THE door industry journal winter 2025 33 Industry News Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Simon Monks welcomed as new Group Sales & Marketing Director UAP Ltd, the Manchester-based door hardware specialist, is welcoming industry expert Simon Monks as its new Group Sales & Marketing Director. He said: “I was drawn to UAP because of its ambition, growth plans, and reputation for innovation, with products like the Armasmart and Kinetica ranges driving progress in the industry. In such an exciting time for the business group, I can’t wait to get stuck into shaping its future alongside the stellar team.” Monks joins UAP with almost two decades’ experience in the door and fenestration industry, including spearheading sales and marketing strategies. He has previously risen through the ranks at different hardware companies, moving from sales to the C-suite. He has spent ten years in directorship positions — seven as Managing Director — with experience in fenestration markets both in the UK and overseas. Steve Cox, Managing Director of UAP, said: “Simon has joined us at an integral stage of our growth journey. His market knowledge and industry standing are exceptional, and his leadership and customer skills are key additions to our team.” www.uaplimited.com FDM and FPA announce new training centre to advance fire safety standards FDM – Training & Development (FDM) has partnered with The Fire Protection Association (FPA) to launch a state-of-the-art training centre in Oxford, opening on 1 January 2026. The new site will operate as a satellite version of FDM’s practical Training Academy in Bury and host a range of practical accredited courses, including the Responsible Persons, Fire Door Procurement, Fire Door Inspection, and Fire Door Awareness courses. FPA will also deliver FDM’s Level 3 vocational Diploma qualification in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets under licence. To widen access to FDM’s bespoke training, the partnership will see FPA visit FDM’s centre in Bury each month to deliver the Fire Risk Assessors qualification, while FDM will travel to the FPA centre each month to lead its Fire Door Installation and Fire Door Repair and Maintenance courses. FDM was founded to meet the growing need for high-quality fire door training in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, and has trained 1,200 professionals since opening in February 2024, forging partnerships with 60 leading industry bodies. It has also earned national recognition, winning Training Provider of the Year at the 2025 Fire & Security Matters Awards, Fire Solution of the Year at the 2025 London Construction Awards, and Training Company of the Year at the 2024 National Fenestration Awards. Nicola John, Managing Director of FDM, said: “We’re extremely proud that the FPA, one of the industry’s most well-established and respected associations, has recognised that our courses and materials are industry leading. We share a dedication to raising fire safety standards, and this collaboration is just the start of a long and prosperous partnership. Together, we’ll bridge knowledge gaps for its thousands of members across the UK and shape the future of fire safety in our industry.” The FPA is the UK’s leading fire safety organisation, dedicated to helping businesses and communities reduce fire risk. Independent and not for profit, the FPA works closely with regulators, insurers, and fire professionals to promote best practise in fire safety across the UK. www.fdmltd.com
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