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

Currently, there’s no standard approach. As such, clients have been approaching the appointment of principal contractors in a ‘piecemeal’ fashion, which has led to further complication, confusion and project delays.

Principal contractors themselves are also coming under increasing pressure to provide evidence of competence throughout their supply chains, but have lacked a recognised and standard format for doing so.

Following months of research and cross-industry collaboration, the BESA has produced its Guidance Framework for Principal Contractor Competence, which provides a considerably simplified and standardised method for meeting PAS 8672 (ie the standard used to assess principal contractor competence).

The new Guidance Framework is aligned with British Standards Institution standards and cross-mapped to relevant ISO standards along with the Build UK Common Assessment Standard to help all the members of a given supply chain prove their compliance once and avoid having to continually repeat the process for every project on which they’re involved.

It can be used by both organisations and individuals to define and provide evidence of the Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) and core functions of this key role, all supported by practical guidance and examples of the proof that must be provided to clients (including evidence of existing qualifications and accreditations).

Limited recognition

The need for such a guidance document has been growing in recent months as more potential principal contractors reported having to provide overly prescriptive and repetitive pre-qualification questionnaire evidence, while also noting that existing certifications were only receiving limited recognition.

“Providing clear and practical guidance like this is a priority for BESA to help the industry adapt to the new demands placed on it by the building safety regime,” affirmed Rachel Davidson, the Association’s director of specialist knowledge. “We carry out regular research to understand the main barriers to wider adoption of the safety legislation and then use the information obtained to produce sector-specific and targeted support.”

One regular concern is around principal contractors being asked to comply with every element of PAS 8672 – not just those relevant to the project size, nature and complexity – and the difficulty of breaking down SKEB and core functions into a practical solution for self-assessment and selection.

The new BESA guidance outlines a structured approach towards proving compliance with SKEB criteria related to the core minimum functions and competency requirements set out in PAS 8672. It also clearly sets out how evidence can be mapped against industry standards and accreditations to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort.

What’s more, the guidance covers core themes and competence categories across the six major areas relevant to the principal contractor’s role: legal and contractual requirements, managing building work, planning and organising work, construction supervision and quality, leadership and competence culture and stakeholder and information management.

Clearly defined route

As well as being useful for principal contractors seeking to prove competence and their ability to carry out the role, the BESA guidance also affords clients and duty holders alike a structured and clearly defined route towards appointing suitably qualified and competent firms and individuals.

Consultants, construction managers and compliance professionals will also find the Guidance Framework document useful as it defines a standardised approach towards the appointment of principal contractors. The detailed document offers welcome reassurance to regulators, insurers and public sector bodies due to the fact that it provides transparent and evidence-based criteria.

Ultimately, the BESA Guidance Framework is designed to help all specialist contractors align with their clients and prove competence using a standard and recognisable method.

Another key benefit for end users of the Guidance Framework is being able to identify what relevant evidence they already have as it provides practical examples of evidence that can be used from CVs and training records through to witness statements, inspection logs and test reports, etc.

Understanding expectations

Rachel Davidson observed: “The Guidance Framework helps individuals to understand what’s expected of them, identify any skills gaps and collect documentation that supports their professional profile. Demonstrating competence in this format strengthens an individual’s position in tendering and compliance reviews and ensures that legal obligations are fulfilled not just in principle, but also in practice.

In conclusion, Davidson said: “By providing evidence of their competence in line with national standards, individuals strengthen both their employability and their company’s compliance credentials.”

*Copies of the Guidance Framework for Principal Contractor Competence are available to download from the BESA’s website

The Queen’s Fire Service Medal recipient will now combine his role at SFJ Awards with a visiting Professorship at the University of Chester.

Professor Johnston joins Dr Allison Jones (of AEJ Education Consulting Ltd), Arvind Malhotra (from the FutureSense Group) and Keith Fraser (of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales) as a member of the SFJ Awards Board of Trustees, which is chaired by NHS Shared Business Services’ managing director Erika Bannerman.

Fantastic addition

Welcoming Professor Johnston’s appointment, David Higham (managing director at SFJ Awards) stated: “Justin is a fantastic addition to our Board of Trustees. He brings a wealth of experience in the Fire and Rescue Service arena having worked in a series of leadership roles at the local and national levels.”

Higham continued: “Importantly, Justin shares our vision and commitment in relation to the professionalisation of the modern Fire and Rescue Service workforce through the design and delivery of robust qualifications and apprenticeships standards.”

