upholding the highest standards in fire protection.As the UK’s first independent approved installer of the patented Injectaclad system, Injecta Fire Barrier has been commended for its commitment to compliance through minimally disruptive installations in UK high-rise buildings. “From complex residential retrofits to large-scale remediation works, we’ve consistently delivered safe, compliant and minimally disruptive fire protection solutions using the Injectaclad system – and it’s an honour to be recognised with this prestigious Injectaclad Contractors Award!” says Shaun Tasker, Managing Director at Injecta Fire Barrier. Injectaclad is an acrylic based graphite sealant that expands when exposed to heat to slow the spread of flames and smoke between wall and floor cavities, giving a building’s occupants critical time to safely evacuate.By eliminating the need for major alterations to a building’s façade, the solution offers building owners a more cost-effective alternative than the removal of potentially dangerous cladding. With the growing demand for passive fire safety solutions following the Grenfell tragedy and subsequent regulatory reforms, including the Fire Safety Act (2021), installers such as injectaclad have sought to leverage the innovative solution to help buildings across the UK become better safeguarded from fire. “With stricter regulations creating challenges for property developers, passive fire barriers like Injectaclad are becoming essential. Now as an award-winning installer, we remain committed to providing cost-effective fire safety solutions for high-rise buildings, while supporting property developers in achieving compliance” adds Shaun. Operating as a subsidiary in the Light Science Technologies Holdings PLC Group, Injecta Fire Barrier is a trusted partner in the fire protection industry, focusing solely on supplying and installing the innovative passive fire barriers. With 2025 shaping up to be a busy year, filled with major projects and industry events, Injecta Fire Barrier is looking forward to expanding its reach and impact to further strengthen their role in safeguarding UK buildings from fire. “This esteemed award is a testament to the hard work, precision and commitment our team poured into every project. A massive thank you to Injectaclad for this recognition and to our clients and partners for your continued trust in our expertise. Here’s to raising the bar in passive fire protection and to many more milestones ahead!” concludes Shaun. More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at: https://injectafirebarrier.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Health and wellbeing is naturally high on the agenda in healthcare facilities, but what more can be done to ensure fire door safety is being met with competency and not complacency? Alex Airnes of Allegion UK discusses. Healthcare environments are synonymous with caution, wellness and safety. Though, where National Health Service professionals work determinedly to meet the needs of their patients, equally as vital are the fire door safety procedures practiced throughout NHS premises. Fire safety management plays a crucial role in all healthcare settings, where protecting staff, visitors and potentially vulnerable patients is a continuous effort. Even with a host of unique operational challenges, hospitals, for example, are often considered to be one of the safest public buildings. In fact, a survey conducted by The British Woodworking Federation discovered that 52% of respondents believed hospitals to provide the highest level of fire safety in a building. Despite these perceptions, NHS data has previously reported a concerning rise in fire incidents across sites around the country. The inherently busy nature of healthcare settings and around-the-clock use of facilities containing vulnerable patients, medical equipment and even flammable materials, presents a complex set of fire safety issues that must be addressed. With that in mind, is there perhaps more work to be done to ensure fire door safety is approached professionally to further mitigate risk? Health and fire door safety In the three months ending January 2025, an average of 46,000 people visited major hospital A&E departments each day in England, with a further 27,300 visitors attending minor A&E facilities every day. Fire doors play a vital role in protecting each of those individuals, but when paired with the fast-flowing traffic often found in healthcare facilities, this sustained level of footfall can create relentless environments that are unforgiving on fire doors and their hardware. As a critical element of passive fire protection, fire doors are designed to compartmentalise fire and smoke for a specified period of time. Where fire could spread quickly across the interconnected sections of healthcare estates, fire doors will form protective barriers for a minimum of 30 minutes (FD30) or 60 minutes (FD60), allowing occupants to escape and preventing potentially life threatening smoke inhalation in the process. Fire doors can only operate effectively when working in tandem with their hardware components, such as hinges, seals and fire door closers. Yet, all too often in healthcare settings, fire doors and their hardware become damaged and fall victim to improper maintenance and use, with some self-closing doors even propped open to improve the flow of traffic and ease of access for beds, wheelchairs and medical trolleys. In turn, this leaves closers disengaged and renders doorsets useless in the event of a fire. