G.S. Stothers Smoke Ventilation Specialists

21/10/2026

They may look similar, but did you know smoke curtains and fire curtains serve two very different roles in protecting buildings and their occupants?

While smoke curtains are designed to help control and direct the movement of smoke, fire curtains provide a fire-resistant barrier to help prevent flames and heat from spreading between areas of a building.

Both play an important role in modern fire safety strategies, but understanding the difference is essential when designing and specifying the right solution.

In the latest instalment of our Life Safety Explained series, we're taking a closer look at how these systems work, where they're used and why their different functions matter.

At G.S. Stothers, we specialise in designing, supplying, installing, commissioning, and maintaining smoke and fire curtain solutions.

Read the full article to find out more 👉 https://gsstothers.com/life-safety-explained-smoke-curtains-vs-fire-curtains/

*Image Disclaimer: The images featured in this article have been AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. They illustrate the general principles of smoke and fire curtain systems and may not reflect exact product specifications or installations.

They might look similar, but smoke curtains and fire curtains have two very different jobs when it comes to protecting a building in the event of a fire. So, what's the difference? Smoke Curtains Smoke curtains are designed to control and direct the movement of smoke within a building. T

19/10/2026

We're pleased to share another project award for G.S. Stothers, with our team appointed to upgrade the smoke ventilation controls at City Exchange in Belfast.

Smoke ventilation control systems play a vital role in coordinating a building's smoke management strategy, ensuring the right equipment operates when needed.

As buildings evolve and systems age, upgrading existing controls can be key to maintaining reliable life safety performance.

Projects such as City Exchange demonstrate that effective smoke ventilation isn't simply about installing new systems. It's also about ensuring existing infrastructure continues to perform as intended.

We're looking forward to progressing these works and continuing to support safer buildings across Northern Ireland.

15/10/2026

Welcome to the team, Alan Todd!

We're delighted to welcome Alan Todd to G.S. Stothers as our new Associate Operations Director!

Alan brings a wealth of experience from the mechanical and electrical sector, having spent the past 11 years working with a specialist chimney and flue company, but Alan's connection to G.S. Stothers actually goes back much further. Over 22 years ago, he worked alongside Sam Stothers, making his return to the business something of a homecoming!

In his new role, Alan will oversee the day-to-day activities of our project teams, support the continued development of our Facilities Management division and play an important part in establishing our estimating and sales department.

As G.S. Stothers continues to grow, Alan is particularly excited about the opportunities ahead and about helping put the right structures and strategies in place to support the next chapter of the business.

Since joining, Alan has already been impressed by the openness, support and warm welcome he's received from his new colleagues, something he feels is a real credit to the team.

Outside of work, Alan enjoys getting out on his boat for a spot of fishing when the weather allows, spending time in the garden and keeping up with his two children, Mollie and James, who apparently have a better social life than he and his wife Amy!

It's fantastic to have Alan back as part of the G.S. Stothers family, and we're looking forward to everything he'll bring to the team as we continue to grow.

Welcome (back) aboard, Alan!

13/10/2026

We're delighted to be progressing to Phase 4 of the natural smoke ventilation system upgrade at Lidl Northern Ireland Distribution Centre, continuing a working relationship that has spanned many years.

Having supported Lidl through previous phases of the project, we're proud to be entrusted once again with upgrading this important part of the building's life safety infrastructure.

Why is effective smoke ventilation so important in a facility like this?

Large warehouses and distribution centres present particular fire safety challenges. With extensive storage areas, high ceilings, and large volumes of goods and people working across large operational spaces, managing smoke and heat during a fire is essential.

Natural smoke ventilation systems help remove smoke and hot gases from the building, supporting safer evacuation conditions, improving visibility, and helping emergency services access affected areas.

As facilities evolve, their life safety systems must continue to perform effectively and remain appropriate for the buildings they protect.

Delivering upgrades within a busy, operational distribution centre also requires careful planning and coordination to minimise disruption to day-to-day activities.

For us, projects like this are about more than the work itself. They reflect the long-standing relationships we've built with our clients and the confidence they continue to place in our team.

We're looking forward to delivering this next phase and continuing our relationship with Lidl.

Lidl Northern Ireland

29/09/2026

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT | Glenmona, West Belfast

A great project to share from the G.S. Stothers team at Glenmona, where we have delivered the natural smoke ventilation systems across this major residential development.

For a project of this scale, it’s not simply about installing individual components. The system has to work together to help keep communal escape routes clear of smoke and support safe evacuation in the event of a fire.

Our work at Glenmona included the supply, installation and commissioning of the smoke ventilation systems, with everything carefully integrated into the finished buildings.

