Fire Safety Matters Podcast

Episode 36 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast features exclusive interviews with regular contributor Warren Spencer (managing director at Blackhurst Budd Solicitors), Terry Edge (independent expert and consultant on furniture fire safety) and David Fitzpatrick, general manager in the UK for SMAY Ventilation Systems. In conversation with Mark Sennett (the CEO of Western Business Media and the founder of Fire Safety Matters), Warren Spencer references a News story published online by Fire Safety Matters last December in which a prosecution case launched against a fire risk assessor and his company collapsed after it was discovered that the fire risk assessment upon which the prosecution was based was not in fact the original document. Brian hears from former civil servant Terry Edge who, between 2004 and 2016, served as the lead official on the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 at what is now the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Terry offers his thought-provoking views on what needs to happen next in the domain of furniture fire safety. Since November 2023, David Fitzpatrick has served Poland-based SMAY Ventilation Systems as general manager of UK operations. David is tasked with leading on project design and systems implementation for both HVAC and smoke protection solutions, driving business growth through new UK approaches to keeping evacuation routes safe thanks to pressure differential systems. During the interview with Brian, David looks at changes brought forward by the Building Safety Act 2022 and also outlines the company’s participation in this year’s edition of The Fire Safety Event at the NEC in April. As always, Brian and Mark analyse some of the latest major industry news stories. There’s comment on the Building Engineering Services Association’s views relating to high-risk buildings, repeated concerns expressed by Local Authority Building Control over building control capacity, the second fire remediation report on fire safety in English social housing and developments ahead of both Fire Safety Matters Live (Coventry) and the Fire and Security Matters Awards 2024.

Episode 35 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast includes Brian in conversation with Alasdair Perry (CEO at the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association) and Craig Wells, sales director at passive fire protection solutions specialist Quelfire. Ali Perry began his career in the Fire and Rescue Service by serving for just shy of seven years with the Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service. The position of assistant inspector with His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Fire and Rescue Services followed before Ali then joined the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. In addition to his role as CEO at BAFSA, which began in February this year, Ali also serves on the Building Safety Regulator’s Industry Competence Committee. In conversation with Brian, Ali examines several areas including competence in the sector, sprinkler systems for schools and the recent car park fire at Luton Airport. Craig Wells joined Quelfire in June 2012 from a family-based contracting business having developed a keen interest in the technical products arena. His current role involves keeping the entire team aligned with their sales targets, while in parallel providing technical support and sales consultancy for prospects, influencers and customers alike. During the interview with Brian, Craig focuses on the subject of fire stopping and the concept of early engagement for main contractors. As ever, Brian and Mark Sennett (the CEO of Western Business Media and the founder of Fire Safety Matters) assess several key industry news stories. There’s a concentration on the Building Safety Regulator’s Strategic Plan 2023-2026, the Competence Framework recently unveiled by the Association for Specialist Fire Protection, the Fire and Security Matters Awards 2024 opening for entries and Fire Safety Matters winning Business Publication of the Year at the PPA Independent Publisher Awards 2023.

Episode 34 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast features Brian in discussion with a duo of sector specialists: Steve McGuirk (executive officer at the Fire Sector Federation) and Derrick Hall, sales and marketing director for life safety control systems developer Kentec Electronics. A former Board director for the Institution of Fire Engineers, Steve was recognised for his contribution to public service through the award of the Queens Fire Service Medal in 2002 and a CBE two years later. He served as an Expert Witness during the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry. In conversation with Brian, Steve duly focuses on the ongoing and excellent work of the Fire Sector Federation and also outlines how the industry per se can best support its endeavours. Derrick joined Kentec in late 2018 armed with 20 years’ experience of operating in the fire detection and fire alarms arena. Commendably, his career underscores a steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence in the fire safety industry, underpinned by a fervent passion for saving lives and safeguarding property. On the podcast, Derrick assesses the Solihull Community Housing project and examines how manufacturers can adapt to meet regulatory changes. As always, Brian and Mark Sennett (the CEO of Western Business Media and the founder of Fire Safety Matters magazine) analyse several major industry news stories. This time around, there’s a focus on the Building Safety Regulator becoming the Building Control Authority for England, London Mayor Sadiq Khan calling for urgent action on impending fire safety rules, the results of a recent fire door survey conducted by the British Woodworking Federation’s Fire Door Alliance and insurer Aviva expanding its underwriting appetite to include engineered timber.