In conclusion, Higham noted: “I think I speak on behalf of everyone at SFJ Awards, and our parent organisation The Workforce Development Trust, in saying that we’re delighted Justin’s on board.”

Vital role

Professor Justin Johnston responded: “As the leading Awarding Organisation for the sector, SFJ Awards plays a vital role in supporting the development of the Fire and Rescue Service workforce. The organisation’s work on improving skills and qualifications to support the sector’s personnel is at the heart of providing high quality and sustainable front line services.”

Professor Johnston concluded: “It’s an honour to be part of the SFJ Awards family and I very much look forward to supporting David and the team.”

*Further information is available online at www.sfjawards.com

Parr brings over two decades’ worth of experience in the fire and security sectors to the role having held both operational and management positions across teams, projects and contracts. His practical knowledge, focus on people and commitment to process improvement make him a strong addition to the company’s leadership team.

Parr commented: “What stood out for me about E&B Fire is the way in which the business combines technical knowledge with teamwork and a genuine focus on customer care. My aim is to support the team, build on the strong foundation already in place and help to make sure our operations develop alongside the growth of the business. I want to create an environment where people can succeed and where quality remains at the centre of everything we do.”

In his new role, Parr will oversee day-to-day operations, working closely with teams across the company to ensure every project runs smoothly from design all the way through to completion.

He will also take an active role in shaping the company’s operational strategy, apprenticeship opportunities and the development of skilled talent, in parallel helping to develop new processes and initiatives that support efficiency, training and long-term sustainability.

Luke Stuart-Evans, co-director at E&B Fire, added: “Simon brings the right experience and approach to our team. As we grow, it’s important that our operations remain strong and consistent to maintain customer excellence. Simon will play a key role in ensuring this happens. His focus on people and practical knowledge fits well with how we work. I know he will help us continue building a capable and reliable team for the future.”

Andy Brooks, co-director at E&B Fire, concluded: “Simon’s appointment reinforces the leadership foundations Luke and I have built. We want to make sure that our growth is backed by strong operational oversight and the same principles of quality and reliability that define how we work.”

The Market Conditions Survey gathers feedback from businesses across the fire industry, examining key factors such as the availability of skilled workers, apprenticeships, payment periods and fluctuations in supplier costs. This is a detailed analysis that offers a clear picture of the current landscape and the hurdles businesses are currently facing.

In parallel with covering these critical metrics, the report serves as a platform for FIA members and industry veterans alike to share expertise on the most pressing issues affecting fire safety today. Their contributions help to ensure that the review reflects real-life experiences of those at the centre of the sector.

For businesses, the FIA Market Conditions Survey is an essential tool for predicting trends and preparing for the future. By providing a comprehensive overview of present industry conditions, the 21-page document helps companies make informed decisions that can help drive growth and success in a dynamic and quickly evolving sector.

*Access the 2025 FIA Market Conditions Survey online at https://issuu.com/fireindustryassociation/docs/fia_market_condition_review_wave_17_2025

Member Value Proposition Brochure

In parallel, the FIA has released its new Member Value Proposition Brochure outlining the full range of benefits, services and opportunities available to FIA members.

The publication demonstrates how the FIA supports businesses and professionals across the fire industry through world-class training, technical expertise, compliance guidance and the delivery of a strong voice in shaping standards and legislation.

For over a century now, the FIA has championed professionalism, integrity and safety. This new brochure builds on that legacy, clearly showing how membership of the Trade Association helps companies to stay compliant, competitive and connected within a rapidly evolving industry.

Members benefit from up to 40% off selected training courses, as well as access to the FIA Technical Department for expert guidance on standards and regulations. The brochure also highlights the Route to Certification service and the Compliance Portal, which provide practical tools and consultancy to help businesses achieve and then maintain third party certification.

Powerful opportunities

Beyond compliance, FIA membership offers powerful opportunities for growth through networking, marketing and participation in industry events such as the FIM Expo and the FIA’s Annual Lunch. Members can also take advantage of exclusive partnerships offering preferential rates on HR, insurance, fleet management, cyber security and well-being services.

The new Member Value Proposition Brochure shows why the FIA remains the trusted home of fire safety professionals in the UK and beyond.

*Read the new FIA Member Value Proposition Brochure online at https://issuu.com/fireindustryassociation/docs/fia_member_value_proposition_2025

**Further information is available via e-mail at [email protected]

The number includes specialist Fire and Rescue Units, Command Units and Turntable Ladders vital for high-rise, Urban Search and Rescue and hazardous materials incidents.

