Fire Safety News, Advice and Articles

What Social Housing Providers Need to Know about PAT Testing

From November 2025 for new tenancies, and May 2026 for existing ones, social housing landlords in England will face new legal obligations around electrical safety. Under updated regulations, landlords must undertake in service inspection and testing (ISIT) of electrical equipment supplied as part of a tenancy, more commonly known as PAT testing. This change aligns the social housing sector with standards already applied to private rentals, ensuring tenants in all types of housing are equally...

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Access Control for Commercial Buildings: What You Need to Know

As technology advances, access control has become a cornerstone of modern building security. In...

Electrical Safety Regulations in Social Housing Q&A

Ventro’s recent webinar, “Building Safety Update: Legislation, Standards & Awaab’s Law” held on...

How the BSR Plans to Reduce Gateway 2 Application times

The Gateway 2 approval stage has recently been a critical and time-consuming chokepoint in the...

Protecting Social Housing Residents from Hidden Electrical Hazards

When we think about building safety, fire doors, security alarms, and smoke detection often take...

Upgrading Door Entry Systems in the Wake of 2G and Copper Network Changes

Across the UK, legacy communication networks are being retired, affecting how door entry systems ...

Tackling the Gateway 2 Backlog: Updates and the Road Ahead

The Gateway 2 approval process, designed to ensure safety in higher-risk buildings and...

Electrical Safety Regulations Extended to Social Housing Sector

New electrical safety regulations are set to transform the responsibilities of social housing...

Reflecting on the Lakanal House Fire: 15 Years Later

Fifteen years ago today (3rd July 2009), the tragic fire at Lakanal House claimed the lives of...

Ventro Group Announces Acquisition as Part of Strategic Growth Plan

Ventro Group is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Dorset Fire Protection, an exciting...

Ventro Group Announces Strategic Investment from KLAR Partners to Further Accelerate Growth

Ventro Group is pleased to announce a significant strategic investment from KLAR Partners. The...

We recently hosted the "Fire Safety Checklist 2025" webinar, where our experts shared practical...

During our "Fire Safety Checklist 2025" webinar, Howard Burrows, General Manager at Dorset Fire...

House of Lords Launches Inquiry into Building Safety Regulator Delays

The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee, led by Baroness Taylor of Bolton, has...

Why Heathrow Went Dark And What We Can Learn From The NESO Report

In March 2025, a catastrophic fire at the North Hyde electricity substation triggered a major power...

Knocking on the Door: The Real-World Impact of the New RPEEPs Regulation

The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 are a big step forward...

BS 5839-1:2025 CPD Webinar: Your Questions & Answers

Following the recent release of BS 5839-1:2025, our CPD webinar sparked a wide range of insightful...

The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) is a pivotal piece of legislation. Enacted in response to the...

How Does Wales’ Proposed Building Safety Bill Differ from England’s Building Safety Act?

On July 7th 2025, the Senedd formally announced the Building Safety Bill for Wales, setting the...

Fire Extinguishers & PFAS Chemicals: What You Need to Know for 2025 and Beyond

As PFAS regulations continue to tighten across the UK and EU, many organisations are seeking...

New data on remediation progress across the Social Housing sector

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower and Lakanal house, building safety and specifically fire safety...

What recent Government funding announcements means for the future of Social Housing

The recent government funding announcements mark a significant moment for the social housing...

BS 5839-1:2025 What’s Changed and What It Means for Fire Safety

The latest update to British Standard BS 5839-1 comes into effect today, 30th April 2025,...

Sprinkler Systems Made Simple: A 6-Step Installation Guide

If you've never managed a sprinkler installation before, it can feel like a complex task. This...

Ventro Delivers Training for NAHFO at London Fire Brigade HQ

On 18th June 2024, Ventro Group proudly delivered sector-leading fire safety training to the ...

Heathrow Closure Highlights Fire Safety and Infrastructure Failures

The recent closure of Heathrow Airport due to a fire at the North Hyde substation has exposed...

