Organised in conjunction with Western Business Media’s B2B magazines Fire Safety Matters and Security Matters and supported by sister titles Professional Security Installer and Benchmark, this year’s Fire and Security Matters Awards received over 420 entries and achieved a record crowd of more than 850 guests. The evening was brilliantly hosted by celebrated comedian, actress and presenter Katherine Ryan.

The Headline Sponsor for the event was BAFE. Fire and Security Matters Awards sponsors in 2026 included ADI, Advanced, Apollo Fire Detectors, the Association of Security Consultants, C-TEC, Dahua Technology, EMS, FFE, the Fire Protection Association, The Fire Safety Event, Gerda, HID, Hikvision, Hyfire, Johnson Controls, Kentec, Suprema, The Security Event, Videcon and Vox Ignis.

Industry supporters included ASIS UK, the Fire Industry Association, FireQual, the International Foundation for Protection Officers, the Institute of Fire Safety Managers, the Institute of Strategic Risk Management, the National Security Inspectorate, the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board and The Security Institute.

The 2026 winners

Here are the details of all of this year’s award winners:

Fire Categories

Fire Safety Manager of the Year (Sponsored by Fire Safety Matters)

*Winner: Alec Purdie TIFireE (Quelfire)

*Highly Commended: Kevin O’Neill (AESG)

*Commended: Gary Turnbull MIFSM FSICert (RiskFire)

Fire Safety Team of the Year (Sponsored by EMS)

*Winner: Galliford Try Asset Intelligence (NHS Hospitals Fire Alarm Upgrades Team)

*Highly Commended: Securitas Security Services UK (Fire Safety Team)

*Commended: Legionella and Fire Safe Services (Fire Safety Team)

Fire Safety Project of the Year (Sponsored by FFE)

*Winner: Global HSE Group (Post-Fire Residential Remediation Programme)

*Highly Commended: Bandweaver (Turin Metro Fibre Optic Linear Heat Detection Upgrade)

*Commended: AJS (Fire Safety Upgrades for the Raven Housing Trust)

*Commended: Call Systems Technology (Enhancing MoD Security with Encrypted Fire Signalling)

Fire Safety Manufacturer of the Year (Sponsored by the Fire Protection Association)

*Winner: Eurotech Fire Systems

*Highly Commended: Aico

*Commended: Advanced

*Commended: Vox Ignis

Fire Safety Installation Company of the Year (Sponsored by Apollo Fire Detectors)

*Winner: Galliford Try Asset Intelligence

*Highly Commended: Global HSE Group

*Commended: Aylesbury Fire Systems

Fire Innovation of the Year (Sponsored by The Fire Safety Event)

*Winner: Ajax Systems (EN 54 Line)

*Highly Commended: Gerda Security Products (AlertAssure)

*Commended: C-TEC (FastConvert)

Fire Industry Woman of the Year (Sponsored by the Women in Fire Safety Awards)

*Winner: Coral Morgan (Saint-Gobain)

*Highly Commended: Sally Evans (Bennett Associates)

*Commended: Mabel Higgins (MH Fire Safety)

Fire Safety Consultancy of the Year (Sponsored by Gerda Security Products)

*Winner: Judicium Education

*Highly Commended: FCS-Live

*Commended: C. S. Todd & Associates

Fire Safety Training Company of the Year (Sponsored by Advanced)

*Winner: Aico

*Highly Commended: C. S. Todd & Associates

*Commended: Elevation Fire Training (Elevation Fire and Security Training Academy)

Security Categories

Security/Risk Manager of the Year (Sponsored by the Institute of Strategic Risk Management)

*Winner: James Bradley (Mitie)

*Highly Commended: Ross Harvey (Rockfort Security Consultants)

*Commended: Darren Barber (Kettering General Hospital)

Security Team of the Year (Sponsored by Suprema Systems UK)

*Winner: The Portmarnock Group (The Portmarnock Group Management Team)

*Highly Commended: Cundall (Cundall Security Consultancy)

*Commended: Westgrove Group (Touchwood Shopping Centre Security Team)

Security Project of the Year (Sponsored by the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board)

*Winner: SecuriGroup (SecuriGroup and the Royal Albert Hall Grand Sumo Tournament Delivery Project)

*Highly Commended: Genetec (Strengthening Urban Safety Project for the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham)

*Commended: i-PRO and North (Strengthening Public Space Protection across the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham)

Security Manufacturer of the Year (Sponsored by Security Matters)