Episode 33 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast features Brian in discussion with special guest Judith Schulz, a director of – and the fire safety engineering team leader at – specialist consultant Arup. The proud holder of qualifications from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, the University of Southampton and, indeed, the University of Cambridge, Judith has led the Fire Skills Learning Framework within Arup and overseen the creation of a two-year transition programme for new graduates joining Arup Fire such that they can become fire safety engineers. During the course of a detailed interview, Judith focuses her attentions on several core topics, among them inclusive fire safety and sustainability. As always, Brian and Mark Sennett (the CEO of Western Business Media and the founder of Fire Safety Matters) join forces in analysing several major industry news stories. On this occasion, there’s the latest detail concerning the Government’s building remediation programme, industry statements from the Institution of Fire Engineers, BAFE and FireQual marking the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower Tragedy and the announcement of a new chair and vice-chair at the Association for Specialist Fire Protection.

Episode 32 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast witnesses Western Business Media’s CEO Mark Sennett in conversation with regular guest Warren Spencer (managing director at Blackhurst Budd Solicitors). Warren reviews the two-hour webinar run jointly by Blackhurst Budd Solicitors and Fire Safety Matters on Friday 2 June, which concentrated on the ramifications of proposed Government amendments to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Brian hears from Matt Wood (CEO and owner at Millwood Servicing), who duly outlines the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance frameworks in the fire sector. Further, Brian chats with Patol’s managing director Iain Cumner about linear heat detection cables and interviews Robert Campbell (managing director at Detectortesters) to discover some of the key trends impacting the industry at present and how they’re influencing demand for fire system testing.   Once again, Brian and Mark join forces for a round-up of the major industry news stories. This time around, we appraise the Government’s £18.6 million injection of funding for common alarm system installations and the London Fire Brigade’s new alert in relation to e-bike battery fires. We also chart the Building Safety Regulator’s opening of the registration process for high-rise buildings and profile a joint initiative launched by the Institute of Fire Safety Managers and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board concentrating on professional technician status.  

Episode 31 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast includes Mark Sennett (CEO at Western Business Media) interviewing regular guest Warren Spencer (managing director at Blackhurst Budd Solicitors). The duo chat about a special two-hour webinar focused on the ramifications of proposed Government amendments to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. The webinar, which is being run jointly by Blackhurst Budd Solicitors and Fire Safety Matters, takes place on Friday 2 June 2023 at 10.00 am. Also on Episode 31, Brian hears from Gary Moffatt (director of fire and security in the UK at Chubb). Gary focuses on the golden thread of information, how Chubb as an organisation is supporting building owners with compliance and also the latest evacuation alert systems. Further, Gary references the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which of course commenced back in January.   As always, Brian and Mark join forces for a detailed round-up and analysis of the major news stories emerging across the sector. On this occasion, there’s an assessment of the Fire Sector Federation’s recently published Industry Benchmark Standard for Fire Risk Assessors and a look back at the career of Alex Carmichael, the chief executive of the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board, who has announced his decision to retire. We also review Michael Gove’s announcement that the country’s biggest housebuilders have signed the developer remediation contract and look ahead to the inaugural edition of Fire Safety Matters Live, the all-new one-day conference organised by Fire Safety Matters magazine, which runs on Thursday 15 June at the CBS Arena in Coventry.  

On Episode 30 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast, Mark Sennett (CEO at Western Business Media) chats with Derrick Hall (director of sales for Kentec Electronics) and Craig Puddefoot, managing director at London-based fire safety systems installer Early Birds Fire Protection Ltd. During the interview, Derrick and Craig concentrate on two core issues pertaining to the fire sector: training and the installation of fire safety systems. Mark is also in conversation with Paul Adams (marketing manager for Hochiki Europe) and Will Lloyd, technical manager at the Fire Industry Association. Paul and Will offer an insightful overview of today’s multi-sensor technology with a keen focus on compliance issues, false alarms and typical applications.   As always, Brian and Mark deliver a comprehensive round-up of major news stories in the sector. This time around, there’s a detailed analysis of the commencement of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, the Building Engineering Services Association’s comments on the Government’s recent admissions over Grenfell, proposals for sprinkler requirements in care homes being welcomed by the Business Sprinkler Alliance and also an appraisal of National Apprenticeship Week 2023, which is supported by both the Institution of Fire Engineers and the Fire Service College.

