Fire Door Journal - February 2026

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A Fire Door for Life?

Alongside regulatory reform, we are seeing innovation across the fire door sector. Digital inspection tools are replacing clipboards, enabling real-time reporting and data tracking. Enhanced certification schemes and third-party accreditation are raising competency standards for installers and inspectors. Meanwhile, manufacturers are investing in improved testing methods and clearer product labeling to ensure that fire resistance ratings are understood and verifiable.

There is also growing attention on the full lifecycle of a fire door. From factory-controlled production and correct installation to maintenance, remediation, and even retrofit in existing buildings, the industry is recognising that a fire door is only as effective as its weakest component—be that hinges, seals, glazing, or closers.

Importantly, collaboration is improving. Fire engineers, building managers, contractors, manufacturers and regulators are increasingly aligned in their shared goal: ensuring that fire doors perform as intended when it matters most.

This edition of the Fire Door Journal explores these developments in depth. We examine new regulatory guidance, training case studies and the evolving lifecycle of a fire door. As expectations rise, so too must our commitment to best practice. Fire door safety is not static—it is advancing. And as it does, so must we.

Chris Champion Editor

Contents

4 The weakest link in the fire-door lifecycle

Fire doors are among the most highly regulated and rigorously tested components in the built environment.

22 FDM celebrates a standout year

FDM is celebrating a landmark year of growth and operation with national recognition across construction, glazing and fenestration.

38 Exclusive panic exit hardware on security doors

Robust UK and HOPPE (UK) have collaborated to create new cost-effective, security tested emergency exit hardware.

44 The Fire Safety Event 2026

Over 13,500 industry professionals and more than 300 exhibitors will unite at the NECincluding leading door manufacturer, Unity Doors.

Christina Lazenby Publisher / All Enquiries M: 07805 051322 christina@firedoor-journal.co.uk

Kate Carnall Graphic Design / Ad Specifications kate@hook-a-duck.co.uk

Please recycle this magazine so we can continue to use recycling in our effort to help the environment.

The views contained herein are not necessarily those of Fire Door Journal and whilst every effort is made to ensure information throughout is correct, Fire Door Journal does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors and the content of letters, are not necessarily those of Fire Door Journal and therefore cannot take responsibility.

The Weakest Link in the Fire-Door Lifecycle

Fire doors are among the most highly regulated and rigorously tested components in the built environment. They are designed to exacting standards, manufactured under controlled conditions, tested to failure, certified, labelled, installed, and signed off.

And yet, in building after building, fire doors fail to perform as intended.

Not because the product was poorly designed.

Not because the manufacturer cut corners.

Often not even because the installer was incompetent.

They fail because the fire-door lifecycle is treated as complete at the point of handover.

This article argues that the weakest link in the fire-door lifecycle is the period when the door enters occupation, becomes part of a living building, and is exposed to users, contractors, maintenance regimes, and competing priorities. It is here, quietly and incrementally, that compliance is lost.

The industry commonly presents the fire-door lifecycle as a neat sequence:

• Specification

• Manufacture and certification

• Installation

• Inspection

• Maintenance

This framing implies control, progression, and closure. In practice, the lifecycle does not move forward — it opens up.

At handover, responsibility fragments. Fire doors move from a tightly governed supply chain into an environment where:

• Multiple parties interact with the door

• Changes are frequent and often undocumented

• Competence levels vary widely

• Inconvenience is managed locally, not strategically

From this point on, the fire door survives only if someone actively protects its integrity.

“This article argues that the weakest link in the fire-door lifecycle is the period when the door enters occupation, becomes part of a living building, and is exposed to users, contractors, maintenance regimes, and competing priorities.”

Where the lifecycle actually breaks

Across audits, enforcement actions, and post-incident investigations, the same failure modes recur.

1. Ownership

In many occupied buildings, no single individual is clearly accountable for the ongoing compliance of fire doors. Responsibility is dispersed between facilities management, landlords, managing agents, tenants, and contractors.

When everyone has a stake, no one has ownership.

2. Inspection

Routine inspections are frequently delegated to personnel who are trained to identify visible damage, but not to understand the performance implications of what they see. As a result, defects are misclassified, underprioritised, or missed entirely.

A door can be inspected, recorded, and still be fundamentally compromised.

3. Gradual Failure

Fire doors rarely fail suddenly. Instead, they are eroded by small, cumulative changes:

• Seals painted over during redecoration

• Hinges replaced with visually similar but non-certified alternatives

• Closers adjusted to reduce complaints

• Gaps widening gradually as frames settle or fixings loosen

Each change appears minor. Collectively, they undermine the door’s tested configuration.

Spotting weak points by occupancy type

4. Alterations

Fire doors are routinely modified to accommodate access control, security upgrades, signage, glazing, ventilation, or data cabling. These interventions are often well-intentioned and operationally necessary — but they are rarely assessed against the door’s original fire-test evidence.

The result is a door that still looks compliant, but no longer is.

The weakest link in fire-door performance is strongly influenced by how a building is used. Different occupancies generate different pressures, behaviours, and risks. Below are common weak points by occupancy, with an emphasis on what to look for during a real-world review

Residential (purpose-built or mixed-use)

Primary risk: User interference and comfort-led adjustments.

• Flat entrance doors modified to reduce noise or ease access

• Closers disconnected or maladjusted

• Residents adding draught excluders, hooks, or over-door devices

• Poor communication about the purpose of fire doors

Early warning sign: Multiple resident complaints about doors, followed by “temporary” adjustments that become permanent.

Healthcare

Primary risk: Operational pressure and clinical priorities.

• Doors held open for observation or patient movement

• Damage from beds, trolleys, and equipment

• Hardware replaced urgently without reference to fire performance

• High reliance on holdopen and release systems

Early warning sign: Fire doors treated as obstacles to care delivery, rather than integrated safety systems.

Education

Primary risk: High traffic and informal modification.

• Heavy wear on hinges and frames

• Doors propped open during teaching hours

• Unauthorised signage, displays, or cabling fixed to doors

• Inconsistent repairs between term times

Early warning sign: Doors that perform differently depending on the time of day or academic calendar.

Commercial (offices, mixed commercial)

Primary risk: Fit-out churn and contractor activity.

• Frequent alterations to layouts and access control

• Fire doors modified during refurbishments without reassessment

• Landlord-tenant responsibility gaps

• Reliance on generic compliance documentation

Early warning sign: Multiple contractors interacting with the same door over time, with no single point of control.

Reframing the fire door

Fire doors should be treated not as static products, but as active safety systems — systems that require ownership, competence, traceability, and authority throughout their service life.

We ask The Panel:

Three questions that reveal the weakest link

Who is accountable for this door remaining compliant today — by name or role?

Who approves the method of repair when the door fails inspection?

Can you produce a door-specific repair history linked to its certification?

If the answers are vague, fragmented, or undocumented, the weakest link is already exposed.

What’s the weakest link in the fire-door lifecycle?

Design?

Manufacture?

Installation?

Inspection?

Maintenance?

The Panel comments...

“All parts of the fire door lifecycle are as important as each other.

A fire door is not a fire door unless it’s been installed correctly. Is the door being inspected and maintained properly once installed?

“Has manufacture, installation, inspection and maintenance been clearly recorded and is the golden thread of information clear and concise”.

“All elements of fire door manufacture through to maintenance should be undertaken by competent personnel, to ensure the door remains compliant for its full lifecycle. In my opinion resident and occupant safety is paramount and all elements of the fire door lifecycle are as important as each other and when one fails it all fails.”

Nicola John Managing Director, FDM

“If all the stages in the lifecycle of a fire-door are part of a thirdparty certification scheme, then the activities are audited and approved and so no weak link should be present.

“If any of the stages are not certified and approved, then there is a greater possibility that one or more links may prove to be a weakness.”

Ian Glenister Technical & Sales Manager, DOORCO

“From my perspective, fire performance isn’t about one single product doing all the work — it’s about everything working together. There really isn’t a “weakest link”; every part of the process plays a role in how a fire door will perform in a real situation.

“Reputable fire door manufacturers are already operating within strong third-party certification schemes, building their products to agreed, independently audited specifications and backing this up with regular fire testing. With the shift from BS to EN fire testing standards by 2029, manufacturers — and their component suppliers like Pyroguard — are investing a lot of time and effort to make sure their products continue to meet the required standards.

“That said, even the best fire door can be let down if things go wrong further down the line. Installation is a big one. We see this as an area where the performance of a door can easily be weakened if it’s not done properly. You can have a highquality, fully approved fire door, but if it’s installed incorrectly, it may not perform as intended. That’s why it’s so important that installers understand their responsibility and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

“Inspection and maintenance are just as important. There are approved inspection schemes and specialist companies that can help building owners and managers stay on top of this. A fire door that isn’t maintained — maybe it’s damaged, altered, or just neglected — might not deliver its full level of protection when it’s needed most.

“Ultimately, it comes down to shared responsibility. Manufacturers, suppliers, installers, inspectors, and building owners all have a part to play. When everyone does their job properly, that’s when you get a fire door that truly performs as it should.”

Steve Goodburn Business Development Manager, Pyroguard

“These steps can be time consuming and as a result, overlooked. However, it’s critical to recognise that poorly installed or unprotected hardware will leave fire doors vulnerable in the event of a fire. Trained and competent installers are vital to fire door performance.”

