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NFCC warns of increase of fires in homes

News Desk /

The cost of living crisis will oversee a sharp rise in accidental fires in the home, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is warning. NFCC is concerned that the UK will witness an increase in fire-related serious injuries – and potential fatalities – as people try to find alternative ways to stay warm, light their homes and reduce their overall energy usage as the cost of bills increase. To combat this, the NFCC is launching its new national campaign ‘Stay Fire Safe’. Rising costs means fire prevention in the home is “now more important than ever”. The campaign, which will be supported by UK fire and rescue services will share important information to help keep communities safe. In the last quarter of 2021, the were 99 fire-related fatalities with 76 happening in homes, compared to 54 in the same quarter a year before – a 41% rise. Accidental fires in the home caused by candles in England, in March 2022 totalled 940, the highest recorded in more than 10 years. A third of these fires resulted in death or injury. NFCC has expressed concern that these figures could rise as members of the public look for ways to deal with rising costs. The campaign will share advice on heating appliances, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, candles and electrical safety. A key area of the campaign is signposting where additional help could be available. “We know there are going to be face additional hardships as we move into the colder months and we want to ensure advice is easily available. It is likely more people than ever before will need essential prevention advice as energy bills rise,” explained Rick Hylton, Home Safety Chair at NFCC. “We absolutely acknowledge that many may be doing things differently as they face difficult decisions as the weather changes. We hope our new campaign will help to highlight the dangers, offer simple solutions and help keep loved ones safer in their homes,” he added. NFCC is calling on people to carry out an online home safety fire check. The accessible tool provides fire safety advice which is personalised. For those at higher risk, local fire and rescue services can conduct home visits to provide additional help and support. Tenants should check their landlords or housing providers have installed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which is a legal obligation. As of October in parts of the UK, the installation of lifesaving alarms will be happening in more homes. To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Pierce Volterra awarded ‘Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin’

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Pierce Manufacturing announced that its Pierce Volterra zero-missions pumper has been awarded the annual ‘Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin’ competition, after receiving several votes of support. Pierce was among 16 finalists in the 2022 competition, which included seven products manufactured in Northeast Wisconsin. The contest is sponsored each year by the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and Johnson Financial Group, in an effort to highlight the state’s manufacturing industry by showcasing innovative products made in Wisconsin. “Pierce has been a proud Wisconsin manufacturer for over 100 years, and our team is incredibly honoured to have been included,” said Lisa Barwick, Vice President Marketing – Fire & Emergency Segment for Oshkosh Corporation. “Throughout the competition, a strong sense of pride and dedication to innovation was evident with every match-up. Winning is an incredible distinction.” Since the introduction of the Volterra in 2021, Pierce has announced the placement of three zero-emissions pumpers into three communities including the City of Madison, Wisconsin Fire Department, the City of Portland, Oregon Fire and Rescue, and Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department in Arizona. “Winning this award recognises our commitment to developing electric vehicle solutions which help firefighters save lives and best serve their communities,” added Barwick. “As one of our latest innovations, it’s incredible to see our network and community rally around a shared vision for where the Volterra electric fire truck will take the fire service in the coming years.” The Pierce Volterra marked the first zero-emissions electric fire truck service in North America, to support municipalities’ growing environmental sustainability goals and agendas to reduce local carbon emissions. The pumper technology consists of a proprietary Oshkosh Corporation patented parallel-electric drive train featuring an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission which allows zero-emissions operation. Over the next year, Pierce will continue developing and evaluating the Pierce Volterra electric vehicle to gain insight intothe operational environments the electric vehicle must withstand. To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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IFE appoints new International President