Episode 29 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast includes Mark Sennett (CEO at Western Business Media and the founder of Fire Safety Matters) in conversation with Andrew Cooper, the managing director of Global HSE Solutions (and Global Technical Services), the company firmly focused on fire safety engineering and passive fire protection services. During the course of the interview, Andrew turns his attentions towards developments at the business in the last 12 months, outlines the company’s plans for 2023 and also focuses on the ‘golden thread’ of information for buildings (encompassing a partnership with PlanRadar).   In addition, there’s a detailed round-up (and analysis) of key news stories impacting the fire sector at present. On this occasion, we concentrate on the Government’s proposals for dual staircases in new build tower blocks, the announcement regarding the extension of the CE marking period (and what this means for the industry), an expansion in enforcement teams designed to hasten ongoing work in relation to cladding removal and replacement projects and also the Carrier Roadshows that begin at the end of this month.

Episode 28 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast features Mark Sennett (CEO at Western Business Media) once again chatting with our regular Fire Safety Matters Podcast guest Warren Spencer (managing director at Blackhurst Budd Solicitors). On this occasion, Warren outlines the new fire safety legislation being brought forward in 2023. In addition, Mark hears from Colin Smith (field product manager for the UK life safety division at Eaton). In his present role, Colin is responsible for the ownership, development and marketing of the company’s fire alarm and emergency lighting platforms here in the UK. In conversation with Mark, Colin details Eaton’s new product roadmap for 2023 and also touches on the key issue of cyber security for life safety systems. As always, there’s an informative round-up (and analysis) of several major industry news stories. This time around, we concentrate on the Building Safety Act, warehouse fires, the Building Safety Levy and also the Fire Industry Association’s Guide to the UK Fire Safety Industry.

Episode 27 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast features Mark Sennett (CEO at Western Business Media) in conversation with our regular guest Warren Spencer (managing director of Blackhurst Budd Solicitors). This time around, Mark and Warren address some of the questions that were posed during the recent joint Fire Safety Matters-Blackhurst Budd Solicitors online conference entitled: ‘Is The Fire Risk Assessor’s Voice Being Heard?’ With more and more investigations being conducted and enforcement action taken involving fire risk assessments, are fire risk assessors being properly represented and protected? In addition, Episode 27 also includes Brian’s detailed round-up of several major industry news stories focused on professional indemnity insurance for EWS-1 assessors, the Building Safety Act 2022, a petition calling on the Government to implement the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry recommendation on Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans and the election of a new governing Council at the ASFP. Further, we look ahead to the 2022 Fire Safety Matters Digital Conference.

Episode 26 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast features Mark Sennett (CEO at Western Business Media) chatting with Ken Bullock (business development manager for emergency evacuation systems at Advanced) about BS 8629, the Code of Practice for the Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Evacuation Alert Systems for Use by the Fire and Rescue Services in Buildings Containing Flats. In a recent Fire Safety Matters webinar run in partnership with Advanced, Ken Bullock explained how ‘over-engineering’ temporary systems will allow conversion to an evacuation alert system once a risk assessor has confirmed that the ‘Stay Put’ policy can be reinstated. He also offered an overview of BS 8629 recommendations, which bring fire safety peace of mind for high-rise residents. In addition, Episode 26 also includes a round-up (and analysis) of several major industry news stories concentrating on the Building Safety Bill, UK Fire and Rescue Services donating equipment for their Ukrainian counterparts and the inaugural Fire & Security Matters Awards.

