SOCOTEC acquires UKTC to grow fire testing capabilities across the UK
Iain Hoey
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SOCOTEC expands Scottish presence through fire testing acquisition
SOCOTEC has announced its acquisition of United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC), an independent fire testing laboratory based in East Kilbride.
According to SOCOTEC, the purchase expands its capabilities in building safety compliance and marks its second acquisition in Scotland within the last year.
SOCOTEC said this acquisition builds on its purchase of Aspect Land & Hydrographic Surveys in July 2024.
UKTC provides fire resistance testing and reaction to fire testing for a range of materials and systems.
Its UKAS-accredited laboratory tests products against British, European and international standards to support compliance across the building lifecycle.
Acquisition aims to meet regulatory demand
SOCOTEC said the acquisition was part of a broader strategy to expand its services in line with changing regulatory requirements following the Grenfell Tower fire.
The company explained that UKTC’s testing services would complement its existing portfolio in fire risk assessment, façade safety and fire engineering.
The Building Safety Act and related legislation have created new obligations for manufacturers, designers and owners, increasing the demand for independent testing.
The laboratory will join SOCOTEC’s wider network of UKAS-accredited environmental and research laboratories.
SOCOTEC said the integration would allow it to support clients through both desktop analysis and physical testing during design and construction.
UKTC to retain leadership under new ownership
David Brown, Director at UKTC, will remain in his role and continue to lead operations from the East Kilbride site.
Brown said: “Joining forces with SOCOTEC UK and Ireland provides an exciting opportunity to invest and expand our testing provisions and deliver enhanced services to our clients.
“Our East Kilbride facility has become the centre of excellence for fire testing in UK, and as part of SOCOTEC, we look forward to building on that legacy while accessing wider resources and expertise.”
The facility will operate as part of SOCOTEC’s building safety division, contributing to its growing national and international capacity.
UK CEO outlines national growth plans
Matthew Marriott, CEO of SOCOTEC UK and Ireland, said: “The acquisition of UKTC represents a significant milestone in our growth strategy and commitment to enhancing building safety across the UK.
“This marks our second acquisition in Scotland within the last 12 months, demonstrating our intention to continue investing in this important region, as well as developing our capabilities to serve clients throughout the UK and Ireland.”
SOCOTEC has now made multiple acquisitions in the UK in support of its compliance and safety services.
International expertise to support national delivery
SOCOTEC CEO Hervé Montjotin said: “The move aligns with SOCOTEC Group’s global expertise in fire safety, with over 300 fire safety experts worldwide, allowing the UK operation to leverage internationally held knowledge and skillsets from across the company’s presence in 27 countries.
“SOCOTEC’s global fire and building safety portfolio includes specialised centres of excellence across Europe, the Middle East and the USA.”
The company said these international networks would benefit clients in the UK through access to global R&D and shared technical knowledge.
UKTC’s testing capability will now contribute to these wider networks while serving domestic regulatory needs.
SOCOTEC acquires UKTC to grow fire testing capabilities across the UK: Summary
SOCOTEC has acquired United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC).
UKTC is based in East Kilbride, Scotland.
The acquisition was announced on 14 July 2025.
The original source of this information is SOCOTEC.
UKTC provides fire resistance and reaction to fire testing services.
The laboratory is UKAS-accredited.
SOCOTEC said the move expands its fire safety and compliance services.
This is SOCOTEC’s second acquisition in Scotland in 12 months.
UKTC Director David Brown will continue to lead the facility.
SOCOTEC UK and Ireland CEO Matthew Marriott said the acquisition supports national service development.
SOCOTEC Group CEO Hervé Montjotin said the UK team would benefit from international expertise.
The acquisition aligns with post-Grenfell regulatory requirements and the Building Safety Act.