“For me, installation is the weakest link. Buildings can be designed with the utmost accuracy, with door hardware specifications carefully written to suit the environment and end users, but all of this preparation can quickly unravel during installation.

In the UK, all fire door hardware is certified to be fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Though, installers often work within tight time schedules and may not be fully trained in fire door hardware or have a full understanding of the critical role it plays in building safety.

“Each hardware component works in tandem to ensure the fire door operates as intended, and as such, hinges must be fitted with intumescent pads, door closers must be installed correctly for the application, locks must be protected with intumescent material and levers should be fitted with bolt through fixings.

These steps can be time consuming and as a result, overlooked. However, it’s critical to recognise that poorly installed or unprotected hardware will leave fire doors vulnerable in the event of a fire. Trained and competent installers are vital to fire door performance.”

Karen Trigg Business Development Manager, South East, Allegion UK

“The question assumes a single point of failure. But, in catastrophic failures like Grenfell there are multiple points of failure including fire doors. Yes there is usually a weakest point but the problem is that one weakness then triggers a cascade of other failures which combine to speed up and spread the fire.

“Focusing on fire doors, when we were working with the PFPF, a large London Borough shared an impressively thick report about fire doors with us. They’d produced it to document their experience and alarm as they followed the trail of one particular fire door in a large block of flats.

“Someone had noticed that their fire door had the wrong letter plate. It looked wrong and on checking the council found it was for a standard external door not a 30 minute fire door.

“An alert councillor asked why, who supplied the door, was it as ordered and certified, and could she see the certificate? The certificate didn’t match the door spec in other respects too, so she asked to see other doors they’d supplied.

“Many of them weren’t as ordered or specified either. Thinking about the scale of their exposure - the number of possibly faulty fire doors in all their properties - they documented their investigation. They tracked back to the manufacturer to find out why.

“Unhappy with what they found at the manufacturer, they wondered how their doors could have been certified, and who had tested and certified them. So they asked the test house which had issued the certificates to show them the tests and the paperwork. It turned out there were discrepancies over the tests, and shortcomings in how they’d been conducted and signed off.

“It was a disturbing catalogue of errors. The whole system of checks and balances had failed. No one seemed to be doing their job. People were saying they were doing or checking something when they weren’t, and both people and organisations were at fault. Where do you begin?

“That was one report tracing problems through manufacturing to source. In other reports about Grenfell, Lakanal House, and other serious fires, other whole system failures are exposed. They also show particular risks from lack of knowledge and poor installation, from knowledge or care, inadequate, skipped or poor inspection, or delayed, inconsistent and poor maintenance. Residents are often inadequately informed about the risks of leaving doors wedged open, and of door closers failing.

“After the Lakanal House fire, there was a massive splurge of maintenance spending on tower blocks across the country as local authorities tried to catch up on maintenance and inspections that had been skipped for years.

“I realise this doesn’t answer the question, but I think it’s the wrong question. There is no weakest link. All the links in the system need fixing, but from what I see there are more and harder to fix problems in installation, inspection and maintenance than in design, manufacturing and testing.”

Mike Rigby MD, MRA Research

“I see maintenance as the weakest link in the fire-door life cycle. Each other part of the life cycle has verification and approval procedures to make sure it has been done correctly and in line with all requirements. The process ends with the door being installed and signed off and maintenance has been left as a responsibility of the property management, but with no procedure in place to confirm that fire-doors have been checked and are still compliant. The missing element is the annual inspection by an authorised body to confirm compliance - like exit lights or fire alarms inspections.”

Wojciech Brozyna Managing

Director, Aluprof

Want to share your opinion?

“Weakest link is maintenance.

“It is the least understood and least respected.

“Testing, certification, manufacture are quite technical and follow explicit processes and standards.

“Maintenance requires a lot of admin and trust in the operatives. Outcome is dependent on the competence of the maintenance operative. There is no competence standard to wok toward.”

Jonny Millard Managing Director, UK Fire Door Training

Email: christina@firedoor-journal.co.uk

Meet The Panel

Get

acquainted with our Expert Panel,

here to answer your questions and discuss the topics that matter, value your opinions and listen to your ideas.

You are invited to submit technical questions, requests for general advice and comments. This will provide the panel with the opportunity to share their perspectives and respond where appropriate, share their thoughts and offer guidance where they can.

Please send your questions and comments to: christina@firedoor-journal.co.uk

Nicola John Managing Director, Fire Door Maintenance Training and Development (FDM by UAP Ltd)

Chris Champion Editor, Fire Door Journal

An experienced and professional journalist and Editor with significant experience across a wide variety of businesses including the composite door and fire door industry, the window, door and glass industry in general, landscaping products and manufacturing. Experienced presenter and speaker at seminars, conferences and exhibitions with many television and radio appearances. Skilled interviewer and writer of editorial material, articles and press releases. 60 years of work experience with 35 years at Director level.

As the Managing Director of the Fire Door Training Academy, Nicola is passionate about elevating fire safety standards. The award winning academy, housed in a stateof-the-art training centre, is dedicated to equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure fire doors are installed, inspected, and maintained correctly. Their mission statement is to significantly improve safety and standards in the fire door industry. The recent legislative changes underscore the critical importance of fire safety in buildings. The demand for specialised training in fire door inspection, installation and maintenance is unprecedented. Nicola’s team comprises fire safety experts, educators and support staff, committed to elevating fire safety standards.

FDM was established to address the growing need for high-quality fire door training after the Grenfell tragedy, ensuring professionals across the industry have the skills and confidence to meet evolving fire safety regulations. Since launch, FDM has partnered with over 50 industry

Christina is the Managing Director of the window, door and conservatory newspaper, Glass News (Glass People Ltd) which distributes monthly to manufacturers, fabricators and installers, established 15 years. Christina has worked within the window/ door industry, including fire doors, in some way or another for 30 years and is an experienced publisher of a number of B2B titles, within niche sectors and construction.

leaders and top suppliers of door sets and components, including Falcon Timber, GGF, Mann McGowan, Lorient, PDS, IG Doors, Sentry, Strongdor, NorDan, and many more.

A round table was recently hosted at FDM head quarters, composing of an indomitable team of fire safety experts, including the esteemed Dame Judith Hackett, resulting in The Fire Door Maintenance Report.

You can obtain a free copy of this report.

Please email the publisher of Fire Door Journal to receive your electronic copy.

Raising Standards in the Fire Door Industry

fdmltd.co.uk

Bryan Bultema Managing Director, ODL Europe

Bryan Bultema is Managing Director of ODL Europe, part of the global ODL corporate group with over 80 years of experience in developing high-performance building products. Based in Bootle, Liverpool, ODL Europe is focused on building value into building products and setting higher standards for safety, performance and sustainability.

As a panelist for the Fire Doors Journal, Bryan shares insight into how the

leadership, ODL Europe has invested in advanced solutions that provide consistent performance and assurance across the supply chain.

Central to this approach is the Guardsman FD30 Fire Door slab. Developed in collaboration with Capstone Engineering and leading fire door fabricators, the Guardsman is a nextgeneration GRP composite fire door designed to deliver dependable performance every time. Tested under UKASaccredited conditions, it consistently exceeds its FD30 classification, achieving burn times of up to 70 minutes. Constructed with Agrifiber cores, FSC® certified timber and durable GRP skins, it combines safety with sustainability and long-term resilience.

Bryan continues to drive ODL Europe’s commitment to delivering proven, accredited composite door solutions that give specifiers, contractors and building owners complete confidence in performance.

Owen Jones Technical Director, Distinction Doors Ltd

Owen Jones brings over 30 years of experience in the construction products industry, having begun his career with IG Limited in 1990. He later joined IG Doors Ltd as Technical Development Manager, contributing significantly to its growth into one of the UK’s largest composite door set manufacturers.

Since 2021, Owen has served as Technical Director at Distinction Doors Ltd, where he leads the technical development and supply of composite door blanks and components, including

a fully tested fire door system. His expertise spans the manufacture of GRP, ABS, and steel composite doors within timber and PVC-U frames.

A Chartered Engineer and BFRC-accredited thermal simulator, Owen is committed to advancing product standards and safety. He was instrumental in founding the Association of Composite Door Manufacturers (ACDM), serving as Technical Director and Vice Chairman, and currently chairs the ACDM group within the GGF.

Owen has contributed to key industry initiatives, including post-Grenfell discussions with MHCLG, and has held roles on several BSI committees, notably chairing the latest revision of BS 8529 for composite doors. His collaborative approach and technical insight make him a respected figure in the sector and a trusted voice in regulatory development.

Mike Rigby

Managing Director, MRA

Research and the MRA Team Members

Mike Rigby Founded Michael Rigby Associates (now MRA Research, MRA Building Markets Reports, and MRA Data Services) in 1991 to bring new insight and direction to the building materials, construction and home improvements sector. With a background in both consumer and trade markets, including 10 years in marketing and research at Dulux paints, time as head of marketing at a national builder’s merchant, and as marketing director of a national home improvement company, he understands the challenges facing the home-improvement and construction industries.

