Fire Safety Event 2026

LOCATION: NEC, Birmingham

DATE: 28 April 2026 10:00

DURATION: 3 days

The Fire Protection Association are pleased to once again be exhibiting at the Fire Safety Event taking place between 28-30 April at the NEC, Birmingham.  

The Fire Safety Event is a key platform for professionals across the fire safety sector to gather, network, and discover the most advanced tools for safeguarding people, property, and assets from fire hazards. 

We look forward to welcoming you to our stand (J92), where we will be showcasing the FPA’s latest developments including our new FireQual accredited fire risk assessment qualifications, our dedicated fire testing facility, new member benefits, and our latest guidance publications. 

Hear from the FPA’s experts 

In addition to offering visitors direct access to several of our experienced consultants at the FPA stand, we are pleased to confirm that Chief Executive, Dr Gavin Dunn will be speaking at the event. 

Wednesday 29 April 11:15 – 12:00 Compliance Theatre 

Understanding the framework for fire risk assessor competency - Dr Gavin Dunn

The publication of the long-awaited standard for the assessment of fire risk assessor competency: BS 8674:2025 saw the government take significant strides towards meeting the recommendation in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report to “establish a system of mandatory accreditation to certify the competence of fire risk assessors by setting standards for qualification and continuing professional development and such other measures as may be considered necessary or desirable”.  

In this session, FPA Chief Executive Dr Gavin Dunn will provide an overview of BS 8674:2025 and the changes implemented to improve the competency of fire risk assessors, the level of detail and comprehension required for fire risk assessment, and why fire risk assessments need to be a holistic and active document in place throughout the lifespan of a building.  

With the Government in England having confirmed that mandatory competence requirements for fire risk assessors will be introduced and independently verified by UKAS-accreditation certification bodies, Gavin will also highlight the importance of fire risk assessors having a clear route to third party certification.

Wednesday 29 April 12:55 – 1:25 Fire Safety Leaders Summit 

MMC and fire safety: Challenges and concerns

Organised by the FPA, this engaging panel session will tackle industry concerns around fire safety in modern methods of construction (MMC). The discussion will consider gaps between innovation and safety systems in the construction sector, including best practice challenges in the MMC industry and the need for fire safety to be on the agenda across all sectors. 

Panellists will also discuss the danger of MMC fire risks being treated the same as those in traditional construction, particularly given the reliance on contractors to ensure fire stopping measures are installed correctly once materials are taken on-site.  

Speakers

George Edwardes, Technical Director, Fire Protection Association

Agnieszka Melling-Sawicka, Associate Director, PartB

Simon Ince, Program Manager, UL Solutions

The Fire Safety Event is dedicated to supporting industry practitioners, professionals and organisations in achieving and maintaining the very highest standards of fire safety management. Showcasing the latest products, technology and solutions in fire safety, this is the perfect opportunity for visitors to gain direct insight into improving business protection and continuity. 

  • Contractors 
  • Manufacturers  
  • Fire engineers 
  • Architects 
  • Civil Engineers 
  • Developers 
  • Local Councils 
  • House Builders/Associations 
  • Construction Professionals 
  • Facilities managers

More in this section

News

The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has written to fire and rescue services across the UK...NEWS

News

New fire door research has uncovered an “inconsistent” and, in some areas,...NEWS