STOURBRIDE fire protection firm Argus Fire has pumped up its investment in design and installation by appointing its first two associate directors.

Dale Kinnersley and Matthew Gwynne, both based at the company’s Hendglade House offices in New Road, have been promoted to associate technical director and associate project director respectively.

With 25 years’ experience in fire protection design, Mr Kinnersley joined the firm in 2007 as design manager and was promoted to senior design manager in 2011, where he is now running one of the largest design departments in Britain – with 23 qualifies designers.

He has worked on sprinkler systems and fire detection systems for premises from shops and offices to heritage and landmark buildings, including The Royal Pump Rooms, in Leamington and The British Library.

Mr Gwynne, who heads up the company’s project management department, joined Argus Fire in 1996 as a project engineer before quickly rising to project manager.

After almost 30 years’ experience in engineering, he is now responsible for managing the resources required to carry out large and complex projects, such as fitting out 866 luxury apartments at the Battersea Power Station redevelopment, to equipping office and retail accommodation at 100 Bishopsgate.

Mr Gwynne has also worked on Westfield London, the largest covered shopping development in the capital.

Argus Fire has also promoted non-executive director Simon Woodings to vice chairman.

Mr Woodings, who joined the firm as a trainee in 1989, said: “I am delighted to join the team and have the opportunity to play such a major role within an already well-run and successful company.”

Speaking about the company's new associate directors, Mr Woodings said: “Dale and Matthew have proven to be valuable assets to their teams especially in building strong relationships with clients and consultants and training and managing our rapidly growing design and project management workforce.

“Their promotion to our new tier of associate director acknowledges their managerial success and shows even more clearly the career path that we can offer people in all our areas of our business.”