David Anthony Lowing MIFSM CertFDI FSICert
East Harling, Norwich
Summary
Dynamic Fire Industry Professional with over 30 years of experience at all levels in construction, fire protection, fire compliance, Technical and operational leadership. Proven track record in enhancing performance, productivity, and profitability across departmental and organizational operations. Certified Fire Door and Fire Stopping Inspector, skilled in providing technical support and resources to diverse teams. Expertise in project management and industry-standard training, committed to delivering compliant and efficient services.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work history
Head of Fire Department (Promotion)
C.L.C Contractors Ltd
Brandon, Suffolk
01.2022 - Current
- Managing Operations of entire Fire Department, including Staff, Compliance, Materials, Training, Turnover & Profit, Operational Contract programming, Client and Supplier meetings
- Responsible for Operation of department overseeing current delivery of over 10 Passive fire contracts, including, social housing providers, Clarion Housing, Sanctuary Housing, Flagship Housing, Housing 21 Partnership, Broadband Housing and Havebury housing, as well as several School, NHS and VIVO and Amey Contracts on many Air force Military bases across East Anglia.
- Collaborated with management to review and approve profitable, beneficial customer contract terms.
- Established and maintained positive, profitable client relationships through superb communication.
- Installation Project management and programming for Gerda Security U.K Contract, installation of Gerda products in East Anglia, London and Home Counties.
- Streamlining Operations to increase Turnover & Profit currently at between £5 - 6.000.000 per annum
- Writing and Delivery of all Passive Fire Toolbox talks and Training programs, with most current and up to date Government, FIRAS & B.M Trada regulations and in-line with BS-EN8214, BS EN:476 and Docs-B-M, BS EN: 9999, BS EN:9991, BS EN: 9792
- Preparing, overseeing and executing all 3rd Party accreditation audits and internal from both FIRAS, B.M Trada, CLC Contractors Ltd and all Client led Audits, both internal and external.
- Staff welfare, training and Fire compliance Appraisals
- Increased revenue growth from existing customers through targeted account management and development.
Fire Department Contracts Manager
C.L.C Contractors Ltd
Brandon, Suffolk
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Operation management of several Passive Fire Social Housing Contracts, including, Project programming, Materials, Logistics, Budget, Regulations, H&S RAMS, Delivery, Tracker and action updates, Staff Training.
- Ensuring all current legislation is updated, in place and followed.
- Reporting to Head of Department with any and all up to date contract variations and weekly Labour/management meetings.
- Client and Supplier meetings.
- Compiled required documentation to keep contracts compliant with current Fire regulations and company policy requirements.
- Analysed new laws and regulations to identify required changes and proactively adjust systems.
- Tracked contracts for management and issued regular tracking reports covering current status and upcoming milestones.
- Liaised and coordinated with internal and external stakeholders to ensure contractual arrangements were effectively executed, swiftly identifying and implementing remedies as needed.
Passive Fire Operations Manager
Bell Group Ltd
Brandon, Suffolk
04.2021 - 08.2021
- Responsible for two Passive Fire Social Housing contracts, with total contractual turnover of £500.000 -£750.000 per annum.
- Pricing actions from pre-Surveyed evidence, ensuring increased revenue, margins and value for money.
- Overseeing both Office and Site FIRAS Audits for branch.
- Programming work schedules, writing and delivering RAMS/Asbestos reports and H&S packs.
- Raising Purchase orders, Monthly invoicing and client Valuations.
- Ensuring Business and clients Monthly KPIs are met.
- Ordering of all suitable compliant and certified Project materials.
- Organising direct trades and Subcontractors for all contractual actions.
- Face to face client meetings, costing negotiations with Suppliers and client action costings.
- Interviewing and hiring of new Direct Labour.
- Ensuring all Firas Regulations are strictly adhered to by Direct Labour and Sub-contractors.
- Provided high level of quality control resulting in reduced downtime and maximised revenue.
Technical Fire Surveyor and Supervisor
Doors Plus Group
Dereham, Norfolk
08.2019 - 04.2021
- On site visits to carry out Maintenance Remediation surveys and replacement Door surveys for Gerda.
- Surveys carried out strictly under B.M Trada Q-mark scheme.
- Fault finding, Logging and Reporting along with photographic evidence back to the Clients, Doors Plus Group and Maintenance teams.
- Identifying faults with appropriate ARTS (Acceptable repair techniques) needed to make door sets compliant.
