The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) hosted its prestigious 2023 Passive Fire Protection (PFP) Awards on 23 November, at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London, celebrating exceptional achievements in the passive fire protection sector.

Read the full list of winners here.

Exceptional contributions and innovations recognised

The awards ceremony, managed by ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward and featuring comedian Hal Cruttenden as guest speaker, acknowledged outstanding contributions across various categories.

Coopers Fire won the ‘ASFP Installation of the Year’ for their work in the Great Mosque of Mecca Mataf Tunnels, deploying the longest smoke curtains ever installed by the company.

The ‘Passive Fire Protection Innovation of the Year’ was awarded to the Colt EI60S Defender F2 smoke control damper for its discreet and aesthetic design.

Global HSE Solutions received the ‘Marketing Campaign of the Year’ for their whiteboard animations campaign, effectively conveying fire safety messages across diverse audiences.

Awards spotlighting customer service, training, and emerging talent

‘Best Customer Service’ was awarded to Gunfire for their exceptional customer service strategy.

Checkmate Fire bagged the ‘Training and Development of the Year’ for their commitment to staff training and ongoing competency.

The company also won ‘Highest Engagement of the Year’ for their active participation in ASFP’s various platforms.

The ‘Individual Rising Star of the Year’ went to Nathan Hassell of Novus Property Solutions, recognising his adaptability and dedication to the industry.

Lifetime achievement and special recognitions

The ceremony also honoured individuals and organisations for their long-term contributions.

Wilf Butcher received the ‘Lifetime Contribution’ award for his significant impact on the passive fire protection sector and the growth of ASFP.

Sika and Fire Protection Coatings Limited were acknowledged for 20 years of membership with ASFP.

Allister Smith of Aviva was named ‘Advocate of the Year’, and the newly introduced ASFP Gold badge was awarded to past ASFP Chairs and CEOs for their dedication to the Association.

Celebrating collective success

Mike Ward, in his address, highlighted the collective success of the ASFP community, stating: “Tonight we celebrated the achievements of ASFP members at an event with over 400 members and guests in attendance. This is your success.

“These Awards highlight excellence in passive fire protection and reward all those who advance the sector…But we must also recognise that we are all winners.

“We are part of the ASFP, an association which has seen exponential growth in membership, training, engagement, reach and voice as well as influence across all stakeholders within design, construction and occupation.”

The event also successfully raised £6075 for the Children’s Burns Trust, reflecting the ASFP’s commitment to social causes.

IFSJ Comment

The ASFP Awards 2023 highlight individual and organisational excellence in the field of passive fire protection and underscore the growing importance of this sector in the broader context of fire safety and construction.

The advancements in technology and innovation, as seen in the award-winning projects and products, reflect an industry committed to evolving and improving fire safety standards.

The recognition of emerging talent and long-standing contributors signifies a balanced focus on both the present and future of fire safety.

These awards, coupled with the Association’s growth in membership and influence, illustrate a vibrant community dedicated to enhancing fire safety standards, ultimately contributing to safer buildings and communities.