FIA celebrates “progress and connection” at 2025 AGM and Annual Lunch

Members of the Trade Association and their guests enjoyed insights into the organisation’s achievements, a three-course meal and post-lunch conversations.

Once again, the Annual Lunch was a sold-out success. Featuring a dynamic mix of established leaders, innovators and new members, the event provided an outstanding platform for a celebration of achievements realised across the last 12 months.

Recognising excellence

A major highlight of the day was the presentation of the FIA Awards, which are designed for celebrating individuals who exemplify professionalism, dedication and innovation in the fire industry.

The FIA Young Technician of the Year accolade was awarded to Charlie Thomas of Churches Fire & Security. Thomas’ enthusiasm, drive and eagerness to learn have not gone unnoticed. His colleagues describe him as someone with a genuine passion for his work and a bright future ahead in the sector.

The FIA’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Sir Ken Knight. Sir Ken began his career as a firefighter back in 1966, serving in several Fire Brigades before becoming Chief Fire Officer for Dorset and the West Midlands and, subsequently, London’s Fire Commissioner. Sir Ken’s decades of service reflect a lifelong dedication to fire safety and public protection.

It’s worth noting that, although Sir Ken became a Knight of the Realm nearly 20 years ago now, his influence and passionate involvement in the fire sector continue to this day. On that basis, there could be no more fitting recipient of this award.

Entertainment and networking

Following on from the FIA Awards, guests were treated to the sharp wit and engaging storytelling of Paul Sinha, while post-lunch networking provided further opportunities for attendees to reconnect, strengthen professional ties and share insights in a relaxed atmosphere. This part of the day is an essential element of the event, creating valuable connections that may not otherwise have been formed. Many attendees emphasise how these conversations can lead to future collaborations and partnerships and realise new ideas across the sector.

The Headline Sponsor for the 2025 event was The Fire Safety Event, while Eurotech Fire Systems sponsored the set by Paul Sinha.

Event sponsors included Aico, Ajax Systems, Apollo Fire Detectors, Consort Insurance, FirePro UK and Ireland, Illumino Ignis, Kentec Electronics, Meridian Technical Services, Nimbus, Security and Vetting Solutions, The National Safety Academy, Wagner UK and Western Business Media (the publisher of Fire Safety Matters).

*Photographs from the 2025 AGM and Annual Lunch are available to view on Flickr