Episode 25 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast includes Mark interviewing Tom Crane, business unit director at Hyfire, the developer of wireless fire alarm and detection solutions. Recently appointed by the company to manage its nationwide sales team in the UK and Ireland as well as oversee future growth, Tom focuses his attentions on the benefits to be realised from the adoption of wireless fire detection technology. Once again, Mark hears from our regular Fire Safety Matters Podcast guest Warren Spencer (managing director at Blackhurst Budd Solicitors). This time around, the subject for discussion is fire risk assessors. Indeed, Mark and Warren will be hosting a two-hour online seminar about this very subject on Friday 11 March at 10.00 am. Organised by Fire Safety Matters in partnership with Blackhurst Budd Solicitors, the event examines whether or not the voice of the fire risk assessor is currently being heard. In addition, we feature a round-up of several major industry news stories concentrating on the Building Safety Bill, hot work fires, domestic fire safety and the inaugural edition of the Fire and Security Matters Awards.

This episode features Brian chatting with Stuart Letley, director and owner of Clear Safety Services. During the interview, Stuart covers a number of topics, among them the cladding issue, fire safety risks in the housing association sector, the recent fire at New Providence Wharf and anticipated further changes in the fire safety environment now that the Fire Safety Act has passed into law. As always, Mark sits down with our regular Fire Safety Matters Podcast guest Warren Spencer (managing director at Blackhurst Budd Solicitors). On this occasion, the duo unveil some of the detail behind a two-hour webinar being organised by Fire Safety Matters in partnership with Blackhurst Budd Solicitors. Taking place on Friday 11 March at 10.30 am, the online event examines whether or not the voice of the fire risk assessor is being heard. In addition, we feature a round-up of several major industry news stories including the Government’s latest plans to address the cladding crisis and a record fine handed down to BUPA in the wake of fire safety failings.

Episode 23 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast features Brian and Mark reflecting on 2021, focusing in particular on the many achievements realised by the magazine across the last 12 months (among them the launch of Fire Safety Matters Live in November, four nominations at the PPA Independent Publisher Awards and the publication of the first-ever edition of the Fire Industry Association’s annual Guide to the UK Fire Safety Industry). As always, we feature a round-up of the latest industry news. Here, there’s discussion around the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry, the professional indemnity insurance crisis currently impacting fire risk assessors, developments for BAFE’s ‘Don’t Just Specify, Verify!’ campaign and current moves signalled by the Government in terms of smoke alarms for the nation’s housing stock. Further, Brian and Mark concentrate their attentions on the content of Fire Safety Matters’ December print edition before looking ahead to the magazine’s features programme for 2022. The New Year, in fact, witnesses the inaugural running of the Fire and Security Matters Awards (at the CBS Arena on 28 April) and the Fire Safety Matters Golf and Networking Day (which takes place at the Celtic Manor Resort on 14 June).

Episode 22 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast encompasses a detailed conversation between Brian and Steve Davies (the new CEO at the Association for Specialist Fire Protection). The duo chat about a number of core industry subjects, among them the recent launch of the ASFP’s e-Learning platform and also the current state of play when it comes to legislation and its direct impact on the sector. As always, Mark sits down with our regular Fire Safety Matters Podcast guest Warren Spencer (managing director at Blackhurst Budd Solicitors). This time around, Warren focuses on the key issue of culpability when it comes to fire safety-related prosecutions in the courts. In addition, Brian hears from both Matt Simpson (business development manager at simPRO Software) and one of the company’s customers (namely Darren Thorne, managing director at DT Fire Systems) about the benefits to be realised by those organisations who opt for digitalisation in a bid to improve their day-to-day workflows. There’s also a round-up of the latest major news stories published online by Fire Safety Matters.

Episode 21 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast includes an interview with Anthony Walker (director and also a member of the Board at Sircle). Brian puts a number of questions to Anthony (who’s a Chartered surveyor and fire engineer) focused around several key topic areas, among them cladding for buildings, qualifications for fire risk assessors, EWS-1 Forms and the ‘golden thread’ of information. Once again, Mark hears from our regular Fire Safety Matters Podcast guest Warren Spencer (managing director at Blackhurst Budd Solicitors). On this occasion, Warren turns his attentions towards the belief that associations need to take the lead when it comes to the competency of fire risk assessors. In addition, Brian hears from Yusuf Muhammad, co-founder and chief design officer at Plumis, who outlines what the company has been doing of late in relation to product testing for fire suppression systems. As always, there’s a round-up of the latest major news stories published online by Fire Safety Matters as well as some essential detail about The Fire Safety Event and the FSM Live one-day digital conference in November.