Mike’s experience of fire safety: Mike was involved in PR for the Passive Fire Protection Federation for several years in the 2000’s. Exova, the Fire Service, ASFP, the Government and other bodies were PFPF members, so he heard the inside stories and went to Westminster with the chair and deputy chair when the Government tasked the PFPF with leading one of its task forces. The Lakanal House fire, a prequel to Grenfell, and a fire in the Channel Tunnel occupied the team for a

long time. The PFPF was eventually merged with the ASFP. Mike also worked on PR for a leading group of passive fire protection products. MRA produced the ‘Fire Door Quarterly Trends’ survey for the BWF and its fire door scheme for 10 years, which appeared in BMN magazine. When Grenfell occurred, the Government knew so little about fire doors and fire safety that they sent a bunch of officials to one of Mike’s clients to learn about fire doors. After the Grenfell Inquiry, Judith Hackitt tasked the CPA to consult the industry on it’s Marketing (loose and unsubstantiated claims), and the CPA asked MRA Research to consult the industry on the new code (which is now run by the CCPI - Code for Construction Product Information). Since then MRA Research has worked on a research project on specifiers and fire products for a large international, and has just conducted fire safety research for another large group.

Mike is a member of the Market Research Society, a liveryman of Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants, and Worshipful Company of Marketors.

Meet The Panel

Wojciech Brożyna Managing Director, Aluprof UK

Wojciech Brożyna is Managing Director of Aluprof UK, a leading supplier of aluminium systems for windows, doors, and façades. With more than 20 years’ experience in the fenestration and construction industry, he has played a key role in delivering safe, sustainable, and high-performance solutions across the UK and Ireland.

Wojciech, one of the directors of the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB), has been actively engaged with industry institutions and trade bodies, strengthening collaboration across the sector. He promotes compliance, innovation, and education to ensure Aluprof’s systems meet the highest technical and fire safety standards.

Wojciech works closely with architects, contractors, and specifiers to raise awareness of fire door performance, certification, and regulatory requirements, supporting safer building design. His focus lies in combining technical expertise with practical guidance to help the industry meet Gateway 2 obligations and wider responsibilities under the Building Safety Act.

George Edwardes Technical Director, Fire Protection Association

As the FPA’s Technical Director George oversees the strategic direction and delivery of the FPA’s technical services, supporting its mission to reduce fire risk and improve safety standards across the built environment. The FPA is deeply involved in the assessment, testing and training related to fire doors, providing:

• Specialist training courses to ensure fire doors are installed, maintained and inspected by competent professionals

• Fire risk assessments and compartmentation surveys to ensure fire doors are installed and maintained correctly

• Full scale fire testing at our laboratory to both British and European furnace test standards.

George and the FPA continue to support industry, insurers, and regulators with evidencebased guidance and technical expertise, helping to ensure that fire doors fulfil their critical role in protecting lives and property.

Steve Goodburn Business Development Director, Pyroguard

Steve Goodburn is Business Development Director at Pyroguard, a leading global manufacturer of fire-safety glazing solutions. With extensive experience in Business Development, Key Account Management and manufacturing operations, Steve brings both commercial insight and technical expertise to the sector. He is a strong advocate of a systembased approach to passive fire protection, recognising the need for fire doors to be tested and certified as complete assemblies.

A regular contributor to industry debate, Steve has authored RIBA-approved CPD materials and delivered presentations to architects, specifiers and manufacturers on the correct specification of fire-resistant glazing. He has also driven product innovation, including the launch of Pyroguard Advance for timber and steel fire-door systems. Passionate about safety and design, Steve views the fire-door industry as a unique responsibility: safeguarding lives while supporting architectural creativity.

Ian Glenister Technical and Sales Manager, DoorCo

Ian Glenister has worked across a range of sectors within the fenestration industry over the last 40 years including Production, Quality, Operations, Sales Management and Certification. With knowledge across commercial, retail and trade sectors, Ian’s knowledge of fenestration as a whole is vast, making him the perfect candidate to spearhead DoorCo’s fire door operation.

Since the Grenfell tragedy and the subsequent MHCLG investigation, DoorCo have actively been working towards a fire door solution to meet the needs of the supply chain in the changing world of fire doors and with an emphasis on consistency. Working closely with key suppliers including their slab manufacturing partner, DoorCo Korea, Ian has been the project lead for one of the largest and most successful type testing fire door projects in the UK.

Gareth Jeffries Commercial Sales Director, Permadoor & Wrekin (Epwin Group)

Gareth Jeffries is the Commercial Sales Director of Permadoor and Wrekin, part of the Epwin Group. Permadoor, the UK’s original composite door manufacturer, is an industry leader in the design and supply of highperformance composite fire doors for the social housing and affordable homes sector. Renowned for innovation, the business is committed to compliance, sustainability and product performance.

With more than seven years at Permadoor and extensive experience in the building materials sector, Gareth plays a pivotal role in driving strategic growth. He ensures the business remains ahead of evolving Building Safety Act requirements and stricter regulations, while aligning the needs of specifiers, contractors and building managers with innovation in compliance and performance. Passionate about raising standards, Gareth provides invaluable insight into how regulation, sustainability and safety can be translated into practical solutions that deliver safer, more sustainable homes and genuine peace of mind for all stakeholders.

Karen Trigg Business Development Manager, South East, Allegion UK

Karen started her journey in the architectural ironmongery sector in 1994 and has built an established career grounded in technical expertise and customerfocused service. Drawing upon 30 years of industry experience, Karen supports architects, contractors, door manufacturers and end users with expert guidance on fire door hardware specification and performance and remains committed to raising awareness on key themes such as fire safety, building regulations and testing standards.

Since joining Allegion UK in 2017, Karen has advised local authorities, architectural ironmongers and manufacturers on all aspects of fire safety and door hardware, ensuring projects are equipped with the most suitable, effective and compliant fire door hardware solutions.

Karen is also a strong advocate for continued education and professional development, holding qualifications such as DipGAI and DipFD that complement her extensive industry knowledge. Her passion for fire safety performance makes her a trusted voice for those committed to delivering safe, secure and accessible buildings.

Jonny Millard

Managing

Director, UK Fire Door Training

Jonny Millard is the Managing Director of UK Fire Door Training, the UK’s largest and most trusted fire door training provider. A qualified teacher and fire door inspector, Jonny founded the company with a clear mission to raise standards in fire safety training while keeping training affordable and accessible.

What began as a small family business has grown into the nation’s leading authority on fire door

competence and one of the fastest growing training companies in the country. Training over 10,000 professionals across installation, inspection and maintenance. UK Fire Door Training is recognised for its highquality practical courses, delivered in purpose-built centres and through mobile rigs that bring hands-on learning directly to clients nationwide.

Alongside its practical courses, the company provides an extensive library of online CPD and compliance courses, ensuring that learners at every level can stay current with legislation and best practice. Every course is created and delivered by industry experts, combining technical precision with real-world application, and all are sold at fair, reasonable prices that reflect Jonny’s belief that competence should be within reach for everyone.

Do you think you have the expertise to join our panel?

We are looking for fire door safety professionals who can offer advice and support to our readers.

It’s free to take part, all we ask is that you are available to answer any relevant questions you feel qualified to do so and that you send us a brief biography of your experience within the fire door industry (and related industries) so we can assess your suitability to: christina@firedoor-journal.co.uk

We will respond to your email as soon as possible.

Case Study: Fire Door Inspection Training Course

I recently attended an in-person Fire Door Inspection training course delivered by FDM Training and Development in Manchester. The course was carried out by ex-firefighter Shaun Smith, who delivered a plethora of knowledge and was designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of fire doors, their legal requirements, and the importance of ongoing inspection and maintenance in maintaining building safety.

Course Content

The training covered a wide range of essential topics related to fire safety and compliance. Key areas included an overview of relevant fire safety regulations, the Building Regulations Approved Documents relating to fire safety, and the Building Safety Act. The course also clearly explained the difference between a fire door and a fire exit door, which helped clarify common misunderstandings around their functions and legal requirements.

Further learning focused on the main purpose of a fire door, which is to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, protect escape routes, and allow occupants additional time to evacuate safely. The trainer explained how fire doors are classified, including fire resistance ratings, and how these classifications affect where and how doors should be installed.

A detailed breakdown of the five main components of a fire door set was provided, highlighting how each element contributes to overall performance. Particular attention

was given to intumescent seals, including how they work, where they should be fitted, and how to identify damage or incorrect installation. The course also emphasised why fire doors must be regularly inspected and maintained, linking poor maintenance directly to increased risk to life and noncompliance with legislation.

“As a result of attending this course, I now feel more confident in identifying compliant fire doors, recognising defects, and understanding the importance of regular inspection and maintenance.”

Learning Outcomes and Reflection

I found the training day extremely useful and informative. The course significantly increased my knowledge and understanding of fire doors, not only in terms of their physical components but also their legal and safety importance within a building. The content was delivered clearly and reinforced with practical examples, making it easier to relate the information to real-world situations.

As a result of attending this course, I now feel more confident in identifying compliant fire doors, recognising defects, and understanding the importance of regular inspection and maintenance. Overall, the training has strengthened my awareness of fire safety responsibilities and highlighted the critical role fire doors play in protecting lives and property.

Christina Lazenby Fire Door Journal

UK Fire Door Training Publishes National Study on Competence Gaps in the Fire Door Sector

New practitioner survey finds widespread uncertainty around evidencing competence nearly four years after the Building Safety Act

A new white paper published by UK Fire Door Training highlights significant and persistent gaps in how competence is understood, evidenced and applied across the fire door sector.

