Both whole-time and on-call firefighters are eligible for entry to the Ofqual-regulated qualification, with appraisal of learning outcomes primarily assessed in-role.

Cheshire is one of the 12 Fire and Rescue Services on the Steering Group supporting this project. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service ‘Watch’ manager Andy Houston said: “We are proud to have been involved in the development of this qualification, which is a significant step forward in ensuring firefighters have access to formal recognition of vocational skills and training.”

Houston added: “By providing a structured and standardised qualification, we will help to build a skilled workforce within our organisation and open new career progression opportunities for both our whole-time and on-call firefighters.”

Certificate mapping

David Higham, managing director at SFJ Awards, noted: “The objective of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to carry out the role of an operational firefighter whether they’re an on-call firefighter or whole-time firefighter.”

Higham added: “The certificate has been mapped to the operational firefighter apprenticeship standard and provides learners who are unable to complete the apprenticeship with the opportunity to receive recognition of the knowledge and skills gained through in-role learning and informal training.”

Higham concluded: “The SFJ Awards Level 3 Certificate for Operational Firefighting supports the standardisation and quality assurance of vocational training in the discipline of Fire and Rescue, while also providing learners with a recognised and transferable record of their achievement, which in turn will support their careers into the future.”

Platform for career progression

The SFJ Awards Level 3 Certificate for Operational Firefighting provides a platform for career progression and specialisation of whole-time firefighters in areas such as incident command, community safety, water rescue and breathing apparatus.

The qualification consists of four units and the total qualification time for the SFJ Awards Level 3 Certificate for Operational Firefighting is 200 hours.

*Further information is available online at www.sfjawards.com/qualifications/fire-and-rescue/certificate-for-operational-firefighting

On 16 March this year, a fire broke out at the Pulse nightclub in North Macedonia. Leaving 61 people dead, the fire was reportedly started by indoor fireworks igniting materials inside the club.

In the last 25 years, similar fires have occurred in nightclubs in the Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Argentina, the USA, Ecuador, China and Brazil. Around 1,000 people have died in such incidents.

Nightclubs present unique risks due to crowded conditions, impaired judgement from alcohol consumption and features like subdued lighting, loud music and obstructed or unfamiliar exits. These factors can severely hinder evacuation during emergencies and increase the likelihood of fatal outcomes.

UK scenario

In the UK, nightclub fire safety is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which places the responsibility on venue operators to assess and mitigate fire risks. However, many venues are located in repurposed buildings with non-ideal layouts for emergency evacuation.

Effective fire safety management requires clear guidance, regular inspections, appropriate training and the restriction of indoor pyrotechnics.

Public awareness campaigns, particularly those targeting young people, and better accessibility planning for people with disabilities are also crucial.

Interested parties

This article should be read by nightclub owners, managers and event organisers, notably so those responsible for fire safety planning and risk assessments. It’s also important for fire engineers, regulatory authorities, Fire and Rescue Services, building inspectors and policymakers involved in public safety, building safety and licensing to scan this text.

Additionally, members of the general public (particularly young people who frequently attend nightclubs) should read it to become more aware of fire risks and how to stay safe in crowded venues.

*Read the article in full on the CROSS-UK website

Safety reporting system

CROSS-UK is the safety reporting system supported by the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Fire Engineers.

CROSS-UK allows professionals to report precursor events, near misses and safety issues on a confidential basis and welcome reports about structural safety and fire safety. These may relate to concerns at any stage of a given structure’s life: from design through to construction and occupation and on again until end of life.

*Further information is available online at www.cross-safety.org

Supported by Western Business Media’s sector magazines Security Matters, Fire Safety Matters and Professional Security Installer, the Fire and Security Matters Awards will be hosted by celebrated comedian Omid Djalili.

The gala evening also includes a VIP drinks reception, a sumptuous three-course meal with table wines, magic acts, dodgems and fairground stalls, live music with a dance floor, ‘fun money’ casino tables and more.