Replacing or Updating Fire Alarm Systems in Commercial Buildings

Fire alarms are a vital component of any commercial buildings fire safety measures. In an...

International Women's Day 2025 - A Ventro Journey, with Zoe Brown

We recently sat down with Zoe Brown, Associate Director of Delivery at Ventro. Zoe joined Ventro...

Why Maintaining Bin Chutes is vital for Fire Safety

Bin chutes are a practical waste management solution in high-rise and multi-occupancy buildings,...

In January 2023, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 came into effect with new requirements...

Legislation Webinar 2025 - Q&A with Paul Saunders, FPA

For our first webinar of 2025, we were pleased to welcome Paul Saunders, Passive Fire Technical...

How to Ensure Your Emergency Lighting Meets UK Standards

At Ventro, we are committed to promoting fire safety and ensuring that essential systems like...

The Importance of Wayfinding Signage for Fire Safety in Buildings

One of the most talked about topics in Fire safety is the new legislation surrounding wayfinding...

Ventro support BAFSA to install fire sprinklers systems in car parks

It’s been a little over a week since a major Incident was declared at Luton Airport regarding their...

Legislation Webinar 2025 - Q&A with Steven Wilson, Ventro

For our first webinar of 2025, we were pleased to welcome Steven Wilson, Technical Director at...

Legislation Webinar 2025 - Q&A with Elspeth Grant, Triple A Solutions

In our first webinar of 2025, Ventro was delighted to welcome Elspeth Grant from Triple A...

Discover the Updated Kentec Taktis Panels

At Ventro, we pride ourselves on partnering with industry leaders to deliver the best possible...

Your Legal Obligations: Electrical Installation Condition Report

In the UK, maintaining electrical safety in buildings is not just good practice but a legal...

BS 9991: What You Need to Know About the 2024 Updates

During November 2024, key updates to BS 9991 came into effect, marking a shift in fire safety...

At Ventro, the holiday season is a time for reflection, appreciation, and giving back. It’s a...

Maintaining Fire Alarm Systems in Commercial Properties

As the festive season fast approaches, many commercial properties, units and buildings experience...

Ventro's 2024 Event Round-Up: A Year of Engagement and Excellence

As we conclude an incredible year, Ventro reflects on the impact of our 2024 events calendar....

Key Changes to Approved Document B - March 2025 Update

Starting on 2nd March 2025, significant amendments to Approved Document B will impact fire safety...

Fire Sprinkler Requirements for Residential Buildings

Fire sprinklers have an essential role in a high-rise building’s active fire protection...

Q&A with Josh Paulin from the Building Safety Regulator

Throughout 2024, Ventro has hosted quarterly, industry-leading webinars on key topics. In our...

The Importance of Dampers: A Guide for Building Managers

Dampers are essential devices that help prevent the spread of fire and smoke within a building. In...

Why a Cause & Effect Matrix is Essential for Fire Alarm Systems

A CauseandEffect matrix (C&E matrix) for fire alarms is a vital tool used in the design,...

Take a deep dive into Kieran's Ventro Journey... Kieran Alder, Associate Director.

Understanding Why Fire Rated Glass is So Important for Building Safety

Fire safety is a critical consideration in modern building design, and one of the key components...

Fire Alarm Systems CPD: Ensuring Safety and Compliance Q&A

In our recent CPD, Fire Alarm Systems CPD: Ensuring Safety and Compliance, we explored the key...

Why L1 Fire Alarms Are Crucial for Care Homes

With many care home residents having limited mobility or medical conditions that make evacuation...

Procurement Act 2023 and The Future of Public Procurement

The Procurement Act 2023 received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023 and will come into force on...

Understanding the Amendments to Approved Document B

On March 30th, 2024, the UK Government announced significant amendments to Approved Document B,...

In todays blog, we delve into the significance of cavity barriers, the UK regulations governing...

