Checkmate Fire Solutions - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is delighted to announce two new appointments. Jo O'Neill has been appointed to the newly created role of Academy Manager and Adam Shipstone joins as the fourth Technical Officer in the Association’s technical and training team.   Jo O’Neill Jo O’Neill will be responsible for the smooth running of the ASFP’s training Academy and further developing Academy services. Tasked with managing all the operational aspects of the Academy, Jo will welcome members and guests to the training and meeting room facilities and organize all their training and hospitality requirements.  role at BCF She joined the ASFP from the BCF where she was Administration and Operations Executive She joined the ASFP from the British Coatings Federation (BCF), where she was Administration and Operations Executive, with responsibility for member and external meeting room bookings, meeting and greeting members and visitors, hosting meetings, and setting up and clearing down meeting rooms. Jo was also responsible for ordering catering and office supplies and managing the maintenance of the building.  Work experience  Before this, Jo spent over 16 years working in the hotel industry, which has provided her with valuable customer service, business administration, and sales experience. Working in roles ranging from Reservations Supervisor, Senior Hotel Receptionist, Front of House, and Personnel Manager, Jo’s focus has always been on providing excellent customer care while ensuring services run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.   Adam Shipstone He will support all technical, regulatory affairs, and training aspects for the ASFP Adam Shipstone joins the Association as a Technical Officer. He will support all technical, regulatory affairs, and training aspects for the ASFP, working closely with the Head of the Technical and competency team. Assisting with Technical Committees and Technical Task Groups, he will draft and revise technical publications including 'Colour Books', Technical Guidance Documents, and Advisory Notes.   Responsibilities at ASFP He will also aid in policy development and marketing activities and support the Regulatory Affairs Officer in influencing standards and regulations to improve industry standards. Adam will have active involvement in the ASFP’s educational activities, aiding in competency pathway development and delivering training courses.  Adam brings over 16 years of fire safety experience, having held a range of passive fire protection roles.  Role at Novus Property Solutions He took the lead in developing key roles within the fire/electric and gas safety structure He joined ASFP from Novus Property Solutions where he held several roles. Most recently he was Assurance Manager, where he was responsible for ensuring the business met its statutory, legislative, and third-party accreditation requirements. He took the lead in developing key roles within the fire/electric and gas safety structure and has an IFE Level 3 qualification in Passive Fire Protection.  Work experience  He started his career as a passive fire protection installer for Gunfire before becoming a Passive Fire Protection Inspector for BRFPC and Contracts Manager for Checkmate Fire Solutions. Adam also worked as a Contracts Manager for Hughes and Associates Property Services where he managed fire door contracts.   hospitality expertise ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward, welcomed Jo and Adam to the team, stating, “We are thrilled Jo and Adam are joining the ASFP team. Jo is already a familiar face for many ASFP members and guests who visited our offices when they were hosted by BCF." "Bringing a wealth of hospitality expertise, I am sure she will enhance the experience for all visiting the ASFP or booking our Academy services." passive fire protection standards “Adam has a proven track record of delivering fire safety projects and has extensive knowledge of passive fire protection standards and legislation." "He will be a valuable addition to the ASFP technical team and will provide excellent support to our competency and training teams.”

IK Partners (“IK”) is pleased to announce that the IK Small Cap III (“IK SC III”) Fund has signed an agreement to acquire Checkmate Fire (“Checkmate” or “the Company”), the UK’s largest passive fire protection specialist, from YFM Equity Partners (“YFM”). IK is making its first UK investment from the Fund’s dedicated pool of Development Capital. The existing management team will be reinvesting alongside IK. Financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed. Checkmate Fire The Company inspects, installs, remediates and maintains passive fire systems Established in 1989 and headquartered in West Yorkshire, Checkmate provides a comprehensive range of passive fire protection services to organizations across the Healthcare, Education, Government, Social Housing and Commercial sectors. The Company inspects, installs, remediates and maintains passive fire systems and also provides installation and maintenance of active fire systems. Checkmate operates across the UK and has over 200 employees. The Company is responsible for maintaining passive fire systems in around 2,000 buildings nationally to ensure compliance with increasingly stringent regulations, carrying out over 30,000 fire door remediations or replacements per year. The focus is on maintaining fire doors rather than replacing them; an approach that aligns with the Company’s commitment to strong environmental, social and governance practices across the business. Checkmate scaled rapidly, expanding its service offering Since YFM’s investment and under the existing management team, Checkmate has scaled rapidly, expanding its service offering and supporting more customers in managing their passive fire systems through multi-year contracts. In partnership with IK, Checkmate will look to further develop its passive fire offering In partnership with IK, Checkmate will look to further develop its passive fire offering, particularly its inspections division, in a market with compelling long-term growth dynamics. The Company will also continue to invest in its people and technology to enhance operational efficiency, while also executing a targeted M&A strategy. Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals. IK Partners to invest in Checkmate Fire John Lewthwaite, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Checkmate, said: “We are very much looking forward to working with IK after a successful partnership with YFM. IK’s track record of supporting businesses in the fire protection market, combined with our position as UK’s leading passive fire specialist, means that we are best placed to drive future growth in a market with attractive dynamics. We would like to take this opportunity to thank YFM for all their support and guidance over the last five years.” Simon May, Partner at IK and Advisor to the IK SC III Fund, stated: “This is an exciting first investment for the IK Development Capital strategy in the UK. Under the stewardship of John and his team, Checkmate has established itself as a high-quality provider in a rapidly growing and increasingly regulated market. We have been impressed with the Company’s journey to date and see plenty of opportunities for continued growth. We look forward to working with the team at Checkmate and leveraging the resources and expertise of the wider IK platform to deliver an ambitious strategy.” Rapid growth and development Steve Harrison, Partner at YFM Equity Partners, commented: “It has been an absolute pleasure working with John and the entire team at Checkmate, since we first invested in 2018. The business has seen rapid growth and development during this period, establishing itself as the leading player in the UK passive fire protection market. We wish Checkmate the best of luck for the future with the support of IK.”