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The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has introduced the 2022-2023 International President, Dr Peter Wilkinson, CSci MIScT CEng FIFireE. Dr Wilkinson was installed as International President at the IFE’s 99th AGM on Tuesday 18 October 2022. The handover was carried out by former 2020-2022 International President Andrew Sharrad GradCert EngTech CFIFireE. IFE members will be able to watch a recording of the AGM via MyIFE in the near future. “It is truly an honour to be the IFE International President 2022-2023. My aim for the next year is to strengthen the ties between IFE’s international presence and as many of the other major bodies in fire safety as possible,” said Dr Wilkinson, on being installed as International President. Dr Wilkinson has been involved in the IFE for many years, representing the organisation on national and international professional forums, contributing to post-Grenfell initiatives in the UK and worldwide, driving the development and remit of the Technical Strategy Advisory Group and more recently, leading the IFE in technical matters in the role of Technical Director. A Chartered Engineer, Chartered Scientist and Registered Fire Risk Assessor since 2012, Dr Wilkinson has been leading the independent safety, fire and risk engineering practice he founded. As the International President, Dr Wilkinson sits on the IFE Board of Trustee Directors. In his work, he will support both the Board of Trustee Directors and worldwide branches. To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Survitec appoints new CEO

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Survitec has announced the appointment of Robert Steen Kledal as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. As CEO, Robert will be responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction. He will lead the Survitec Executive team and sit on the Survitec board. At the beginning of the year, the company launched a new organisational structure designed to make Survitec a better partner, with increased levels of customer centricity and agility being the main focus. Robert will continue transformation work, positioning Survitec customers at the heart of decisions that the company makes while ensuring growth. One key focus will be Survitec’s workforce of over 8000 people to ensure they feel connected to the company’s purpose. Robert brings with him 30 years of experience in executive level roles on a global scale. Previously, he served as CEO at Wrist Ship Supply, a ship and offshore supplier of provisions and stores, for over nine years. His experience spans the maritime and defence industries. He has also held several senior positions, during his 21 years at Moeller-Maersk Group and served in the Danish Army as a Sergeant. In addition to his role as CEO of Survitec, Robert is also on the Board of Directors at Wrist Ship Supply and Blue Water Shipping, a provider of transport and logistic solutions. When asked why he’d chosen to join the team Trusted to Protect Lives, he said: “Coming from the shipping industry, I was instantly attracted to the inspiring purpose of Survitec. I look forward to building on this great legacy and the achievements made to position Survitec as the global leader in Survival Technology for our customers worldwide. Not least to service our customers’ requirements effectively.” To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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ZIEGLER secures contract to deliver Z-Class to Cranfield Airport

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ZIEGLER Group has announced its contract to supply the world’s first hybrid aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicle to a customer. Cranfield Airport, owned by Cranfield University will be the first Airport to receive this first vehicle.  It is only 3 months after ZIEGLER has announced the electrification of the game-changing Z-Class in June 2022.  The Z6 HYBRIDDrive by ZIEGLER is a 6×6 ARFF which can drive in three modes. Pure electrical mode; combined electric and combustion mode; and purely with a conventional, low emission engine.  Therefore the emissions can be reduced significantly, but – in case of an emergency – the maximum power output can reach up to 1,150 HP, with the acceleration from 0-80 km/h within 25 s.  “It’s the perfect concept for future airport firefighting: Combination of both – green airports concept and maximum power for the rapid deployment”, said Angus Yan, CSO of ZIEGLER Group.  This award will change the sector of the aviation firefighting appliance in general by implementing the latest state of the art technology of ZIEGLER and boosts Cranfield Airport’s decarbonising activity.  “Cranfield Airport is used to ground-breaking projects in areas such as our Digital Air Traffic Control Centre, the integration of manned and unmanned aircraft and enabling the future of electric and hydrogen flight. This contract represents another milestone on our support to the zero carbon aviation agenda.”, said Rob Abbott, Cranfield Airport Director.  Cranfield Airport’s new Z-Class HYBRIDdrive will be manufactured at the headquarters of ZIEGLER in Giengen/Brenz and then sent to West Yorkshire-based Venari, exclusive agent of ZIEGLER in the UK, for finalisation such as stowage fitment, communications instalments and livery. Venari will also take over the service activities in the future.  Starting from 2021, Venari and ZIEGLER joined forces to actively introduce the Z-Class to the UK market. “The 2021 UK Z-Class launch essentially provided the UK aviation firefighting industry with much needed competition at a time when innovation was required. But, to respond to requests for further advancements – to allow airports to improve operational performance whilst achieving increased environmental targets in parallel – has shown the unbelievably high quality of our partner, ZIEGLER.”, said Oliver North, CEO of Venari Group.  Fabian Schmidt, Product Manager ARFF vehicles at ZIEGLER adds: “After several years of continuous development of our Z-Class, we feel confident that our new Z6 HYBRIDDrive will prove to be a firm favourite for the UK airport fire and rescue services, not only to achieve tough environmental targets, but to improve overall operational effectiveness.”  To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Record-breaking turnout at ESS 2022

