ASFP receives awards for leadership and partnership in UK fire protection

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has received two honours at the 2025 Trade Association Forum (TAF) Awards, as reported by ASFP.

ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward received the Outstanding Contribution Award, and the Association, along with Milford & Marah, was awarded Best Association / Supplier Partnership.

Mike Ward receives Outstanding Contribution Award

The Outstanding Contribution Award was presented to ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the Association’s development.

ASFP stated that the award acknowledged Mike Ward’s role in establishing the Association’s first dedicated office and in building relationships across the fire safety and construction sectors.

It also recognised his support for the Passive Fire Knowledge Group and his efforts to increase member engagement.

Nadine Saxon, ASFP Operations Director, said: “I am thrilled that Mike’s vision, dedication and enthusiasm has been recognised. Mike’s strong and collaborative leadership style, commitment to improving the safety of the built environment and dedication to his team and the ASFP is clear to see.”

ASFP and Milford & Marah awarded for competence development partnership

ASFP and Milford & Marah received the Best Association / Supplier Partnership Award for their work in developing and managing competence benchmarks in passive fire protection.

ASFP reported that the partnership has resulted in the creation of frameworks for competence in design, specification, sales, distribution and installation.

The Association stated that it has also contributed to broader competence efforts across the industry through engagement with the Industry Competence Steering Group and other regulatory bodies.

ASFP added that Milford & Marah has supported its internal understanding of competence and aligned initiatives with its long-term strategy.

Continued impact on UK fire protection standards

According to ASFP, the Association’s work with Milford & Marah has influenced the development of wider industry structures, contributing to competence frameworks beyond its own initiatives.

ASFP stated that the partnership has helped establish the organisation as a reference point for other sector bodies, professional groups and regulators in the built environment.

Nadine Saxon said: “Milford & Marah has played a pivotal role in raising the Association’s profile in this area and developing it into a key player in the development and management of competence.”

Focus on competency benchmarks in passive fire protection

ASFP noted that a major element of its strategy has been the development of clearly defined competency benchmarks within the passive fire protection sector.

The Association stated that work is ongoing to expand these frameworks to additional areas and to provide mechanisms for engagement with the industry.

Saxon said: “We are delighted to have won these two prestigious awards, which clearly recognise the ASFP’s commitment to improving services and increasing our value to our members, while raising competency levels across the construction and passive fire protection sectors.”

ASFP wins two TAF Awards 2025 for leadership and competence development: Summary

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) won two awards at the 2025 Trade Association Forum Awards.

Managing Director Mike Ward received the Outstanding Contribution Award.

This recognised his leadership, growth of the organisation and work to improve engagement and stakeholder collaboration.

The ASFP and Milford & Marah received the Best Association / Supplier Partnership Award.

They were recognised for their work in developing competence benchmarks for roles in passive fire protection.

This includes design, specification, sales, distribution and installation.

The partnership has also contributed to the Industry Competence Steering Group and other national efforts.

ASFP stated that Milford & Marah supported internal competence strategy alignment.

The awards were confirmed and announced by ASFP.

All quotes were provided by ASFP Operations Director Nadine Saxon.