ASFP announces duo of “significant” appointments

Green brings a wealth of experience to the Association having worked in leadership and commercial roles within a variety of industries, including ten years of service in the lighting industry. As commercial manager of the Lighting Industry Association, he achieved revenue growth of over 40% for the organisation and was a key part of the team that established a brand new UKAS-accredited testing laboratory.

Previous roles for Green included a spell as business manager for lighting company Kosnic and taking on the position of national accounts manager for pest control company Pelsis.

In what is a newly created role at the ASFP, Green is now seeking to further develop the Association’s membership offer in a determined bid to attract members from new sectors, while also improving benefits for existing members.

Commenting on his appointment, Green informed Fire Safety Matters: “I’m delighted with my new role at the ASFP. For me, it’s not just a change of job, but also a change of industry. I hope to make a real difference to the Association, bringing new and innovative benefits and engagement opportunities to ASFP members that will make membership even better value for money. I’ve already started work on developing a range of ideas, and very much look forward to hearing suggestions from members of any new benefits or services that would help them to enhance their membership experience.”

Improving competency

As the ASFP’s new training manager, Chris Sharman brings over 20 years of fire safety sector experience to the role. He started working in the fire industry back in 1999 as an installer of specialist evacuation systems for deaf and disabled people, working in sales and management both here in the UK and in overseas markets.

In 2015, Sharman entered the passive fire protection sector, joining Hilti as a fire stopping specialist. He subsequently worked as a fire protection consultant for Rockwool and as a technical support advisor at Global HSE Solutions. Sharman was also involved in creating and delivering fire safety training packages squarely focused on compartmentation and facade systems.

Sharman boasts an Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 3 certificate in passive fire protection and a Level 4 advanced diploma in fire safety management. He’s a member of the IFE at ‘Technician’ grade and currently working to upgrade to full membership, having accrued the required level of academic qualifications and Continuing Professional Development hours. Sharman is a full member of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers.

Importantly, Sharman is passionate about improving competency in the passive fire protection sector.

Commenting on his new role, he stated: “Joining the ASFP as training manager enables me to put my knowledge and experience to work in this sector while still making an effort to continue with my own professional development. I’m excited to be working to raise both my own, and the industry’s competency now and into the future.”

Revised office signage completes rebrand

The growth and development of the ASFP continues apace. Having recently overseen a rebranding initiative, one of the final steps for the organisation was to install new signage at the Association’s registered office.

In 2020, the ASFP moved its secretariat and management services to be under the provision of the British Coatings Federation (BCF) at the latter’s Coventry-based facility, namely Spectra House. This move has seen the ASFP’s levels of professionalism and, indeed, resources grow significantly thanks to the guidance and support of the BCF.

ASFP business manager Mike Ward commented: “The installation of the new signage rounds off what has been one of the most challenging years for the organisation. Relocating the ASFP during the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit transition was interesting to say the very least. However, recruiting new team members, developing new systems and revamping the website and YouTube channel, plus initiating the creation of new training courses and learning platforms, would not have been possible without the excellent support of the BCF. Each organisation is impressive in its own right. However, I believe both respective management teams would agree that we’ve all benefited from shared ideas and practices. We’re all the stronger for it.”

BCF office manager Nadine Saxon asserted: “It has been an exciting first 16 months since being appointed as the ASFP’s secretariat provider. In supporting the ASFP’s growth and increase in headcount, it has been really important for us to be able to share in the great facilities and office space here at the BCF. With the return of more face-to-face meetings and training, it’s a significant step in the ASFP’s progression to have a home in which to welcome members and visitors alike. The arrangement for both organisations has been a huge success, with us both benefiting from pooling our shared expertise. We’re really looking forward to the continued success of our partnership.”

Members of both organisations are encouraged to use the meeting and hospitability facilities at Spectra House, not only because of their central location and value for money, but also due to the fact that this arrangement offers the team an additional chance to meet members and talk about important issues impacting the fire sector.

*For further information on the ASFP and advice on passive fire protection in general visit www.asfp.org.uk