- Signing off complete and compliant works
- Liaising with clients and contractors and advising of the current legislation under B.M Trada Q-Mark scheme, The Government and London Fire Brigade.
- Drawing up detailed Gerda door replacement surveys including Door sizes and substrate margins, including any special requirements from clients and Tenants i.e. Fully automatic door entry system, Cardax systems etc, advising of any pre-work checks or tests required i.e Asbestos, Gas, Electrical etc, back to Doors Plus Ltd, Gerda and Client.
- Training both verbal and practical to Maintenance teams and newly employed/Trainee Fire Door remediation Engineers.
- Stock checks and ordering of compliant materials to carry out works
- Pre work checks i.e. Asbestos register, other contractors, staff or members of the public within the designated work area etc. ensuring clear signage and safe access is always present, while works are carried out.
- Being the clients on site point of contact, for Fault Logs, Emergency and Reactive Door Maintenance. And designating the appropriate Team/s to carry out works.
Technical Compliance Team Leader (Promotion)
Doors Plus Ltd
Dereham, Norfolk
04.2018 - 08.2019
- Responsible for B.M Trada ART Training of Fire Door Maintenance Engineers.
- Training including verbal and Practical demonstrations of the application and techniques of ARTS (Acceptable repair Techniques)
- Checking and verifying all repairs have been carried out correctly and with the correct, tested and compliant materials.
- Answering any questions or queries from the maintenance team, main Contractor (CBRE). the client (UEA), Doors Plus Ltd Contracts manager and Directors.
- Ensuring all appropriate paperwork and photographic evidence is submitted correctly and sent to the Main office at the end of the day.
- Checking all door remediation has been carried out correctly by the team at the end of the day and informing the office.
- Stock checks and ordering materials.
- Making sure all new Engineers on site have all compliant paperwork and site induction.
Fire Door Team Lead Carpenter
Doors Plus Ltd
Dereham, Norfolk
08.2017 - 04.2018
- Maintaining Fire Doors through the B.M Trada Q-Mark scheme at the University of East Anglia. (U.E.A)
- Strictly adhering to the ARTS (Acceptable repair Techniques)
- Initially being the first Tradesman on site to build the stores and workshop to be used for the duration of the contract by the Fire door Maintenance and the Fire stopping teams.
- Training all Carpenters and Fire Door maintenance Engineers on site in the ARTS, which includes all appropriate materials, methods and Techniques, to ensure all doors on site are repaired and fully compliant under the Q-Mark scheme.
- Worked directly with the main site maintenance contractor (CBRE), the client (UEA), Doors Plus Compliance team and B.M Trada to achieve full Compliance.
- New installations of Gerda Fire doors and FSI fire protection products.
- Building of compartmentalising fire stopping bulkheads & walls.
Carpenter and Multitrade
FTSS U.K LTD
Colchester, Essex
08.2016 - 08.2017
- Refurbishment works on Fire and flood damaged domestic and commercial dwellings in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, Peterborough, Essex and London.
- Contracts with Aviva, L.V, Legal and General, Direct Line, Lloyd's etc.
- Part and full refurbishments from start to end, including service calls.
- Skills covered, Surveying, Carpentry, Tiling, Painting and Decorating, Plumbing, Patch Plastering, Groundwork's, Roofing installations and Trouble shooting.
- Surveying, Ordering and sourcing materials needed for projects along with RAMS and correct safe working practices.
- Liaising with Policy Holders, Independent chartered Surveyors, Suppliers and Project coordinator's to make sure project runs as smooth as possible and all phases are completed on time.
- Identified and requested any and all personal safety equipment necessary to perform tasks.
- Secured all required permit approvals prior to starting projects.
- Organised assigned tasks for completion on individual and team levels.
- Repaired and maintained older properties, including renovating flooring, walls and ceilings, installing fixtures and remodelling bathrooms and kitchens.
- Carefully read blueprints, sketches and technical drawings to inform comprehensive understanding of project scope and specifications.
- Calculated dimensions and amount of needed materials by accurately†measuring job site and structures.
- Fabricated custom furniture, shelving and cabinets and installed in specified locations.
Carpenter and Multitrade Mentor
Kier Genesis
East Anglia, East Anglia
10.2014 - 08.2016
- Working for Kier on the Genesis contract in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, Lincolnshire and Essex •Carpenter/ Multitrade working on sheltered housing schemes for the vulnerable and general needs properties.
