Sugarcrete, which has been developed from sugarcane by-product bagasse and sand-mineral binders, is designed as an alternative to traditional bricks and concrete blocks, offering a carbon footprint that’s around six times smaller than conventional clay brick, while also delivering high performance in use.

In recent full-scale fire testing conducted at the AFITI Laboratories in Spain, walls made from Sugarcrete were exposed to internal temperatures of 1,100°C inside the kiln chamber, while the external face remained at just 26°C. The trial ran for a full 240 minutes (ie four hours) with the material maintaining its integrity throughout.

Independent assessors confirmed Sugarcrete achieved an EI 240 rating (placing it among the highest-performing materials for sustained fire resistance) in line with EN 13501-2:2023, meaning that it successfully prevented fire penetration (E) and restricted heat transfer (I) for the duration of the test.

This performance outstrips standard clay brick and concrete block walls and matches specialist fire partition systems used in the highest-risk environments.

The result means Sugarcrete, developed by researchers at UEL’s Sustainability Research Institute (SRI), is now a viable option for safety-critical uses, including industrial fire walls, protected escape routes, Data Centres and petrochemical environments.

Already recognised for its sustainability credentials, Sugarcrete offers the construction sector a route to reduce embodied carbon without compromising safety or durability. These latest findings show that the material can deliver uncompromising performance where it matters most.

Alan Chandler, co-creator of Sugarcrete and associate within the SRI at UEL, explained: “This is a defining moment. To hold back fire at over 1,000 degrees Centigrade for four hours proves Sugarcrete is not only sustainable, but also safe and resilient enough for the most demanding environments.”

*Further information is available online at www.uel.ac.uk

Given that IWMA director Robert Mostad (representing RISE Norway) will be moving on to new pastures, his colleague Kristian Hox will take over his position on the IWMA’s Board of Directors.

Commenting on this news, Kristian Hox observed: “I have always believed that the IWMA and its conferences play a significant role in advancing water mist technology. As a member of the Board of Directors, I will aim to position the IWMA as a driving force for innovation in the domain of water mist technology and elevate the latter’s global recognition as a sustainable solution for fire protection.”

Kristian Hox must be confirmed in office during the next IWMA member meeting, which will take place in October 2026. Voting right are on hold until that point.

Robert Mostad was elected as a member of the Board in 2023. The IWMA’s Board of Directors would like to thank Robert for his valuable input and contributions and wish him all the best for the future.

The 25^th International Water Mist Conference takes place at the Grand Hotel International in Prague on 7-8 October 2026.

*Further information is available online at www.iwma.net

Through major events, strategic partnerships and expanded member engagement, the FIA has continued to reinforce its position as a leading voice in fire safety worldwide. From Gibraltar to Helsinki and Singapore, the Trade Association’s work this year highlights not just the depth of UK expertise, but also the power of collaboration and shared purpose across borders.

Strengthening regional ties: FIA Fire Safety Summit Gibraltar

The year began with a milestone event: the first-ever FIA Fire Safety Summit Gibraltar, held on 15 May aboard the Sunborn Gibraltar Hotel. Bringing together fire safety professionals, regulators and industry leaders from across the region, the FIA Summit offered a full day of meaningful discussion, technical insight and collective ambition.

FIA CEO Ian Moore OBE opened the event by emphasising the Trade Association’s mission to raise competency standards, while strengthening both regional and international ties.

The seminar programme featured respected speakers including Colin Ramirez (Chief Fire Officer of the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service), Sir Ken Knight (former Chief Fire Adviser to the Government in England) and a number of senior experts who examined topics ranging from operational challenges to lessons learned from major incidents such as Grenfell, alongside updates on evolving European fire standards and new technological developments.

The exhibition element of the FIA Summit created an additional layer of engagement, with Aico, AJ Sheriff Electrical, Britannia Fire, C-TEC, The Fire Door Inspectors and Hyfire showcasing products and services that are helping to shape the future of fire protection.

The strong turnout and high level of interaction throughout the day ensured that the FIA Summit not only strengthened relationships within Gibraltar, but also laid the foundation for future FIA activity in the region.

Expanding influence in Northern Europe: FinnSec

As autumn approached, the FIA travelled to Finland for FinnSec 2025, which ran from 8-9 October at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. Widely recognised as Scandinavia’s leading trade fair for security and fire protection solutions, FinnSec offered an ideal platform for the FIA to engage with an exceptionally broad network of industry professionals across Northern Europe.

