FDM by UAP Ltd named Training Company of the Year for second consecutive year

This consecutive win marks another milestone for FDM, which has redefined fire door training since launching in 2024 as the UK’s first hands-on, practical training centre dedicated solely to fire door education.

Over the past 18 months, more than 1,200 professionals - from architects and installers to Responsible Persons and landlords - have completed FDM’s GQA-accredited courses. Each programme combines practical experience with rigorous assessment to embed life-saving competence at every stage of the fire door lifecycle.

In 2025, FDM also hosted a national industry roundtable on fire door competence, joined by leading figures including Dame Judith Hackitt, whose endorsement recognised FDM as “an exemplar of good practice” in the built environment. Insights from this event directly informed FDM’s report, Raising Standards in the Fire Door Industry, shaping its roadmap for continued impact across the sector.

Looking ahead, FDM is expanding its national footprint. In partnership with the Fire Protection Association (FPA), it will open a second state-of-the-art training centre in Oxford in January 2026, further strengthening the availability of specialist fire safety education across the UK.

Nicola John, Managing Director at FDM by UAP Ltd, said: “To be named Training Company of the Year for the second year running is an incredible honour, and a reflection of how far the industry has come in recognising the value of competence and practical training. Our mission has always been to drive change through education, and we’re proud to be leading that shift. But this is only the beginning. We’re committed to building a safer, more competent future, one fire door, one learner, and one project at a time.”

Hazel Goss, Secured by Design, congratulated the team: “I wish to congratulate FDM on receiving the prestigious ‘Training Company of the Year’ award at the National Fenestration Awards. Having visited the venue and participated in some of their training, I can see why they achieve this award each year – well done to you all, well deserved!”

About FDM – Training & Development: 

FDM – Training & Development specialises in fire door regulated and accredited training and qualifications, helping the industry meet essential fire safety standards.  

Our expert team provides trusted, independent guidance and training to ensure industry fire doors are reliable, effective, and compliant with current legislation.  

The GQA-accredited and award-winning training courses help to elevate fire door safety standards and support organisations in navigating the changing regulatory landscape.

About Secured by Design

Secured by Design (SBD) is owned by the UK Police Service with the specific aim of reducing crime and increasing safety for businesses and individuals.

SBD seeks to improve the physical security of buildings and the surrounding area using products such as doors, windows, locks and walling systems along with fencing systems that meet the SBD Police Preferred Specification security requirements.

SBD have many partner organisations, ranging from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government through to local authorities, housing associations, developers and manufacturers and work closely with standards and certification bodies.

SBD is the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for security-related products in the UK, through the Police Preferred Specification - a product-based accreditation scheme developed 25 years ago, which provides a recognised standard for all security products that effectively deter and reduce crime. SBD work with manufacturers and standards authorities to ensure that security standards are current and updated to keep pace with emerging crime trends.

Learn more about Secured by Design and our member companies at securedbydesign.com