The State of Fire Door Competence 2026 is based on a national survey

of 126 fire door practitioners working in installation, inspection and maintenance roles in England. Conducted in January 2026, the research examines how competence is interpreted in practice following post-Grenfell regulatory reform.

The findings indicate that while the language of competence is now widely recognised, the systems required to evidence and manage it remain underdeveloped.

Nearly four years after the Building Safety Act received Royal Assent, 59% of respondents said they do not know, or are unsure how, to evidence competence. A further 87% reported that they encounter work they believe to be incompetent at least occasionally. Seventy per cent said competence or SKEB is rarely or never discussed on site.

“The sector has learned the terminology, but not the implementation,” said Jonny Millard, Managing Director of UK Fire Door Training. “Many practitioners can describe SKEB, but when asked how they evidence it, the answer is still a certificate. That does not meet the statutory definition of competence.”

The research highlights a recurring issue. Among those who believe they can evidence competence, 85% identified training certificates as their primary proof. Certificates, however, do not demonstrate experience or behaviours, which are explicit components of the competence requirement.

“If the response to ‘how do you evidence SKEB’ is a certificate, that points to a misunderstanding of what is being asked,” Millard said. “The confidence with which that answer is given is itself part of the problem.”

The missing implementation layer

The white paper points to a gap between regulatory intent and operational delivery. The Building Safety Act 2022 established legal duties, and BS 8670-1:2024 set out principles for competence frameworks. However, the practical mechanisms needed to apply these requirements consistently have not been widely adopted.

With the exception of the Specialist Timber Fire Door Installer framework published in 2025, there are no nationally established competence frameworks for fire door inspection or maintenance. This has contributed to fragmented standards and a market where price often becomes the primary basis for comparison.

“Without shared competence benchmarks, clients have little to anchor their expectations to,” Millard said. “When there is no agreed reference point, cost becomes the differentiator and quality becomes harder to assess.”

On-site practice

The survey also examined how competence is addressed in day-to-day site activity. Only 11% of respondents said competence or SKEB is discussed regularly. When asked whether competence is treated consistently across sites, just 8% selected “always”. The most common response was “sometimes”.

“Work allocation is still frequently based on assumption rather than verified competence,” Millard said.

“Safety-critical tasks are being assigned without documented evidence that individuals are competent for the specific activities involved. In the current regulatory environment, that carries clear risk.”

The research does identify some positive indicators. Seventysix per cent of respondents said they feel confident challenging unsafe or substandard work. However, the white paper notes that without structured frameworks, individual challenges rarely translate into systemic improvement.

Recommendations

The report concludes with a series of recommendations aimed at the sector as a whole. These include the development of activitybased competence standards for inspection and maintenance, greater consistency in recognised training pathways, expansion of regulated qualifications, clearer guidance on evidencing SKEB, and wider use of independent validation and revalidation.

“This paper is not presented as a complete solution,” Millard said. “Its purpose is to quantify the problem and set out, clearly and openly, where the sector currently stands.”

UK Fire Door Training has delivered training to more than 10,000 learners since 2021 with a focus on practical courses and regulated qualifications. The organisation works nationally across inspection, installation and maintenance fire door roles.

“We see the same questions repeatedly,” Millard said. “This research reflects what practitioners are telling us every day. Publishing it is about moving the conversation forward and grounding it in evidence.”

“The outstanding question is whether the sector will put the structures in place to meet it. We intend to contribute constructively to that effort.”

Looking ahead

The publication comes amid increasing regulatory scrutiny and growing focus on demonstrable competence across the built environment.

“Competence cannot remain abstract,” the report concludes. “It must be demonstrable, defensible and embedded in everyday practice.”

For UK Fire Door Training, the white paper marks the start of a longer-term programme of work to help individuals and organisations build and evidence competence.

“The legal direction is clear,” Millard said. “The outstanding question is whether the sector will put the structures in place to meet it. We intend to contribute constructively to that effort.”

The State of Fire Door Competence 2026 is available to download at: www.ukfiredoortraining.com/state-of-fire-door-competence-2026

Golden Thread in Action: How DoorDataSystems.co.uk Revolutionises Fire Door Lifecycle Management

The Door Data Systems platform, fast becoming known as the ‘National Fire Door Register’, exemplifies the practical application of the ‘Golden Thread’ theory by providing a comprehensive, digital solution for managing fire door information throughout their entire lifecycle.

This approach directly addresses the industry’s demand for transparency, traceability, and compliance in fire safety, especially in the wake of heightened regulatory scrutiny post-Grenfell.

What is the Golden Thread?

The golden thread, as defined by Dame Judith Hackitt’s review, is an accurate, up-to-date, and accessible digital record of a building’s design, construction, and ongoing maintenance. For fire doors, this means maintaining a seamless, digital audit trail that captures every stage—from manufacture to installation, inspection, maintenance, and eventual replacement.

DoorDataSystems Embeds the Golden Thread

Digital Records from Manufacture

Door Data Systems collaborates with leading door manufacturers to embed NFC data tags into each fire door at the point of production. These tags provide robust links to critical data to support ongoing trades in completing their tasks.

Manufacturers information such as certification, fire rating, parts and components used, create a “digital fingerprint” for each door. This ensures that every door’s journey is traceable from day one.

Installation and Commissioning

During installation, certified professionals use the Door Data Systems app to scan the door’s tag, confirm specifications, upload photographic evidence ensuring a benchmark system is instigated. All data is time stamped, ensuring accountability and real-time updates to each installer account. Door Data Systems reduces back room administration, produces detailed report supporting 3rd party certification schemes and provides a quick and easy transfer of data (regulation 38) to the client.

Inspections

and Maintenance (stock condition and new door management)

Routine inspections and maintenance are streamlined with digital templates aligned to British Standards. Inspectors log findings, upload photos, and schedule remedial works directly via the mobile app. Every action is recorded against the specific door, maintaining an up-to-date stock condition and compliance record. The ease of use app utilising voice recognition and

clear photo’s provides clear and precise records for maintenance engineers to understand exactly what is required.

Facility Management

The platform provides a central dashboard for stakeholders—housing associations, building managers, contractors, and regulators—to access the complete digital history of each fire door. This includes installation records, inspection reports, certifications, and maintenance logs, all of which are exportable to existing asset management systems. Managing a system of maintenance via the Door Data Systems

platform is quick and easy, safe and places the Responsible Persons in control.

Supporting Best Practice and Compliance

By digitising the golden thread, Door Data Systems enables housing providers to evidence compliance with regulations such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. The system’s open-access philosophy ensures that no single party “owns” the safety data, promoting transparency and collaboration across the supply chain.

Find out more by visiting www.doordatasystems.co.uk or contact: enquiries@doordatasystems.co.uk

FDM celebrates a standout year for fire door training

FDM – Training & Development (FDM by UAP Ltd) is celebrating a landmark year of growth and operation with national recognition across construction, glazing and fenestration. Highlights include the launch of two new GQA Level 3 Diplomas, sector-wide convening on fire door competence chaired by FDM Managing Director Nicola John, with Dame Judith Hackitt appearing as a guest speaker, and the announcement of a second training academy in partnership with the Fire Protection Association (FPA), opening January 2026.

FDM’s year closes with three major award wins including Fire Solution of the Year at the 2025 London Construction Awards, Training and Development Initiative of the Year at the G25 Awards, and Training Company of the Year at the 2025 National Fenestration Awards. Together, they reflect cross-industry momentum for practical, competency-led training that improves safety outcomes.

Beyond awards, FDM has taken a leadership role in standards and skills development. It convened a national roundtable on fire door competence chaired by Nicola John. Dame Judith Hackitt attended as a guest

speaker and contributed to the foreword to FDM’s subsequent report, which described the organisation as “an exemplar of good practice”. The discussion focused on translating the Building Safety Act’s intent into dayto-day behaviours across the entire fire door lifecycle.

FDM also launched the GQA Level 3 Diploma in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets and the GQA Level 3 Diploma in Installation of Fire Resistant Doorsets, both developed with awarding body GQA Qualifications and the National Skills Centre. The Inspection diploma is a 65-credit qualification comprising 12 units and 313 guided learning hours, certifying individuals to carry out non-invasive inspections with clear emphasis on legislative compliance and practical assessment in live or simulated environments. The Installation diploma comprises 11 core units, four optional units and 226 guided learning hours, certifying installers as competent to install fire resistant doorsets in line with current legislation and best practise.

Extending access to high-quality training nationwide, FDM has partnered with the FPA to open a satellite academy at the FPA’s site in Banbury, Oxfordshire from January 2026. The site will host a selection of FDM’s specialist courses including Responsible Persons, Fire Door Procurement, Fire Door Installation and Fire Door Awareness, with FDM also delivering its Level 3 Diploma under licence at the facility. The partnership will see reciprocal delivery between Bury and Banbury to widen pathways into competence.

Launched in 2024 as the UK’s first hands-on training academy dedicated solely to fire doors, FDM has trained more than 1,200 professionals in 18 months and holds GQA accreditation and CITB approval.