The FIA was joined by a strong group of member companies, among them C-TEC, Vimpex, Eurotech Fire Systems, Kidde Global Solutions, Patol, Protec Fire and Security Group, Coopers Fire and detectortesters, each showcasing of them showcasing high-quality fire safety products and technologies that position the UK as a global leader in the sector.

This was a ‘first’ for the FIA and its members, as the Trade Association committed to underwriting the cost of the stand space to allow multiple members to use the event as a platform to promote their products as a communal FIA Members stand.

Across two productive days, these companies helped to demonstrate the depth and diversity of the UK’s fire industry, attracting interest from manufacturers, innovators and decision-makers alike seeking cutting-edge fire protection solutions. The event’s wide-ranging exhibition (spanning fire protection, occupational safety, electronic security, data protection and risk management) reflected the rapid evolution of the safety and security landscape in the region.

For the FIA, FinnSec once again proved to be a valuable opportunity for strengthening relationships, sharing knowledge and highlighting the expertise that UK companies bring to international markets.

Showcasing UK innovation in Asia: The Fire Safety Event Asia

The FIA’s international programme concluded on a high note at The Fire Safety Event Asia 2025, held from 11-13 November at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre in Singapore.

For the show’s inaugural edition, the FIA proudly partnered with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) to co-host a UK Pavilion. This joint effort brought together four leading UK manufacturers (namely Vimpex, Patol, Coopers Fire and Eurotech Fire Systems) who showcased the strength and innovation of the UK’s fire sector to delegates and buyers from across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Chris Tilley (head of commercial at the FIA)  described the enthusiasm and quality of engagement at the event as “remarkable”, duly highlighting strong conversations with visitors from the APAC region and beyond, while also praising Nineteen Group for delivering an exceptional inaugural show.

This collaboration with the BSIA also reflects a broader strategic partnership that continues to benefit FIA members. In addition to the joint Pavilion in Singapore, the BSIA has successfully managed UK Pavilions at major events including Intersec Dubai and Intersec Saudi Arabia.

Supporting UK export growth

Alongside these international exhibitions, the FIA continued to strengthen its support for UK companies through the work of the Export Council, which plays a central role in helping FIA members to access overseas markets, develop strategic export capabilities and collaborate on shared trade objectives.

The Export Council’s work ties-in with the growing interest among members in international expansion. On that note, we would encourage any organisation looking to broaden its global reach to join the Export Council and take an active role in shaping the FIA’s international strategy.

Across all of this year’s international engagements, a consistent theme has emerged: the FIA’s commitment to raising standards, supporting competence and building meaningful partnerships across the world. Whether fostering dialogue in Gibraltar, engaging with innovators in Helsinki or opening new opportunities in Singapore, the Trade Association has worked tirelessly to ensure UK leadership in the fire domain remains visible and influential in what’s now a rapidly changing global industry.

As we look ahead to 2026, the FIA is poised to build on this momentum, expanding its international collaborations, supporting member exports and strengthening the global conversation around fire safety excellence.

This year has marked a clear step forward in the Trade Association’s global journey. We look forward to continuing that progress together with our members, partners and international colleagues in 2026.

Helen Whittington is Head of Marketing at the Fire Industry Association (www.fia.uk.com)

End-Point Assessment (EPA) is the final stage of an apprenticeship and tests the knowledge, skills and behaviours that an apprentice has gained during their period of training.

Since 2019, SFJ Awards has assessed thousands of apprentices in the Emergency Services and protective services arena, with the organisation completing its 3,000^th Operational Firefighter End-Point Assessment earlier this year.

The not-for-profit Awarding Organisation scooped the award having been praised highly by an expert panel of Judges for its customer-first approach and the support offered to those working in the Emergency Services sector by offering a 24/7 assessment service, in turn making the crucial last stage of an apprentice’s journey a positive one.

Skills and competencies

Commenting on the award win, Kit Salt (director of partnerships and innovation at SFJ Awards) informed Fire Safety Matters: “We’re delighted to receive this prestigious award. Our small, but hugely dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that apprentice firefighters, Police Community Support Officers, Emergency Services contact handlers and more are equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to keep members of the public safe.”

Salt continued: “As an assessment organisation, we’ve helped to launch the careers of thousands of protective service workers. This is something about which we are incredibly proud. It’s great to see our hard work recognised publicly by our peers.”

Industry-leading excellence

Rob Nitsch, CEO at the Federation of Awarding Bodies, observed: “Huge congratulations to this year’s worthy winners. Their achievements exemplify industry-leading excellence. It has been inspiring to hear how the qualifications and assessment community continues to drive positive change and a privilege to celebrate its ongoing impact.”

