IFEDA promotes benefits of Association membership

IFEDA was founded back in 1989 to provide an independent representative body of fire trade companies, providing them with nationally recognised training services and access to key technical information concerning the industry.

Membership of this fire sector Trade Association is based on the democratic principle of ‘one member, one vote’, with everyone (irrespective of company size or turnover) being treated equally and paying the same subscription.

Promoting nationally recognised quality standards and procedures within the fire safety industry is achieved through:

*helping members achieve and maintain a quality system in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001:2015 in line with the requirements of the appropriate BAFE Scheme

*helping members to operate the appropriate BAFE Scheme(s) requiring the licensing of all service personnel (eg SP101 for fire extinguisher servicing and SP203 for fire alarms)

*providing communication on key legislative changes and other industry-related news

*providing members with a bank of data of technical memos and other relevant industry information

*providing training courses to keep members up-to-date on certificated qualifications (including BAFE recognised training courses) wherein fire extinguisher training remains of paramount importance

Tangible benefits

“Membership of IFEDA offers far more than just a name on a register,” asserted Simon Lyons, the organisation’s national general manager. “It provides companies and individuals with tangible benefits that support professional growth, business credibility and technical excellence.

According to Lyons, one of the key advantages of IFEDA membership is the credibility it brings. “IFEDA is recognised across the industry as a trusted authority on fire safety standards,” asserted Lyons. “When a company displays the IFEDA logo, it reassures clients, insurers and regulatory bodies that the business adheres to Best Practice and operates to the highest professional standards. This recognition often affords members a competitive edge when tendering for contracts or seeking to expand their client base.”

IFEDA is well known for its high-quality training programmes, which cover a wide range of fire protection systems: from fire extinguishers to dry risers and on again to hose reels and fire alarms. Membership gives companies access to these accredited training courses at discounted rates, ensuring that their members of staff are not only competent, but also compliant with the latest British Standards and legislation. Ongoing training helps businesses to maintain technical excellence, reduce risk and demonstrate a clear commitment to safety.

Guidance on standards and compliance

The fire industry is highly regulated, of course, and remaining up-to-date with evolving standards can be a challenge. IFEDA provides its members with expert advice, updates on British and European Standards and practical guidance on how to remain compliant. Lyons noted: “This proactive support helps members to avoid costly mistakes, ensures that systems are tested and maintained correctly and provides peace of mind that operations are always conducted within legal requirements.”

Further, membership of IFEDA connects businesses with a community of like-minded professionals and companies across the UK. This network offers opportunities to share knowledge, collaborate on projects and build valuable partnerships. “Regular meetings, events and conferences allow members to engage with industry leaders, suppliers and regulators,” stated Lyons.

Beyond networking, IFEDA also provides general business support, from advice on contracts through to guidance on customer service, thereby helping members to strengthen their operations.

As an established Trade Association, IFEDA represents its members’ interests at the national and international levels. It engages with Government departments, standards committees and other regulatory bodies to ensure the voice of the independent fire industry is heard. “Members benefit from being part of a collective that influences policy, shapes standards and champions the importance of professional fire protection services,” affirmed Lyons.

Commitment to quality and safety

Ultimately, joining IFEDA demonstrates a company’s commitment to quality, safety and professionalism. “Membership is not just about receiving benefits,” commented Lyons. “It’s also about contributing to raising standards across the fire industry. By becoming a member, businesses show that they’re serious about protecting lives and property, which strengthens trust with customers and stakeholders alike.”

*Further information is available online at https://ifeda.org