Episode 20 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast features exclusive interviews with Chartered fire engineer Dr Tony Cash and Don Randall MBE (chair of the City of London Crime Prevention Association). In conversation with Brian, these hugely respected sector professionals focus their attentions on Project Kestrel, a brand new initiative specifically aimed at offering front line security personnel the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised certificate of learning in fire awareness. As always, Mark hears from our regular Fire Safety Matters Podcast guest Warren Spencer (managing director at Blackhurst Budd Solicitors). Warren assesses the recent online conference organised by Fire Safety Matters in conjunction with Blackhurst Budd that looked at key issues around ‘Enforcing the Fire Safety Order’ and goes on to answer some of the questions submitted by delegates on the day. There’s also a round-up of the latest major news stories published online by Fire Safety Matters. These include a special announcement concerning the inaugural Fire and Security Matters Awards running in April 2022.

Episode 19 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast includes an exclusive first interview with Peter Baker of the Health and Safety Executive. In conversation with Brian, the newly-appointed Chief Inspector of Buildings examines the focal points of his work on establishing and leading the Building Safety Regulator, assesses the competency landscape and the Building Safety Bill and then moves on to outline the key deliverables that he would like to see realised during his term of office. Our regular Fire Safety Matters Podcast guest Warren Spencer (managing director at Blackhurst Budd Solicitors) chats with Mark to put forward his top tips for fire safety professionals when it comes to dealing with contractual arrangements. The duo also look ahead to next week’s online conference organised by Fire Safety Matters and Blackhurst Budd where the focus is on ‘Enforcing the Fire Safety Order’. The digital event runs on Friday 14 May at 10.30 am. In addition, Brian interviews Mark to find out all of the latest detail on the newly-launched Fire and Security Matters Awards and there’s also a round-up of major news stories published online by Fire Safety Matters.

Episode 18 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast includes Brian interviewing Niall Rowan, CEO of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection. Making his second appearance on the Fire Safety Matters Podcast, Niall reviews his time as CEO and details the key achievements realised by the organisation. He also turns his attentions towards the competency agenda in the fire sector and discusses the key elements of the Building Safety Bill and the Fire Safety Bill. With the Home Office now signalling the prospect of unlimited fines for proven breaches of fire safety regulations, Warren Spencer (managing director at Blackhurst Budd Solicitors) examines this subject. In addition, Mark hears from Andy Speake (national technical manager at fire and carbon monoxide alarms manufacturer Aico) who concentrates on the core issue of installer training and outlines the cloud-based alarm solutions Aico is bringing to market. Major news stories analysed include the Government’s response to the recent Fire Safety Consultation and the Health and Safety Executive’s appointment of Peter Baker as the inaugural Chief Inspector of Buildings to establish and lead the Building Safety Regulator.

Episode 17 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast features Brian interviewing Brett Ennals, founder and managing director of Cento (the nationwide recruitment company with a keen focus on the fire and security markets). Brett reviews the current state of play in the recruitment market, the skills shortage in the fire and security sectors, salary levels and the role of sub-contractors. He also details Best Practice advice for job candidates and hiring businesses as we move into the New Year. Warren Spencer (managing director at Blackhurst Budd Solicitors) looks back at the digital conference on the Fire Safety Bill which Fire Safety Matters hosted just prior to Christmas. In addition, Mark chats with Adam Turk (CEO at the Siderise Group) who outlines the main points of Siderise Insulation’s ‘By Your Side’ campaign and why he believes the company is one of the passive fire protection market’s best kept secrets. Major news stories analysed include the advent of the new regulator for construction products, the Labour Party’s recent Opposition Day debate on cladding and the establishment of a nationwide database designed to assess the potential link between exposure to fire toxicants and the increased occurrence of cancers and other diseases among firefighters.