Building safety is a responsibility, a commitment, and a core focus across all of Northern Bear Plc’s subsidiaries. In the years since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the UK construction industry has faced unprecedented scrutiny, reform, and cultural change. Ensuring safer, more resilient buildings is a priority for the entire Northern Bear family, from design and construction to compliance and management.
As part of this commitment, Isoler recently hosted the Building Safety Conference 2025 on Thursday, 23rd October at the Crowne Plaza Newcastle. The event brought together housing providers, contractors, consultants, regulators, and safety professionals from across the North East to exchange insights, share practical solutions, and collaborate on driving progress in high-risk building safety.
Putting the North East at the Heart of Change
While national policy continues to evolve, the North East has often lacked large-scale, regionally focused events dedicated to building safety. The conference provided a platform for professionals to reflect on progress, learn from past lessons, and shape the future of high-risk buildings in the region.
Learning from History to Shape Safer Buildings
The event began by examining why building safety matters as much as how to achieve it. Dame Judith Hackitt, author of the Hackitt Review, explained the priorities of the Building Safety Regulator and why cultural change remains crucial to lasting improvements. Dr. Graeme Flint from Arup reflected on the lessons of Grenfell, highlighting how past failures continue to influence safer design, construction, and operational practices.
Practical Insights Across the Industry
Sessions then turned to actionable guidance for professionals. Paul McLelland (JPI Compliance) explored early project engagement and collaboration with the Fire Service as key tools for reducing risk. Dr. Georgina Williams (Maze Fire Consulting) demonstrated how fire engineers approach both new builds and remedial work, while Kenneth Reed (Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service) shared the enforcing authority’s perspective on monitoring safety performance and managing critical data effectively.
The Human Side of Building Safety
The conference also highlighted the importance of people in building safety. Gemma Darville (Gentoo Group) shared a housing provider’s perspective, showing how teams balance compliance with affordability for tenants and leaseholders. James Capper (Wildheart Residential Management) represented residents’ voices, emphasizing how legislation impacts everyday living and the importance of supporting RMC/RTM processes.
Why This Matters
For Northern Bear Plc, Isoler’s leadership in hosting the conference reinforced the group’s broader commitment to building safety across all its subsidiaries. The event provided attendees with practical insights, strengthened compliance strategies, and fostered collaboration – all essential to delivering safer, more resilient buildings.
The Isoler Building Safety Conference 2025 demonstrated that safety, accountability, and collaboration aren’t just principles – they are practices shaping every building delivered across the North East and beyond.
Northern Bear Plc is proud to support Isoler in leading this conversation and helping the industry turn regulation into real-world impact, reflecting the company-wide commitment to raising standards and protecting communities.