Tickets are selling fast with 300-plus places having already been purchased. Take advantage of the ‘early bird’ rate and secure a discount on tickets NOW! Make sure you join 900-plus of your peers for a great night out. Book your tickets online at https://firesecurityawards.com/fsmawards/en/page/book

2025: The Finalists

Fire Categories

Fire Industry Woman of the Year

*Alice Ham

*Avene Furness

*Charleigh Hill

*Dara Heneghan

*Dr Hong Liang

*Isabel Elswood

*Jolene Taylor

*Karen Byard

*Lisa Morley Burgess

*Mabel Higgins

*Nicola John

*Sophie Mogford-Revess

Fire Innovation of the Year

*Ajax Systems – FireProtect 2

*Battery Commander – Phoenix Safe Company

*C-TEC – CAST-PRO

*Cygnus – SmartNet

*dynamic ZM – Dynamic Zone Mimic

*EquiPro – EQUINOX Lithium-ion Battery Fire Suppression Systems

*Evac+Chair International – Evac+Power 1000H

*Nimbus Digital Solutions – Digital Remote Fire Alarm Management

*Siemens – ASD+

*Thermocable – Fire Detection for Scaffolding and Construction Sites

*Vox Ignis – Unicorn Voice

*WisuAlarm – WisuAlarm D1 Heat and Smoke Detectors with Interlink Module

Fire Safety Consultancy of the Year (Sponsored by Ajax Systems)

*AESG

*C. S. Todd & Associates

*Centurion Fire Safety Solutions

*Fire Compliance Plus

*Global Technical Services

*Judicium Education

*MH Fire Safety

*Rider Levett Bucknall UK

*Safetyform

*Tetra Consulting

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

*1^st Look Fire and Security Systems

*Aylesbury Fire Systems

*Commfire Ltd

*Compliant Fire Doors (Essex)

*Ecosafe Group

*Galliford Try Asset Intelligence

*Midland Fire Security Services

*Miller Knight

*SGD Fire Protection

*Wentworth Security and Fire Protection

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

*Alec Purdie

*Andy Eckersley

*Brett Edwards

*Dave White

*Cary Grant

*Gary May

*Ian Baker

*Ian Powell

*James Wallace

*John Casey

*Matt Kirby

*Phillip Perry

Fire Safety Manufacturer of the Year

*Advanced

*Aico

*Ajax Systems

*Apollo Fire Detectors

*C-TEC

*dormakaba

*Kentec Electronics

*Quelfire

*Safety Technology International

*Sertus

*Siderise

*Vimpex

Fire Safety Project of the Year (Sponsored by FFE)

*Advanced – Blists Hill Victorian Town Museum

*ArgusFire – 76 Upper Ground

*Assured Fire Safety Consultancy – Flat Entrance Doors (In-Service Training)

*Call Systems Technology – Edinburgh Airport

*Hackney Council – Estates Recycling Programme (Phase 5)

*Hyfire – Traquair House

*Institute of Fire Safety Managers – Bite-Sized CPD

*PBSL – Rennie and River Court

*RMBI Care Co – Strengthening Fire Safety Data Digitally

*Sertus – Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Training Academy

*SGD Fire Protection

*University of Exeter – DRAX Project

Fire Safety Team of the Year (Sponsored by EMS)

*Aylesbury Fire Systems (Project Team)

*Caravan and Motorhome Club (Health, Safety and Environment Team)

*Dacorum Borough Council (Fire Safety Team)

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

*MH Fire Safety (MH Fire Safety Team)

*NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (Fire Safety Team)

*Quelfire (Technical Team)

*Securitas UK (Securitas Fire Division Team)

*SGD Fire Protection (SGD Fire Protection Team)

*Solid State Security (Combined Teams)

*Tesco (Rob Cook and Team)

*Tetra Consulting (Tetra Consulting Team)