Nicola John, Managing Director at FDM – Training & Development, said: “The industry is backing what matters: practical competence that keeps people safe. From regulators to contractors, there has been a clear momentum this year behind skills, accountability and confidence across the fire door sector. We’ll continue working with partners to turn regulatory intent into consistent, on-site practice.”

Looking ahead to 2026, FDM will continue to expand its national footprint and portfolio of vocational qualifications to meet evolving regulatory and industry requirements.

What do FDM Of fer?

In Person GQA Accredited Courses:

Fire Door Inspection Course

Fire Door Installation Course

Fire Door Repair and Maintenance

Fire Door Awareness

Procurement Course

GQA Accredited Short Online CPD Courses:

Navigating FD Documentation

Identification Marks and Labels

Fire and Acoustic Seals

Regulated Vocational Qualification:

FD Inspector Diploma Level 3 – GQA

Installation Diploma qualification Level 3

Further regulated qualifications coming soon

UAP strengthens team with a series of key strategic appointments

UAP Limited, a leading British door hardware supplier, has announced a number of new appointments across product design, technical support and business development, further strengthening the business as it continues its growth and innovation journey.

Paul Collins joins UAP as Senior Product Design Manager, bringing 34 years of industry experience and extensive technical expertise.

He will play a key role in driving innovation and advancing the company’s technical capabilities, helping to deliver high-quality, customer-focused product solutions. Paul’s leadership and sector knowledge will support both existing and new product development initiatives.

Supporting this focus on technical excellence, David March has been appointed Technical Support Manager, bringing 25 years of industry expertise and in-depth technical knowledge.

In his role, David will advise both customers and the sales team, oversee product testing to ensure compliance and quality, and support the introduction and development of new hardware solutions across UAP’s portfolio. He will also lead training initiatives for internal teams and customers.

Leading internal sales in the South, Hayley Fennell brings 10 years of industry experience and strong product knowledge. In her role as Internal Sales Coordinator, she will help deliver consistently high levels of service to UAP’s customers while enhancing internal sales operations and regional engagement.

Driving customer support in the West & Wales, Sally Regis will strengthen the internal sales function during an exciting period for the business.

“Leading internal sales in the South, Hayley Fennell brings 10 years of industry experience and strong product knowledge.”

As Internal Sales Co-ordinator, she brings valuable skills and industry experience that will improve service delivery and day-to-day customer support.

Focusing on growth and partnerships in the East of England, Donna Nash takes on the role of Business Development Manager.

She brings extensive experience across the uPVC and aluminium sectors and will focus on developing strong relationships with existing and prospective customers while supporting UAP’s continued regional expansion.

David Jennings, Chief Executive Officer at UAP, said: “These appointments reflect our continued investment in people as we grow and evolve as a business. Each brings valuable experience and expertise that supports our commitment to driving progress in door hardware.

“By strengthening our technical capability, customer support and regional presence, we are building a platform that delivers greater quality, durability and innovation at every level of the business.”

Train and educate to reduce the risk to safety, says Fire Aware

Growing fire safety organisation Fire Aware is highlighting the need for further training and education across the hospitality industry at all levels to help improve prevention and improve fire safety across the built environment.

The fire safety sector is currently facing significant shortages of qualified staff, made worse by the need for specialist skills to manage the new legislation introduced under the Building Safety Act.

The move to heighten awareness of the importance of fire safety training from Fire Aware comes after the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) recently reported that there are fewer than 30 fully competent fire engineers in the English Fire and Rescue Services. Fire safety and building protection staff make up just 2.7 per cent of the fire and rescue service workforce in England, it added.

The growing number of Fire Aware Educators - members of the organization with specialist skill sets in all aspects of fire safety - offer a range of training and guidance for the supply chain still navigating the new regulatory regime changes. Fire Aware offers a wide training provision that also services those who are not connected to a particular specialism, but still carry a duty of care. This could be anyone from property owners and those working in the hospitality sector,

to facility managers and care home staff.

Gavin Skelly, CEO of Fire Aware, said: “Working in this industry is a vocation, not a job, and should be treated as such. We need to attract more skilled specialists to help improve risk assessments and help with fire prevention methods. But we need to capture within the organization those who are outside fire safety but still carry a responsibility. All parts of the supply chain must work with the same vocational approach, not just those who are qualified to do so.

“The legislation being introduced is robust and also quite complex. The guidance and support we offer will help navigate the relevant parts for our members and for anyone else wishing to tap onto this knowledge and intelligence.”

Fire Aware members specifically provide training courses relating to fire safety and management relevant for designers, main contractors, domestic trades, material suppliers, building management, hotel and leisure, commercial and private landlords and local authorities.

The guidance and support we offer will help navigate the relevant parts for our members and for anyone else wishing to tap onto this knowledge and intelligence.”

The expanding industry body is leading the way by focusing on the moral responsibility of all those working in the fire safety supply chain including designers, developers, asset owners, managers and other stakeholders.

It aims to change the culture of the built environment sector by introducing a moral code of conduct via a series of charters designed to influence how member companies behave in upholding their duty of care.

Fire Aware is a recognised membership body serving the built environment and related sectors with a common aim to work and trade responsibly to all best practice standards in the interests of the safety of the general public.

The Guardsman Fire Door

A standout solution in fire door safety

• UKAS Accredited:

BS EN 1634-1 – internal and external use.

• Exceeds FD30: Average 52 mins, up to 70+ mins fire resistance.

• Building Safety Act Ready: Traceable, verifiable performance.

• Agrifiber Core: Renewable, stable and consistent.

• Long-life Durability: PAS 24 security, 2mm GRP skins, 25-year guarantee.

We are facing one major threat across many sectors, says Fire Aware

Growing fire safety organisation Fire Aware is emphasising the need for cultural change across multiple sectors which are particularly vulnerable to fire risk.

The industry body – which is attracting more members as it seeks to unite members beyond legislation – is highlighting the sectors of relevance as well as property and construction including hospitality, healthcare, the public sector and retail.

Fire Aware CEO Gavin Skelly said: “Fire Aware crosses the boundaries of sectors that have responsibilities for end-user safety.

“This is not just about construction companies. We are working with any organisation that wants to show the public that they are responsible and are committing to only delivering the safest outcome for their staff, clients and customers.”

He cited those sectors with particular responsibilities who work and move about in their buildings including hospitality which oversees the many bars, restaurants and hotels which are trusted to protect their customers and staff.

Healthcare, too, is a sector of focus which has to protect many vulnerable and elderly people many of whom are ill or cannot look after themselves in the event of a real fire.

Gavin Skelly added: “Working in this industry is a vocation, not a job, and should be treated as such. All parts of the supply chain across multiple sectors should work with the same vocational approach, not just those who are qualified to do so.

“The legislation being introduced is robust and also quite complex. The guidance and support we offer will help navigate the relevant parts for our members and for anyone else wishing to tap onto this knowledge and intelligence.”

The expanding industry body is leading the way by focusing on the moral responsibility of all those working in the fire safety supply chain including designers, developers, asset owners, managers and other stakeholders.

It aims to change the culture of the built environment sector by introducing a moral code of conduct via a series of charters designed to influence how member companies behave in upholding their duty of care.

Fire Aware is a recognised membership body serving the built environment and related sectors with a common aim to work and trade responsibly to all best practice standards in the interests of the safety of the general public.

PYRAN® S

For fire resistance and protection of people and property

Now available for UK manufacture

Multifunctionality in fire protection

PYRAN® S is a pre-stressed, monolithic borosilicate single pane safety glass in accordance with EN 13024-1.

As a component in fire-resistant glazing that meets the requirements of resistance classes E 30, E 60, E 90 and E 120, it has proven its outstanding optical and mechanical characteristics over the years in a wide variety of buildings.

Areas of application

PYRAN® has been internationally approved and ideally suited for:

• Facades

• Partition walls

• Skylights and rooflights

• Doors

• Roofs

• Smoke screens

• lift door glazing

• lift shaft glazing

Facts

• Higher ability to withstand temperature differentials: In comparison to soda-lime glass, tempered borosilicate glass can better withstand temperature differentials and can therefore be glazed with normal edge covers (20±2 mm).

• Higher softening temperature: Because the glass is selfsupporting for more than 30 minutes, large panes and simple frame constructions are now possible.

• Higher viscosity: The glass flow rate is low due to the high viscosity and durability of borosilicate glass, so with more edge cover, greater fire resistance times in excess of 90 minutes can be achieved.

• NiS crystals do not form: Due to the chemical composition of borosilicate glass, nickel sulphide crystals cannot form. Spontaneous glass fracture due to embedded NiS crystals cannot happen with PYRAN®.

Further information is available from our sales and technical offices or visit www.firmanglass.com

Tel: 01708 374534 Email: Pyran@firmanglass.com

Firman Glass, 19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 0JH

Data Driven Fire Door Safety

Sue Corrick of Allegion

UK reviews the expanding role of digital information in building safety and how its use is transforming fire door hardware from passive fire protection to an active data source.

Data drives informed decisions, and in the built environment, the role of information is growing. Where fire safety is paramount to building design, the adoption of digital practice - combined with modern legislation - proceeds to have a greater impact on standards and is reshaping the landscape as we know it.

Before the tragic events of the Grenfell Tower fire, the fire door safety sector accepted a conventual approach, reliant on physical testing, manual record keeping and reactive maintenance procedures. Though, as regulations tighten and the demand for accountability and transparency heightens through updated proposals such as the Construction Products Reform Green Paper, data is now positioning itself at the

heart of how modern systems are tested, monitored and maintained.