*Winner: Pyronix

*Highly Commended: Reconeyez UK

*Commended: Dahua Technology

*Commended: Hikvision UK and Ireland

Security Installation Company of the Year (Sponsored by Hikvision)

*Winner: SecuriGroup Systems

*Highly Commended: Galliford Try Asset Intelligence

*Commended: Lodge Security (Technical)

Security Innovation of the Year (Sponsored by The Security Event)

*Winner: Suprema Systems UK (BioStar Air)

*Highly Commended: CSL (DualCom Pro 4)

*Highly Commended: Hikvision (Guanlan AI)

*Commended: Ajax Systems (HL Cameras)

Security Industry Woman of the Year (Sponsored by the Women in Fire Safety Awards)

*Winner: Vicki Hearn (SAFECROWDS Group)

*Highly Commended: Derren Fitton (H&A Protection Services)

*Commended: Francesca Boeris (Comelit-PAC)

Security Consultancy of the Year (Sponsored by the Association of Security Consultants)

*Winner: Cundall

*Highly Commended: Alliance Consulting

*Commended: Rockfort Security Consultants

Security Training Company of the Year (Sponsored by Ignite CPD)

*Winner: Invictus Professional Training

*Highly Commended: Mercury Training Services

*Commended: Nu-ology Training

Security Guarding Company of the Year (Sponsored by the National Security Inspectorate)

*Winner: Corps Security

*Highly Commended: SmartSec Solutions

*Commended: SecuriGroup

Joint Categories

Commercial Person of the Year (Sponsored by Benchmark)

*Winner: Jon East (Elmdene International)

*Highly Commended: Derrick Hall (Kentec)

*Commended: Kyle Millward (Xact Consultancy and Training)

Customer Service Award (Sponsored by Professional Security Installer)

*Winner: Aico

*Highly Commended: Eurotech Fire Systems

*Highly Commended: Johnson Controls

*Commended: Orisec

*Commended: Paxton

Unsung Hero Award (Sponsored by Vox Ignis)

*Winner: Paul Meyerhoff (Mitie)

*Highly Commended: Ben Jaggers (Westgrove Group)

*Commended: Eren Bessim (Safer Business Network)

Rising Star Award (Sponsored by Johnson Controls)

*Winner: Michael Warner (Herongrange)

*Highly Commended: Jemma Barton (Westgrove Group)

*Commended: Hayley Clay (Quelfire)

ESG Company of the Year (Sponsored by Videcon)

*Winner: Apollo Fire Detectors

*Highly Commended: Corps Security

*Commended: SGD Fire Protection

Distributor of the Year (Sponsored by C-TEC)

*Winner: FireSealsDirect

*Highly Commended: LGM Products

*Commended: Videcon

Lifetime Achievement Award (Sponsored by Dahua Technology)

*Matthew Holliday (Director of Technical Services and Field Operations, National Security Inspectorate)

In the past few months, we’ve seen fires at Brooklands Primary in Ipswich, Ledbury Primary School, King Edward VI Community College in Totnes and the Bower Park Gymnastics Centre in Collier Row, Essex.

One detail is worth pausing on. Brooklands Primary was fortunate: the fire took hold at the start of the Easter holiday, when the building stood empty and there was no immediate scramble to find somewhere for several hundred children to learn the next morning. Move that fire forward or back by even one week and the narrative looks very different.

Further along the spectrum sits the Promise School in Okehampton, a school for children with special educational needs that was destroyed by fire in February. Pupils returned to face-to-face teaching in mid-March, spread across three different sites, while a permanent rebuild is planned.

This is the pattern to which we keep returning. A fire doesn’t need to destroy an entire school to force it to close. A blaze in a roof void, an attached gymnasium or a temporary classroom next to the main site can still mean days or even one week or more of disruption to education while damage is assessed and the site made safe. If the fire takes hold within the main school building that disruption to education can be prolonged.

Not encouraging

The latest Risk Protection Arrangement provisioning report, which covers claims data to December last year, gives us seven years of evidence on this. Across that period, the average reported fire claim has run at around £450,000, although the figure swings wildly from year to year (from as little as £70,000 to over £800,000 depending on the severity of incidents reported).

Early figures for the current academic year 2025-2026 are not encouraging either, with claims reported so far already averaging close to £1 million each, albeit on a small number of incidents and likely to move as they develop.

These are significant sums, but they only capture what can be valued in pounds and pence: buildings, contents and IT equipment. What the report cannot capture is the cost to pupils whose lessons are interrupted, to the teachers managing logistics on top of an already full workload and to the families and communities waiting for things to feel normal again.