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, healthcare management teams are given a direct responsibility to ensure employees and patients are safe within their premises. With this, NHS trusts must nominate a ‘responsible person’, which is often an individual who possesses a legal responsibility to demonstrate effective fire safety procedures, undertake risk assessments and meet fire safety compliance. In demanding healthcare environments, regular fire door inspections are key, and as part of their duties, a designated responsible person must have a firm understanding of fire door checks and maintenance, whilst also raising staff awareness on the importance of fire door safety. For this, ongoing education is key. Prevent and protect In order to retain the integrity of a fire door and its components, healthcare estates must consider how accurate specification, professional installation and ongoing maintenance can help to reduce common hazards and the possibility of danger before it surfaces. Routine fire door checks can save lives and should form the agenda of anyone responsible for fire safety management. They consist of reviewing the specification, installation, condition and certification of: When performing a closing action, a fire door calls upon each of these components and as such, not one element can fail in the event of a fire. To meet the necessary standards, the complete fire doorset must pass a series of standardised tests in the form of UKCA and CE certifications, which healthcare officials can identify – alongside a fire door’s FD ratings – by reviewing the label, usually found on the top edge of the door. Correct specification is essential to long-term performance too. For high-use areas in large hospitals, for example, electromagnetic hold-open devices are a more appropriate choice and allow fire doors to close once a fire alarm is activated, automatically releasing the door in a safe and controlled manner. In smaller, slower-paced settings, cam-action closers with slide arms can fulfil fire door regulations whilst providing ease of operation and accessibility for vulnerable users who may otherwise struggle with heavy doors. Regardless of size, layout and the building’s needs, all healthcare facilities must look to inherit a regular maintenance plan for their fire doors and emergency exit routes. In doing so, teams can highlight any early signs that a fire door is not performing as it’s required to, which can help prevent irreparable damage to the door and its hardware – saving the need for replacements and reducing costs for establishments managing budget restraints. When a fire door and its hardware is no longer compliant, teams must ensure repairs and replacements are made quickly and at a professional standard. Fire door safety is an ongoing responsibility for healthcare management teams and requires comprehensive planning and regular action. Where patient safety remains the primary focus, a proactive approach is necessary. As such, healthcare officials are urged to pay close attention to their estate’s fire door safety measures, because although fire is unpredictable, it is in most cases preventable. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hochiki Europe, a leading manufacturer of innovative life safety solutions, is pleased to announce that its ESP intelligent fire detection range has been installed at a brand new 17,000 square metre storage hub near Galanta, Slovakia. The extensive warehouse facility, owned by KL Logistic, presented a significant fire safety undertaking due to its sheer size and the diverse range of goods stored within its 18-metre high racking. Recognising the critical need for a swift and dependable detection and evacuation system, KL Logistic entrusted the project to Pro Metheus Slovakia, a respected Slovakian fire safety specialist. Pro Metheus Slovakia designed and installed a comprehensive fire safety solution centred around Hochiki Europe’s advanced ESP (Enhanced System Protocol) range. Hundreds of Hochiki ESP optical smoke detectors were strategically positioned throughout the vast building, providing crucial early fire warning capabilities. To ensure complete protection, particularly within the dense racking, Hochiki’s FIRElink aspirating smoke detection system was also implemented, safeguarding even the most inaccessible areas. The entire Hochiki system is seamlessly networked via Hochiki’s ESP protocol. Networked Hochiki HFP control panels serve as the central monitoring and control hub, while ESP input and output modules facilitate seamless integration with the warehouse’s sprinkler system. This integrated approach guarantees a fully coordinated response in the event of a fire. Furthermore, the system incorporates a voice evacuation system. This, combined with the rapid detection capabilities of the Hochiki system, ensures the safe and efficient evacuation of all warehouse personnel in any emergency. “The scale and complexity of the KL Logistic warehouse demanded a fire detection system that was both powerful and dependable,” commented Tibor Lelkes, CEO of Pro Metheus Fire. “Hochiki’s comprehensive product portfolio, coupled with their sophisticated networking capabilities, enabled us to design a solution that precisely met the client’s specific requirements. The inclusion of the voice evacuation system was a key factor in providing KL Logistic with complete peace