Event News /

A record number of visitors attended the award-winning Emergency Services Show at the NEC on 21 and 22 September. The UK’s largest event for the emergency services attracted over 10,100 visitors and buyers for the first time in its history, with strong representation from across all the emergency services including police, fire & rescue, ambulance, and search & rescue. The show’s visitors attended a programme of over 80 CPD-accredited seminars running in six theatres covering Lessons Learnt, Emerging Technologies, Health & Wellbeing, Future Policing, the College of Paramedics and, new this year, First Responder which focused on improving collaboration between the emergency services and security industries. The indoor and outdoor exhibition featured over 450 exhibitors where visitors could source new technology and products from the leading names in public safety, medical & fire-fighting equipment, vehicles, drones, command & control, satellite & blended communications, search & rescue, extrication, water rescue, CBRNE, first response, protective clothing & uniforms, training, community safety, and station facilities. In the Lessons Learnt Theatre, Dr Iryna Rybinkina, Consultant cardiothoracic anaesthetist and CEO of Smart Medical Aid shared her unique insights from operating in a European war zone in Inspiration from the Ukrainian Front Line. For Dr Rybinkina, the show was like visiting a candy shop. “There are so many interesting new gadgets. I’m really enjoying it. I think it’s very important to get people together in one room so they can keep talking and collaborating on different projects.” Speaking in the Future Policing Theatre, Lord Bernard Hogan Howe, former Chief Constable of the Metropolitan Police said: “What’s really important about these shows is that you see new ideas. If you don’t see the new technology, the new ways of doing things, you carry on doing what you’ve always done and that means you’re trapped in the past. If you can get new technology that really helps you to stop crime, why wouldn’t you?” “We’ve had really in-depth conversations with customers from across all the emergency services, so maritime and coastguard, police, fire. I’ve just had an order for 56 cars,” said Helen Aldred, Public Sector Manager, South, Toyota (GB) PLC. “What a great show it’s been,” said David Savage, Group Executive Chairman of Excelerate Technology Group. “One of the busiest ESS’s for a long time with the right mix of existing customers and new opportunities.” “It’s a great chance to meet new clients, existing clients, to generate new opportunities, to talk to a large client base, and to have a look at what else is on offer around the show,” said Daniel Abrahams, Applications Engineer, Hexagon. Typical of show visitors, Steve Pagett, Fire Fighter at the London Fire Brigade commented: “It’s always interesting to see what new gear is coming in and how it’s going to help the services. Events like this are so important because it gives everyone an idea where the cutting edge is.” To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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London Fire calls for a stop to worker abuse

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London Fire Brigade’s new Deputy Commissioner is calling for an end to abuse towards staff as new figures show firefighters and Control officers are increasingly suffering from regular incidents of offensive behaviour. New data from London Fire Brigade, released on Emergency Services Day today, shows there have been more than 870 reports of physical and verbal assaults against our staff from 2020 to date. That’s a rise of more than 8% on the previous three years – there were 801 incidents from 2017 to 2019. Last year alone, there were weekly reports of abuse towards firefighters and Control – with 353 incidents in total reported during the year. So far this year, there have been 69 occasions when crews have been physically or verbally abused, including a spike in July, when firefighters were dealing with one of the busiest periods in the Brigade’s history during the summer heatwaves. Control Officers have also dealt with more than 140 abusive phone calls so far in 2022, and abuse to Control reached a five year high last year with 248 incidents recorded – almost 50 more calls than each of the previous four years. The Brigade’s new Deputy Commissioner for Preparedness and Response, Jonathan Smith, has said the figures are shocking and that any attack on an emergency worker is abhorrent. He called for an end to abusive behaviour against fire service staff and their blue lights colleagues and said the Brigade won’t hesitate to take action and support the police to bring criminal charges against perpetrators. He said: “It’s always disheartening to hear when a member of staff has been abused while doing their job. “Any attack on an emergency service worker is abhorrent – whether it’s physical or verbal abuse. “These people dedicate their lives to saving and protecting people and it’s appalling when they are ever hampered in doing this by aggressive members of the public.” Just last week, a firefighter was bitten by a resident while attending a fire in Bermondsey. A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson and on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. Last month, firefighters were assaulted and threatened by a man after being called to a bonfire in Thornton Heath. Fortunately, none of them were injured but the crew had to call police for backup as the situation escalated. A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and has been bailed pending further inquiries. Earlier this year a crew of firefighters was threatened with a knife and spat on in Tottenham and last year, a firefighter was attacked while attending a fire at a block of flats, also in Thornton Heath. Had it not been for his helmet, he would have sustained serious head injuries. Firefighters are not usually on the receiving end of as much violent behaviour as colleagues in the police and ambulance service, who sadly face thousands of physical and verbal attacks each year. Deputy Commissioner Smith added: “We take all attacks on our staff incredibly seriously and have already put our weight behind the Assaults on Emergency Workers Act which increased sentencing guidelines for such attacks. “If staff are on the receiving end of abuse, they are always supported by their manager and our Counselling and Trauma team if needed. “I want to remind Londoners that whenever they see us or our blue light colleagues out and about – in what are often very difficult circumstances – please be kind and don’t make a tough job even harder.” To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Pierce Manufacturing secures Gilbert Fire contract