Premises Management Guideline Updates for Non-Domestic Properties

In a bid to enhance fire safety measures in non-domestic premises, the Fire Industry Association...

Heritage buildings stand as enduring testaments to our cultural and architectural heritage. From...

Introducing The Most Advanced Fire Alarm Panel from NOTIFIER

At the heart of Ventro Groups commitment to safety is the desire to offer the most cutting-edge...

Fires in schools can lead to devastating and severe consequences, both in terms of human lives,...

Ventro Group Achieves ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 Certifications

Ventro Group is proud to announce another significant milestone in our commitment to excellence. We...

How Mergers Are Reshaping Housing Associations across the UK

Housing associations play a pivotal role in the UK's housing sector. These non-profit organisations...

Understanding Residents of High-Rise Buildings Views on Fire Safety

Recent research completed by the Building Safety Regulator sheds light on the perspectives and...

Emergency Escape Hoods: Solution for High-Rise Buildings & Care Homes

Protecting residents in high-rise buildings and care homes is of paramount importance, as these...

Q&A with Andrew Saunders from the Building Safety Regulator

Ventro have delivered quarterly sector leading, thought leadership webinars throughout 2023. During...

An Update on Legislation for Second Staircases in High Rise Buildings

Michael Gove, The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has revealed that...

Introducing fire safety legislation updates for October 1st 2023

There are some significant changes happening to Building safety and fire safety on October 1st...

Storing Mobility scooters, E-bikes and E-scooters safely

In recent times there have been a growing number of residential fires that have been caused by...

Waste Storage Solutions: An Often-Overlooked Aspect Of Fire Safety

When considering fire safety, certain aspects tend to dominate our attention - smoke alarms, fire...

Introducing code of practice for remediation of residential buildings

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June 2017, the urgent need for enhancing building...

The Power of Planned Preventative Maintenance

As a fire safety specialist company, Ventro Group recognises the paramount importance of fire...

From Virtual to Reality: The Rise of CFD Smoke Analysis in Fire Safety

In the world of fire safety, the importance of effectively managing the flow of smoke during a...

Understanding the Importance of Compartmentation

In simple terms, compartmentation refers to the division of a building into separate compartments...

Understanding the Distinction between Fire Dampers and Smoke Dampers

When it comes to fire safety in buildings, the role of dampers is crucial. Fire dampers and smoke...

The Information needed when registering a HRB

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is the government body responsible for overseeing the safety of...

Maintenance Contracts Save Social Housing Providers Time & Money

Fire safety is a critical aspect of maintaining the well-being and security of residents in social...

The Building Safety Act received royal assent one year ago, what has changed and been enforced?

The changes in legislation to Wayfinding Signage in domestic buildings

Wayfinding Signage has been an increasingly prevalent topic in 2023 as legislation changes have...

Quality Compartmentation Surveys Are Essential For Fire Safety

Volume 2 of Approved Document B defines a fire compartment as “A building or part of a building...

Waking Watch: A Vital Fire Safety Service

The Scottish government has recently allocated funds for a Waking Watch service at a private...

Roles Explained: Accountable Person & Principal Accountable Person

In this blog, we'll provide a brief overview of the two new roles introduced by the Building Safety...

Our Journey to Net Zero: Joining the UN's Race to Zero Campaign

Ventro is thrilled to announce that it has registered to participate in the United Nations' Race...

Ventro Shortlisted For Contractor Of The Year Award

At Ventro we are thrilled to announce that we have been shortlisted for the most innovative...

2022 has been a challenging year for many as rising bills and living costs have placed additional...

Santa fly's into Eden Project, for NHS Plymouth Hospitals Charity

On an arctic December morning, Ventro Fire SafetyConsultant Matthew Harris braved the Hangloose...

Understanding the Smoke Ventilation Regulations: Building Safety Act

In the event of a fire, smoke is usually the largest contributor to death and injuries. More than...

