Keep up to date with Airvent

At Airvent, we're continually winning new landmark contracts for systems and service, as well as appointing new staff and highlighting what we feel are some of the most important developments in our industry.

Latest News Include:

Our Servicing and Maintenance division updates on datasheets are now available.

Airvent our proud to launch a new range of Roof Hatches and Roof Skylights which can provide safer Roof Access. For more details on our new Roof Hatches, click here.


We have updated our range of Fire and Smoke Curtains. Why not take a look at our updated Fire Curtain (Fire Guard) and Smoke Curtain (Smoke Guard) products.

New B & Q Tamworth case history added.

See new B & Q case history which was a joint venture between Airvent and Powrmatic click here.

Consistency of Building Control Regulators

Read full article by Airvent's Fire Engineering Consultant Mr Keith Elves published in H & V News Magazine click here.

The new Airvent IntelliVent OPC leaflet now available!

Airvent's new IntelliVent OPC leaflet is now available to download. Please click link IntelliVent OPC.

King's Cross and CBX case histories now available!

King's Cross and CBX case histories have now been added to our website under our project pages. To read more please click here King's Cross and CBX

Early intervention the key to successful installation

Picture the scene: you arrive on site with the building plans in your hand, ready to install the smoke control and ventilation equipment that was ordered and specified months ago - only to find your plans don’t match up with reality! Shafts sizes can be different, locations changed and specifications not what you were expecting...

It can happen more easily than you might think, and not only does this add time and challenge to your work, but it can even impair on the life safety functionality of the products which you’ve been charged with successfully installing.

How does this situation arise? No-one is to blame, the issue is simple: specification is generally set at the early sales stage, and is often not formally amended before the final stages of a project, although architectural design changes and builders’ practical interpretations are bound to take place. By the time the smoke control installer arrives to find the site not as expected, he is often jostling for working space with the painters and decorators. By this time it’s far too late to make timely adjustments to the specification and ensure final sign-off.

The solution comes in the form of project management. A strong, experienced team is required to technically sell the correct solution, develop that solution through the life of the project, deliver it on site and commission it as a working system. The key is to not just turn up on site at the last minute and hope for the best – make site visits, take measurements, speak to other contractors and learn what important changes have been made to the building and why.

Smoke ventilation systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated and need to be integrated into the building design rather than applied at the final stages to meet legislation.

At commissioning and handover a thorough understanding of the legislation is necessary to make any modifications to cope with natural evolution in the build process. Airvent offers just such a solution, with advice and support at every step of the process and a sound project management structure which ensures practical results that meet legislative requirements.

Author: Ian Doncaster BTech(Hons) MPhil MBA CEng MIMechE

Airvent’s parent company the Brakel Group win smoke ventilation systems and glass roof structures on large prestigious projects in Holland

Airvent’s parent company the Brakel Group win smoke ventilation systems and glass roof structures on large prestigious projects in Holland, one of these projects is worth over 10 Million Euros (probably the biggest smoke ventilation order placed in Europe to date). Click here to view some of these projects.

Airvent's 2011 Fire test featured in ACR Today Magazine.

After great success at our 2011 Fire Test in Belgium, ACR Today Magazine have featured Airvent in an article 'Life safety systems for smoke control'. To read full article please click here

Airvent ensures the compliant design and service of your smoke safety system

Fail to keep your building in line with RRO and BRE guidance and you open yourself and your business up to fire and litigation risk. Airvent has the experience and expertise to help you keep up to date with the latest legal requirements in the most cost-effective way.

Airvent takes the time to understand your smoke ventilation system from the basement up, ensuring integrated and successful results.

Airvent should be your number one choice in smoke safety systems and service provisions, offering unbeatable packages to maintain both systems we have installed, and those installed by rival firms.

When it comes to meeting your smoke safety obligations, Airvent is clearly the route to follow...

New data sheets now available!

Airvent have now added new data sheets for Fire Guard and Smoke Guard automatic curtains in the product range section of our website. For more info please visit our product page or alternatively please click to view Fire Guard and Smoke Guard

D&B Credit Rating 1 again for Airvent

Airvent are pleased to announce that we have once again been awarded Dun and Bradstreet Rating 1. This is the highest level of creditworthiness and minimum risk of failure. Dun and Bradstreet advise that only 15% of UK companies are in this category and in the current economic climate this is a fantastic achievement. Click to view certificate

2011 Live fire testing – attendee feedback

Leading smoke control specialist Airvent has once again wowed a live audience of over 60 key industry names at its real-world fire testing, near Brussels.