- Working on the void, repair & maintenance, emergency & planned works team.
- Mentor/Trainer for the Genesis back to work programme, training recovering addicts, Ex Offenders and other vulnerable tenants within Genesis Housing, various building skills to aid them on the road to recovery and back to work.
- Covering Carpentry, Plumbing, Tiling, Painting and Decorating, Plastering, Surveying and Troubleshooting and all general maintenance, planned, voids and Emergency repair works
- Surveying of properties, accessing sites & and preparing RAMS.
- Surveying, Ordering and sourcing materials for projects, ensuring that all materials were compliant and fit for purpose.
- Major works and enhanced refurbishment upgrades i.e Kitchens, Bathrooms, Decking and Fencing etc.
- Identified and requested any and all personal safety equipment necessary to perform tasks.
- Carefully read blueprints, sketches and technical drawings to inform comprehensive understanding of project scope and specifications.
- Calculated dimensions and amount of needed materials by accurately measuring job site and structures.
- Ordered materials and contacted sub-contractors when needed.
Carpenter and Multitrade
Norse (Sub contractor)
Norwich, Norfolk
01.2014 - 10.2014
- Working on void/enhanced voids and full property refurbishments in Norwich (social housing) •All aspects of Carpentry, Plumbing, Bathroom fitting, Plastering, Tiling and Painting and Decorating.
- Also Worked with Damp works and disabled adaptations teams, Enhanced and Descent Homes Kitchens,
- Identified and requested any and all personal safety equipment necessary to perform tasks.
- Organised assigned tasks for completion on individual and team levels.
- Cut and installed tile and linoleum flooring for residential and commercial buildings.
- Repaired and maintained older properties, including renovating flooring, walls and ceilings, installing fixtures and remodelling bathrooms and kitchens.
- Examined buildings and project specifications to determine measurements and dimensions.
- Inspected job site location to evaluate for code violations and coordinated necessary †maintenance or repairs.
- Calculated dimensions and amount of needed materials by accurately† measuring job site and structures.
- Carefully read blueprints, sketches and technical drawings to inform comprehensive understanding of project scope and specifications.
Carpentry and Passive Fire Site Supervisor
Penfield Developments
Norwich, Norfolk
04.2012 - 01.2014
- Converted four-storey office building into student accommodation, delivering 37 flats for U.E.A.
- Executed first and second fix carpentry, including fire door and firestopping installations.
- Designed and constructed fitted furniture, including beds, bookcases, desks, and wardrobes.
- Managed 32-member carpentry and passive fire team to ensure efficient daily bespoke joinery and passive fire installation operations.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety and building regulations throughout the project.
- Conducted weekly toolbox talks to reinforce adherence to relevant regulations.
- Facilitated effective communication among site labour, management, and clients for seamless operations.
- Developed and implemented maintenance programme post-student occupancy across all project phases.
Contracts Manager
Monlow Refurbishments
London, London
02.2012 - 10.2012
- Maintenance and property refurbishments to private residential homes and Commercial buildings in and around London, Kent and Essex.
- Projects including garage conversions, extensions, maintenance, repair works, Bespoke fitted furniture, Kitchens, Loft conversions, painting and decorating, tiling, soffit fascia's and guttering electrical Gas and plumbing.
- Pricing and Budgeting projects, buying and managing projects from conception to completion.
- Programming Schedule of works/project phases, increasing KPIs and productivity by 35-40%
- Performed initial client assessment and analysis to begin research process.
- Supported all staff in improving operations and resolving issues to deliver top-notch customer service.
- Managed teams of 9-26 employees, at any one time overseeing the hiring, training, and professional growth of employees.
- Implemented marketing strategies which resulted in 61% growth of customer base.
- Delivered an exceptional level of service to each customer by listening to concerns and answering questions.
- Researched and updated all required materials needed for firm and clients, ensuring they met all requirements and regulations.
- Handled the day-to-day running of all site staff and sub-contractors, ensuring high levels of productivity and progression.
- Worked closely with clients and suppliers to maintain optimum levels of communication for the effective and efficient completion of projects.
Company Owner/ Proprietor
D.A. Lowing Carpentry Services
Colchester, Essex
01.2001 - 05.2012
- Founder/Company Owner/Proprietor.