Above all, the industry must remain focused on improving the structure, quality and usability of digital handover information, in compliance with Regulation 38 and ‘Golden Thread’ requirements. The use of standardised, accessible asset data can further elevate fire safety standards and safe building operation, supporting professionals throughout the supply chain as they navigate hardware specification, installation and maintenance.

And so, as many move towards a more transparent, traceable and digitally integrated model, how does something as mechanical

as a fire door closer contribute to a progressively data-reliant environment?

Strengthening certification

Testing has always existed as the foundation of fire door safety standards. Yet, the ‘Green Paper’ proposals are perhaps set to reform the testing and certification environment, with critical gaps being identified in the construction product regulatory framework. Fire doors and their hardware components endure comprehensive fire resistance tests, durability cycle assessments and sustainability evaluations as a

way of generating detailed evidence of a system’s capabilities, but much of this data is often considered inconsistent, missing or unverified.

Historically, this information has been stored in a disconnected system of paperwork, but it is now clearer than ever that testing data should be collected, saved and accessed in a different way to ensure safety claims are credible and independently verifiable. Following almost a decade of pivotal regulatory updates, the increased governing pressure placed on building design is changing the management of construction products, and with that, third-party testing and unified, structured data files are becoming more valuable. This movement is strengthened by legislation such as the Building Safety Act, which has placed a renewed focus on competency whilst highlighting the importance of traceable, accessible product information.

This shift is altering the way fire door certification and record holding is approached, where:

• Test evidence must clearly demonstrate classifications, limitations and compatibility between components such as door closers, hinges and leaf assemblies

• Assessment reports must be transparent, retrievable and linked directly to a manufacturer’s products

• Digital record keeping is becoming essential for dutyholders, who are being held responsible for products remaining reliable and suitable throughout a project’s lifecycle

Testing data contributes to a single source of truth, made accessible through The Golden Thread of Information - a legal requirement under the Building Safety Act. The ‘Golden Thread’ has been transformative in documenting verified data and acts as an intuitive framework for how product information can be created, maintained and made

accessible. Access to this digital vault of information has become central to compliance by promoting transparency and reducing risk, with the government now proposing a centralised library for all construction products to further expand regulatory coverage and support greater decision-making.

Data makes the difference

Whilst it’s clear how testing and certification can impact product specification, perhaps less understood are the other ways in which data is helping to build a more accurate picture of the built environment and its fire safety systems. Inspection data from the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS), for example, tells us that care and maintenance issues are present in 54% of fire door inspections, reflecting the need for ongoing care post hardware specification and installation.

In truth, data is redefining the role of mechanical fire door hardware components in real time too. Take fire door closers, which are

a key component of fire doors, and as such, are an important data contributor when it comes to fire door safety. Forwardthinking manufacturers are also exploring how data can better support fire safety practice and hardware, such as door closers, can now incorporate stores of data right from the box, with video installation guides made available to installers through QR codes and safety critical data accessible via the ‘Golden Thread’. This modern approach to fire safety management is helping to eliminate guesswork and should be widely viewed as an opportunity to simplify processes for all involved.

Fire door safety will always remain a technical discipline, but in an age where information can be accessed instantly from our fingertips, even a mechanical fire door closer has a digital voice. By combining robust hardware and practical expertise with reliable, accessible data, the industry is paving its way to a safer, more accountable built environment.

www.allegion.co.uk

How the new project data standard ends the ‘reporting fatigue’ of fire door inspections

For fire safety managers and building compliance officers, the monthly reporting ritual is a well-known source of fatigue. You pull fire door inspection records from one system, maintenance logs from another, and compliance documentation from a third. You spend hours, sometimes a day, massaging mismatched data into a spreadsheet, only to find the figures rarely line-up.

“To what extent does your current arrangement support the expectations set by the standard? If your ‘digital’ process still involves someone manually typing up inspection notes days later, you are likely failing the ‘data hygiene’ test required for the 2026 trial phase.”

By Rob Norton, UK Director, PlanRadar

In the context of fire door safety, fragmented data is more than an administrative burden, it’s a potential risk. When records are siloed, the gap between a defect being spotted and a door being repaired widens.

New Projects Standard

The Government’s Programme and Project Data Standard, launched by Government Project Delivery (GPD) and the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), offers a strategic framework to solve this. By establishing a ‘common language’ for reporting, the government is finally tackling the administrative inefficiencies and legacy data issues that have undermined public sector infrastructure for decades.

A flexible framework for the field

There is often a misplaced concern that a new standard implies the mandate of a single, rigid government software. On the contrary, this standard is purposefully software-agnostic. The Government is defining the actual data fields and formats that any platform should export, rather than mandating a specific IT solution.

This flexibility is critical for fire door specialists. It means you can use mobilefirst tools that actually work in a stairwell or a basement, rather than being forced to use a clunky system designed for a desk-bound project manager. However, it poses a direct question: To what extent does your current arrangement support the expectations set by the standard? If your ‘digital’ process still involves someone manually typing up inspection notes days later, you are likely failing the ‘data hygiene’ test required for the 2026 trial phase.

New Projects Standard

From data chasing to data verification

The new standard establishes accountability through defined roles, such as Senior Responsible Owners and Data Stewards. For many organisations, the Data Steward will be the compliance officer or fire safety manager, the person who ensures information is accurate and accessible. This is where the shift from ‘chasing’ to ‘verifying’ happens.

Traditionally, a compliance officer’s time is wasted chasing missing information: “Which door was this? Is there a photo of the intumescent strip? Where is the certification for this closer?” Modern configurable platforms automate this burden. When a fire safety officer logs a defect on their mobile device, the platform structures that data in line with Government requirements automatically. This ensures data is ‘compliant by design’ rather than a separate task for project managers. It elevates the role from administrative cleanup to one of data integrity; instead of hunting for PDFs, the expert is now focused on auditing and validating the highquality information arriving in real-time

“Modern configurable platforms automate this burden. When a fire safety officer logs a defect on their mobile device, the platform structures that data in line with Government requirements automatically.”

Bridging the golden thread

The “Golden Thread” is already a top priority. The Building Safety Act demands rigorous documentation, yet exact data provisions are undefined.

The Government’s data standard provides the missing link. By providing a consistent framework for how safety information is reported, it ensures that fire door inspection records, maintenance histories, and certifications become a strategic asset. Crucially, it means that in an emergency, responders or building owners can access current, standardised information instantly, rather than digging through an outdated “O&M” manual.

New Projects Standard

Making use of the window

The clock is already ticking before the 12-month trial period ends on 31 December. Organisations should use this time to audit their current data practices and identify gaps. The second version of the standard arrives in 2027, with full compliance in 2029.

To begin, fire safety managers and building compliance officials should launch a pilot project. Test digital tools that can bridge the gap between site-level inspection reality and high-level government reporting. Choose a discrete building or estate and work through the process of aligning current fire safety data practices with the new standard.

Those who act now will find themselves better positioned when compliance becomes mandatory. More importantly, they will have built the foundations for more efficient, transparent and ultimately safer building management.

Mann McGowan and KuhnOdice Ltd complete merger to form KuhnOdice UK Ltd your vital partner for fire safety

Mann McGowan and KuhnOdice Ltd (formerly CH Materials) are pleased to announce the successful completion of their merger, officially uniting under the new company name KuhnOdice UK Ltd.

The move brings together decades of expertise, technical innovation, and market leadership to create a comprehensive, one-stop solution for the full spectrum of fire protection requirements.

The merger represents a significant milestone for both organisations as they consolidate operations in Aldershot and align capabilities across product development, customer service, and technical support.

Strengthening Market Position Through Innovation

Merging together serve industries with a broader portfolio of technically advanced passive fire protection products, integrated manufacturing capabilities, and expanded R&D capacity.

Innovation Leader and Recognised Expert

The name KuhnOdice embodies decades of cutting-edge expertise: KuhnOdice has emerged from

Peter Nisbet Business Development, KuhnOdice

UK Ltd

“The integration of our teams gives us a unique platform to accelerate product development and strengthen our position as a trusted partner across the construction and fire safety sectors. We remain committed to supporting our customers with the same consistency, quality and technical excellence they have always relied on.”

Jamie Scott Director, KuhnOdice UK Ltd

“Bringing Mann McGown and KuhnOdice together marks the start of an exciting new chapter.

“Each company has built a strong reputation in the fire protection market, and as KuhnOdice UK Ltd we are perfectly positioned to deliver even greater value through innovation, expertise, and most importantly, a seamless customer experience.”

the German Rolf Kuhn GmbH and Odice S.A.S, which is based in France two pioneering manufacturers among the first to identify and successfully unlock the transformative potential of intumescent materials for fire safety applications. Now united under the KuhnOdice brand, the group provides a market-leading portfolio of future-ready solutions with KuhnOdice UK set to play a leading role in driving growth and innovation across the British market.

For further information, please contact our team on info@kuhnodice.com

UAP launches the Fullex Crimebeater Autolock Rose advancing security and compatibility for fire doors

UAP Ltd has announced the launch of its Fullex Autolock Rose, an innovative evolution of the popular Fullex Slam Shut Autolock, designed to deliver enhanced security and greater compatibility with modern doors.

