Fire Industry Association issues Annual Report 2026

While the FIA has continued to develop and improve the value it offers to the fire industry, the organisation’s mission remains the same: upholding the highest standards of fire safety through sharing knowledge, empowering those in fire safety roles with technical guidance, delivering first-class training and supporting members and non-members alike from across the industry, both nationally and internationally.

Fire safety-focused challenges continue to change. All the while, the FIA remains at the centre of the industry, leading the sector forwards and driving growth on a continual basis.  

Indeed, the FIA continue to drive greater success and performance in all areas of the industry, growing its own membership cohort to 1,300-plus companies, expanding the available training portfolio and competence routes and extending the organisation’s event calendar.

Throughout 2026, the FIA recorded over 8,000 training bookings, duly reflecting continued demand for professional development across the fire safety industry. With the introduction of new courses – including hose reel maintenance, fire risk assessment and fire blanket-focused training, the FIA has not only increased training participation, but also expanded the range of subjects and disciplines available to learners.

As British and international standards continue to evolve, the FIA remains committed to developing and updating its training portfolio, ensuring fire safety professionals have access to the latest knowledge, skills and qualifications needed to demonstrate competence and maintain industry standards.

Technical guidance

In truth, the FIA’s influence extends far beyond training. The organisation provides a wealth of technical guidance, expertise and support through its extensive network of Councils, Working Groups and Special Interest Groups.

During 2025-2026, the Trade Association welcomed the establishment of its newest council, namely the Technology Council, alongside the launch of its first four Working Groups. The collective efforts of these Working Groups continue to drive progress in relation to industry standards, research, regulation and emerging technologies, delivering practical benefits for fire safety professionals in their everyday work.

Throughout 2026, the FIA strengthened its working relationships with key UK organisations, including the National Security Inspectorate, BAFE, the National Fire Chiefs Council and Government bodies, while in parallel continuing to build valuable partnerships with members and member benefit providers.

The FIA’s influence has also continued to grow internationally. Building on established relationships in countries such as Australia, Singapore, Cyprus and Gibraltar, the FIA has extended its reach into new markets, including Mexico and exploratory work concerning Brazil, South Africa and Morocco. This further reinforces the FIA’s position as an influential voice when talk turns towards global fire safety.

These expanding relationships and opportunities have contributed to an increasingly busy and successful events calendar. With more than ten events held across the UK and internationally in 2026, the FIA has strengthened its industry presence, raised its profile and created valuable opportunities to share knowledge, promote competence and support the development of fire safety standards beyond home shores.

Wider community

Importantly, the FIA has also continued to give back to the wider community, organising a charity padel tournament in support of the Children’s Burns Trust, duly raising over £2,000 for a cause close to the hearts of so many.

Reflecting on 2026, it has been a year of significant progress, collaboration and achievement for the FIA. A process of laying strong foundations for the future.

As the organisation looks ahead to 2027, the FIA is excited by the opportunities and projects on the horizon. The focus remains firmly on driving industry excellence, raising professional standards and delivering lasting value for Trade Association members, the wider fire safety sector and society at large.

*Read the Fire Industry Association’s Annual Report 2026 online