The Story A high-rise fire killed Catherine. The cladding firm kept selling
May 6, 2025
Martina Lees, Senior Property Writer for The Sunday Times, shares insights from her investigation into the cladding scandal that follows tragic fires, including the Grenfell tragedy. She recounts the heartbreaking story of Catherine Hickman, who lost her life due to inadequate cladding. The discussion uncovers the discrepancies in fire safety regulations and the alarming practices by companies like Trespa. With compelling stories, it emphasizes the pressing need for accountability and reform in building safety standards across the UK.
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Catherine Hickman's Story
- Catherine Hickman was a successful fashion designer who tragically died in a high-rise fire.
- Her family remembers her fondly, showing photos from her childhood and career.
Cladding Spread Fatal Fires
- Fires are meant to be contained within flats but cladding helped spread the fire at Lackinall House.
- Cladding designed to protect from weather can act as a fire spread mechanism if combustible.
Trespa's Misleading Cladding Safety
- Trespa marketed cladding with misleading safety info, hiding crucial caveats.
- Unsafe installations with combustible insulation on tall buildings made the cladding fire risk significant.