- Providing all forms of Bespoke carpentry &Joinery, inc; Bedrooms, Kitchens, Home Offices, Extensions, Loft conversions, Outbuildings & Garages Alcove units internal and external Storage solutions , Decking, Fencing etc.
- Insurance contracts Fire & Flood refurbishments, including fire doors and firestopping.
- On site surveys/meetings with clients/staff.
- Fully Designed & managed new build and property refurbishments .
- Architectural and building control liaising.
- Building Consultancy and Project management
- Approved Contractor by Essex County Council for Listed Buildings.
- Corporate membership to The Guild of Master Craftsmen, Federation of Master Builders, and The European Builders Confederation.
- Monitored multiple databases to keep track of all company inventory.
- Implemented marketing strategies which resulted in regular doubling growth of customer base and a 300% revenue increase within the first 2 years.
- Grew client base through continued levels of outstanding service and insurance backed guarantees along with customer referral scheme.
- Aided development of Apprentice's through a meticulous approach to Technique and attention to detail, along with my own Apprentice of the month reward scheme.
- Handled the day-to-day running of the company, ensuring high levels of productivity and company growth progression.
- Delivered an exceptional level of service to each customer by listening to concerns and answering questions.
- Consistently managed client needs through strong communication and good relationship building, resulting in positive customer experience. and repeat business.
- Payroll, Product research and testing, Toolbox talks inc; H&S, products and new tool technique updates weekly.
Carpenter/Joiner/Shopfitter
Various contracts (Freelance)
London, Essex, Kent, Surrey, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire.
06.1997 - 12.2000
- Working for various Contractors in London, Kent, Cambridge, Essex, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Suffolk.
- Office Refurbishment, New builds, Social housing, •Shop fitting, Woolworth's, Specsavers, Boots, Debenhams •Refurbishment of Libraries at Trinity and Pembroke College (Cambridge) •Cinema, Nightclubs, Theatres, Pubs and Clubs; Private and Council Leisure Centre's.
- Examined buildings and project specifications to determine measurements and dimensions.
- Identified and requested any and all personal safety equipment necessary to perform tasks.
- Repaired and maintained older properties, including renovating flooring, walls and ceilings, installing fixtures and remodelling bathrooms and kitchens.
- Installed floor joists, trusses and rafters.
- Set windows and layouts for stairs and common rafters.
- Built and stained oak casing and hardwood floors.
- Fabricated custom furniture, shelving and cabinets and installed in specified locations.
- Carefully read blueprints, sketches and technical drawings to inform comprehensive understanding of project scope and specifications.
Carpenter Joiner
M2 Construction
London, London
04.1994 - 04.1997
- Refurbishment of the Cinnamon Club (featured on BBC2) ,Converting Westminster Library into the largest Indian Restaurant/Gentleman's in Europe ,Building mezzanine floors, solid Walnut Panelling, Balustrades, and Dumb Waiters •All 1st and 2nd fix carpentry, finals and snagging.
- Maintenance works in The Tower of London, Millwall Football ground, various London Police stations, Charing cross hospital etc.
- Built and stained oak casing and hardwood floors.
- Repaired and maintained older properties, including renovating flooring, walls and ceilings, installing fixtures and remodelling bathrooms and kitchens.
- Laid concrete, built batter boards, used excavators and placed reinforced steel.
- Installed floor joists, trusses and rafters.
- Cut and installed tile and linoleum flooring for residential and commercial buildings.
- Worked closely with site management to establish and deliver to clients needs.
