A Day of Innovation and Collaboration

We recently had the pleasure of arranging our monthly learning and development day at the offices of TSB Contractors, bringing together technical expertise, industry innovation, and meaningful collaboration. Hosted by TSB, the event was an opportunity to connect with some of the leading voices in the sector, featuring insightful CPD sessions from Belimo and Swegon — two of the most prominent manufacturers.

The morning began with a CPD session delivered by Belimo, known for their forward-thinking approach to damper actuation. The session was not only informative but perfectly aligned with our ongoing work of evidencing competence and achieving qualifications around fire dampers and smoke control dampers. Key points included:

• The role of fire dampers and the critical importance of proper placement in duct systems to maintain compartmentation in the event of a fire.
• A thorough overview of the different types of fire dampers, including demonstrations that helped visualise how they operate under test conditions.
• A review of the legislation, standards, and testing requirements, reinforcing how vital it is to ensure systems are compliant with UK and European regulations.
• Insights into the UK market and how current challenges and expectations are shaping the future of damper specification and installation.
• A compelling case for the benefits of motorised fire dampers, especially in terms of improved safety, automation, and ease of maintenance.

Following Belimo’s session, we heard from Swegon, who brought a hands-on edge to the day by showcasing their latest product innovations. It was fantastic to see some of these new dampers in-person and get a sense of the build quality and design improvements. In partnership with Paddeco, their session delved deep into:

• Legislation and classification, including how dampers are tested under fire conditions.
• An explanation of the methodologies used during testing, highlighting how products gain their certifications and the significance of third-party approval.
• An introduction to new products entering the UK market.

The event also served as a platform to meet and network with like-minded professionals. Representatives present, brought together as clients of Paddeco, included Ductbusters, Nitor, ACVS, Delta Ventilation, and of course TSB Contractors were in attendance, creating a collaborative atmosphere full of shared knowledge and practical insights. Conversations throughout the day reflected a mutual commitment to raising industry standards, adopting innovation, and ensuring high levels of competence in both design and installation.

Overall, it was a highly productive and inspiring day. Our thanks go to TSB Contractors for hosting, and to Belimo and Swegon for delivering such rich, detailed sessions. Events like these play a crucial role in keeping us informed and connected, and we’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to come together and continue raising the bar for the industry.