Security Categories

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

*Carlisle Support Services

*EMCOR UK

*Guarding UK

*Mitie

*SecuriGroup

*SmartSec Solutions

*StrongGuard Security UK

*Tesco Alarm Receiving Centre

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

*Bridge Technical Consultants

*Cundall

*PAL Protect

*Rockfort Security Consultants

*SGW Powered by AESG

*SIDOS UK

*Trident Manor

Security Industry Woman of the Year (Sponsored by Seagate Technology)

*Bethany Davies

*Catherine Murphy

*Elena ‘Lori’ Cracovschi

*Farah Benis

*Joanne Loukes

*Jolene Taylor

*Leigh Harper

*Louise Walker

*Nicola Bate

*Vicky Goodin

*Yolanda Hamblen

Security Innovation of the Year (Sponsored by Security Matters Live)

*ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA – ASSA ABLOY Access

*Comelit-PAC – LOGOS Door Entry Monitor

*Dahua Technology – TiOC Pro with WizColour

*Gallagher Security – Controller 7000 (Enhanced)

*GJD – LX LoRA Connect

*Hanwha Vision Europe – Dual-Lens Barcode Reader Camera TNS-90401BC, TNS-90501BC and TNS-90601BC

*HID Global – Mercury MP Intelligent Controller Series

*Hikvision UK – Smart Hybrid Camera

*i-PRO – i-PRO X Series Cameras and Active Guard 2.0

*Keynetics – SentriGuard

*Rhombus – Rhombus Relay

*The Keyholding Company – The Risk Management Tool

*Vicon – NEXT

Security Installation Company of the Year (Sponsored by Hikvision)

*Drivershields UK

*Galliford Try Asset Intelligence

*Hunter Group

*MES Systems

*OLS Limited

*SecuriGroup

*Sharp Eagle Technology

*Voltsecure

*Wentworth Security and Fire Protection

Security Manufacturer of the Year (Sponsored by Professional Security Installer)

*AddSecure

*Ajax Systems

*Gallagher Security

*Genetec

*HID Global

*Hikvision

*i-PRO

*Paxton

*Rhombus

*RISCO Group

*Seagate Technology

*Suprema Systems UK

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

*ASSA ABLOY (SMARTair Digital Access Control at the H.R. Owen Luxury Car Dealership)

*Eagle Eye Networks (The Oval)

*Galliford Try Asset Intelligence (Water Treatment Site Upgrade)

*Genetec, Hanwha Vision, CDS Integrated Security Systems and Thames Valley Police (CCTV in the Thames Valley)

*Hestia (Wired Security Sensor to Wireless Converter Box Security Solution)

*HID Global (Access Control at the University of Dundee)

*i-PRO (London Borough of Barnet Video Security Upgrades)

*Kings Guarding Solutions (Project Vectura)

*Mitie Intelligence Services (Project Graffiti Ascent)

*National Gas (Integrated Cyber and Corporate Security Operations)

*North (AI-Powered Public Space Surveillance for Westminster)

*OLS Limited (Transforming the Matchday Experience at Doncaster Knights)

*Rhombus (Rhombus x Mercedes-Benz EV Charging Station Roll-Out)

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

*AtkinsRealis (AtkinsRealis Physical Security and Resilience Team)

*Galliford Try Asset Intelligence (Galliford Try Asset Intelligence Team)

*Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression Team)

*Mitie and LBG (LBG Security Installation Team)

*Mitie Intelligence Services (Mitie Intelligence Hub)

*Mitie Security (Chris Jenkins and Team)

*Securitas UK (Securitas Risk Intelligence Centre Analyst Team)

*SGC Security Services (Kettering General Hospital Team)

*Triton Group (Triton Group Leadership Team)

*Triton Security (British Steel Security Team)

*Virgin Media O2 (Matt Gouldby, Keith Attwood, Matthew Shaw, Philip Jones and Rob Harris)

*Westgrove Group (Touchwood Shopping Centre Security Team)

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

*Andrew Blythe

*Chris Greasley

*Daniel Pike

*Darryl Haskett

*Farah Benis

*Fraser Bishop

*Gary White

*Leigh Harper

*Peter Speight

*Ross Harvey

*Sue English

Joint categories

Campaign of the Year (Sponsored by Aico)

