Setting the standard in Fire Protection

Here at Building Update, we take pride in shining our spotlight on the most renowned, innovative, and consistently progressive companies. As such, for this issue we are happy to present the highly commendable Checkmate Fire, specialists in fire safety solutions.

First set up back in 1989, Checkmate Fire has almost thirty years’ experience in providing outstanding passive fire protection. As one of the largest fire safety service providers in the UK, Checkmate Fire have garnered an enviable reputation over the years as a reliable, cost-effective and customer-oriented compliance and installation company, with extensive product and installation knowledge.

With its head office Based in West Yorkshire, with other offices in Essex and a brand-new office at the Dunlop Building in Birmingham, Checkmate Fire can supply everything from fire stopping and fire doors to fire resistant glazing solutions, structural steel protection, air sealing, fire damper surveys and much more on a nationwide basis. In addition to their suite of high quality and robust fire protection compliance and installation services, Checkmate Fire also provide a fire-resistant glazing solution that consists of aluminium framed doors, windows and walls, accented by a highly desired frameless system that allows for endless walls of glass. Perfect for bathing interiors with light, sound control and of course fire, heat and smoke protection.

We spoke to Marketing Manager David Pringle about what the company can offer, to which he explained, “Checkmate Fire believe in protecting people, businesses and ultimately buildings through installing the right product in the correct way to ensure it performs when called upon. Checkmate Fire are primarily an installer of passive fire protection products into buildings. We operate as two divisions; Compliance, providing inspection & other consultancy services, and Solutions, for 3rd Party Accredited installations. Our main benefit to the customer is that we are able to provide them with a complete range of PFP services on a nationwide basis, and not only that, but we are also fully 3rd party accredited and can offer years of experience and positive testimony from a number of different sectors. This includes education, healthcare, social housing and commercial sectors. So, the customer can rest assured that the job will be carried out by people passionate about doing it right, to the correct 3rd party accredited standard and with years of experience in their particular environment.”

Checkmate Fire’s industry renowned passive fire protection services are professionally audited, accredited and delivered for clients, dependant on their needs. As every building is different, it goes without saying that their fire protection needs will be different too. As such, Checkmate Fire ensure they work closely with the client, providing a thorough and fully customer orientated service that best meets client safety needs. David added, “In addition to working directly with clients, such as the NHS, we can also work through contractors such as leading FM providers and construction firms”

They also maintain close relationships with their suppliers and other industry peers, associates and governing bodies, so as to ensure that they are fully up to date on everyone’s products, services, techniques, accreditation and compliance. David explained. “In an industry that has historically been fragmented, and populated by providers of widely variable competence, it is highly important that Checkmate Fire strive to provide only the best possible Fire Protection Solutions for all our customers, both large and small. We champion integrity, accountability, quality, passion and a focus on getting it right first time.”

Fire doors are often the most integral factor for safety, as they are a strong line of defence that can stop fires spreading and keep them contained, protecting occupants from excessive smoke inhalation and giving them ample time to leave the building. Fire glazing is another highly sought-after service and is becoming more and more common among commercial office interiors, schools, public buildings and much more. Fire-resistant glass is specially manufactured to provide a period of protection from fires, acting as barrier against fire, heat and smoke.

David added, “We offer a range of BRE certified fire-resistant glazing solutions that offer the best acoustic resistance, heat transfer and fire resistance.” Alufire is one of the most popular providers of fire-rated glazed doors and partitions, and Checkmate Fire are the one and only UK distributor and installer of Alufire products. They’re rigorously tested and highly heat resistant glazed solutions come with a number of additional benefits such as sound suppression. Better yet, Alufire’s glazing systems are the only glazing systems that are approved to LPS1158- the highest form of endorsement possible! Oh, and they are designed to be thinner, with smaller frames, matching RAL colours, with a choice of a frameless system the oozes with appeal.”

Dedicated to promoting the highest standards of fire safety, Checkmate Fire are passionate providers of IFE recognised, bespoke CPD training and free CPD seminars. Based upon industry leading passive fire protection, these seminars are perfect for those working in local authorities, the health sector, fire and rescue services, facilities management and much more, and they cover a wide range of topics such as compliance and competency, regulations, third party certification and much more.

As leaders in the field, Checkmate Fire attend a number of trade shows a year, including FIREX at the ExCel, London. Recently, Checkmate Fire underwent a management buyout which contributed to a significant period of growth and expansion, allowing the company to move into a new building, twice the size of the last. David said proudly, “Now as the market leader in Passive Fire Protection, we plan to grow through existing and new markets and strive to set the standard for quality, accredited passive fire protection services for a safer future.”

If you are interested in obtaining some of the UK’s most trusted passive fire protection, then be sure to get in contact using the information provided below. Alternatively, if you would like to find out more information about Checkmate Fire and their solutions, then be sure to head on over to the websites listed below.

www.checkmatefire.com
www.alufire.co.uk