Industry Trends We Saw at the Fire Safety Event 2026

For another year, the Adaston team attended the Fire Safety Event, not just to exhibit, but to listen, challenge and understand where the industry is heading.

What stood out this year was a clear shift in mindset. Across conversations with clients, contractors and peers, there is a growing sense that the industry is becoming more informed, more accountable and less willing to accept compromise.

This article covers the team’s key takeaways from the event and the biggest emerging industry trends.

A Return to Direct Accountability

One of the strongest themes this year was a move towards direct delivery models. Many clients reflected on previous experiences where subcontracted delivery structures led to diluted responsibility and inconsistent outcomes.

There is now a clear preference for simplicity and ownership. As Nic Bohanna, Bid and Brand Manager at Adaston, summarised:

“Clients are increasingly looking for direct delivery. Many have experienced subcontract models that lead to quality issues and a lack of clear accountability.”

This shift is less about structure and more about confidence. Clients want to know exactly who is responsible for the outcome of a project, from start to finish.

Surveys Are Becoming More Critical, Not Just More Common

Another noticeable trend was the rise in demand for fire safety surveys. This is being driven by both legislative change and a growing understanding of duty holder responsibility.

But the bigger shift here is in expectation. Surveys are no longer seen as a compliance formality, they are expected to provide clarity and direction. Clients increasingly want reports that are not just descriptive, but actionable. They need to be able to rely on them to make decisions with confidence.

Nic also highlighted a broader positive change across the sector:

“Over recent years, the baseline knowledge of clients has improved significantly. Many now understand their legal responsibilities and the technical details in far greater depth, which is a positive sign for the industry as a whole.”

That rise in understanding is important. A more informed client base naturally raises standards and reduces tolerance for poor practice.

This progress is also closely aligned with the work of organisations like the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), whose efforts continue to strengthen technical awareness across the industry.

When Commercial Pressure Influences Technical Outcomes

Alongside these positive shifts, a more concerning pattern was consistently raised.

We heard examples of surveys recommending full replacements in situations where proportionate, approved repair strategies would have been more appropriate. In some cases, minor defects were escalated into major works with little justification.

This appears to stem from a wider commercial pressure within parts of the market, where projects are underpriced at the outset and costs are later recovered through variations. The result is a delivery model that can unintentionally drive unnecessary scope, increased cost and reduced trust.

A clear example raised during discussions involved something as minor as a missing fire door sign leaving two screw holes, yet being escalated into a full replacement requirement.

These instances are indicative of a broader structural issue: when pricing strategy drives technical decision-making, the outcome risks drifting away from what is actually required.

Fire safety decisions should never be shaped by commercial recovery. They should remain anchored in proportionate, evidence-based judgement.

First-Time Delivery and Better Planning

We also saw growing emphasis on planning efficiency and first-time completion.

As Nigel Tomlinson, Contracts Manager at Adaston, noted:

“Clients are increasingly focused on completing works in a single visit where possible, reducing survey duplication, limiting site disruption and improving overall efficiency through better planning.”

This doesn’t mean doing less, but rather doing things properly the first time. With the right preparation, clarity and technical understanding, repeat visits should be the exception, not the norm.

Where the Industry is Heading

Taken together, these trends show just how much the passive fire protection industry is evolving. 

There is clear progress in terms of knowledge, accountability and intent. But there are still areas where commercial pressures are driving the wrong behaviours.

At Adaston, we’ve always taken a consistent view. Fire safety isn’t an area where compromise pays. The right approach is rarely the easiest or the cheapest, but it is the one that stands up over time.

Let’s Raise the Standard Together

If you’re reviewing your passive fire protection strategy, planning remediation works or simply want a clearer picture of where you stand, we’re here to help.

Speak to our team for expert advice, grounded in doing the job properly, not just getting it done.

Because in passive fire protection, certainty shouldn’t be optional, it should be the standard.