*Further information is available online at www.sfjawards.com

Running from 1 December for 12 days, the campaign is sharing daily themed messages across digital platforms and community networks, highlighting common fire hazards and offering simple and actionable safety tips. From decorative lights and candles to cooking safety tips and night-time routines, each day focuses on a specific topic to help individuals and their families stay safe during the holiday season.

Why fire safety matters in the holidays

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it also brings increased fire risk with many new hazards. With more candles, tree lights and electrical gadgets in the home, the likelihood of domestic fires rises significantly.

Many of these incidents are preventable. The campaign aims to make fire safety easy, accessible and affordable. Fire crews everywhere are under more strain than ever during the holiday season. If there is anything that can be done to assist those crews, every opportunity should be taken to do so.

What to expect

Over the 12 days, the IFE is sharing helpful graphics and downloadable guidance that can be used at home or in the community. Each day’s theme provides practical steps to reduce risks, such as checking decorations, testing smoke alarms, planning escape routes and cooking safely.

All content is available on the IFE’s social media channels and website. It’s designed to be easy to follow and share. Industry professionals are invited to share the IFE’s LinkedIn posts with friends, family and colleagues.

Shared goal

The objective is clear: to educate the public, reduce fire incidents and ensure a safer holiday season for all. Whether you are a fire safety professional, an educator or a member of the public, participation can make a real difference.

Join the conversation by sharing your own safety tips or holiday set-ups using the hashtag #12DaysOfFireSafety. The IFE will release a free downloadable Fire-Safe Holidays Guide, bringing together all the tips in one handy resource.

*Further information is available online at www.ife.org.uk

Following a focused fire safety intervention, ONR inspectors identified that Bylor had failed to implement appropriate arrangements for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of preventive and protective measures.

Many of the Bylor buildings on the Somerset site are currently at an advanced stage of construction and these shortfalls resulted in inadequate general fire precautions, including the lack of an adequate emergency lighting system.

Bylor is a joint venture of Bouygues Travaux Publics and Laing O’Rourke, delivering Hinkley Point C’s main civil engineering works.

Ray Cassar, fire safety inspector for the ONR, said:  “Fire safety is fundamental to protecting workers and the public at nuclear construction sites. Our inspectors found that fire safety arrangements at the Hinkley Point C site did not meet the standards we require, particularly so given the scale and complexity of the ongoing construction work. We also took into account several similar findings from previous inspections.”

Cassar added: “We will work with Bylor JV to ensure that proper systems are put in place to manage fire risks effectively and prevent similar issues from arising in future."

The Enforcement Notice has been served under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

There were no consequences to employees, the public or the environment as a result of the shortfalls. However, the ONR identified the potential for harm and risk of serious injury, which required regulatory action.

The improvements must be completed by 30 June 2026. In the meantime, Bylor JV is expected to manage the risk profile accordingly.

The news marks a major step forward in ensuring consistent standards, professional recognition and accessibility for both fire risk assessors and building safety managers across the UK.

The NFRAR is purpose-designed to provide building safety professionals, duty holders and the broader community with the necessary confidence in selecting qualified fire risk assessors who meet today’s enhanced standards. Through this initiative, the IFSM continues to champion fire safety, competency and professional integrity across the industry.

The new website’s features include a redesigned and intuitive directory of registered fire risk assessors, enhanced customisation for individual profiles, digital membership cards with QR codes linking directly to each fire risk assessor’s verified online profile, downloadable certificates and access to the NFRAR’s logo.

Fee structure

At the Foundation level, the application fee is £45, with the annual fee set at the same cost. For the Intermediate level, the application fee is £750, the annual fee is £70 and the review fee (biennial) is £450. The application fee for the Advanced level is £400, while the annual fee is set at £80.

The full policy document is now available on the new website, along with detailed guidance on migration arrangements for existing registrants and instructions on how non-registrants can apply.

Registrants will need to update their password before logging into the new site, while any existing automatic/recurring subscription payments will no longer work.

Collaboration and Best Practice

The IFSM was formed in the mid-1990s to provide a dedicated platform for fire safety professionals to collaborate, share knowledge and promote Best Practice. Over the years, the Institute has grown into a globally recognised body, representing individuals and organisations alike who are committed to advancing fire safety and protecting lives and property.

The IFSM is a hub for education, training and professional development, offering members access to invaluable resources and networking opportunities. The organisation actively promotes competency and integrity within the fire safety profession, striving to raise industry standards and influence policy at both the national and international levels.

*Further information concerning the NFRAR is available online at www.nfrar.co.uk

FBU general secretary Steve Wright commented: “Like all public sector workers, firefighters have waited years for a Budget that starts to turn the page on austerity. Although there are steps in the right direction, significant gaps remain that must be addressed if our public services are to be rebuilt.”

