Across the UK, demand for fire testing has increased significantly over the past 12–24 months.

For many manufacturers, this is now being felt in the form of longer lead times, tighter availability, and increased pressure on project timelines.

So what’s driving this — and how can businesses plan around it?

Why Demand Has Increased

There are a number of factors contributing to the current pressure on testing capacity:

1. Greater Regulatory Scrutiny
Since the introduction of the Building Safety Act and increased focus on compliance, more organisations are taking a cautious, evidence-led approach to fire performance.

2. More Products Being Tested (Not Just Buildings)
Manufacturers of materials, components, and systems are increasingly required to demonstrate compliance — not just at a building level, but at a product level.

3. Re-Testing and Product Changes
Even small changes in material composition, sourcing, or design can require re-testing, adding to overall demand.

What This Means for Manufacturers

The biggest impact is often on timelines.

We’re seeing situations where:

• Testing slots are booked further in advance
• Delays in sample preparation push projects back
• Late-stage testing creates risk to product launch dates

In many cases, testing is still being treated as a final step — which increases the likelihood of delays.

How to Stay Ahead

While demand is unlikely to reduce in the short term, there are practical steps that can help:

Plan Earlier Than You Think You Need To
Engaging with a test house early allows you to secure provisional timelines and avoid last-minute pressure.

Build Testing Into Project Timelines
Rather than treating it as a final milestone, integrate testing into the overall development schedule.

Get Sample Preparation Right First Time
Incorrect or incomplete samples are a common cause of delay and retesting.

Have a Clear Testing Strategy
Understanding which standards apply (and which don’t) helps avoid unnecessary or duplicated testing.

A More Predictable Approach to Compliance

The businesses navigating this most effectively are those treating fire testing as part of a planned process, rather than a reactive requirement.

Early conversations, clear planning, and realistic timelines tend to result in:

• Fewer delays
• Lower overall cost
• More predictable outcomes

Final Thought

Fire testing demand isn’t slowing down — but with the right approach, it doesn’t need to become a bottleneck.

A small amount of planning early on can make a significant difference later in the project.