Fire Safety Matters Podcast – Episode 34

From October 2009 until June 2015, Steve McGuirk served as chief fire officer for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. Prior to this, he served for ten years in the same role at the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A former Board director for the Institution of Fire Engineers, Steve was recognised for his contribution to public service through the award of the Queens Fire Service Medal in 2002 and a CBE two years later. He served as an Expert Witness during the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry.

Steve holds a first degree in Politics and Social Science, an Honours degree in Fire Safety, Technology and Management and also a Master’s degree in Management.

During the course of our interview, Steve focuses on the ongoing and excellent work of the Fire Sector Federation and also outlines how the industry per se can best support its endeavours.

Meeting regulatory changes

Derrick Hall joined Kentec back in late 2018 armed with 20 years’ experience of operating in the fire detection and fire alarms arena. During a 12-year spell as head of fire products with Siemens, Derrick was responsible for launching the very popular Cerberus PRO solution into the marketplace.

Indeed, Derrick’s career underscores a steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence in the fire safety industry, underpinned by a fervent passion for saving lives and safeguarding property.

On the podcast, Derrick references several areas, among them the Solihull Community Housing project and how manufacturers can adapt to meet regulatory changes.

Industry news

As always, Brian and Mark Sennett (the CEO of Western Business Media and the founder of Fire Safety Matters magazine) analyse several major industry news stories.

This time around, there’s a focus on the Building Safety Regulator becoming the Building Control Authority for England, London Mayor Sadiq Khan calling for urgent action on impending fire safety rules, the results of a recent fire door survey conducted by the British Woodworking Federation’s Fire Door Alliance and insurer Aviva determining to expand its own underwriting appetite in order to include engineered timber.

Listen to the Fire Safety Matters Podcast

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*If there are any specific subjects you would like to see featured in an upcoming Fire Safety Matters Podcast please do contact us. You can do so on Twitter by using the hashtag #FSMPodcast. Alternatively, send an e-mail direct to bsims@westernbusiness.media