Attendee comments:
Liam Murray, Hulley & Kirkwood: “The speed of smoke build up was actually quite frightening. It was very useful to see real smoke movement and we certainly now have more faith in smoke clearance systems.”

Michael Wakeling, Kier’s: “I’ll use this experience to ensure my engineers understand the implications of not getting the design solution correct.”

Nigel Firkins, London Fire Brigade: “This gave a good appreciation of fire heat release.”

Charlie Railton, Land Securities: “It is good to reinforce the importance of smoke systems.”

Andrew Waddington, BAM: “Seeing in real time what modelling only shows on screen – and understanding the behaviour of smoke – is very useful for engineers.”

Peter Holway, Gardner & Co: “Thanks to this experience I’ll review smoke control with a clearer mind.”

Gavin Russell, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service: “This provided a good insight into the practicalities of ventilation systems.”

Alan Court, Hotchkiss: “It was very informative, interesting and increases awareness of fire build-up and danger.”

Mike Mann, USUS: “It reinforces the importance of predictable smoke management and its relevance to fire safety.”

2011 Live fire testing delights distinguished delegates

Leading smoke control specialist Airvent has once again wowed a live audience of over 60 key industry names at its real-world fire testing, near Brussels.

The only UK business currently engaged in such live fire experiments into smoke behaviour, Airvent was able to demonstrate the hot and smoky conditions which fire experts usually have the opportunity to only read about, causing many to look at their areas of expertise with fresh eyes.

Looking ahead
Airvent is planning a further test later this year and more in 2012, in direct response to demand from customers and key industry figures. “These test are really making a difference,” commented Dave Mowatt, Airvent Director. “More and more people in the industry are becoming familiar with the intricate theory of smoke control, but standing in the same room and watching it happen is something entirely different.

“We’re confident that testing like this is of real benefit to the industry, and by extension the UK public at large.”

It's Curtains for Airvent! By securing a 'hat-trick' of Fire/Smoke Curtain orders this month

Airvent is delighted to have secured fire and smoke curtain orders at Lewisham Shopping Centre, Bon Accord Shopping Centre and at Asda Tory Glen. Each client will benefit from Airvent's Fire Guard and Smoke Guard Curtains, which are tested to EN 12101/1 and BS 7346 part 3. For more information on our range of fire and smoke curtains please get in touch. Look out for the case histories on these projects (plus on the fire and smoke curtain order at AMEX HQ) once the projects have been completed.

Airvent offers controls demonstration

Airvent’s IntelliVent OPC (Open Protocol Control) control panel system is the latest step in offering customer the very best in safe and convenient smoke control, and now the product is available for live demonstration (with simulation).

Please visit for more information about the OPC, and get in touch on customer.services@airvent.co.uk to book your demo.

Greenwood Louvre appointed
as Small Works Agent for Airvent

We are pleased to announce that Greenwood Louvre has been appointed as Small Works Agent for Airvent. Greenwood Louvre will offer a quick turnaround service on smaller value or supply-only projects. For more details please click here.

Respected Westminster District
Surveyor Keith Elves joins Airvent

One of the most highly experienced and knowledgeable fire safety experts in the UK has joined smoke control firm Airvent.

Keith Elves Electrical FIET, Mechanical ACIBSE, Fire MIFE has over 27 years’ experience in the field of complex fire, electrical and mechanical installations, with a background in building control legislation and public authority approval having been Engineering Group Manager for Westminster District Surveyors for the past 25 years.

He joins Airvent as a Fire Engineering Consultant, adding further weight to the company’s industry expertise and ability to offer solutions to the most challenging smoke safety situations, as well as gravitas in terms of Airvent’s market position as the approachable technical experts.

Keith has worked on projects including the Whiteleys Shopping Centre and Royal Opera House rebuild, as well as undertaking research into car park fire safety (including real car-burning tests) and residential smoke shafts.

Brakel Group have new owner,
business as usual for Airvent

For over 35 years, The Brakel Group provides total solutions for comfortable, (fire)safe environments in all types of buildings, from residential buildings, schools, shopping centres and stations to car parks and industrial buildings.

For more information see www.brakellifesavingproducts.com

Airvent shortlisted
for H&V News Award

The prestigious annual H&V News Awards have recognised Airvent’s success throughout 2010 with a nomination in the Marketing Initiative of the Year category.