Suitable for use with timber, composite, 44mm/54 or thicker, the Fullex Autolock is specifically engineered to meet the needs of the fire door market, offering installers and homeowners a versatile and robust solution for contemporary construction projects.

Building on the success of the Crimebeater Slam Shut Autolock, the Fullex Autolock Rose introduces a deeper 55mm gearbox, while its flexible design supports two handle spindle options either lever on backplate or lever on rose, so allowing easy integration with a range of door designs.

It also boasts a new and improved hardened gearbox casing made from a stronger plate material that ensures a higher degree of resistance to attack.

The lock continues to offer firerated protection, supporting FD30 and FD60 timber and composite doors when used with perfectly cut intumescent kits, delivering confidence and peace of mind for both installers and end users.

Reliability and long-term performance remain at the heart of the Fullex Autolock’s design. The lock has been endurance tested for 200,000 full cycles and is BSEN1670 Grade 5 corrosionresistant certified, providing

Richard Morris at UAP Ltd, said: “At UAP, we are always looking for ways to drive progress in security hardware. The Fullex Crimebeater Autolock Rose represents our latest step forward - improving on an already trusted product to deliver enhanced compatibility, flexibility, and durability for modern fire doors. It’s our commitment to making homes and buildings safer without compromising on quality or convenience.”

480 hours of protection against environmental wear. It is Secured by Design accredited and PAS 24 compatible, and when combined with a Kitemarked Euro Cylinder via the Kinetica Freezeguard 3-star euro cylinder system, it offers an additional layer of security. Supplied as a complete set with strike plate options, the Fullex Autolock Rose ensures fire-rated protection while simplifying specification and installation.

Robust UK partners with HOPPE (UK) to offer exclusive panic exit hardware on security doors

Robust UK, one of the UK's leading manufacturers of steel door solutions, and HOPPE (UK), a specialist manufacturer of window and door hardware, have collaborated to create new cost-effective, security tested emergency exit hardware available exclusively through Robust.

The cost-effective ARRONE panic hardware for single and double doors has been successfully third party tested on Robust’s PAS 24 certified doors and is available with Robust’s SECUR-DOR 2.1.

This exclusive range of panic hardware offers maximum versatility and seamless coordination across multiple openings on a site. Manufactured from zinc and featuring a satin nickel-plated finish, the hardware is highly resistant to scratches, wear and frequent use.

Certified to PAS 24 (2022) and Secured by Design approved, Robust’s SECUR-DOR 2.1 is available fire rated for 60 minutes on request for both single and double door configurations, with the option for up to two vision panels or louvres per leaf. SECUR-DOR 2.1 achieves a thermal rating of 1.5W/ (m²K), surpassing the requirements of Part L of the UK Building Regulations, which specifies a minimum of 1.6W/(m²K) for external non-domestic doors.

“Manufactured from zinc and featuring a satin nickel-plated finish, the hardware is highly resistant to scratches, wear and frequent use.”

“Made from Magnelis® steel, the SECUR-DOR 2.1 doorset provides superior corrosion resistance, durability and long-term performance.”

Made from Magnelis® steel, the SECUR-DOR 2.1 doorset provides superior corrosion resistance, durability and long-term performance. The material forms a self-healing protective layer on cut edges, enhancing its lifespan, reducing maintenance needs and providing up to 10-years anticorrosion warranty.

The exclusive ARRONE panic hardware was developed to fill the gap in the market for costeffective steel exit doors that offer ease of exit but meet modern security needs and performance requirements. This security door solution is ideal for use in residential and social housing developments, schools and educational buildings, hospitals and healthcare facilities and other low to medium risk properties.

Jason Robinson, Technical Director at Robust, explains: "We recognised there was market demand for costeffective security door solutions for emergency exits, so we worked closely with HOPPE (UK) to develop hardware options that meet PAS 24 standards. This partnership has strengthened our product offering with hardware solutions that deliver the security, performance and functionality that our customers need, while maintaining cost-efficiency. As a result,

upgrading to security-certified fire exits is now more affordable than many customers might expect.”

For more information about

Karen Nelson, Business Development Manager at HOPPE (UK), says: “Collaborating with Robust UK has been an excellent opportunity to combine our expertise and offer a solution that fills a gap in the market for cost-effective hardware solutions. This is a future-proofed solution, fully compatible with PAS 24 certified security doors.”

Robust is always seeking to innovate and offer its customers new solutions that meet market demands. By offering ARRONE hardware with its SECUR-DOR 2.1 range, customers have access to cost-effective solutions to upgrade standard fire exits to security-rated doors.

2.1 visit www.robust-uk.com, or contact Robust at sales@robust-uk.com or call 01782 592900. For more information about HOPPE (UK), visit: www.hoppe.com/gb-en/

IDSL Group welcomes Fire Doors Rite, strengthening UK leadership in firedoor compliance and services

IDSL Group has announced it has acquired Fire Doors Rite, a specialist provider of fire door inspection, maintenance and installation services, strengthening the Group’s position in the UK fire door market. The acquisition deepens Mansfield-based IDSL Group’s nationwide compliance coverage, capabilities in critical infrastructure environments and adds experienced teams and technology that help building owners and responsible persons evidence and maintain compliance more easily.

Ash Malhan, Group Chief Executive Officer, IDSL Group, said: “We are building the UK’s leading fire door focused testing, inspection, certification and compliance business. Welcoming Fire Doors Rite accelerates our strategy in the defence segment and strengthens our Compliance Services division which is now two-thirds of the business. The acquisition, as with the rest of IDSL Group, will be supported by our ongoing product business following our investment in a third facility at our Mansfield HQ. Our Knowledge Built, Compliance Led approach is powered by market leading fire door test evidence, deep investment in testing and technical teams, and field technology that enables our engineers to deliver demonstrable compliance for customers.”

Fire Doors Rite brings a strong track record in commercial, government and defence estates, with services spanning inspections, compliant repairs and maintenance, and certified installations. Its focus on rigorous processes, traceability and customer reporting complements IDSL Group’s end to

end capability, from original supply of certified performance door sets to ongoing compliance across asset life cycles.

The acquisition provides a number of practical benefits for customers. It increases national compliance coverage by expanding inspection and maintenance capacity across multiple sectors, including those operating within critical infrastructure environments. It also

strengthens the golden thread of fire door safety by improving the quality and consistency of data capture, reporting and certification, supporting responsible persons in evidencing compliance from original manufacture through to in life performance. In addition, it establishes a fully end to end service pathway, giving customers a single, accountable provider for testing, inspection, maintenance, repair, replacement and certified

door set supply, supported by the Group’s established technical capability and regulatory expertise.

Fire Doors Rite will continue to serve customers as usual, with integration focused on sharing best practice, aligning reporting, and expanding capacity where demand is strongest.

LDC invested in IDSL Group in May 2024 to help drive organic and

acquisitive growth. Since then, the business has increased turnover by 45% to £55m LTM, expanded its manufacturing footprint with a new site in Mansfield and grown headcount to 425.

The business also completed the acquisition of Hartland Fire in November 2024, broadening its capabilities in compliance services.

www.firedoorsrite.co.uk | www.ldc.co.uk

David Bains, Partner, Head of East Midlands and East of England at LDC, commented: “Ash and the team at IDSL Group continue to deliver on a clear strategy to lead the UK market in fire door compliance and services. Fire Doors Rite adds specialist expertise and capacity that strengthens what the business can offer customers operating in highly regulated environments. We’re excited to support the team as they scale both organically and through complementary acquisitions.”

Competency, compliance and fire door training

Nicola John, Managing Director of FDM – Training & Development, explores why the future of fire door safety depends on practical, assessed competency across the fire door supply chain.

Eight years on from Grenfell, the conversation about fire doors has shifted. Not because we have suddenly discovered that fire doors matter, we always knew that, but because the bar for proving competence is rising. Compliance is no longer something that can be assumed, it has to be evidenced.

That shift affects everyone involved in fire door safety, including installers, inspectors, maintainers, landlords, specifiers and Responsible Persons. The question is no longer simply “have we done enough?” It is “can we show what we did, why we did it and that it was done by competent people, using the right products, installed in the right way and maintained throughout the life of the building?”

Fragmented competence creates systemic risk

For years, fire door competence has been built in fragments: a classroom course here, an on-the-job briefing there, documents to read and sign. The result is often a well-intentioned but under-supported workforce, where compliance becomes a tick-box

exercise and knowledge is siloed across a supply chain that does not always speak the same technical language.

The Grenfell Inquiry reinforced how dangerous this fragmentation can be. Fire doors, the last line of defence in compartmentation, can be compromised by small decisions that seem minor in isolation: a closer that is not adjusted correctly, or a hinge changed without understanding the test evidence behind the door set. None of these look like non-compliance in the moment but in a fire they can be the difference between containment and catastrophe.

Why theory is not enough

Much of the industry’s training has historically been weighted towards theory rather than practical application. People may understand regulations in principle yet lack confidence when standing in front of a live fire door, with real tolerances, real frames, real hardware and the pressure to complete work quickly. If standards are to rise, the way competence is built must evolve. Not just through information and attendance, but through practice, decision-making and assessment. Hands-on training environments that reflect real building contexts allow competence to be developed in conditions that mirror on-site risk. At FDM, this thinking informed the creation of a purposebuilt Training Academy, and now a second training centre in partnership with the FPA, designed to make competence practical - because the risk is practical.