Education
Fire Safety Management (MIFSM)
Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM)
11.2022
Fire Stopping Penetrations Supervisor
FIRAS - Warrington Fire
Warrington10.2022
Approved Certified Q-Mark Fire Stopping Installer No.6690
B.M Trada
Warrington09.2022
Approved Certified Q-Mark Fire Door Maintainer - No.1169
B.M Trada
Warrington09.2022
Approved Certified Q-Mark Fire Door Installations - No.1904
B.M Trada
Warrington09.2022
Inspection & Testing of Fire Resisting Door Installations
ProQual Level 3
Lincoln07.2022
Fire Stopping Awareness Course
B.M Trada
Warrington06.2022
Level 3 The Inspection and Testing of Fire Resisting Door Installations
IFT Independent Fire Training Ltd
Lincoln06.2022
Fire Doors Explained Course
B.M Trada
Warrington04.2022
Fire Door Maintenance
B.M Trada
Warrington04.2022
Fire Doorset Installations
B.M Trada
Warrington04.2022
Timber Fire Door sets Inspection Supervisor
FIRAS - Warrington Fire
Warrington02.2022
Site Management Safety Training Scheme
SMSTS - C.I.T.B
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk01.2022
Diploma of Higher Education - Fire Stopping Inspection Course FSIDip
IFT Ltd - IFSM & IFE Accredited Course
Lincoln10.2021
Microsoft- Excel
Uplatz
02.2021
Fire Door Surveying
B.M Trada Q-Mark Scheme
Doors Plus Ltd, Dereham2018
Fire Door Maintenance & installation
B.M Trada Q-Mark Scheme
Doors plus Ltd, Dereham2017
Construction Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship
Barking and Dagenham Technical College
East London1993
Fire Safety Awareness
IOSH
Online07.2023
Skills
- 30 years' experience in Passive Fire Protection, Construction & Building Maintenance industries
- Strong Management, Organisational and Training background
- Proven Track record in Compliance, Project and Contract Management
- Strong Team Leadership skills
- Strong Team & Moral building skills
- Proven Facilitator track record
- Time served Carpenter/Joiner and Multi trades
- Highly Experienced Skilled Trouble-shooter/Problem solving and Solutions development skills
- Highly Conscientious with meticulous attention to detail
- Strong Organization and Planning skills
- Research and Sourcing of products and materials
- IT-word-Excel
- Focused and Flexible
- Flexibility to adapt to new roles & challenges
- Operation and maintenance technical skills
Interests
- Personal & Professional development
- Music
- Playing and Teaching Drums
- Riding Motorcycles
- Socialising with Family and Friends
- Walking My Dogs
- History and Architecture
- Travel
Timeline
Head of Fire Department (Promotion)
C.L.C Contractors Ltd
01.2022 - Current
Fire Department Contracts Manager
C.L.C Contractors Ltd
08.2021 - 01.2022
Passive Fire Operations Manager
Bell Group Ltd
04.2021 - 08.2021
Technical Fire Surveyor and Supervisor
Doors Plus Group
08.2019 - 04.2021
Technical Compliance Team Leader (Promotion)
Doors Plus Ltd
04.2018 - 08.2019
Fire Door Team Lead Carpenter
Doors Plus Ltd
08.2017 - 04.2018
Carpenter and Multitrade
FTSS U.K LTD
08.2016 - 08.2017
Carpenter and Multitrade Mentor
Kier Genesis
10.2014 - 08.2016
Carpenter and Multitrade
Norse (Sub contractor)
01.2014 - 10.2014
Carpentry and Passive Fire Site Supervisor
Penfield Developments
04.2012 - 01.2014
Contracts Manager
Monlow Refurbishments
02.2012 - 10.2012
Company Owner/ Proprietor
D.A. Lowing Carpentry Services
01.2001 - 05.2012
Carpenter/Joiner/Shopfitter
Various contracts (Freelance)
06.1997 - 12.2000
Carpenter Joiner
M2 Construction
04.1994 - 04.1997
Fire Safety Management (MIFSM)
Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM)
Fire Stopping Penetrations Supervisor
FIRAS - Warrington Fire
Approved Certified Q-Mark Fire Stopping Installer No.6690
B.M Trada
Approved Certified Q-Mark Fire Door Maintainer - No.1169
B.M Trada
Approved Certified Q-Mark Fire Door Installations - No.1904
B.M Trada
Inspection & Testing of Fire Resisting Door Installations
ProQual Level 3
Fire Stopping Awareness Course
B.M Trada
Level 3 The Inspection and Testing of Fire Resisting Door Installations
IFT Independent Fire Training Ltd
Fire Doors Explained Course
B.M Trada
Fire Door Maintenance
B.M Trada
Fire Doorset Installations
B.M Trada
Timber Fire Door sets Inspection Supervisor
FIRAS - Warrington Fire
Site Management Safety Training Scheme
SMSTS - C.I.T.B
Diploma of Higher Education - Fire Stopping Inspection Course FSIDip
IFT Ltd - IFSM & IFE Accredited Course
Microsoft- Excel
Uplatz
Fire Door Surveying
B.M Trada Q-Mark Scheme
Fire Door Maintenance & installation
B.M Trada Q-Mark Scheme
Construction Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship
Barking and Dagenham Technical College
Fire Safety Awareness
IOSH