Wright continued: “The increase in the statutory minimum wage is welcome and will help many low-paid workers. However, we had hoped to see more action to boost pay across the board, reflecting Labour Party Conference policy and the reality of the cost of living scenario.”

Further, Wright noted: “Without meaningful action on taxing extreme wealth, this Budget does not yet provide secure and long-term investment or break with austerity. The Fire and Rescue Service will continue to face huge pressure and the risk of further cuts, including fire station closures, cuts to firefighter numbers and continued real-terms pay cuts for firefighters.”

In conclusion, Wright observed: “As an affiliated Trade Union, we will continue to work with the Labour Government. Under my leadership, we will stand firm in pressing for the investment our Fire and Rescue Service urgently requires in order to keep our communities safe.”

Comment from the NFCC

Also responding to the Budget Statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) chair Phil Garrigan commented: “In a year of major Government spending decisions, the NFCC has been clear: Fire and Rescue must not become the forgotten Emergency Service. Recent announcements suggest we may see the first real-terms increase to fire funding in more than a decade, which is a welcome step forward, but it doesn’ reverse the long-term impact of years of cuts.”

Garrigan went on to state: “The Autumn Budget didn’t reference Fire and Rescue, but our focus remains unchanged. We will continue to highlight the need for sustained investment so that Fire and Rescue Services can meet rising demand. Fire and Rescue Services are attending significantly more incidents than they were ten years ago, despite a substantial fall in firefighter numbers and an ageing estate shaped by the loss of around £1 billion in capital funding.”

According to Garrigan, the announcement on funding reforms was an encouraging start. “We look forward to further clarity and continued progress. The risk landscape is evolving rapidly. Our Fire and Rescue Services are on the front line of climate-related emergencies, advancing energy technologies and an expanded regulatory role in building safety. We are ready to meet these challenges, but doing so requires modern and well-resourced services.”

In closing his observation, Garrigan said: “Fire and Rescue is the foundation of our national resilience. It’s essential that investment keeps pace with the demands we face.”

Funding front line response

Organisations including Greenpeace, Tax Justice UK, Friends of the Earth, Tipping Point UK and Global Justice Now have warned the Government that “the UK is dangerously under-prepared for the growing threat of wildfires, flooding and the wider impacts of the climate crisis”.

In a letter to the Chancellor and Environment Secretary Ed Miliband, the organisations jointly state: “We are asking you to make substantial and long-term investment in the UK’s Fire and Rescue Service.”

The Fire and Rescue Service has lost one-IN-five firefighter jobs since 2010. Meanwhile, this year was the worst year on record for wildfires, surpassing the record-breaking summer of 2022. Days with a ‘very high’ risk of wildfire are set to triple by 2050.

The letter cites the Holt Heath wildfire this summer. No fewer than 17 Fire and Rescue Services had to be called in from as far away as Merseyside, while many firefighters lacked specialist wildfire PPE.

The signatories to the letter are calling for:

*significant new central Government funding for the Fire and Rescue Service to ensure sufficient firefighters, emergency fire Control Room staff and specialist resources to meet wildfire and flooding risks

*a statutory duty for Fire and Rescue Services in England to respond to flooding, consistent with the arrangements that already exist in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales

*a UK-wide wildfire resilience strategy, developed with the FBU and other stakeholders, in order to ensure consistent standards for planning, training and response

New data shared with consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First by Biffa (the UK’s largest waste management company) reveals that more than 840,000 vapes were found at four of the latter’s waste sites (ie Teesside, Walsall, Ipswich and North London) between June and September this year. That’s an average of more than 7,000 every day.

The latest figures have resulted in a warning being issued by both organisations in relation to the horrors posed by ‘zombie batteries’ in vapes. Those batteries can explode in bin lorries and waste centre sites, putting workers at serious risk, damaging equipment, disrupting services and causing environmental harm.

Further statistics supplied to Electrical Safety First by Biffa show that ‘zombie batteries’ have so far caused more than 180 fires across the company’s UK estate since June alone.

New video footage of a recent incident shows a Biffa waste lorry emptying its smouldering contents on to the road as a fire caused by a battery erupts. Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries. If punctured, crushed or damaged, these batteries can initiate a process called thermal runaway, reaching dangerously high temperatures and causing ferocious fires.

Since the disposable vape ban came into force this summer, Biffa has seen an increase in all types of vapes across those four major sites, with almost 20,000 more vapes found at these sites in August and September when compared to June and July.