Lifetime earnings

We know from the Department for Education’s own research that each lost day of education can strip around £750 from a pupil’s lifetime earnings. Multiply that across a school of several hundred children and even a short closure period starts to look like a six-figure impact before a single brick has been touched.

With fewer than one-in-ten new schools built with a sprinkler system installed, serious questions must be asked about whether enough is being done to protect educational buildings.

We’re not suggesting every fire warrants a full rebuild, but the recurring shape of these stories (ie fire breaks out, school closes, pupils and staff scramble for suitable premises) suggests we still haven’t found a way in which to value continuity of education as highly as we value the building itself.

Tom Roche is Secretary of the Business Sprinkler Alliance (www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org)

Sponsored by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and FIRE AID, the convoy was delivered through a co-ordinated national partnership involving National Resilience, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), UK International Search and Rescue and Fire and Rescue Services from across England and Wales.

This latest convoy has delivered 21 fire vehicles (including 17 fire engines) and more than 2,300 pieces of essential firefighting equipment, helping to replace critical resources lost during the conflict with Russia. It brings the total UK contribution since 2022 to 169 vehicles and more than 220,000 pieces of equipment.

Previous donations from UK Fire and Rescue Services are realising a significant impact on the ground, with vehicles provided through earlier convoys responding to more than 6,000 incidents, and over 2,500 Ukrainian firefighters equipped with fully operational PPE and breathing apparatus.

Ukraine’s Fire and Rescue Service continues to face immense challenges. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, 481 fire stations have been destroyed, with a further 106 located in occupied territories, and 1,792 fire vehicles lost. Since the full‑scale invasion began, 122 firefighters have been killed and 629 of them injured, with three still in captivity.

Despite these losses, Ukrainian firefighters continue to operate on the front line, in turn saving lives, protecting infrastructure and responding to emergencies while under constant threat.

Volunteer involvement

The convoy was made up of approximately 80 volunteers from across the UK’s Fire and Rescue Service community giving their time to prepare and deliver the appliances and equipment.

Participating Fire and Rescue Services include Derbyshire, Essex, Hampshire, Hereford and Worcester, Kent, Lancashire, London, Merseyside, Mid and West Wales, North Wales, North Yorkshire, South Wales, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Surrey, West Midlands and West Yorkshire.

NFCC chair Phil Garrigan said: “The UK’s Fire and Rescue Service community remains unwavering in its support for colleagues in Ukraine. Four years on from the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian firefighters continue to operate in the most challenging and dangerous conditions imaginable.”

Garrigan continued: “This ninth convoy demonstrates the enduring commitment of the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian counterparts. The equipment being donated will help to replace vital resources lost during the conflict and ensure firefighters can continue their life-saving work.”

Further, Garrigan noted: “This is about firefighters supporting firefighters. It’s a powerful example of the friendship that transcends borders. We must always recognise the challenges our Ukrainian colleagues face and continue to play our part in supporting them.”

Extraordinary solidarity

FIRE AID’s Ukraine lead Oksana Romanukha commented: “We are once again witnessing the extraordinary solidarity of communities right across the UK with Ukraine. These vehicles and equipment are lifelines, helping to save lives, protect firefighters and strengthen the resilience of communities under constant threat.”

Romanukha added: “We are deeply grateful to everyone across the Fire and Rescue Services community, and all those involved, who have made this collective effort possible.”

Samantha Dixon (Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy) explained: “Ukraine has faced unimaginable suffering and we remain unwavering in our support for the nation. This convoy is delivering the critical equipment needed to help Ukraine’s Fire and Rescue Service save lives, respond to attacks and protect communities.”

Dixon went on to state: “I’m immensely proud of the brave volunteers from across our Fire and Rescue Services, as well as all the organisations which have played a role in mobilising these vital assets. They’re making sure that vital support reaches those who need it the most.”

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

Highlights to 28 June 2026 (12-week rolling period)

Across all categories including internal refurbishment (Category A/B work), 368 Gateway 2 decisions were made by the BSR in the 12 weeks to 28 June, with a 77% approval rate (284 cases). 57% of all decisions across all categories related to London cases.

Operational improvements to achieve the BSR’s External Remediation Improvement Plan’s aim of reducing average decision times have seen approval rates in this rolling 12-week period rise to 85%. This is considerably higher than 2026’s end of year minimum 65% target.

A Remediation Toolkit has also been published to help duty holders navigate the Building Control process, understand regulatory expectations and access other practical resources.