of mind. We are proud to have delivered a system that significantly enhances the safety of their employees and protects their valuable assets.” To find out more about the project at KL Logistic and the ESP range and the FIRELink system, please visit the Hochiki website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK fire door manufacturer JELD-WEN will be on hand to discuss sector-specific fire door solutions at this year’s Fire Safety Event. Returning to the event for the second year in a row, the specialist manufacturer of timber doors will be showcasing its expanded range of certified fire doorsets – and highlighting performance criteria and design that supports use in a range of sectors. With more than 250 exhibitors, the Fire Safety Event (8-10 April) is the leading industry event bringing together construction experts, facilities managers, fire safety specialists and suppliers to share the latest fire safety innovations. Visitors to the JELD-WEN stand will get the opportunity to find out about the wide range of fire doorsets that it creates, including hardware options and different finishes. As a licensed door processor and having recently secured BM Trada Q Mark certification in addition to its existing Certifire and Certisecure, JELD-WEN manufactures and fabricates a wide range of fire doorsets for a range of different sectors. Throughout the event, experts from the team will be on hand to discuss performance and specification requirements – including the best options for key sectors where fire doors are frequently a requirement, such as hospitals, care homes, schools, high-rise residential buildings and office blocks. This includes considering key performance factors that tackle the challenges of that sector, including adequate fire ratings, acoustics, security, durability and aesthetics. Lisa Ward, Senior Manager, Product and Marketing at JELD-WEN UK, said: “Fire doors play a vital part in providing passive fire protection in buildings to help to keep occupants safe, providing a means of escape. “As well as showing the depth of JELD-WEN’s testing and certification in ensuring the highest performance standards in fire protection, this will be a good opportunity to highlight how our fire doors have been designed, tested, and certified with the end project in mind. “With a comprehensive sector-by-sector insight into fire door performance – and designed to complement building aesthetics, we are keen to show how fire doors have been designed to meet sector requirements. “This is a great arena to see the latest innovations in fire safety, and to highlight the ongoing commitment to ensure the highest standards across the board, and we look forward to taking part.” The Fire Safety Event takes place at the NEC, Birmingham – visit JELD-WEN at stand 4/L37 or find out more about its fire doorsets at https://www.jeld-wen.co.uk/products/fire-doors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The benefits of the partnership approach adopted by Siemens has been demonstrated in a project by EDSB to develop a fire detection and air sampling solution for a new warehouse operated by one of the UK’s most prominent retailers. The facility in Warrington saw some 1,000 devices installed to protect the 81,570 m2 logistics warehouse area and its ancillary offices. Given the scale of the warehouse, which features high ceilings extending up to 43 metres at the highest point, the detection system needed to provide comprehensive coverage across the entire space. EDSB’s solution included air sampling with low-level test points and pipe runs exceding 200 metres, ensuring the system could accurately detect fires without interference from environmental conditions. Before stepping foot on-site, EDSB’s in-house design team was tasked with creating for the project a compliant BS:5839 Part 1 system, aligned with the Category L1/P1 standards. Given the building’s complexity – including multiple mezzanine levels, cold storage areas, aerosol and battery storage, automated racking systems and comms rooms – the design required a range of detection technologies tailored to each area’s specific needs and environmental conditions. Working with Siemens, after reviewing the 3D BIM models, specifications and fire strategy information, EDSB proposed a combination of air sampling systems, infrared linear beams, multi-sensor detectors, triple infrared flame detectors and gas suppression systems to ensure comprehensive coverage and compliance. One of the main focuses of the brief was to develop a zero-false-alarm system, given the considerable costs associated with four-hour halts in production that could arise from unnecessary shutdowns. In consultation with Siemens, a solution was designed which saw a hybrid fire detection system capable of identifying environmental factors such as dust, smoke and exhaust fumes that could trigger false alarms. Also central to the fire safety considerations was the high ceiling space which presented a particular challenge for traditional smoke detection: ‘stratification’ was identified as an issue whereby the smoke plume generated by a fire cools as it rises, often resulting in it having insufficient buoyancy to reach the roof and activate detectors. This was overcome by using Siemens ASD (Aspirating Smoke Detection), with the first stage of the installation process undertaken once the roof structure was in place. EDSB installed pipework and air sampling units in strategic positions across the warehouse