FSM Live Coventry
Seminar Programme
Headline Sponsor
The seminar agenda
If you’d like to speak at FSM Live 2026 please contact our conference chair Brian Sims at [email protected]
Times & sessions are preliminary and subject to change.
Seminar Programme :
FSM Live Theatre
08:30
Doors open/Networking
09:10
Welcome Address
Brian Sims BA (Hons) Hon FSyI (Editor - Fire Safety Matters and Conference Chair)
09:15
The changing landscape of fire safety – has enough been done to prevent large scale disasters occurring
George Edwardes (Fire Protection Association)
In this session we will examine the recent changes to the legislative framework and how these have updated the responsibilities and competencies defined for all of those involved in a buildings fire safety management. Specifically, this talk will touch on the Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety Act 2021, Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and current and forthcoming changes to Approved Document B, to discuss if sufficient changes have been made to prevent another large-scale fire occurring.
09:45
Introduction to BS 5839-1:2025 and BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020
Mike Hobbs (Apollo Fire Detectors)
This presentation gives information on BS5839 part 1 & part 6. The hour covers the standards, categories of system, design implications, and pertinent information. In particular there is a focus on the category of system and detection coverage. A good introduction to the standards.
- Categories of part 1 & part 6 system explained.
- Design implications of category covered.
- Part 6 grades of system explained.
- Detection coverage and limitations explored.
- Audio visual devices.
10:10
Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: Understanding External Wall Fire Risk
Ross O’Loughlin (Global HSE Group)
Behind many compliant-looking façades lie hidden fire safety defects - missing cavity barriers, combustible insulation, inconsistent detailing and legacy workmanship issues that compromise compartmentation.
In this session, Global HSE Group unpacks the anatomy of external wall systems and the regulatory framework governing their assessment, demonstrating through real remediation projects how risk is identified, evaluated and resolved in practice.
Drawing on live case studies, the presentation explores how innovative remediation techniques including advanced injectable cavity barrier systems can reinstate fire stopping with minimal disruption, while also highlighting recurring industry failings and the strategic consequences of underestimating façade risk.
In this session, Global HSE Group unpacks the anatomy of external wall systems and the regulatory framework governing their assessment, demonstrating through real remediation projects how risk is identified, evaluated and resolved in practice.
Drawing on live case studies, the presentation explores how innovative remediation techniques including advanced injectable cavity barrier systems can reinstate fire stopping with minimal disruption, while also highlighting recurring industry failings and the strategic consequences of underestimating façade risk.
10:30
Smoke Control Systems: Principles, Pitfalls & Protection
Salvy Vittozzi (Advanced)
Smoke remains the leading cause of fire‑related deaths, making effective smoke control critical to safe evacuation and firefighting access. This seminar explains how smoke control systems support life safety, compares natural and mechanical approaches, and sets out how to apply the UK regulatory framework in real‑world projects. Drawing on common design, installation, and maintenance pitfalls, the session provides practical insight into delivering compliant, reliable smoke control systems that perform when it matters most.
10:50
Networking break
11:20
Fire Detection Safety in open area properties
Ray Puttock (The Fire Beam Company)
A greater number of large “open area” buildings are being constructed, as we move to a society where we depend even more on logistics, retail hubs and communications, resulting in fire safety challenges becoming even more complex.
With the fast-moving nature of logistics, these challenges do not stand still, and can change literally each hour of the day, as goods are delivered, moved and then loaded for dispatch.
What are these new challenges, and what technology can be used to ensure best practice and protection is deployed? Additionally, what legislation and Standards are changing to accommodate these risks.
11:45
Fire & Life Safety Systems: Built on Standards, Not Shortcuts
Trevor Sawyer (Aico)
This session focuses on meeting recognised industry standards across training, competency, siting, and system installation. It reinforces compliance with BSI and manufacturer requirements, including product compatibility and correct component use, and highlights the importance of approved, financially stable suppliers to maintain certification, warranties, and long-term system compliance.
12:10
Mitigating Lithium-ion Battery Risks - Turning Fire Hazards into Safety Opportunities
Laurie Pollard (Firechief Global)
This session will delve into the challenges associated with Lithium-ion battery fires and you will gain valuable insights into why they happen and how to prevent, or should the worst happen, contain them.
12:30
RISK-BASED FIRE DETECTION FOR COMPLEX SITES
Martin Norris (FFE Ltd)
This session explores a risk-based approach to fire detection in complex buildings, using warehouses and data centres as contrasting examples. It will look at how to match detection methods to real-world risks, from high-bay storage and conveyors to server rooms and critical infrastructure, while balancing very early warning, false alarm reduction and maintainability.
13:00
Lunch
14:00
Building Fire Safety Competence for Tomorrow
Rob Bullen (Hands HQ)
This session explores how fire safety competence must evolve to meet the demands of modern buildings, emerging technology and evolving regulations. As the risk landscape becomes more complex, organisations need to rethink how they develop the skills, knowledge and experience of their teams. The discussion will highlight the role of training and industry collaboration in building competent fire safety professionals for the future.
14:20
How one of the UK's biggest Fire Safety Prosecutions collapsed
James Muller (Weightmans)
Specialist Fire Safety lawyer James Muller explores 2025's failed prosecution in relation to a fire that destroyed the 132-home Beechmere extra care complex in August 2019, including key take-aways and top tips for fire safety professionals and anyone facing enforcement action.
14:40
Fire Risk Management at Tesco
Rob Cook (Tesco)
Tesco's retail fire risk management focuses on proactively identifying fire hazards, reducing ignition risks, and maintaining robust prevention controls across stores, warehouses, and offices. It combines regular fire risk assessments, colleague training, strict compliance with fire safety legislation, and the maintenance of fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems.
15:00
Networking Break
15:20
Fire Risk Assessor competence – A Gold Standard
Lewis Ramsay (BAFE)
Since the publication of BS 8674 there has been great interest in fire risk assessor competence requirements and how these may be specified and verified. This seminar looks at the standard, the qualifications that have been mapped against it and how UKAS accredited certification schemes will continue to provide the gold standard.
15:40
The cost benefit of sprinklers in schools
Alasdair Perry (BAFSA)
Fire harms more than children's education. It also affects their well-being and puts immense pressure on staff, many of whom understandably leave to other schools. Meanwhile a facility that is used out of school hours by local clubs and societies is no longer available. If we want schools that are built to last, they should be sprinklered. A new cost benefit analysis makes the case for sprinklers in schools.
16:00
Closing Statements
Brian Sims BA (Hons) Hon FSyI (Editor - Fire Safety Matters and Conference Chair)
16:00
Close
Seminar Programme :
Women in Fire Safety Theatre
14:00
Tea and Coffee
14:45
Welcome address and Update on Women in Fire Safety Awards
Speaker TBC (Organisation TBC)
14:55
Public Speaking Training
Rebecca Dart (DAC Beachcroft)
As part of HSM's focus on shining a spotlight on Women in the Fire Safety, a number of women in the sector have requested that we put on a training session on public speaking. This training session is open to all and aims to help give attendees more confidence in public speaking or delivering presentations in the boardroom.
15:25
Women in Health and Safety Panel Session
Chloe Antoniuk (CLA Fire Consultancy)
Elizabeth Mitchel (Wisualarm)
Zhujun Zhang (CHPK Fire Engineering)
Maisie Gleeson (OFR Consultants)
This Panel session will have a panel of female fire safety professionals discussing how they got into the sector and what more can be done to encourage more women to join the sector.