The nomination is a celebration of Airvent’s recent achievements in strengthening its market position, developing its brand and creating a range of user-friendly materials designed to de-mystify some of the complexity around the potentially confusing world of smoke control and life safety systems.

“We’ve listened to our market and worked hard to ensure our customers see us as an approachable and knowledgeable provider of smoke control design, supply, installation and service,” explained Airvent director David Mowatt. “This nomination is a welcome recognition of the successes we’ve enjoyed and we are honoured to have been shortlisted by H&V News.”

The award winner will be announced in April 2011. For more information see www.handvawards.com

Fire Engineering Director
new appointment

One of the most respected and highly qualified fire and smoke engineering specialists in the UK, Ian Doncaster, has been promoted to the position of Fire Engineering Director within smoke control specialist firm, Airvent.

Ian Doncaster BTech(Hons) MPhil MBA CEng MIMechE, takes up the position from his previous Fire Engineering Manager role, bringing his experience to bear on the company’s smoke engineering design work, as well as adding extra weight to the business’ ability to tender for jobs.

“Having Ian on board in such a prominent role can only be good news for Airvent,” explains Director Dave Mowatt. “His reputation in the industry is well deserved and we’re confident that there is no-one better to take control of tricky smoke engineering challenges, and help us develop our business at the same time. I’m looking to help develop Airvent’s reputation as a premier league supplier of smoke ventilation solutions,” explained Ian. “That means working to improve our technical offer with even better products and systems, ensuring that customers recognise Airvent as the place to go for technically sound, compliant and cost effective technical solutions.”

Ian has over 23 years’ experience in building management and fire engineering, with his skills perfectly suited to a role leading the design of smoke safety systems for new and existing buildings, including the transport, retail, residential and commercial sectors.

Smoke Warden AOV joins
Airvent product range

Airvent’s smoke control and ventilation range has been enhanced with the addition of the new Smoke Warden AOV (Automatic Opening Vent). Designed to offer a solution for fire shafts in multi-storey buildings such as apartment blocks and commercial offices Warden AOV is a key addition to a building’s smoke safety design.

The Smoke Warden has been designed to offer building designers and owners an easy-to-install, low cost solution to ventilating toxic smoke and heat from common areas in multi-story structures, should a fire break out.

The Smoke Warden is fire rated and is designed to discretely blend into a structure’s architecture. For more detail, please visit the ‘Products – Range’ page of this website.

Airvent Fire Test Promotes Industry Co-Operation

Life safety systems firm Airvent has cemented its industry status by becoming the only UK company in recent years to demonstrate a practical fire test before a group of 50 invited stakeholders, including Fire Brigade, Local Authority representatives, Consulting Engineers, Architects and Contractors from across Europe.

The fire test, conducted at a special facility near Brussels, was used to display not only the rapid propagation and behaviour of smoke caused by fire within enclosed spaces, but also the dramatic benefits of well-maintained smoke control systems in safely venting hazardous fumes.

Click here to download the full article.

Service contract boom
for Airvent

The UK's leading provider of whole-life service and maintenance for life-saving smoke control systems, Airvent, has seen an upsurge in new contracts and contract renewals.

As building owners, facilities managers and other responsible personnel begin to realise the importance of their obligations under the RRO (Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005), so more and more are turning to Airvent to ensure their building's ongoing fire safety.

The power of the RRO

Airvent's Fire Engineering Manager, Ian Doncaster, has written a powerful article on the importance of keeping smoke control systems well maintained, for both life safety purposes and to ensure compliance with RRO regulations.

Cut back on smoke ventilation maintenance and face the power of the RRO...

When times are tough it is always easy to target maintenance as an area for cost cutting or rescheduling, and it is quite right that maintenance of fire and life safety systems should not be exempt from review to ensure that value for money is being obtained and the correct standards are being maintained.

Click here to download the full article.

Welcome to the new-look
Airvent website!

we're proud to announce the launch of our new-look interactive website.

As Airvent strengthens its reputation as one of the biggest names in UK smoke control system design, supply, installation and service, we felt we needed a website to reflect the expertise and professionalism of our staff.

The site is fully interactive, explaining everything from smoke control issues in different building types to the regulatory requirements on building owners and, of course, how Airvent can give you peace of mind at every step. Please take a look around.