to cover all areas, including the high ceiling zones. Following installation, the entire system was tested and calibrated to ensure optimal performance. Another challenging factor in the project was the need to undertake phased works which operated in parallel with the warehouse construction. Several planning meetings took place to fully understand the site conditions and construction schedule. These meetings were crucial in ensuring that the installation would proceed smoothly alongside the building’s construction. Both the EDSB and Siemens teams, as well as the construction managers, worked together to align on the scope, timeline and logistics of the project. Additionally, potential challenges such as access points and space constraints were identified and strategies were put in place to prevent delays later in the project. Geoff Wain is a Senior Project Manager at EDSB. He comments – “This project has been a coordinated effort from the design stage through to installation and commissioning, primarily utilising in-house engineers. A dedicated site project engineer handled daily communication with our client to ensure that the phased works were completed on time, delivering the project to the end client. The high standard of workmanship across the site is a testament to all those involved.” Alistair Lyon was EDSB’s Install Leader on the project who said – “I believe what we have achieved is something that should be celebrated. This has been a long, challenging and complex installation and we have delivered an end product that we can all look back on and say we are proud to have been a part of.” The facility has a Desigo CC building management head end which is able to display the information relating to the fire system and allows operators to visualise it. Desigo CC is also used on site to manage the HVAC systems, meaning all the building operation data can be viewed via a single interface. This leads to operational and energy efficiency savings. The on site computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) is also integrated into Desigo CC, with its open architecture allowing this integration to happen. Siemens John Fennah added – “At Siemens we always strive to work closely with our partners and this application is an excellent example of how such an approach can achieve the best solution. By understanding and addressing the specific challenges presented by this warehouse, EDSB were able to match the appropriate technology with the different requirements, arriving at an integrated system which optimises fire safety while effectively managing the HVAC.” In total, the site comprises nine networked Siemens fire panels, 34 Siemens aspirator panels, and more than 30 high-level Siemens beam detectors. The warehouse is equipped with 200 interfaces that control various shutdowns and integrate with third-party systems. Special care was taken to ensure the system provides comprehensive coverage. For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure – Buildings www.siemens.co.uk/cerberus For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure, please seewww.siemens.com/smart-infrastructure Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MILLER Knight has been appointed to the communities and housing investment consortium (CHIC) fire and building safety framework, reinforcing and solidifying the contractor’s reputation in remedial fire protection and building safety compliance. Awarded by CHIC, a not-for-profit organisation, the framework provides a robust procurement route for fire safety and compliance works across the housing sector. Encompassing a wide range of critical fire remediation and building safety services, the framework offers a future-proofed solution to ensure that high-risk residential buildings adhere to the latest regulatory standards, while supporting proactive risk management at all costs. As a multi-discipline principal contractor specialising in fire remediation, refurbishment, and compliance-led construction, Miller Knight is committed to working closely with housing providers to deliver safer, more resilient environments across the UK. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the industry, as the UK undergoes sweeping reforms following the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022. With a focus on passive fire protection, fire door installations, and compartmentation works, Miller Knight is poised to take the helm fortifying compliance with the highest safety standards. Managing director at Miller Knight, Matthew Flower, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to CHIC’s Fire & Building Safety Framework. This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity for Miller Knight to contribute to the effective delivery of crucial works and services for CHIC’s members. We look forward to delivering exceptional services and developing long lasting partnerships.” Chief executive David Dickson added: “This appointment is a testament to our team’s well-established expertise in fire safety and compliance. As we continue on a path to scale up, our focus remains on providing safe, sustainable, and high-quality solutions that contribute to the long-term resilience of buildings across the region of Midlands and beyond. “We look forward to working in partnership with CHIC and its members to help drive fire safety improvements where they are needed most.” With a proven track record of working across public and private sector projects, Miller