Warringtonfire appoints Neal Holden as certification general manager

Warringtonfire, part of the Element Group, has strengthened its certification business with the appointment of Neal Holden as general manager.

In his role, Neal will lead the operational teams in their delivery of numerous certification schemes, providing additional support and guidance when required, to ensure the seamless and highly technical provision of services to customers.

Neal joins Warringtonfire after previously working in the sector for Bureau Veritas, where he was business unit director for health, safety and inspections and was involved in operational development for the UK certification business. Previous roles include compliance director at ISS Technical Services, head of operations at PHS Compliance, and head of quality at ScottishPower.

Rob Veitch, EVP of Fire & Building Products at Element, said: ‘Neal has extensive experience in the testing, inspection and certification industry, bringing a strong understanding of the market and the needs of customers to this leadership position.

‘Certification is an increasingly important step in the route to market for many products, and for personnel with greater responsibilities. It delivers reassurance to end users, improves reputation for businesses, and leads to potential cost savings, so it is vital that we have the right engaged experts on our teams. Neal will do a great job leading this effort.’

Neal added: ‘My aim is to further develop our services and products, combining our industry-leading technical excellence with a customer-centric approach to delivery. We are seeing an increase in rigor and scrutiny in the industry as we drive improvements in standards, and as the sector moves to embrace the findings of the Hackitt report.

‘Importantly, as we all develop a greater reliance on digitalization, we will underpin this work by utilizing best-in-class technology platforms, including remote auditing and virtual training, which will play a leading role in the industry as we exit the pandemic.’

Warringtonfire offers UKAS-accredited certification services for products and personnel to offer enhanced reputation and quality, performance and reliability. Its team of engaged experts work internationally in specialist sectors of industry and with specifiers, regulators and enforcement authorities. They to help set the benchmark today and in the years to come for fire protection, safety and security.

With more than 25 years of experience, Warringtonfire’s certification services are endorsed by an independent management council to ensure they continue to meet the needs of today’s market.