*Ark Fire Protection – Acts of Random Kindness

*Call Systems Technology – Enhancing Fire Safety for Deaf Communities with RNID

*FSi Promat – Managing Movement (Accommodating Dynamic Movement in Fire Stopping for Penetration Seals)

*Quelfire – ‘Because It’s Your Job to Know’

*Vimpex – Identi-Cryer

*Women Talking Fire – Women Talking Fire’s ‘WTF Moment’

Commercial Person of the Year

*Daniel Garman (StrongGuard Security UK)

*David McSheffrey (SecuriGroup)

*Isaac Jude (Galliford Try Asset Intelligence)

*Richard Canham (FFE)

*William Espiner (Aylesbury Fire Systems)

Customer Service Award

*Advanced

*Aico

*FFA Security Group

*Fire Seals Direct

*Illumino Ignis

*MES Systems

*National Intelligence Communications Centre

*Phoenix Safe Company

*Quelfire

*Safety Technology International

*SecuriGroup

*Shawston International

*Wentworth Security and Fire Protection

Distributor of the Year (Sponsored by C-TEC)

*ADI Global Distribution

*Fire Seals Direct

*LGM Products

*Opti Compliance

*Videcon

ESG Company of the Year (Turnover over £10 million)

*Advanced

*Apollo Fire Detectors

*Baldwin Boxall

*FFE

*HID Global

*Shawston International

*SmartSec Solutions

*Westgrove Group

ESG Company of the Year (Turnover under £10 million)

*Aylesbury Fire Systems

*Bradbury Group

*HAIX

*MES Systems

*Thermocable

Training Provider of the Year

*detectortesters

*Elevation Training Academy

*Fire Door Maintenance

*Fire Protection Association

*Global HSE Group

*Hochiki Europe

*Johnson Controls

*NPTC Group of Colleges

*Siderise

*Tetra Consulting

*The Bonny Academy

*Xact Consultancy and Training

*Zzeus Training

This announcement builds on the £35 million Waking Watch Relief Fund, which was focused on high-rise residential buildings (above 17.7 metres tall) with a Waking Watch in place (at cost to leaseholders) due to unsafe cladding, and the £27 million Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2022, which expanded eligibility to residential buildings of any height with a waking watch in place due to any fire safety defect.  

The £41.71 million Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2023 extends financial support to more buildings and is aligned with guidance published by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) on buildings that change from a ‘Stay Put’ to a simultaneous evacuation-focused fire safety strategy.

Those who stand to benefit from this Westminster announcement include leaseholders who may have faced high costs or delays in the implementation of interim safety measures by providing financial support and delivering a better and more long-term fire safety system in their buildings.

Capital costs

The funding will cover the upfront capital costs of installing an alarm system. The common fire alarm system should generally be designed in accordance with the recommendations of BS 5839-1 for a Category L5 system, which is referred to in the NFCC’s revised guidance on simultaneous evacuation.

In order to be eligible for capital funding, buildings must be located in England, residential in nature and have an operational Waking Watch in place.

The reopened Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2023 will cover the cost of alarms where installation work commenced on or after 25 May 2023.

The Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2023 will be administered centrally by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to all eligible buildings.

Industry comment

Benjamin Ralph, head of building and fire safety at consultancy Hollis, said: “The new extended Waking Watch Replacement Fund will help the move from the costly Waking Watch patrols towards more reliable and automated detection and alarm systems. These systems must not be seen as an excuse to extend the time it takes to carry out cladding remediation services, though. This should not be seen as a low-cost alternative for protecting residents. Work must still be carried out in a reasonable time period.”

Ralph continued: “As the industry knows, the Gateway 2 process is already creating delays. If the installation of fire detection and alarm systems is treated as building work, current regulator timescales could result in significant waiting times before work can begin. A more flexible approach towards how certain works are classified under the regulations could make these interventions more practical and help to safeguard residents.”

