FDM – Training & Development has closed the year with strong momentum, marking a period of significant growth, national recognition and sector leadership across construction, glazing and fenestration. Operating as FDM by UAP Ltd, the organisation has reinforced its position as a leading provider of competency-led, practical fire door training at a time when regulatory scrutiny and safety expectations continue to rise.

A key highlight of the year was the launch of two new vocational qualifications: the GQA Level 3 Diploma in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets and the GQA Level 3 Diploma in Installation of Fire Resistant Doorsets, developed in collaboration with GQA Qualifications and the National Skills Centre. Designed to align with current legislation and best practice, the diplomas focus on real-world application, assessment in live or simulated environments, and clear accountability across the fire door lifecycle.

FDM also took an active leadership role in shaping national dialogue on competence. The organisation convened a high-level roundtable on fire door competence, chaired by Managing Director Nicola John. The session brought together stakeholders from across the sector, with Dame Judith Hackitt joining as a guest speaker and contributing to the foreword of FDM’s subsequent report, which described the academy as “an exemplar of good practice”.

The year concluded with major industry recognition, including Fire Solution of the Year at the 2025 London Construction Awards, Training and Development Initiative of the Year at the G25 Awards, and Training Company of the Year at the 2025 National Fenestration Awards. These accolades underline growing industry demand for structured, competency-based training that delivers measurable safety outcomes.

FDM is expanding its national footprint through a new satellite academy in partnership with the Fire Protection Association, opening in Banbury, Oxfordshire in January 2026. Since its launch in 2024 as the UK’s first hands-on academy dedicated solely to fire doors, FDM has trained more than 1,200 professionals in just 18 months, holding both GQA accreditation and CITB approval, setting a clear benchmark for fire door competence in the built environment.