Bill has been involved in Fire Safety and has been a Fire Fighter in the UK for the last 42 years. He became assistant Chief First Officer (Director of Operations) for Strathclyde Fire and Rescue in 2005, retiring from the local authority Fire Service in 2007.

Bill Started his own Fire Safety Management company called Kyle Management Consultants Ltd., (KMC Ltd) where he has been the Managing Director and now Chairman since its change to Linear Fire Safety. His background is having an MA from Coventry University Joinery School, a Post Graduate Diploma in Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management from Leicester University. As well as being a graduate of the Institute of Fire Engineers in 1985 where he gained a Diploma in Fire Door Inspection and is a Specialist (fire) with International Institute for Risk and Safety Management.

Having qualified in 1994, Stephen has since worked on an extensive range and value of projects, and although currently focused on healthcare he has also undertaken a considerable body of public authority, conservation, education, industrial and residential projects. His principal roles are to oversee the financial, marketing and administration aspects of his practice as well as being a key client contact and project leader.

A key part of all construction projects is a requirement to understand and document the fire strategy required to successfully deliver a safe project. As a minimum, this strategy should meet the requirements of the Technical Standards, however, many clients often seek to better that baseline either through company policy, insurance stipulations or in the case of healthcare adherence to the NHS Estates publications (SHTM’s). Wylie Shanks Architects, led by Stephen, have significant experience in the development of designs and specifications to meet these varying and often changing demands. Working across both the private and public sector has also given him insight into their clients various demands for compliance, which typically requires backing up with reliable and evidence-based test documentation and certification.

As a Chartered Architect, Stephen routinely acts as an impartial Contract Administrator on construction contracts as well as being professionally bound to act with integrity at all times by his professional Code of Conduct. Therefore, he is well positioned to perform the impartial duties expected from the Committee for which he represents.

Beginning his career in construction within his family's business, Stephen has remained at the heart of the company and now operates as CEO. His commitment to an honest and thoughtful approach is reflected in all aspects of the business today. With over 30 years' experience, Stephen was appointed Managing Director of Linear Projects in 2003 with a clear vision to develop the business into a full supply and fit out company working directly with leading tier one main contractors across the UK.

Appointed CEO of Linear UK Group in 2018, Stephen oversees all of the group companies; Linear Design & Construct (Principal Contractor), Linear Projects (Specialist Joinery, Dry Lining & Suspended Ceiling Sub-contractor), Linear Building Compliance (Inspection & remedial Works) and Linear Fire Safety (Fire Risk Assessment) with a clear focus on both short and long-term planning and decision making. Working with the senior management team, Stephen helps drive the evolution of the business, its people and its projects to the very highest standards he sets for the group. This focus on quality and transparency has elevated Linear's reputation in the market and allowed Stephen to take the company's turnover from £1m to £30m in 2020 with projections of over £50m 2021.

Joining Linear Projects in 2013 Claire's role has continually evolved alongside the business. Now, as Operations Manager of Linear UK Group, she oversees smooth running of business functions for all business units within the group, including Linear Projects, Linear Design & Construct, Linear Building Compliance and Linear Fire Safety. In her varied and over arching role, Claire oversees the Compliance and IT Team as well as engaging with Business unit Leaders, Group Directors, Health, Safety & Sustainability, HR and Business Governance.

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Claire's Commitment to excellence has fostered a culture of continuous improvement and has been vital to the business.