The construction industry is evolving at an exciting pace. New safety standards, regulatory reforms, and rising expectations from clients and communities are reshaping the way we design, build, and maintain buildings. In this landscape, firestopping has taken on a new significance as a central thread that runs through every stage of a project, helping to deliver safer, more resilient, and trusted spaces.
At British Gypsum, we’ve gathered perspectives from across the supply chain, including architects, specifiers, contractors, installers, and distributors, to explore how we can work together to navigate the evolving landscape in our latest Insights Report.
Collaboration across the supply chain
Findings show architects are prioritising tested systems and clear guidance in their designs; contractors are applying practical know-how on site to deliver installations with confidence; distributors ensure that the right products and support reach the teams who need them; manufacturers, like British Gypsum, are innovating and developing new solutions, testing, and providing guidance to make compliance straightforward and achievable.
As it stands, 81%1 of construction professionals say there are challenges in maintaining compliance from design through to delivery. Yet research also indicates that collaboration improves outcomes. Early coordination between design and site teams helps avoid last-minute substitutions. Clear communication of design intent ensures that what is specified is what gets built. And accessible training builds installer confidence, reducing the likelihood of errors or rework. These approaches demonstrate that firestopping is most effective when treated as a collective responsibility.
Building confidence through support
Training and accessible guidance are central to success. CPD-accredited resources, training opportunities, and practical demonstrations equip professionals to stay up to date with evolving regulations and complex designs. And with our research showing that 35%1 of construction professionals still feel product information could be improved across the market, there’s a clear opportunity for the industry to step up. By providing the right support at every stage, and tailored towards those who need it, in a format they want it in, the industry can build confidence, reduce risk, and stay compliant throughout the project.
Gyproc® Firestopping: Simplifying Success
As the trusted partner of architects, contractors, and drylining and plastering professionals, we’ve always led the way to help the construction industry build better.
In response to these findings, and as a natural next step, we have launched our new Gyproc® Firestopping range, designed with this collaborative approach in mind. Tested to be installed alongside the British Gypsum systems professionals already know and trust, it streamlines the specification process, reduces risk, and ensures everything is supplied from a single, trusted source. Backed by full testing, the SpecSure® Systems 25 year* firestopping warranty for newbuild applications in British Gypsum Systems, and practical training, it equips every team member with the tools to succeed.
Explore the range: Gyproc Firestopping | British Gypsum
1 A Based on 169 external respondents across the UK supply chain. Research was conducted independently on behalf of British Gypsum.
*The provisions made in the United Kingdom Technical Assessment for Gyproc® Firestopping are based on an assumed working life of the (product) of 25 years, provided that the conditions laid down in the manufacturer’s datasheet and instructions for the packaging/transport/ storage/installation/use/repair are met. See SpecSure® Firestopping Insert for full details here: british-gypsum.com/SpecSure