Why Does Competency Matter According to The Building Safety Act?

The Building Safety Act has named HSE as the new Building Safety Regulator (BSR) in England. One of...

What Is the Building a Safer Future Charter?

In response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, preventative measures were implemented to...

The Fire Door Maintenance Requirements As per the Latest Legislation

Following the Grenfell Tower fire incident in 2017, an inquiry into the fire safety of occupied...

How the Building Safety Act Protects Leaseholders

Since the Grenfell Tower fire incident that took place in June 2017, plans have been underway to...

Regulations for Fire Doors Used in Corridors

Fire doors in communal hallways and corridors are typically the main escape route for residents’...

The Importance of Fire Safety in High-Rise Residential Buildings

The Building Safety Act is now English law, marking a new milestone in the journey towards...

Building Safety Act: Your Timeline to Required Compliance

The Building Safety Act granted Royal Assent on 28th April 2022. The new Act brings sweeping...

Why the Golden Thread Is at the forefront of the Building Safety Act

The Grenfell Tower fire tragedy undoubtedly highlighted the need for enhanced residential safety...

What Should Be Included in a Building Safety Case Report?

Managers of buildings with seven storeys or more must now submit a Safety Case Report to the...

Mandatory Occurrence Report Requirements From the Building Safety Act

Introduced in English legislation in April 2022, the Building Safety Act aims to increase...

Everything You Need to Know: Duty Holder Role and Responsibilities

The recent Building Safety Act, which became English law on 28th April 2022, brings new...

The Importance Of A Resident Liaison Team

As a sector, we must operate in a way that accommodates the needs of residents while still...

Building Safety Act: How Does It Affect You?

After almost a year of being in session in parliament, the Building Safety Act has now received...

Your Fire Alarm System Maintenance Checklist

A fire alarm system has a crucial role to play in a building’s active fire protection....

UK Fire Alarm Systems for Residential Buildings

As stated in the code of practice BS: 5839, it’s a law for all residential buildings in...

Your Legal Obligations for Installing & Maintaining Fire Extinguishers

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that fire extinguishers must be...

7 Things to Consider Now the Building Safety Act Is English Law

The introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 has undeniably been a much-anticipated event...

High Rise Building Safety: Choosing the Right Fire Equipment

Since the UK Fire Safety Act came into effect in April 2021, it’s essential for...

The Fire Safety Act was introduced in March 2020 and officially became law in England...

The Ultimate Guide to Fire Door Maintenance & Inspection

Fire doors are an integral part of a building’s passive fire system. They’re designed to...

What are the 5 Types of Fire Extinguishers in the UK?

Fire extinguishers are life-saving devices. They’re primarily used to assist people when...

A fire door is an internal door built to slow down the spread of fire or smoke...

4 Fire Door Regulations You Need to Know

Fire doors are an essential aspect of fire safety for any property. They’re designed to...

What Is the UK Standard for Fire Stopping?

Fire stopping is a critical element of fire protection for any building type. Its...

Your 5 Step Fire Risk Assessment Checklist

The ‘Accountable Person’ in any business must ensure a fire risk assessment of the...

Who Is Responsible For Building Fire Safety?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force over 15 years ago. As...

Today, our oceans are in crisis because of human activity. Throughout the year multiple...

Ventro continues expansion with new offices

We believe that a Prosperous Plymouth with great career opportunities relies on a thriving...

Find Ventro at CIH 2021 Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual conference...

Chimney Fire Safety Week is back another year and this year Ventro is proud to be...

Approved Document B | Fire Compartmentation

“A building or part of a building comprising one or more rooms, spaces or storeys...

Closing The Door On Danger “Fire doors are more than just a door; they are an...

Things to Know About Fire Rated Cladding

Invasive Surveys, Design, and Installation of A1 Fire Rated Cladding Systems ensure...

The 3-Step Approach includes our detailed 5-yearly Healthchecks, Remedial and...

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