Knight has built a reputation for delivering specialist fire remediation works in education, healthcare, blue light services, and residential buildings. Miller Knight’s inclusion on the CHIC framework reinforces its role as a trusted contractor in the sector, committed to advancing building safety, compliance, and sustainable construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fire stopping specialist FSi Promat has successfully reduced carbon emissions in a key part of its manufacturing process by 52.5 per cent by switching to a demand responsive system. By changing the way that a high-pressure air compressor is used at the company’s Measham factory, FSi Promat has reduced the carbon emissions generated through the system by more than half. A vital part of the production process, the system supplies high pressure compressed air to machinery, used in mixing sealants and coatings. Installing a variable speed air compressor to replace its existing fixed speed one, means that the system is only using energy when it is actively needed, vastly cutting down the energy that was required for the previous ‘always on’ system. Switching the machine is one of a number of changes the company has made to support more environmentally efficient operations, including installing a new system to reduce the amount of low-risk wastewater it generates by approximately 550,000 litres a year, moving to sensor-based lighting and using renewable energy. The manufacturer has also changed shift patterns to support a 30 per cent reduction in energy use by condensing the running time of machinery. Tim Roe, Engineering and Facilities Manager at FSi Promat, said: “Since starting at FSi Promat two years ago I have been looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of the operation to support the company’s sustainability goals – and those of the wider Etex company. “This was something I noticed that could make an immediate impact on energy use and that would not have any effect on the manufacturing process at all. The fixed speed air compressor always needed to be on, whether it was being used or not and moving to a variable speed compressor was an obvious choice. “Installed with minimal disruption, this is a like-for-like switch but due to only being engaged when the compressed air is needed it has seen a considerable reduction in the energy used to power it. “While safety must remain at the forefront in passive fire protection products, FSi Promat is constantly looking for ways to support more energy efficient operations. Here a relatively simple upgrade has made a considerable impact, and we continue to look for other changes we could make.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading corporate services provider, NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched a new framework agreement, Building Safety and Fire Compliance, to address the need for robust fire safety systems in healthcare settings. This comes as healthcare buildings across England face mounting infrastructure challenges, emphasising the need for fire safety, building maintenance, and compliance across NHS estates and the wider public sector. The framework agreement provides a full compliance offer, including active and passive fire safety, fire risk assessment, and consultancy services, essential to mitigate risks such as life hazards, liability, operational disruption, reputational damage, and legal penalties. Brendan Griffin-Ryan, NHS SBS senior category manager, highlighted the urgency: “The increased emphasis on fire safety brought about by the dreadful Grenfell Tower disaster has shown that some NHS buildings fail to meet modern safety standards and underscores why fire safety compliance and protocols are paramount.” NHS England estimates the cost to eradicate the NHS maintenance backlog at £13.8bn, surpassing the £13.6bn total cost of running the NHS estate. The National Audit Office reported 5,400 clinical incidents in 2023-2024 due to infrastructure failures and poor conditions. Trust documents reveal deficiencies risking fires, floods, electrical failures, and hazardous material exposure. Government recognition of this issue led to a £1bn funding boost for essential repairs and upgrades, with £102m earmarked for the first phase of GP surgery upgrades. The New Hospital Programme, backed by £15bn, aims to modernise NHS buildings over several phases. NHS SBS’s framework agreement allows procurement teams to access vetted suppliers for specialist services like asbestos management, legionella treatment, authorising engineers, and fire safety, quickly and compliantly. It includes suppliers from multinationals to regional small and medium-sized enterprises. Griffin-Ryan concludes: “The NHS must prioritise fire safety to prevent incidents similar to Grenfell from occurring in healthcare settings, where the impact could be catastrophic. Our framework agreement provides the NHS with a comprehensive range of services. It aligns with key health and safety regulations—ensuring seamless integration and adherence to all compliance in critical areas like fire safety, water treatment, and asbestos management, crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of NHS buildings, protecting patients, staff, and visitors.” For more information, contact the NHS SBS team at: sbs.hello@nhs.net. For more information about NHS SBS framework agreements click: Framework Agreements | NHS SBS Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