Career Pathways aims to better inform the public about the wide range of opportunities the fire sector provides. From front line firefighting through to crucial roles behind the scenes, the Fire and Rescue Service welcomes everyone, regardless of background, skill set or prior experience.

NFCC chair Phil Garrigan said: “The NFCC’s Career Pathways is all about giving our people real clarity and making sure everyone can see the opportunities open to them, whether that’s progressing within their current role or transforming their career by moving into a completely new area of their Fire and Rescue Service.”

Garrigan continued: “We’ve built flexibility into this product so that it can evolve with the needs of the fire sector and, most importantly, the people who make up our Fire and Rescue Services. This isn’t just about launching a resource. It’s about listening, adapting and continuously improving. I truly believe this approach will make a tangible difference to our people and, ultimately, to the communities we serve.”

Career development

Recognising that career development doesn’t always follow a linear path, the NFCC has structured these pages to emphasise flexibility and growth. Whether someone’s considering their first role in the Fire and Rescue Service or looking to enhance their current position, these pathways offer clear guidance and essential tools to aid career development.

Most importantly, these pages consistently point users to the best source for information about career opportunities most relevant to them: their local Fire and Rescue Service.

Wayne Bowcock, the NFCC’s leadership development strategic lead and CFO for the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, stated: “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to the development of the NFCC’s Career Pathways. This work has been shaped by colleagues from across the sector and also with the advice of external stakeholders with limited or no experience of the Fire and Rescue sector. It reflects a shared commitment to making career development more transparent, accessible and inclusive.”

Further, Bowcock noted: “I’m looking forward to seeing how Fire and Rescue Services embed these pathways to support their people and how new entrants in all roles use this information as part of their journey into a career with us. This approach and knowledge is intended to strengthen the sector as a whole.”

Easy access

The new NFCC Career Pathways landing page provides easy access to: 

*roles for those new to the sector, explaining essential information about starting to work in the Fire and Rescue Service 

*detailed guidance about departments and roles, helping with an understanding of the range of careers available 

*an accessible personal development planning tool 

*resources to support leadership development, thereby encouraging effective progression to leadership positions 

*engaging career journey stories shared by professionals already thriving within the sector, in turn providing real-world insights into career progression

The NFCC recognises the importance of representing diversity within the Fire and Rescue Service. The stories shared on the career journeys page demonstrate how individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences contribute uniquely to the safety and well-being of local communities.

Further information

In order to learn more, visit the NFCC Career Pathways pages or explore specific resources as follows: 

*New to the sector 

*Departments and roles 

*Personal development planning 

*Leadership development 

*Career journeys 

*Career journeys – real stories

The Principles and Practices of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems (Continuing Professional Development) is tailored for both seasoned industry professionals and those who collaborate with the field, such as Fire and Rescue Service personnel, architects, insurers, Building Control officers and surveyors.

The CPD Programme covers essential topics including (but not limited to) ‘The Fire Triangle’, key functions and facts about fire sprinklers, system components, water storage tanks, installation control valves, system design (pre-calculated versus hydraulic), inspection and commissioning and also assessment and certification.

This is an engaging and self-paced online programme totalling approximately six hours of study across 16 modules. Learners can work through the content at their own pace and, upon completion, will earn a CPD Service-endorsed certificate.

To receive certification, participants must complete all modules and pass a brief multiple-choice assessment at the end of the process. The CPD certificate itself is downloadable directly within the platform.

Each learner will have six months of access to the CPD Programme.

Course Fees

*BAFSA Members: £35+VAT

**BAFSA Non-Members: £50+VAT

Book online

Book places on the course through the BAFSA Training Centre at https://training.bafsa.org.uk/course/41d1ad3872688e07/bafsa-level-1-principles-and-practices-in-fire-sprinkler-awareness.aspx

Zone Plans play a critical role in helping first responders and ‘Responsible Persons’ to quickly identify the location of an activated fire alarm and, therefore, quickly minimise risks and eradicate delays. This new FIA guidance provides expert advice on how to make sure everything’s right first time.

