At PiLON, we specialise in passive fire protection, ensuring the safety and compliance of residential buildings. As a trusted partner of Southern Housing, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, we deliver fire-stopping works across London and Kent, supporting their Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) programme.

Contract Details and Scope

The contract was awarded following our successful support of Southern Housing’s FRA programme, leading to the 4 + 2-year FRA contract in 2021.

This JCT Measured Term 2016 contract, managed from our Kent site office, delivers approximately £3.5m per annum in fire safety works. Our scope includes:

• Fire-stopping installations (batt and mastic penetration sealing, fire collars, intumescent grilles, and vents)
• Compartmentation upgrades (Fireline plasterboard, fire-rated panels and drylined partition systems)
• Fire door replacements (certified FD30S timber door sets, fanlights, sidelights, self-closers, and fire-rated glazing)
• Roof space compartmentation (FireFly Zeus cavity barriers)
• Investigative and intrusive fire safety surveys

We deliver all works directly using our fully trained, FIRAS and Firefly accredited direct workforce technicians, ensuring quality and compliance without subcontracting. Each region is managed by dedicated FIRAS-approved site teams overseen by Project Manager Gabriel Predescu, ensures consistent quality, accountability, and compliance.

Innovative Compliance Management

To streamline operations and maintain compliance, our in-house software development team developed our bespoke FireStop App, an in-house digital tool integrated with RiskHub, Southern Housing’s compliance management system.

The FireStop App:

✔ Captures job details, before-and-after photos, signatures, and materials used

✔ Provides real-time updates on fire-stopping and remedial works

✔ Generates FIRAS- and BM Trada-compliant reports to meet regulatory standards

By digitising compliance tracking, we enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency, supporting Southern Housing’s fire safety obligations.

Detailed Stickers for Traceability

To maintain ongoing fire safety records, we place detailed stickers on all completed fire-stopping works. These enable other contractors and property managers to instantly access:

✔ Details of works completed
✔ Installation date & fire rating achieved
✔ Compliance records

This system ensures long-term traceability throughout the lifecycle of each property.

Ensuring High Standards

We go beyond industry regulations in quality control. While only 10% of works are required to be inspected, we internally review 100% of completed jobs and ensure third-party verification through FIRAS and BM Trada audits. We are also subject to 4 audits per year by FIRAS, who provide detailed reports of each inspection.

By upholding these high standards, we ensure that Southern Housing’s properties remain safe, compliant, and future proof. We consistently exceed/ achieve our KPIs for this contract, including:

• Defect-free work: 85% minimum
• Completion rate: 90% of fire safety works finished on time
• Appointment adherence: 95% of scheduled visits kept

Client Testimonial:

“I feel lucky working with PiLON, they are easy to work with and very professional. Not many contractors go out with their surveyors, but with Gabriel, he can resolve any snags on the spot. The quality of works is always bang on—it’s very rare that I have to fail anything. The reporting from the FireStop App is so good, it’s our benchmark.”

Stewart Paine, Fire Safety Surveyor – Southern Housing, April 2024

Overcoming Challenges

One of the most complex projects we undertook for Southern Housing was at Bridge House, Sheerness, an assisted living property managed by Sanctuary Supported Living.

The project required replacing 20 front doors and 2 communal doors to meet fire safety standards. However, four previous contractors had failed to complete the job, struggling with fragile substrate walls that couldn’t support new doors.

Understandably, residents had become frustrated and distrustful after multiple failed attempts, making them reluctant to engage with yet another contractor.

Understanding the importance of resident confidence, we approached the project with patience and clear communication. Our team engaged with residents, explaining the importance of the works and ensuring minimal disruption.

During installation, we encountered a new challenge – the walls began collapsing as the old doors were removed. Rather than delaying the project, we immediately deployed an additional team to reinforce the walls, allowing the fire doors to be installed securely and safely.

Through careful planning and expert problem-solving, the project was completed successfully, with no resident complaints.

By delivering where others had failed, we demonstrated not only our technical expertise but also our commitment to resident engagement and customer service.

Combining Fire Safety and Community Impact

At PiLON, we believe that delivering high-quality fire protection is about more than just meeting compliance—it’s about building trust with clients and residents. The success of projects like Bridge House demonstrates how our direct workforce, problem-solving approach, and commitment to quality set us apart. But our impact doesn’t stop at fire safety.

By actively engaging with the communities we work in, we ensure that our projects leave a lasting positive contribution beyond the scope of fire protection.

Beyond fire safety compliance, we contribute positively to the communities we work in.

✔ 1% of our turnover is donated to Fresh Visions, Southern Housing’s chosen charity
✔ We hire local residents for roles within our projects, providing employment opportunities and skills training

By integrating social value into our projects, we support both fire safety and community development.

A Reliable Partner in Fire Safety

Our partnership with Southern Housing highlights our ability to manage large-scale passive fire protection projects, overcoming logistical and technical challenges while maintaining exceptional quality standards.