A new training academy is to be developed by RECOM Solutions as part of a major investment underpinning the company’s rapid expansion in the fire protection sector.
RECOM, which is currently based in Trafford Park, Greater Manchester, has experienced huge growth in demand for its fire protection services, with its number of specialist operatives increasing from five to 30 in the past 18 months.
In addition to its specialist operatives, RECOM employs a team of surveyors, contract supervisors and project managers in its fire protection arm.
Its bespoke facility, which will be developed for a six-figure sum, will feature a live environment for training RECOM operatives in the latest fire protection measures, legislation and products which are new to the market, and will be a showcase to the company’s nationwide client base in the residential, care home, healthcare, commercial, leisure, education, heritage buildings and industrial sectors.
The academy will be a key element of RECOM’s one-stop shop offering in fire protection, which includes passive fire protection and cladding replacement services.
RECOM is an approved contractor under the UK’s Fire Accreditation Scheme (FIRAS) for its fire protection services, which include fire door surveys and installations, repairs and upgrades, fire strategy reviews, compartmentation surveying, penetration sealing, advice and guidance, training, development and support.
Director Jason McKnight said the academy is due to be launched in the spring ahead of the implementation of the Fire Safety Act in England, which seeks to improve fire safety in multi-occupancy buildings.
He said: “We have positioned ourselves ahead of the field by being able to provide a holistic approach to projects, linked to the new legislation.
“We act in both client side and contractor roles, utilising innovative cloud-based software to ensure clients have up-to-date relevant information on fire safety. This is the ‘golden thread’ of information that will become a legal requirement for building owners, developers and the like.
“The new academy will further demonstrate our commitment to retaining our leading market position in the provision of fire safety services.”
RECOM acts as a construction project manager and main contractor in addition to its role as a fire protection and cladding replacement specialist.
The company is also approved as a project facilitator on behalf of Homes England, providing clients with support and funding applications to the Building Safety Fund in relation to cladding remediation works.
Jason said: “The need for robust fire protection measures in buildings has been brought into sharp focus in recent years, and we are proud to be playing our part in helping to improve building safety and create smart, safe and sustainable places where people thrive, across the north west and beyond.
“Our academy will enable us to train and develop new employees and to educate our clients on the importance of fire protection measures within buildings.”
He added: “We fully expect that the Fire Safety Act will lead to further expansion of our fire protection operations.
“To this end, we want to ensure we remain at the cutting edge of compliance, hands-on training and education by demonstrating best practice in a live environment and partnering with leading manufacturers bringing the latest specifications and products to the market.”
RECOM Solutions, which was founded in 2015 by directors Jason McKnight and Joseph Dillon, undertakes construction project management and main contracting work across a range of sectors, including healthcare, education, retail and leisure, commercial and residential. It also provides consultancy services to assist in the delivery of high-quality projects. These services include design, risk, quality, health and safety and sustainability alongside passive fire.
Clients include Barry’s Bootcamp, Pot Kettle Black, Urban Village Bars, KAMPUS, The Derwent Group, Fletcher Bond, the University of Manchester and the NHS.