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Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, announced it has secured a contract with the Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department in Arizona to place a Pierce Volterra zero-emissions pumper with an Oshkosh patented parallel-electric drivetrain into service with the department’s busiest station, Station No. 2. Gilbert Fire and Rescue’s Volterra electric pumper will be the third placement for Pierce, with others including the City of Madison, Wisconsin Fire Department, and the City of Portland, Oregon Fire and Rescue. All locations represent vastly different climates, allowing Pierce to collect vehicle performance data for the Volterra electric fire truck in various environmental conditions. The Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department is led by Fire Chief Rob Duggan and is made up of 11 fire stations and 276 members who are dedicated to finding and utilizing resources to improve service delivery to the community’s residents. “We are excited for the opportunity to partner with Pierce to add the Volterra electric pumper to our fire fleet because this partnership reflects and exemplifies Gilbert’s mission to anticipate and recognize the current and future needs of all who reside in the areas we serve,” said Chief Duggan. “An additional attribute critical to our department is the Volterra pumper will allow us the benefit of exploring ways to eliminate cancer-causing diesel exhaust particles from our fire stations.” Gilbert Fire and Rescue’s Volterra Electric Vehicle Configuration includes: Pierce Velocity custom chassis, expanding continuity among Gilbert’s current Pierce fire apparatus fleet Seating capacity: 6 GVWR: 42,000 lb TAK-4 Independent Front Suspension 500-gallon water tank 1500 gpm single stage pump Compartmentation: 150 cu ft plus ladder storage Hose capacity: 1000’ of 5” / 850’ of 2.5” Oshkosh patented parallel-electric drivetrain featuring an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission Zero-emissions operation when powered by the integrated onboard batteries, coupled with an internal combustion engine to provide continuous and uninterrupted power to the pumping system or drive system Exceptional operational range tailored to the fire department’s needs and duty cycle for full-shift operation Fire station-based, all-encompassing vehicle charging infrastructure offers a thorough, simple, and fast charging solution through Pierce’s expert energy solutions provider. In 2019, Gilbert launched an initiative to become the “City of the Future,” which includes carbon footprint reduction and fleet technologies and systems to improve efficiencies. Fleet electrification is an integral part of moving the city’s vision forward, in addition to multiple initiatives to explore how to make Gilbert a sustainable community for future decades. Chief Duggan added, “Pierce brought a fair and balanced approach to our early discussions and understood the importance of ensuring positive outcomes for both sides. The support of our mayor, town council, town management, and the many departments which support our department has also been instrumental in this agreement and will continue to be in the years to come.” In collaboration with Gilbert Fire and Rescue, Pierce will continue developing and evaluating the Pierce Volterra electric vehicle. As part of this development process, Gilbert’s arid, subtropical climate, intense heat during summer months, and high UV index will provide valuable exposure and insight to additional operational environments the electric vehicle must withstand. To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Results of WEBER’s rescueDAYS Paderborn

