Clive Miles appointed chair of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection

Having founded CLM Fireproofing three decades ago, Miles brings extensive experience of delivering passive fire protection solutions to some of the UK’s most iconic buildings. He’s passionate about driving Best Practice, developing and investing in people and championing innovation across the passive fire protection sector.

Miles succeeds Chris Miles in the role, with the latter standing down having served his two-year term in office.

Commenting on his appointment, Miles noted: “Increased pressures realised by legislation, media coverage, the insurance market and an ongoing skills shortage are driving unprecedented transformation in the sector. The ASFP and its members have to evolve in new and innovative ways in order to adapt to this new and ever-changing world.”

Miles continued: “The industry is suffering due to an ageing workforce and a skills shortage. It follows that more needs to be done to attract and retain young professionals. Through a combination of apprenticeships, academies and outreach programmes, it’s my firmly held belief that we can help to secure the next generation of our profession.”

In conclusion, Miles explained: “By creating and implementing new ways in which to engage and train individuals and promote passive fire protection, we can ensure that the ASFP becomes the industry benchmark for ‘educational Best Practice’.”

Experience and input

Miles has welcomed Sharon McClure in her new role as vice-chair, recognising her long experience in the industry and her input to the ASFP’s development (with McClure having served on the organisation’s Council for several years).

McClure has worked in the passive fire protection industry since 2006, joining Avesta back in 2010. She’s the Scottish representative for the ASFP within BuildUK (BuildScotland) and chair of the Ayrshire Construction Training Group.

Having played an active role on the ASFP’s Council, McClure is keen to further develop the passive fire protection sector, promote competency and improve quality throughout the built environment.

Further, McClure wants to ensure that the construction sector learns from the mistakes of the past and that passive fire and other key elements of construction are considered in a timely manner.

The ASFP’s popular annual networking event offered members and guests alike an opportunity to hear news of the Association’s current and upcoming activities and also learn about the ASFP’s future plans.

Regulatory updates

Th Annual General Meeting featured regulatory updates and a keynote speech from Aman Sharma (CEO at Totus Digital and past deputy chair of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee) concentrated on how digital innovation can deliver the ‘golden thread’ of information to improve building safety.

*Further information on the ASFP is available online at www.asfp.org.uk