Fire Safety Matters Podcast

Fire Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 40

Episode 40 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast features a trio of exclusive interviews with our guests Warren Spencer (managing director of Blackhurst Budd Solicitors), Craig Wells (sales director at Quelfire) and Phil Kirkham (engineering manager for applied technology at Elta Fans).

Warren Spencer chats with Mark about the Mock Trial held at Fire Safety Matters Live Manchester in early October. Returning guest Craig Wells focuses on the new Quelfire campaign ‘Because It’s Your Job To Know’ and Phil Kirkham discusses the importance of smoke ventilation fans.

Brian and Mark also analyse the latest industry news. Topics covered include the Government’s cladding remediation programme and Mitie Group plc’s recent acquisition of Argus Fire.

Fire Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 39

Episode 39 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast focuses on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 final report. Mark and Brian take an in-depth look at the report and share comments from key stakeholders from across the UK fire sector.

This episode also contains two exclusive interviews featuring the opinions of Tom Brookes (managing director of Zzeus Training and chair of the Fire and Security Association) and Derrick Hall (sales and marketing director at Kentec Electronics).

In conversation with Brian, Tom touches on the qualifications landscape and also offers his thoughts on the Phase 2 final report from the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry chaired by Sir Martin Moore-Bick.

Derrick Hall chats to Brian about fire alarm control panel redundancy, the current standards landscape and also the ongoing issue of false fire alarms.

Fire Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 38

Episode 38 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast includes Mark chatting with James Pecz, head of global business development at Ramtech Electronics, the Nottingham-based developer of wireless electronic solutions.

James focuses his attentions on fire safety regulations in the UK, a comparison of standards on home shores versus the rest of the world, the overriding requirement for early detection systems in tandem with emergency evacuation and the steps that can be taken to improve fire safety regimes on construction sites.

Once again, Brian and Mark analyse the key stories emerging from the industry at present. On this occasion, there’s an assessment of Warringtonfire’s new £24 million Birchwood Park testing facility that has been recognised with a Considerate Constructors Bronze Award in partnership with main contractor Tilbury Douglas. Also, there’s a focus on AXA Commercial’s advice for businesses in the capital to review their fire risk assessments and staff training in the wake of the London Fire Brigade announcing that it will no longer respond to daytime activations of automatic fire alarms in most non-residential buildings from October.

Further, Mark and Brian examine the launch of the Institution of Fire Engineers’ Early Careers Networking Group and look back on the Fire & Security Matters Awards 2024, which ran at the CBS Arena in Coventry on 12 June, drawing a record number of entries and attendees.

Fire Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 37

Episode 37 of the Fire Safety Matters Podcast features exclusive interviews with three special guests: Richard Hull (Professor of Chemistry and Fire Science in the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Central Lancashire), Martin Green (commercial training and support manager at Hochiki Europe in the UK) and Paul Tilbury, divisional manager for fire systems at distributor Dynamic CCTV.

As reported by Fire Safety Matters, one of Professor Richard Hull’s recent studies has exposed potential inadequacies in the regulations focused on the fire safety of upholstered furniture. In conversation with Brian, Richard examines the main findings of these studies and also offers his considered views on the Government’s consultation around updating the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.

Brian also hears from Martin Green, who joined Hochiki Europe’s UK operation back in 2007 and has since held several sales-focused roles, among them regional sales manager for the South West and system sales manager. On this occasion, Martin turns his attentions towards the very popular subject of hybrid wireless technology.

Finally, Brian chats with Paul Tilbury from distributor Dynamic CCTV. A graduate in the subject of Risk and Security Management from the University of Leicester and also a Fellow of the Institute of Sales Professionals, Paul worked at Norfass, Chubb Fire and Security and Norbain before joining the ranks at Dynamic CCTV in 2016. Here, Paul examines why Dynamic CCTV chose to move into the fire domain and goes on to outline some of the services currently being offered by the business.

As always, Brian and Mark analyse several of the industry’s key news stories. This time around, there’s an assessment of the largest UK Fire and Rescue Service convoy to date being sent to help the firefighters of Ukraine, an update on the timelines for the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report, detail concerning the ASFP’s new training recognition service and an appraisal of the shortlist for the Fire and Security Matters Awards.

Fire Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 36

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.

Fire Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 35

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.

Fire Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 34

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.

Fire Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 33

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.

Fire Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 32

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.  

Fire Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 31

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.