89% of new-build decisions (25 out of 28) in the last 12 weeks were approvals. London witnessed a 91% approval rate for its 20 case decisions. This reflects continued additional work and engagement with applicants to enable the delivery of safe homes.

For new higher-risk buildings and conversions, decisions over the last 12 weeks resulted in approvals representing 6,544 residential units. There are currently 138 new-build and conversion applications in progress, representing a total of 30,393 units.

277 Gateway 3 applications have been received by the BSR to date. This doesn’t yet include a standard new-build or conversion application that has passed through Gateway 2. Of these, 221 are for Category A/B refurbishments. 124 applications have already been determined with an approval rate of 86% and a median determination time of 16 weeks.

Improvements to data set

Based on feedback from stakeholders and industry, this month’s data set updates Gateway 2 performance, including specific London data as in earlier releases. It also introduces new overview and detailed slides for internal refurbishment and regional applications.

Additionally, the data features a breakdown of the BSR resourcing alongside early performance indicators for Gateway 3.

Gateway approvals stand at 77%

Across all categories, 368 Gateway 2 decisions were made in the 12 weeks to 28 June 2026, with a 77% approval rate. 57% of all decisions across all Gateway 2 categories related to London cases.

For new-build and conversion projects specifically, approvals over the last 12 weeks represent 6,544 residential units.

For the first time, internal refurbishment works have been separated into their own category. Data shows that these works make up the majority of the BSR’s current live caseload.

Currently, 63% of all live cases (952 out of 1,504) are for HRB internal works. These applications have a 73% approval rate with a median determination time of 28 weeks.

Recent statistics issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government showed the higher number of starts in 2025 Q4 and 2026 Q1 was in part due to BSR reporting 7,089 total starts in 2025 Q4 and 6,276 total starts in 2026 Q1.

External remediation rates

Operational improvements and intensive work to improve quality of applications has seen approval rates rise to 85% over the last 12 weeks.

This is well above the minimum 65% end of year target for 2026. 85 decisions were made, with approvals for 4,998 units over the last 12 weeks.

Following on from the External Remediation Improvement Plan’s introduction in April, 14 legacy 2024 applications now remain from 42 at the start of 2026. BSR teams are working closely with applicants to resolve outstanding issues such that these projects can be approved as soon as possible.

The median approval time remained at 35 weeks following decisions on older applications in the system for some time. However, recently submitted applications have a much quicker approval time reflecting better quality applications and improved processes. There are currently 30,962 units in 342 live cases.

As stated, a Remediation Toolkit has been published to help duty holders navigate the process, understand regulatory expectations and access other practical resources. This followed external remediation-driven guidance being published alongside April’s plan.

Further resources and support will be introduced this year as the BSR continues to work closely with the sector to help applicants improve the quality of their applications.

New-build approvals rise

New-build applications continued to move through the BSR’s Innovation Unit, with the latter making 25 new-build approvals out of 28 decisions (89%) during the last 12 weeks. 20 of those decisions were in London.

Approvals in London marginally outperformed the national rate over the last 12 weeks at 91%, reflecting ongoing work to support and resolve outstanding complex cases.

Close working with industry on consistency to reduce the number of complex cases in the system is continuing. The BSR is currently managing 138 new-build and conversion applications, representing a total of 30,393 units.

Majority of Gateway decisions

Decisions across the capital continue to be the majority of new-build projects, with 20 of the 28 decisions made in the last 12 weeks for 3,559 units.

Currently, 59% of all in progress new-build applications are in London, representing 55% of the overall residential units the BSR is handling. The BSR is progressing 89 new-build and HRB conversion projects in London, representing 17,010 units.

For remediation, approval rates in the capital have already exceeded the minimum 65% target for 2026 with a rate of 86% that’s above the national rate (which stands at 85%).

Early Gateway 3 performance indicators emerge

While no new-build projects have reached Gateway 3 as yet, a sizeable number of internal refurbishment projects have already completed Gateway 2 and entered the Gateway 3 process.

The BSR has received 277 Gateway 3 applications to date, 221 of which are for Category A/B refurbishments. Of these, 124 applications have already been determined, with an approval rate of 86% and a median determination time of 16 weeks. The fastest approval to date was eight weeks.

The BSR is “fully aware” of the importance of Gateway 3 and working with applicants to solve issues, duly moving towards approvals rather than rejections. This is currently being reflected in the high approval rates.

Scaling resources to meet demand

In order to manage the 1,505 Gateway 2 applications in the system, the BSR has deployed a significant mix of internal and external expertise.