Developed in line with BS 5839-1, the Technical Bulletin outlines the key principles of effective Zone Plan design. It highlights common compliance pitfalls and offers practical tips to ensure Zone Plans are not only clear and accurate, but also meet industry standards and Best Practice.

Whether you’re a fire safety professional, a building manager or a compliance officer, this guidance is designed to help you improve emergency response times, reduce risk through clear visual information and, importantly, meet regulatory and standards-based requirements.

With clear examples and straightforward advice on offer, this Technical Bulletin is an essential tool for anyone responsible for ensuring that fire detection and alarm systems are fit for purpose.

*Download the five-page FIA Technical Bulletin

In Europe, Zurich Insurance mentions cooking equipment as being first in line when it comes to an overview of the most common causes of residential fires. In the USA, where the National Fire Protection Association has actively researched home structure fires, reports show cooking to be the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries, as well as the second highest cause of fire deaths and direct property damage.

The new Euralarm guidance document on fires caused by unattended cooking and how to avoid them provides a comprehensive analysis of stove guards as an effective tool to prevent fires in residential environments. In this document, the technical functionalities, the role in mitigating fire risks and the regulatory frameworks governing stove guards across the European Union are examined.

Further, the document highlights the growing trend of mandatory adoption in European Union Member States and outlines the safety, economic and societal benefits of widespread implementation.

Ultimately, this guidance serves to act as a guiding document for advancing fire safety measures and ensuring their widespread adoption.

*Copies of ‘Fires Caused by Unattended Cooking and How to Prevent Them’ can be downloaded from the Euralarm website at www.euralarm.org

Hyseni was issued with the fine after pleading guilty to three charges under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 at Reading Magistrates’ Court.

The guilty plea, entered on 26 March, resulted from an extensive investigation conducted by the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service back in 2023.

Trio of deficiencies

The Fire and Rescue Service’s investigation found that there were three serious fire safety deficiencies at a property owned by Hyseni on Reading Road in Wokingham. Those breaches included a lack of fire detection and firefighting equipment at the property, the absence of a fire risk assessment and inadequate means of escape in an emergency scenario.

Hyseni was ordered to pay £6,666 for each of the three offences for which he was convicted. Combined with the victim surcharge and the Fire Authority’s prosecution fees, the total fine that Hyseni has been issued amounts to £26,441.35.

Commitment to fire safety

Rachel Bloomfield, prevention and protection change and improvement manager at the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, explained: “This successful prosecution demonstrates to businesses that we will act where necessary to protect members of the public should they not take their commitments to fire safety seriously.”

Bloomfield added: “We will always try to work with businesses to help keep them, their customers and our community safe. However, cases like that of Mr Hyseni show that we will take decisive action to ensure that the law is upheld if people’s safety is at stake.”

At the time of the inspections, there were inadequate fire detectors and smoke alarms and a lack of suitable risk assessments having been conducted. The officers also found an escape route was blocked by an air conditioning unit, while the premises didn’t have suitable fire doors in place where required. 

On 25 March at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court, Floyd pleaded guilty to four charges under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. He was fined £8,000, ordered to pay full costs of £2,755 and a victim surcharge of £2,000.

The issues identified during the inspections in 2023 have since been rectified.

Matt Worthington, fire safety manager for the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, said: “While we strive to work with business owners to maintain fire safety standards, our priority is always to keep our communities safe. Prosecution is always a last resort, but when serious risks to public safety are identified, we will not hesitate to take action.”

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service continues to encourage all business owners to review their fire safety measures and ensure compliance with legal requirements to protect both staff and customers.

Antony Bartlett, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, added: “We have a duty to ensure that businesses prioritise the safety of their employees, customers and the public. This case serves as a stark reminder to employers, managers and owners of similar establishments that they have a responsibility to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.”  

Bartlett concluded: “We are unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding lives and property, conducting over 600 fire safety audits of business premises every year. We will continue to hold those who disregard these critical fire safety regulations accountable for their actions.”