Experts warn that this sharp rise could lead to a frightening increase in fires, putting both workers and waste centre sites at risk.

Ferocious fires

Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, explained: “Incorrectly disposing of a vape in the general household waste or recycling can have very real and frightening consequences for waste collection workers who are just trying to do their job. Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries. If these batteries are thrown away incorrectly, they risk coming back to life in gruesome fashion by exploding and causing ferocious fires that put workers at risk.”

Capanna added: “Every individual household can help turn the tide on this issue one action at a time. We urge all households to stop and think. Don’t bin the battery.”

Luke Walter, the manager of Biffa’s Aldridge materials recovery facility in Walsall, experienced first-hand the devastation these fires can cause after an incorrectly disposed of vape with a lithium-ion battery exploded. The blaze put the site out of action for six months, landing Biffa with a repair and rebuild bill that ran into millions of pounds.

“The fire here in January was particularly devastating,” affirmed Walter. “The most important thing is that everyone went home safe and well but, understandably, the immediate concern was job security.”

Walter concluded: “The site is now fully operational again. While we remain extremely vigilant about fire risks, the danger will persist as long as batteries – lithium-ion or alkaline – hidden in small electrical devices such as vapes continue to be placed in general waste and recycling bins.”

*Further information is available online at www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

A lively panel session informed by new research from the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) debated the need for more targeted information about the Building Regulations, stronger enforcement and sector-specific training to overcome the barriers to compliance reported by the SMEs and micro-businesses that comprise 99% of the construction sector and its related professions.

Rachel Davidson (BESA’s director of specialist knowledge) informed the attendees at London’s Olympia that 88% of the industry’s professionals are aware of the Building Safety Act, but most SMEs find the legislation to be “overwhelming and daunting” and feel “left behind”. Davidson asserted: “This is critical because those companies are the lifeblood of the industry. There are also many people who still think the legislation only applies to higher-risk buildings.”

The BESA’s second annual survey of the sector’s response to the legislation also shows that many clients are carrying on with ‘business as usual’, meaning that they continue to prioritise cost and speed over safety. “A lot of this comes back to leadership and culture,” suggested Davidson. “78% of companies tell us that this is important to them, but fewer than half report having taken enough action.”

Enforcement of the legislation

Davidson stated that building engineering contractors are increasingly calling for clear and consistent enforcement of the legislation. “Unless there are consequences, clients will continue to think compliance is optional.”

Davidson added that the BESA is delivering more guidance to help firms see “what good looks like” in their sector. “It’s also important to reassure people that they don’t need to know or understand everything about the Building Safety Act. Rather, they should focus on the parts they can control and their specific roles and responsibilities.”

Fellow panellist Hannah Carpenter from the Building Safety Wiki said the communication challenge is enormous due to the size and diversity of a sector that employs 2.6 million individuals. Carpenter said the message would need to go beyond compliance to address behaviour and encourage people to take pride in their work.

“We need to be innovative about how we communicate and appeal to personal values because that’s going to be more effective than continually talking about regulation,” outlined Carpenter. “Making sure that 2.6 million people pull in the same direction is a huge challenge. We need to ask why we are doing this [which is] to keep people safe and make sure the Grenfell tragedy cannot happen again. That means talking about ‘purpose’. People should want to make a difference. This cannot be about ticking boxes.”

Carpenter called for greater use of “non-traditional communication routes” and partnering with organisations like His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, where there are strong connections to individuals and small construction businesses.

Signs of progress

According to Hertfordshire Building Control’s CEO Gary Cass, there were definite signs of progress at the top of companies, but imparting the message about improving behaviour and doing the right thing further down the work chain will take longer.

On planning, Cass said the new team running the Building Safety Regulator has already made rapid progress on reducing the backlog at Gateway 2 for higher-risk buildings with the average time for a submission now taking 17 weeks. The timescale was at a high of 38 weeks earlier this year.

Cass said the Building Safety Regulator had been “very honest” about its failings and was now moving in a more positive direction, but the success of its mission will rely on closer collaboration with the industry.

“The industry needs more education about the Building Regulations,” noted Cass. “People need to be looking at compliance and focus on what’s required in the regulations, not guidance. Building Control officers are regulators first and foremost, but industry practitioners used to rely on them to guide them through the process. Now, the industry needs to be educated [about how the new process works].”

Cass added that enforcement could be conducted “in a positive way” and should not just be about taking legal action. However, the number of Building Control officers has plummeted, leaving the industry with a serious resource problem, including a significant shortage of experienced building inspectors.

*Further information is available online at www.thebesa.com