Currently, 152 internal staff members are involved, supported by 493 external specialists from partner organisations (including 222 registered building inspectors and 125 structural engineers).

Sixty-four of these external experts have been fully integrated into the BSR’s Innovation Unit and External Remediation teams.

The BRS is actively recruiting internal regulatory team members over the next six-to-12 months and also growing its integrated resource teams to meet demand and reduce determination times.

Focus on remediation

Charlie Pugsley, acting CEO of the BSR, said: “We continue to see positive improvements in the numbers of approvals for existing building remediation cases and new-build projects, as well as significantly faster decision times for newer applications.”

Pugsley continued: “Ongoing improvements following our External Remediation Improvement Plan are also being seen, with existing building approval rates at 85% over the last 12 weeks. That’s already above our minimum 65% target for the year.”

Further, Pugsley observed: “Support for applicants is also being made available with updated guidance, as well as a new Remediation Toolkit that brings together practical advice to help applicants understand the process and submit higher-quality applications.”

In addition, Pugsley explained: “We recognise that many more people living in other unremediated buildings still want them to be fixed safely and quickly. We will continue to work to accelerate our assessments, decisions and approvals and resource our teams to improve consistency. Doing so will ensure industry can make existing and new buildings safe so that thousands of residents see the essential safety improvements they deserve. We also continue to be committed to ensuring accelerated decision-making for any HRB, either new or existing, will never come at the cost of building safety.”

*Transparency Data – Building Safety Regulator Building Control Approval Application Data: April to June 2026

The landlord pleaded guilty to the offences under the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 following an investigation conducted by the City of Lincoln Council’s Housing Standards and Enforcement team.

The case began subsequent to tenants raising concerns about conditions at the property. Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue identified immediate fire safety risks during a visit to the premises in January last year.

Following on from that visit, the City of Lincoln Council carried out inspections and identified multiple serious hazards, including fire safety failures, electrical risks, damp and disrepair. Due to the imminent risk of serious harm posed to occupants, the City of Lincoln Council served an Emergency Prohibition Order on the property.

Court proceedings

During proceedings at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court, those present heard that tenants had been living in conditions that posed significant risks to their Health and Safety.

At a sentencing hearing on 12 June, Sharma was fined the aforementioned £4,000 and also ordered to pay £2,000 towards the City of Lincoln Council’s costs. A Lincoln Magistrates’ Court surcharge of £800 was also imposed.

In a related matter, a second individual acting on behalf of the landlord accepted a simple caution in relation to an offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

Protecting tenants

Councillor Donald Nannestad, portfolio holder for quality housing at City of Lincoln Council, said: “Everyone deserves to live in a safe, secure and well-maintained home. This case demonstrates our commitment to protecting tenants and taking action against landlords who fail to meet their legal responsibilities.”

Nannestad continued: “The conditions identified at this property presented serious risks to the Health and Safety of the people living there. We welcome the decision reached at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court and hope it sends a clear message that poor housing management and breaches of housing regulations will not be tolerated.”

Further, Nannestad said: “Our Housing Standards and Enforcement team will continue to investigate complaints and take robust enforcement action where necessary to improve housing standards across the city and protect residents.”

*Further information is available online at www.lincoln.gov.uk

Subsequent to the research findings, TPI is now calling for the Government’s Remediation Bill to include stronger compulsion measures that then force developers who’ve signed up to the Responsible Actors Scheme to act.

At the current rate of progress, TPI estimates that it could take around ten years for all developer-pledged buildings to have started remediation works on-site.

In 2022, 53 housebuilders signed Government‑led pledges accepting responsibility for fixing life‑critical defects in 2,604 buildings they developed. Four years on, many of those schemes remain stuck in assessment or scoping, with little sign of acceleration. The latest Government figures suggest that more than 1,300 buildings have yet to make a meaningful start on remediation, leaving residents in nearly 80,000 homes in unsafe buildings.

Across 511 buildings with identified cladding remediation needs, as collated by TPI from its members and which includes buildings covered by both Government-funded schemes and pledged developer, just 24% of them are in active delivery, with 13.5% complete and 11% currently on-site. Around half (48%, in fact) of buildings remain stalled in early stages. That’s up from a figure of 32% last year.

Research methodology

As stated, the thorough research analysed Government-funded (117) and developer-pledged (394) remediation scheme projects. Data was collected and compared across three time points spanning the past 12 months to assess the rate of progress.

