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Bernie Higgins

Operations Director at The Ethical Fire Safety Risk Management (TEFSRM) Group Ltd

Bernie Higgins brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, fire safety, and risk management to his role as Operations Director at The Ethical Fire Safety Risk Management (TEFSRM) Group Ltd. With a distinguished career that has spanned decades, Higgins now provides executive-level support and guidance across multiple sectors, helping organisations assess risk and implement comprehensive fire safety strategies grounded in both regulatory excellence and operational insight.

In addition to his executive responsibilities, Higgins plays a pivotal role in shaping fire safety standards on both a national and international scale. As Chairman of the British Standards Committee FSH/17 and the European Standards Committee CEN/TC 192, he is at the forefront of harmonising firefighting equipment standards across Europe. His leadership in these positions is marked by a deep understanding of technical requirements, regulatory frameworks, and the practical realities faced by modern fire services.

Higgins’ influence extends well beyond boardrooms and standards committees. Over the course of his career, he has built enduring relationships across the UK fire sector and with international counterparts, fostering a spirit of collaboration that drives strategic innovation. His work has consistently bridged the gap between high-level policy and frontline implementation—ensuring that safety protocols are not only rigorous, but also realistic and adaptable to real-world challenges.

At the heart of Higgins’ approach is a combination of critical thinking and refined interpersonal skills. These attributes have made him an effective leader in navigating complex risk environments and in building multidisciplinary teams capable of delivering resilient, high-performance outcomes. Whether advising corporate partners, working alongside public agencies, or contributing to European regulatory development, Bernie Higgins brings unmatched expertise and a long-standing commitment to enhancing fire safety and operational integrity across the sector.

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I’m proud to serve as a Fire Buyer Awards judge because this platform recognises the individuals and organisations who are genuinely pushing boundaries in fire protection.
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The Judges

The Fire Buyer Awards stand as a benchmark for excellence, integrity, and innovation in the global fire and life safety sector. At the heart of this recognition is our independent judging panel, selected not only for their achievements, but for their dedication to advancing best practice across the entire fire ecosystem, both passive and active.

Our judges represent a diverse cross-section of the industry — from running fire departments as Battalion Chiefs or specialising in equipment consulting, to fire and risk engineering, manufacturing, and standardisation. The panel includes respected thought leaders and practitioners from major fire associations such as the Fire Industry Association (FIA), Women Talking Fire (WTF) and National Fire Chief Council (NFCC). Their collective expertise spans standards advisory and development roles, DEI leadership, technology innovation, risk management, standards development, and strategic tactics.

Together, they will be responsible for reviewing entries against set criteria, compiling shortlists, and ultimately recognising the individuals, teams, and companies that are setting new standards for excellence and innovation in the fire sector. With their guidance, the Fire Buyer Awards remain a trusted and authoritative voice in recognising industry achievement.

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Judges' awards

The Fire Buyer Readers’ Awards honour innovation, excellence, and leadership across the global fire sector. Voting is exclusively open to registered Fire Buyer members, it’s completely free to join and gives you access to exclusive video content, digital issues, our awards hub, and much more.

Voting couldn’t be easier: it’s a single-click process once you’re signed in. To vote, simply register here to become a member.

The awards are invite-only, recognising the top manufacturers and suppliers of the most advanced, innovative fire developments launched within the past 18 months. From cutting-edge technology to fire breakthroughs, these nominees represent the best in the industry.

Fire Buyer is proud to spotlight outstanding contributions that are instigating change in industry and technology. Make your voice count and celebrate excellence in fire.

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