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection announced the winners for its 2023 Passive Fire Protection (PFP) Awards on 23 November at the Association’s Awards Dinner at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London. ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward was joined by guest speaker, and comedian Hal Cruttenden, to present the awards to each worthy winner. The winners are:  ASFP Installation of the Year: Coopers Fire for its work in the Great Mosque of Mecca, Mataf Tunnels, installing a series of automated smoke curtains to separate vehicular access from pedestrian access. The project included the longest smoke curtains ever installed by Coopers Fire, with the largest continual run being 927m. The judges felt that Cooper's Fire demonstrated outstanding technical detail in overcoming the challenges faced.  Runners up: Firesafe Installations and Oak Fire Protection. Passive Fire Protection Innovation of the Year: Colt EI60S Defender F2 smoke control damper which offers a discreet and aesthetic smoke control damper The Colt EI60S Defender F2 smoke control damper which offers architects and interior designers a discreet and aesthetic smoke control damper that meets all the requirements of EN12101-8. The judges commend the unique design that ensures when closed, only a thin rectangular outline is visible on the wall.  Runners up: Injectaclad and ARC Building Solutions. Marketing Campaign of the Year:  Global HSE Solutions’ whiteboard animations campaign offers a unique approach to sharing fire safety knowledge and understanding across all marketing channels. The campaign was recognized for its ability to convey critical fire safety messages without relying on extensive text and for catering to audiences of varying levels.  Runners up: Nullifire and FSi Best Customer Service: Gunfire received this award for demonstrating exceptional customer service, through their strategic initiative and showcasing their dedication to exceeding expectations. Runners up: One Trace and Quelfire  Training and Development of the Year: Checkmate Fire for demonstrating their commitment to training and ongoing competency Checkmate Fire for demonstrating their commitment to training and ongoing competency of all their staff and others carrying out work on their behalf via in-house training facilities and a clear and well-documented strategy. Runners up: Quelfire and Novus Property Solutions.  Highest Engagement of the Year: Checkmate Fire also received this award for having the highest level of engagement with the ASFP websites and CRM, as well as taking part in marketing campaigns, events, committees, and training. Runners up: Sherwin Williams and CCF.  Individual Rising Star of the Year: Nathan Hassell of Novus Property Solutions received this prestigious award for new entrants to the industry. He has shown adaptability to new roles and responsibilities, drive, and determination to develop his skillset, knowledge, and industry understanding. Runners up: CLM Fireproofing’s Harry Botten; and Global HSE Solutions’ Alex Griffiths.  Academic Accomplishment Awards: The highest scoring IFE examination results went to Mike Goslin of Trox UK at Level 2; and Sophie Ahearn of Nullifire for Level 3. Lifetime Contribution: Wilf, who was CEO from 2007-2016, was particularly praised for his role Wilf Butcher was recognized for his influence in developing the passive fire protection sector and growing the ASFP into a professional association. Wilf, who was CEO from 2007-2016, was particularly praised for his role in introducing and developing the ASFP’s training function, which allowed ASFP to reach out to the wider construction sector, as well as generating regular income to enable it to pursue its aim of improving the quality of designed and installed passive fire protection.  Longest Serving Members: Sika and Fire Protection Coatings Limited were recognized for having achieved 20 years of membership in the ASFP. Advocate of the Year: Allister Smith of Aviva for his long support for the passive sector and the ASFP, including offering venues for ASFP events In another new initiative, the ASFP introduced the ASFP Gold badge, which will be awarded to all who have committed their time and efforts to the Association at the highest level. This was awarded to all past ASFP Chairs and CEOs including Wilf Butcher; Clive Atkins; Carl Atkinson; Roger Williams; Chris Miles; Clive Miles; Niall Rowan; and Steve Davies.  ASFP member achievements We celebrated the achievements of ASFP members, at an event with over 400 members and guests" ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward offered his congratulations to all those who had entered the awards, as well as praising the winning individuals and companies, “Tonight, we celebrated the achievements of ASFP members, at an event with over 400 members and guests in attendance." "I cannot think of a better endorsement of the Association's success than seeing you all here. This is your success." excellence in passive fire protection “These Awards highlight excellence in passive fire protection and reward all those who advance the sector. As in past years, all the entries are of the very highest standard and demonstrate the excellent work, expertise, professionalism, and commitment of our member companies and the accomplishments of our members." "I congratulate all those who were shortlisted and particularly those who received an award. But we must also recognize that we are all winners." membership, training, engagement, reach, and voice "We are part of the ASFP, an association that has seen exponential growth in membership, training, engagement, reach, voice, and influence across all stakeholders within design, construction, and occupation." "As an Association, we are going in the right direction, improving the quality of passive fire protection and raising awareness across the built environment, which will be to the benefit of all.” The ASFP was also delighted to announce that the event raised an astounding £6075 for the ASFP’s chosen charity, the Children’s Burns Trust.