The estimate of ten years to reach full developer-pledged completion is based on the observed rate of approximately 32 buildings per year progressing to on-site or completed status as applied to the current pipeline of approximately 316 stalled or early-stage developer-pledged buildings.

The findings follow on from the King’s Speech in Parliament. This confirmed that a Remediation Bill will be brought forward in the next Parliamentary session. As a result of the findings, TPI is calling on the Government to use the legislation to introduce a backstop: a legal enforcement mechanism that automatically kicks-in if a developer fails to meet a remediation deadline. As things stand, this only applies to landlords and not developers.

The Remediation Bill will be introduced to close long‑standing gaps in the post‑Grenfell regime and speed up work across thousands of unsafe buildings. Government estimates suggest between 9,000 and 12,000 residential blocks over 11 metres tall contain serious defects, with many still awaiting full assessment. TPI is therefore calling for the scope of the Bill to also cover internal safety defects as well as external cladding.

Faster progress

More promisingly, Government-funded schemes recorded by TPI (totalling 117 projects) are making considerably faster progress:

*40% of Government-funded projects are on-site or in the completion stages compared to just 19% of developer-pledged projects

*26% of Government-funded remediation projects are now complete, which is up from 13% when compared to the previous year

*Only 14% of Government-funded projects remain at the early stages, down sharply from 41% last year and signalling momentum

Developer-pledged schemes (394 projects have been assessed as part of TPI’s research) tell a very different story:

*58% of developer-pledged projects remain at the early stages (ie application or scoping), a proportion that has barely shifted across three data sets over the past 12 months

*Only 10% of developer-pledged buildings are complete compared to 26% of Government-funded projects

*Just 10% of developer-pledged projects have commenced on-site, which is up from 6% last year, but still far behind Government-funded counterparts

“Genuinely alarming”

Andrew Bulmer, CEO at TPI, said: “This data is genuinely alarming. Thousands of people across the country are living in unsafe buildings, often unable to sell their homes, having faced nearly a decade’s worth of uncertainty since the Grenfell Tower tragedy.”

Bulmer continued: “The fact that the current remediation progress is so slow, and with no end in sight, is a national scandal. The goal for the Government and everyone involved in the housing sector should be to make these homes safe as soon as possible.”

In conclusion, Bulmer noted: “The Government’s Remediation Bill is an opportunity to give developers a legally binding backstop that reassures residents every step legally possible is being explored and taken to make their homes safe. Pledged developers need a hard deadline to ensure there are no more unnecessary delays.”

Professional body

TPI is the leading professional body for the residential property management profession, representing around 7,500 property managers and more than 380 managing agent and factoring firms across England, Scotland and Wales.

The Institute is wholly dedicated to advancing industry practices and actively supports its members to continually improve building management standards, ensuring people’s homes are managed competently, safely and ethically.

This is achieved through the delivery of a wide range of Ofqual-accredited qualifications, training courses and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) alongside compliance reviews for Company Members in England and Wales delivered against the Consumer Charter and Standards, as well as the provision of comprehensive guidance and support to the profession at large.

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

Integration of the new Euralarm event into the VdS-FireSafety Cologne gathering will bring clear incremental value, creating a “unique European platform” to examine both current developments and the future direction of electronic fire detection systems.

The inaugural edition will be held under the theme: ‘Fire Safety in a Changing World and the Changing World of Fire Safety – From Reaction to Prediction: the Next Paradigm of Electronic Fire Safety’. Conference will examine the pipeline of developments and technologies designed to support the earlier detection and reduction of nuisance alarms.

New challenges and opportunities

As fire risks evolve and digital technologies continue to transform the built environment, fire detection systems are facing new challenges and opportunities. Advances in connectivity, Artificial Intelligence, sensor fusion, sustainability and predictive maintenance are reshaping the role of fire detection within modern fire safety strategies. At the same time, changing regulations, new building technologies and emerging risks (such as lithium-ion battery fires) require fresh approaches and closer co-operation across the sector.

The European Fire Detection Forum offers a dedicated platform for manufacturers, installers, system integrators, fire safety professionals, regulators, insurers and policymakers alike to discuss these developments and explore the future direction of the industry.

Conference will feature keynote presentations, expert discussion panels and technical sessions covering topics such as:

*emerging and future fire detection technologies and solutions

*Artificial Intelligence and sensor fusion

*reducing false alarms and improving system reliability

*sustainability in fire detection

*early detection of lithium-ion battery incidents

*digitalisation and remote services

*the future regulatory and standards framework for fire detection in Europe

Profound transformation

Peter Mita, president of Euralarm, explained: “Fire safety is entering a period of profound transformation. New technologies are creating opportunities to detect fires earlier, reduce unwanted alarms and improve building safety. At the same time, society faces new risks and increasing expectations regarding sustainability and digitalisation.”