Competence across the whole lifecycle

A fire door’s performance is shaped by multiple decisions: specification, procurement, installation, inspection, repair, replacement and record-keeping. When roles are trained in isolation, the industry may achieve pockets of competence but remains systemically vulnerable.

One of the most persistent weaknesses remains maintenance. There is still a tendency towards “we can fix anything”, even when repair compromises certification and performance. Too often, fire doors fail not because the product is wrong, but because they are not installed, inspected or maintained correctly over time. Maintaining performance requires specialist knowledge, yet this remains one of the most under-resourced parts of the lifecycle.

A more robust model is holistic. Compliance is not owned by a single individual or solved by one “golden” product. It is achieved when every link in the chain understands what good looks like and why. Assessment must sit at the heart of competence-building, providing consistency and a clearer basis for accountability.

The Golden Thread is a competence issue

As the sector moves towards traceable, accessible information under the “Golden Thread” of building safety, the challenge is often framed as digital. In reality, it is also a competence issue. A perfect record of poor decisions is not progress. The value lies in understanding which evidence matters, how to avoid inappropriate substitutions and how to maintain performance over time, and then being able to record that work in a way that stands up to scrutiny.

This also changes the profile of skills the industry needs. Paperwork is no longer an afterthought and the ability to evidence work is now part of what it means to be competent.

Confidence as the new compliance

Encouragingly, momentum is building. Over the past 18 months, more than 1,200 professionals from across the fire door supply chain have been trained through FDM programmes, including those influencing product choice, managing estates, certifying work and carrying legal responsibility. Yet the sector still faces a shortage of trained installers, inspectors and maintenance professionals, and scaling capability will take time.

What is clear is that people do not resist higher standards, they resist uncertainty. There is a strong appetite to do the right thing, but it must be supported by training that reflects real-world conditions and provides clarity about what competence looks like for different roles.

The next phase of fire door safety must therefore be about confidence: confidence that a door has been specified, installed, inspected and maintained correctly, and that those decisions can be evidenced. Compliance is no longer a one-off event. It is a continuous, demonstrable system. If we want safer buildings, competence can no longer be treated as an optional extra. It is the foundation that makes every other part of the system work.

“More than 1,200 professionals from across the fire door supply chain have been trained through FDM programmes, including those influencing product choice, managing estates, certifying work and carrying legal responsibility.”

Unity Doors - Proud to be showcasing at The Fire Safety Event 2026

Unity Doors is proud to be exhibiting at the Fire Safety Event for the third consecutive year. As the UK’s leading event for the fire safety industry, the FSE is usually a stand-out event attended by influential innovators in the fire safety sector. This year the bar is set to be raised even further. For 2026, over 13,500 industry professionals and more than 300 exhibitors will unite at the NECincluding leading door manufacturer, Unity Doors.

Showcasing Innovation. Demonstrating Excellence.

Once again, Unity Doors is uniting safety, style, security and service and will be revealing the very latest additions to its product line-up. There will also be some surprises in store!

Organise a meeting in advance

Because time is always precious at events such as these, Unity Doors is offering attendees the opportunity to book an appointment in advance.

Email - enquiries@unitydoors.com to find out more.

Commitment to service & innovation

Unity Doors is committed to bringing its customers more - continually investing in third-party testing to deliver premium quality across both its solid core composite fire doorsets and solid timber fire doorsets. Uniting contemporary design with uncompromising compliance, offering:

• Third-party tested and UKCA marked FD30S solid timber core composite doorsets

• FD30 flat entrance doorsets

• Triple certification: fire, smoke, and security

• Primary test evidence

• Glazed sidelights, toplights, or flag windows – all fire-rated glass

• Bi-directional EN1634-1 fire resistance and EN1634-3 smoke control

• Complete doorsets delivered nationwide, supply from just 7 days, install service available

To find out more and to book a meeting with the commercial team, emailenquiries@unitydoors.com or call +44 1531 822585.

www.unitydoors.com

28-30th April 2026 - Stand 4/F60

Tradition meets tech: How Joinerysoft’s journey mirrors the evolution of fire door compliance

Fire door manufacturing is no longer simply a matter of skilled joinery — it is a matter of provable compliance.

In recent years, the regulatory landscape surrounding fire safety has tightened significantly, with greater scrutiny placed on accountability, traceability and demonstrable compliance throughout the supply chain. Further regulatory changes are anticipated, reinforcing the need for manufacturers to evidence that their doorsets remain within tested and certified parameters.

Alongside this, third-party certification schemes operated by organisations such as BM TRADA and the British Woodworking Federation Fire Door Alliance have strengthened expectations around scope control and documented manufacturing processes.

For door manufacturers, compliance can no longer rely on knowledge alone — it must be structured, controlled and demonstrable.

From workshop solution to international platform

Joinerysoft’s story began in 1983, when Dave Turner developed one of the first dedicated estimating programs for a joinery manufacturer. What started as a practical solution for a single workshop has grown into an international software platform supporting more than 1,100 joinery businesses worldwide.

For over 20 years as Joinerysoft Ltd, the company has been at the forefront of specialist joinery software development. Today, under the leadership of Managing Director Alan Turner and the next generation of the Turner family, the business continues to evolve alongside the industry it serves. The guiding philosophy has remained consistent: digital systems must reflect real workshop processes — tooling, machining, timber usage and labour sequencing — not abstract theory.

Fire Door Safety

Responding to the demands of fire door manufacturing

As scrutiny within the fire door sector increased, manufacturers required more than accurate estimating. They needed structured production systems capable of controlling complex construction variables within certified scope. Estimating spreadsheets and isolated CNC programs — while effective for pricing — were never designed to manage:

• Core types and fire ratings (FD30, FD60 and beyond)

• Lipping species and dimensional tolerances

• Glazing apertures against tested parameters

• Intumescent and smoke seal configurations

• Ironmongery preparation aligned with field of application

Small deviations — such as reduced lipping thickness or oversized vision panels — can move a doorset outside its certified test evidence under standards including EN 1634-1 and BS 476-22.

This operational reality led to significant investment in JMS 3D Pro and its dedicated Commercial and Fire Door modules.

Unlike generic ERP systems, Joinerysoft’s platform is written specifically for joinery manufacturing. It digitally models door construction in a way that mirrors actual workshop tooling and machining processes. Each configuration drives automated cutting lists, structured bills of materials, CNC outputs and production documentation.

Instead of managing multiple spreadsheets for variations of certified constructions, manufacturers can control configuration centrally — reducing duplication and improving consistency between specification and manufacture.

The shift is subtle but significant: moving from estimation to verification.

Alan Turner Managing Director

Fire Door Safety Software

“More than forty years after developing its first estimating system, Joinerysoft continues to evolve alongside the industry — helping manufacturers combine practical knowledge with structured digital control in an increasingly accountable regulatory environment.”

Towards structured compliance checking

As certification bodies increasingly focus on demonstrable scope control, digital systems are evolving further.

Joinerysoft is currently developing an integrated compliancechecking layer designed to assess whether a configured door sits within defined certification parameters, cascade supplierbased scope rules and flag potential deviations before manufacture. Documentation alone is no longer sufficient. Manufacturers increasingly require systems capable of interpreting configuration data and supporting proactive validation — providing reassurance not just during audits, but in everyday production decisions.

Extending control through the cloud

The launch of JMS Cloud has extended this structured approach beyond the workshop floor.

Accessible from any internet-connected device, JMS Cloud integrates scheduling, reporting, CRM functionality and document management into a single environment. For fire door manufacturers managing complex commercial projects, this enables improved traceability, clearer job histories and better visibility across multiple sites.

In recognition of its contribution to digital transformation within the woodworking sector, JMS Cloud was shortlisted for the BWF Innovation Award in consecutive years, 2024 and 2025.

Supporting manufacturers as the

sector evolves

The increasing adoption of structured digital production systems within the commercial and fire door sector reflects a broader industry transition toward controlled, evidencebased compliance.

To support this growth, Joinerysoft is expanding its installation and training capability and is seeking an experienced joinery professional with fire door knowledge to join its Oxfordshire-based team.

This is not simply a technical role. The company is looking for someone who understands the practical difference between a smoke seal and an intumescent strip — someone able to bridge digital configuration and real workshop practice, ensuring compliance systems are embedded effectively into daily production.

Tradition Supporting Transformation

Fire door manufacturing remains grounded in craftsmanship. Tooling constraints, machining tolerances and assembly sequencing continue to define the finished product.

Digital systems do not replace that expertise — they protect it.

More than forty years after developing its first estimating system, Joinerysoft continues to evolve alongside the industry — helping manufacturers combine practical knowledge with structured digital control in an increasingly accountable regulatory environment.

The future of fire door safety

FiRECORE

The future of fire door safety

30-minute Fire Stop Doors are a step above the rest, achieving market leading results for fire safety and security. The reassurance you need when choosing a fire door, paired with unrivalled versatility and style.

Independently tested by Warrington Fire as part of BM Trada 170 certification, The Emplas 30-minute fire doorset achieved up to 58 minutes fire integrity with no failings recorded (test was terminated at 58 minutes).