ASFP achievements recognised with two awards

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is delighted to announce it has won two awards in the Trade Association Forum’s (TAF’s) Awards 2025. The Awards recognise, reward and promote best practice among trade associations in the UK.

The Association’s Managing Director Mike Ward received the Outstanding Contribution Award. Mike was praised for his forward-thinking leadership, inclusive approach, genuine commitment to innovation and his dedication to developing and mentoring his team. The award recognised Mike’s role in growing the Association and improving member engagement. It highlighted the Association’s continuous commitment to excellence, underpinned by Mike’s exemplary guidance and his dedication to building a safer future for all.

The award celebrated Mike’s role in managing the Association’s move to its own office for the first time in its history; his efforts to unite diverse perspectives within the construction and fire safety sectors through engagement with key stakeholders, including building control officers, fire engineers, and manufacturers; and his pivotal role in supporting the establishment of the Passive Fire Knowledge Group;

The Best Association / Supplier Partnership was awarded to ASFP / Milford & Marah in recognition of their work in the definition, management and development of competence within the passive fire protection sector. Together ASFP and Milford & Marah have worked with industry to put in place clear benchmarks for competence in passive fire protection design and specification, sales and distribution, and installation. Work continues to create benchmarks in other areas and to create methods for people to engage with these frameworks.

Through this partnership, ASFP has influenced the development of other competence structures and processes, such as the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG). Sharing its expertise with other sector bodies, professional organisations, and regulatory committees, ASFP is now seen as a key thought leader and has been instrumental in raising standards across the built environment.

Milford & Marah has also worked with the ASFP internally, improving knowledge and understanding of competence and linking existing and emerging offerings back to the Association’s strategy.

Commenting on these Awards, ASFP Operations Director Nadine Saxon declared:

“We are delighted to have won these two prestigious awards, which clearly recognise the ASFP’s commitment to improving services and increasing our value to our members, while improving competency across the construction and passive fire protection sectors.

“I am thrilled that Mike’s vision, dedication and enthusiasm has been recognised. Mike’s strong and collaborative leadership style, commitment to improving the safety of the built environment and dedication to his team and the ASFP is clear to see. Mike has championed innovative initiatives that have led to rapid growth for the Association, while improving our member services and raising standards across the passive fire protection sector.

“A core component of the ASFP’s strategy has been the development of competency benchmarks for the passive fire protection sector and we are delighted to see our partnership working with Milford & Marah celebrated with this award. Milford & Marah has played a pivotal role in raising the Association’s profile in this area and developing it into a key player in the development and management of competence.”