Mita continued: “With the European Fire Detection Forum, Euralarm is creating a platform where industry experts, regulators and end users can discuss these developments and help shape the future of fire safety in Europe.”

Ingeborg Schlosser, divisional director of VdS (organiser of VdS-FireSafety Cologne), added: “The co-operation with VdS-FireSafety Cologne reflects a shared commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and supporting innovation throughout the fire safety community. By combining the European perspective of Euralarm with the strong market presence and reputation of VdS, the event aims to become a leading forum for discussing the future of fire detection technologies and their role in protecting people, property and the environment.”

During the breaks and on 3 December, conference delegates can visit the international trade fair. The latter features circa 200 exhibitors. There will be plenty of opportunities for networking with participants of the other VdS expert conferences.

*Further information on the conference programme, speakers and registration will be available online at www.vds.de/ft-bmaint

Running from 21-28 June, the campaign is shining a spotlight on women working across the fire engineering profession, recognising the expertise, leadership and innovation they bring to the sector and, indeed, the vital role they play in creating a safer built environment.

Throughout the week, the IFE is sharing stories from female members representing a range of countries, career stages and professional specialisms. These member spotlights highlight precisely how women are helping to advance fire safety and drive professional standards.

The campaign also explores how IFE membership has supported the professional development of female fire engineers, providing opportunities to connect with peers, access learning and development resources, gain professional recognition and contribute to the wider fire safety community.

Supporting greater diversity

As a global professional membership body representing upwards of 15,000 members, the IFE is committed to supporting greater diversity across the fire sector.

The campaign features women from across the UK, Australia, the United States of America and South Africa, showcasing the breadth of talent and expertise that exists throughout the global fire engineering community.

By celebrating the work of female fire engineers across its global membership, the IFE is highlighting the expertise that strengthens fire safety today and inspiring the women who will shape the sector tomorrow.

Networking Group

Professionals can also join the IFE’s Women’s Networking Group, which provides a supportive community for women across the fire sector, creating opportunities to connect, share experiences, develop professionally and inspire the next generation of fire engineers.

Follow the IFE on LinkedIn to view the #INWED2026 campaign and learn more about the women helping to drive progress across the fire engineering profession.

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

The teams have undergone intense training, upskilling in the latest strategies like tactical burning, and travelling to South Africa and Poland to learn from the international community.

In the wake of devastating wildfires last year, which included widespread damage across the North York Moors National Park, the Government’s announcement will provide crucial protection to safeguard precious countryside and communities.  

State-of-the-art kit, including dedicated off-road vehicles, will also be made available through a wider £97 million investment to fund the largest scale upgrade of national resilience assets in almost two decades.

Backing the front line

Building Safety Minister Samantha Dixon stated: “This country benefits from a dedicated Fire and Rescue Service operation and, as incidents continue to evolve in complexity, it’s critical that we back those on the front line with the latest equipment.”  

Dixon continued: “Last year witnessed some of the most devastating wildfires in our recent history and, as we head into peak season, we’re delivering the resource, training and assets needed to minimise the escalating risk.”

The Fire National Resilience Programme was established after the 9/11 terrorist attack, recognising that specialist capabilities, personnel and resources were needed to enable Fire and Rescue Services to respond effectively to a national-scale catastrophic incident.

The significant cash boost from Westminster will ensure the dedication of the Fire and Rescue Services is matched with the most up-to-date assets, funding a huge overhaul of existing vehicles and equipment. 

Crucially, this will serve to strengthen the country’s national response to the largest and most complex of incidents: from flash flooding to raging wildfires and collapsed structures.

Specialist capabilities

These specialist capabilities were used over 1,000 times in 2025 alone to tackle a diverse range of incidents, with devastating wildfires identified as a growing demand placed upon Fire and Rescue Services.

The wildfire teams will be located strategically and hosted by Fire and Rescue Services in Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Northumberland, London and South Wales AND deployable to incidents across England by the end of June.

The sentencing follows a four-year investigation by the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service into fire safety failings at Latitude 52 in Albert Road, Plymouth. The sentencing took place at Plymouth Crown Court (pictured) on 22 June.

