Last week, our team headed up to Birmingham’s NEC for The Fire Safety Event — and what a day it turned out to be!

It was our first time attending, and we had Rhiannon (our Operations Director), along with Louis and Owen (our brilliant Fire Risk Assessors) representing us. From the moment we arrived, everything ran smoothly. Parking was straightforward, and staff were on hand to guide us to the right hall. That said — a word of advice for anyone going next year — wear comfy shoes! You’ll cover some serious ground without even realising.

Because we’d pre-registered, we had our passes sent out in advance, which meant we could walk straight in. But even for those signing up on the day, the process seemed really easy, with self-service QR code scanners printing passes on the spot. Quick scan at the entrance, and we were in.

The moment you step inside, it hits you — the sheer size of the event and the creativity of the displays. Everywhere you looked there was something new: fire alarms, extinguishers, fire doors, safety signage — all showcasing the latest innovations in the fire safety world.

What we really loved was the atmosphere. There were smiles everywhere, and it didn’t matter if fire safety was your area of expertise or not — it felt easy to stop and chat with exhibitors, ask questions, and genuinely learn something.

Despite how busy it was, the layout made it pretty easy to get around. And yes — there were loads of freebies! We’re talking bamboo mason jars, coffee, chocolate, and all sorts of branded bits and bobs. Safe to say our tote bags were full by the end of the day.

The energy in the morning was electric, and just as the post-lunch dip started to settle in, the organisers pulled out a surprise — dancing grannies! A hilarious and unexpected touch that brought a lot of laughter and lifted the afternoon mood.

One of the best parts of the day was the chance to network. We met loads of great people, had some brilliant conversations, and came away with a fresh perspective on what’s happening across the industry.

If we’re honest, one day just wasn’t enough. There was so much to take in, and we found ourselves wishing we had more time to explore. Next year, we’ll definitely be going for both days — and we’d highly recommend anyone thinking of attending to do the same.

Big thanks to everyone involved in organising such a well-run and enjoyable event. We’ll see you again in 2026!