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Community News Technical Consultant receives academic excellence award from Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) A technical consultant has received an award for academic excellence from the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) after achieving the highest score on the Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 2 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection exam, out of the entire 2022 UK cohort. Rhea Akiens,Technical Consultant at Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions was presented with a trophy for her impressive achievement. In September 2022, Rhea was one of 14 consultants in the technical support team to achieve the IFE Certificate in Passive Fire Protection. This a universally respected, industry-standard course aimed at professional fire engineers and those who carry out fire assessments on buildings. Training for the IFE Certificate was delivered by the ASFP and included content around general fire protection as well as drylining systems. Rhea says: “It’s unbelievable. I’m really proud of myself and thankful to the company for supporting me through this course.” David Robinson, Head of Technical Support at Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, comments: “Congratulations to Rhea, whose hard work and dedication meant that she achieved the highest score out of everyone who took the IFE Level 2 Exam in the UK this year. “It is vital that anyone involved in a construction project thoroughly understands the performance requirements for systems and products.” www.saint-gobain.co.uk www.asfp.org.uk Minster to join the STARK Group Skyfold has launched a fully automatic, moveable wall solution in the UK It has been announced that Minster, as part of Saint-Gobain Building Distribution (SGBD), has been acquired by STARK Group. The STARK Group is among Europe’s fastest-growing retailers and distributors and is completely focused on building materials distribution for professional builders/tradespersons. They are headquartered in Denmark, with operations in six countries in Northern Europe. It was stated by Minster: “The STARK Group has a complete focus on building distribution, values that are similar to ours, and like Minster a strong focus on giving customers a great experience and being a responsible sustainable business. The Skyfold Prisma, which is exclusively available from Style, is a new and streamlined glass vertical partition that not only allows light to shine in but does so without the use of any wall or floor tracks, rendering it completely invisible when stored in the ceiling. Style’s Group Managing Director, Julian Sargent said “This is a real breakthrough in moveable wall technology from our global manufacturing partners, Skyfold. As a fully automated, acoustic glazed moveable wall that stacks into a ceiling cavity, its slim metal frame, clean lines, and sleek design will add elegance and an abundance of light to a wide range of rooms. “The glass panels combine with a minimalist frame to allow light penetration into otherwise dark rooms and corridors, creating an open plan feel to any area, positively impacting both mood and productivity. “It also has an impressive 52 Rw dB acoustic rating, delivering privacy between divided spaces”. www.style-partitions.co.uk “The STARK Group is investing in SGBD/ Minster to support our plans for growth which are centred around providing a great experience and continuing to evolve our services with our customers’ current and future needs in mind.” www.starkgroup.dk www.minsteronline.co.uk Knauf welcomes new Commercial Director Knauf has announced the appointment of Paul Campbell as Commercial Director. Paul will be responsible for the strategic development of the supply chain, customer support, marketing and technical at Knauf UK and Ireland. Paul has 16 years of experience in the construction sector and has previously worked with companies including BMI Group and British Gypsum. Commenting on his new role, Paul said: “Knauf is an organisation that I have watched closely and respected throughout my career, so I’m excited to join the Knauf family. “My focus will be to help shape and deliver the strategy, collaborating with customers, colleagues and the supply chain to ensure that we develop the solutions and support our customers’ needs.” www.knauf.com Paul Campbell, Commercial Director at Knauf The Skyfold Prisma in operation (L-R) Steve Davies, CEO of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP); Danny Harwood, MD of Consort Insurance (award sponsors); Rhea Akiens, Technical Consultant at Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions; and Mandy Hickson, motivational and keynote speaker www.thefis.org 29