Swipe through for a closer look at the project, from the finished development to some of the equipment and controls working behind the scenes.

Another great example of the life safety systems you often don’t notice, but which play an essential role when they’re needed most.

24/09/2026

As our team continues to grow, we have several opportunities across the business, including our latest vacancy for an experienced Facilities Helpdesk Coordinator.

This is a key role within our growing Facilities Management division, overseeing the day-to-day operation of our helpdesk, coordinating engineer schedules, managing planned and reactive maintenance activity and helping us continue to deliver a high level of service to our clients.

Alongside this new role, we’re also currently recruiting for:
🔹 Facilities Technical Manager
🔹 Estimator
🔹 Electrical Maintenance Engineer

Whether your background is in engineering, facilities management, estimating, or service coordination, there are fantastic opportunities to join the G.S. Stothers team.

If you're looking for your next opportunity and would like to join an established, family-run business that has been growing and developing for more than four decades, we’d love to hear from you.

Watch our recruitment video to learn more about G.S. Stothers, our team, and what it’s like to work with us. 👇

See our Current Vacancies here: https://gsstothers.com/current-job-vacancies/ or seach 'G.S Stothers' on NIJobs

22/09/2026

Meet the Team | Luke

This week, we’re introducing another member of the G.S. Stothers team, Luke, who works on our Facilities Management Helpdesk.

Luke was drawn to Facilities Management for the variety, fast-paced environment, and opportunities to continually learn and develop. When the opportunity arose to join G.S. Stothers, he felt his previous FM skills and experience aligned perfectly with the role.

As part of the Helpdesk team, Luke plays an important role in managing incoming communications from our clients, responding to enquiries by phone and email and helping ensure issues are dealt with quickly and professionally. Ultimately, the aim is simple — to provide the best possible service while minimising disruption to our clients’ operations.

Luke describes himself as enthusiastic, customer-focused and always eager to learn, and since joining G.S. Stothers, he’s particularly enjoyed the supportive atmosphere within the team. Whether it’s tackling a difficult task or working to a tight deadline, someone is always willing to help and, according to Luke, rarely goes a day by without a funny story being shared around the office!

Away from work, Luke is a big sports fan, particularly football, and a loyal Liverpool supporter. He loves spending time with family and friends and tries to get away a few times each year to explore somewhere new.

And something we definitely didn’t know about Luke: he previously played badminton competitively, travelling across Europe to compete in tournaments under the Badminton World Federation!

We’re delighted to have Luke on the G.S. Stothers team and look forward to seeing him continue to develop in his role.

17/09/2026

Long before our engineers arrive on site, the work has already begun.

Every successful smoke ventilation system starts with good design, and behind every installation is considerable technical planning, calculation, and collaboration.

Our in-house technical team works alongside architects, consultants, contractors and developers from the early stages of a project to develop a smoke ventilation solution tailored to the building and its specific requirements.

Depending on the project, that can include CFD modelling, free area calculations, regulatory guidance, project design, product selection and detailed CAD/BIM drawings.

Getting involved early helps us identify potential challenges before they reach site and ensures the smoke ventilation system is properly coordinated with the building and its wider fire strategy.

It’s an important part of what we do at G.S. Stothers, and it often happens behind the scenes, bringing together our technical knowledge and experience to ensure that when work begins on site, the right solution is already in place.

What happens before we arrive on site is just as important as what happens when we get there.

15/09/2026

We’re delighted to add another major Belfast residential development to the G.S. Stothers project portfolio.

The new mixed-use development on the Lisburn Road will transform a prominent site in South Belfast, delivering a new residential scheme alongside commercial and amenity space.

G.S. Stothers has been awarded the supply, installation and commissioning of the Natural Smoke Ventilation System.

Natural smoke ventilation plays an important role in the life safety strategy of multi-storey residential developments, helping to manage smoke and support clearer escape routes in the event of a fire.

Our team will be responsible for the supply, installation and commissioning of the system, ensuring each element is correctly installed, integrated and operating as intended.

Another fantastic addition to our growing residential portfolio and a project we’re looking forward to delivering.

07/09/2026

On Friday, we were delighted to drop off the donations collected by the G.S. Stothers team in support of National Food Bank Day.

Over the past few weeks, our team has been bringing in tins, pasta, cereals, long-life products and other store-cupboard essentials to help support people and families within our local community.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed. It was fantastic to see the collection grow and even better to get everything packed up and delivered to the food bank on Friday.

It might feel like a small gesture, but when everyone contributes a little, it can add up to make a real difference.

We’re incredibly grateful to our team for getting behind another worthwhile cause and helping us support the community around us.

Thank you to everyone who donated!