The failings were identified during a fire safety inspection carried out in 2021 as part of a programme of checks on high-rise residential buildings following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Inspectors identified that the building also had a combustible external wall system.

During the inspection process, fire safety inspectors found a number of serious defects, including the removal of smoke control fans and unauthorised building works that created a risk of fire spreading within the building.

Smoke control fans located on the ground floor had been removed by Stephen Phillips to create space for the construction of a two-bedroom flat. The smoke control system was a critical fire safety measure designed to clear smoke from the central atrium in the event of a fire, enabling residents to evacuate safely. By removing the fans, Phillips placed residents at risk of death or serious injury.

Although the fans had been removed, vents, alarms and signage were left in place and a flat was constructed in areas where vital fire safety equipment had previously been located. This made the alterations more difficult to identify during routine fire safety inspections.

It was also established that, prior to their removal, the smoke control fans had not been subject to a suitable programme of maintenance, meaning that they could not be relied upon to operate effectively if required.

Further unauthorised alterations were made to flats owned by Phillips and to adjoining areas. The standard of fire-resisting construction was found to be inadequate, meaning that, in the event of a fire, flames and smoke could spread more easily and compromise one of the building’s escape staircases. The works required Building Control approval, which had not been obtained.

Resident management company

At the time of the offences, Phillips was a director of the Latitude 52 Management Company Limited, the resident management company established to oversee the building. He also owned several flats within the building and was the controlling mind of Lilian Owen Limited, the company that owns the premises.

Phillips admitted failing to have in place a suitable system of maintenance for a mechanical ventilation system, failing to maintain the integrity of emergency routes and failing to take general fire precautions. He was ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work and pay £34,758.06 towards costs.

Following the discovery of the failings, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service worked in partnership with Plymouth City Council, which led on fire safety concerns within individual flats. The Fire and Rescue Service focused its investigation on the safety of the building’s communal areas.

As an immediate risk reduction measure, the Fire and Rescue Service served three Prohibition Notices, including restrictions on the use of the lower-ground car parks and two flats. Given the potential impact on hundreds of residents who would otherwise have required emergency rehousing, the Fire and Rescue Service agreed that the building could remain occupied subject to additional safeguards. These safeguards included the introduction of fire wardens and a Waking Watch while permanent safety measures were developed and installed.

During the investigation, it emerged that Phillips had sought approval to remove the smoke control fans from Charles Morgan who, at the time, was a fire risk assessor for UK Fire Consulting Limited. Morgan produced a fire risk assessment that recommended the smoke control system could be removed.

Colin Todd MBE (managing director of consultancy C. S. Todd & Associates), an expert witness acting for the prosecution, stated that Morgan’s report “had failed to properly appreciate the complex nature of the premises and the special fire safety measures needed”.

Charles Morgan pleaded guilty to an offence under Article 9 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for failing to produce a suitable and sufficient assessment of the fire risks to which relevant persons were exposed. In mitigation, Morgan said he had been told by Phillips that the smoke control fans never worked and that he had planning permission and approval from the Fire and Rescue Service to remove the fans. He accepted that he could have done more to question Phillip’s word. Morgan was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and pay £34,000 towards costs.  

The cost of removing the smoke control fans was actually passed on to residents through service charges.

Guilty plea

Latitude 52 Management Company Limited also pleaded guilty to two offences under the Fire Safety Order: failing to make appropriate fire safety arrangements and failing to ensure that a suitable system of maintenance was in place for the smoke control fans.

The company accepted that it should not have allowed Phillips to exercise the level of control over fire safety arrangements that he did. The company was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £18,000 towards the costs.

Judge Mathew Turner said the removal of the mechanical ventilation system had been a “reckless act”.

Martin Sleigh, fire safety manager at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, explained: “The safety of people who live in, work in and visit Devon and Somerset is our absolute priority. The alterations made at Latitude 52 created an unacceptable risk and could have led to catastrophic consequences had a fire occurred. This case should serve as a clear warning to anyone responsible for the management of fire safety in buildings that their duties must be taken seriously, particularly when changes or alterations are being made.”

Sleigh continued: “Fire risk assessors and other professionals must operate within their competence and base their recommendations on thorough, independent assessment. Where we identify serious failings or a negligent disregard for fire safety, we will not hesitate to investigate and instigate enforcement action.”

Since the discovery of the fire safety deficiencies, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has continued to work in partnership with Plymouth City Council to secure improvements and ensure the safety of residents.  The building has now been fitted with new cladding. Works to replace the smoke control system and the installation of a sprinkler system are due to take place this year.