Trade Association heralds success of FIM Expo and FIA Conference

Across the two days in Cardiff, the FIA welcomed over 200 delegates who grabbed the opportunity to expand their network and industry-focused knowledge. With 22 of the leading manufacturers in the fire industry exhibiting at FIM Expo and eight presenters underpinning the FIA Conference, delegates were able to learn from some of the best in the industry.

The exhibitors at FIM Expo were Advanced, Aico, Apollo Fire Detectors, AVD Fire (a division of Dupre Minerals), C-TEC, Eurotech Fire Systems, Everlux, Fireco, FireMate, FirePro, Global Fire Equipment, Hispec Electrical, Hochiki Europe (UK), Honeywell Fire, Hyfire, Illumino Ignis, Kentec Electronics, Nittan Europe, Tio Fire Safety, Uptick, Vimpex and Wagner (UK).

Running alongside the exhibition itself, the FIA also provided a range of Continuing Professional Development seminars focused on guidance around documentation and special inspection (delivered by the FIA), an evaluation of the differences between commercial and residential fire protection (covered by FirePro) and Hochiki Europe (UK) discussing false fire alarm management.

Andy Spence, commercial director at AVD Fire, stated: “The FIM Expo in Cardiff was a great success. The chance to meet with like-minded fire safety professionals in a relaxed and informal setting allowed for discussion and collaboration alongside informative seminars.”

Following on from the exhibition, the FIA hosted a drinks reception at which exhibitors and delegates could relax and continue their conversations in an informal environment.

FIA Conference

The FIA Conference entitled ‘In a Post-Grenfell Tower World – What Has Changed?' focused on a poignant subject impacting everyone across the industry. Conference highlighted the developments realised in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and focused on how the fire sector can continue to put its best foot forward as a collective.

Upwards of 100 attendees emanating from a range of fire industry sectors attended the conference. After a brief welcome and introduction from FIA CEO Ian Moore, the first presentation was delivered by Iain Bowker of Ensure Safety and Compliance. Bowker delivered a fantastic presentation on ‘The Impact of the Fire Safety Act and the Building Safety Act on Fire Risk Assessment’.

Next at the lectern was Matthew Jones of Advanced Electronics discussing how the sector can achieve greater safety through the introduction of integrated fire and emergency lighting systems.

Keynote speaker Huw Jakeway (Chief Fire Officer for the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service) followed Jones’ delivery with an intriguing presentation on what has changed for the Fire and Rescue Service in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire. The final session before lunch was delivered by Andy Turner of C-TEC, who have an insightful presentation on ‘Raising the Grade: BS 5839 Part 6 Grade C and integration’.

Afternoon presentations

The afternoon session began with FIA CEO Ian Moore discussing the Building Safety Information Portal and the work that the Trade Association has been transacting on this matter.

Jason Hill from Tio Fire Safety followed this with an eye-opening presentation on how service providers can increase profits using digital fire logbooks. FIA technical manager Will Lloyd was up next discussing ‘Documentation and Special Inspection’ before Andy Speake of Aico concluded conference with a presentation entitled ‘Smart Homes – The Link’, which was all about providing building owners with remote access to crucial data.

The FIA would like to thank the exhibitors, presenters and all those who attended these co-located events.