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The rescueDAYS in Paderborn was all about rescuing people after traffic accidents. Around 500 participants from over 30 nations took part in the world’s largest training event for technical rescue from October 6 to 10. New this year was a group in which only firefighter-influencers took part “Many of the methods we used at the rescueDAYS I didn’t know before. I’ll take that with me and pass it on,” says Marleen Struckamp. She was part of the influencer group at this year’s rescueDAYS in Paderborn and is passing on the new knowledge not only to her fellow firefighters, but also to her fans and followers online. In order to further reach a young firefighter audience, the firefighting influencers moved around the stations in a separate group practicing rescuing people in a wide variety of accident situations, similar to the other participants, while creating engaging content for their fans. At the 8 stations, correct handling of the equipment for technical assistance was taught and supplemented with experienced instructors giving their tips and knowledge from practice. In addition to the proven content of side impact, car on barrier, truck rescue, lifting, securing and stabilizing as well as chain rescue, this year’s training program included electromobility, new vehicle technologies and rear impact. “The rescueDAYS are not just a training event, but an event that strengthens cohesion and networking by solving operational scenarios together. The participants pass on a lot of knowledge to each other and thus learn from each other through direct exchange,” explained Managing Director Bernhard Obermayr assuringly Latest battery technology and cutting technique in a practical test The new rechargeable devices in the SMART-FORCE series and the revolutionary cutting technology SMOOTH-CUT were tested at the rescueDAYS event. Internationally, the use of battery technology is already very widespread. “Hydraulic rescue equipment powered by rechargeable batteries is in no way inferior to hose-bound equipment in terms of performance. Often there are still reservations that come from the old battery technology. With the new battery technology, we can ease these concerns for firefighters,” says instructor Tim Heyne. Crashing on a grand scale Around 175 vehicles were deformed for the training at the stations. The WEBER CRASH SYSTEM was also used. In the system, vehicles are statically fixed and deformed via four cylinders with different punches. By adjusting the pressure, different degrees of destruction can be simulated. Accident scenarios are thus simulated much more realistically without endangering the machine operators or having to call in construction machinery. The system is mounted on a roll-off subframe so that it can be transported by a swap-body truck. Zero series vehicles and latest vehicle technology Zero series vehicles from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Renault were also used for the training. Insight into state-of-the-art vehicle technology was provided at one of the theoretical lession stations. The opportunity to take a closer look at a Porsche Taycan, as well as vehicles from the VW ID3 and BMW iX brands, were enthusiastically welcomed by the participants. New vehicle technologies, high-strength materials in the bodies and modern safety equipment present firefighters with completely new challenges when rescuing people. This makes it all the more important for emergency services to keep their knowledge up to date in this area. Supporting program: trade exhibition and symposium Parallel to the practical stations, the rescueDAY symposium took place on Friday and Saturday with interesting technical presentations and renowned experts from the firefighting world. In the accompanying trade exhibition, a total of 21 companies showed their extensive product range in the field of firefighting equipment. To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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SOCOTEC opens new London office

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SOCOTEC’s Building Control, Fire Safety and Fire Engineering teams, along with Base Quantum, who this week rebranded as SOCOTEC Advisory, will occupy the office. The new London hub will bring together SOCOTEC’s professional services expertise under one roof, and will further enhance SOCOTEC’s unique ability to offer clients consulting, expert witness and technical expertise, across all of the value chain. The office offers a modern, collaborative workspace for more than 100 employees, along with 4 meeting rooms, training space and boardroom. Nicolas Detchepare, CEO, SOCOTEC UK said: “The primary aim was to bring together all of our professional expertise in a central London location. Lincoln’s Inn Fields, with a mix of barristers’ chambers, commercial premises and collegiate property, is the perfect location to bring together our teams and help foster a culture of entrepreneurship and collaboration. The move provides the opportunity for us establish technical and commercial synergies between our different divisions as well as improving commercial visibility of the SOCOTEC brand in London and the South East.  The addition of a Central London base to our property portfolio offers the perfect location from which to engage with clients, promote new activities, such as Building Envelope Consultancy, and deliver internal and external training. “I am delighted with the move, which further strengthens the SOCOTEC brand in the UK and our leading position within our industry.” To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Louis Curtis Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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