The Trade Union suggests these figures expose an organisation “operating beyond safe limits”, while also outlining that senior management of the Fire and Rescue Service have proposed a budget containing “£6 million in cuts” and £12 million of further unidentified ‘savings’.

At the same time, the Trade Union asserts that the London Fire Brigade plans to “borrow heavily for estates and a new headquarters”, while in parallel reducing operational budgets.

Again according to the Trade Union, the proposed 2026-2027 budget for the London Fire Brigade removes the entire uniform allocation, reduces investment in critical communication systems and delays community risk management projects intended to make improvements following the Grenfell Tower fire, the Manchester Arena attack and the culture review.

The Fire Brigades Union asserts that this approach amounts to a “false economy”, in turn risking firefighter and public safety.

Further havoc

Adam Shaw, regional treasurer for London at the Fire Brigades Union, observed: “This budget will determine whether London can rely on its Fire and Rescue Service when disaster strikes. If the London Fire Brigade cannot crew its fire engines or deliver its risk management plan, the Mayor of London and the Commissioner must act now.”

Gareth Cook, regional organiser for the Fire Brigades Union, commented: “It’s just over two years since the 2022 wildfire crisis when 39 fire engines were off the run during a major incident. We’re in exactly the same place now. The proposed austerity budget will only wreak further havoc on the Fire and Rescue Service. Londoners deserve better.”

Jon Lambe, regional secretary for London at the Fire Brigades Union, explained: “Senior leaders of the London Fire Brigade cannot claim to be keeping Londoners safe while 30 fire engines are unavailable due to cuts to firefighter crews. The Fire and Rescue Service is operating beyond safe limits. It’s overstretched and severely under-resourced.”

Lambe added: “On Bonfire Night, the Fire and Rescue Service received over 800 calls in London, yet we have fewer firefighters and resources to respond to increasing incidents due to years of cuts. We’re seeing millions of pounds being borrowed for property, while front line equipment faces being written off. This false economy will put the people of London at greater risk.”

The Scottish Government’s Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said the changes would be known as ‘Simon and Richard’s Law’ to honour the victims of the fire.

Secondary legislation has now been laid in the Scottish Parliament to fully implement recommendation four of the Cameron House Fatal Accident Inquiry. These changes to the law will extend the scope of installing sprinklers to include traditional buildings converted to hotel use. The ban on combustible external wall cladding systems will also be extended to include hotels, guest houses, hostels and boarding houses.  

These changes will come into force on 6 April 2026 if approved by the Scottish Parliament.

Màiri McAllan stated: “The deaths of Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson in 2017 at Cameron House Hotel were a truly awful tragedy. Siobhian Brown, the Minister for Victims and Community Safety, and myself met with Jane Midgley to discuss these changes. I want to pay tribute to the Dyson and Midgley families and the strength of Ms Midgley for her tireless campaigning over the last few years to improve the laws that govern fire safety in Scotland.”  

McAllan added: “The Fatal Accident Inquiry into the deaths of Simon and Richard made a number of recommendations, including for the Scottish Government to introduce a requirement for sprinklers to be installed when historic buildings are converted to hotels. I’m pleased to have introduced this change in law to the Scottish Parliament.

Further, McAllan asserted: “Simon and Richard’s Law will ensure that any future conversions of historic buildings in Scotland into hotels will be required to have sprinklers installed. This is part of a package of work we are taking forward as a result of the Cameron House Hotel fire to improve public safety in Scotland and reduce the risk of a tragedy like this ever happening again.”

The company was repeatedly warned by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service over the safety of five blocks of student housing located on New Elvet in Durham. The premises, which housed over 170 residents, was deemed by the Fire and Rescue Service to pose a significant risk of serious injury or death in the event of a fire.

Despite the warnings and enforcement actions issued by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service between October 2023 and April 2024, the company failed to take adequate steps to remedy the fire safety breaches.

During sentencing at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on 5 November, Elvet Residences Limited was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay £12,071 in costs to County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, along with a £2,000 victim support surcharge.

High culpability, medium harm

The Magistrates’ Court found the fire safety breaches to be of high culpability and medium harm, citing systemic failures in fire safety management.

Johnny Smith, head of fire safety at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This case highlights the critical importance of maintaining robust fire safety standards, notably so in buildings with sleeping accommodation. The safety of residents must never be compromised.”

Smith concluded: “This prosecution sends out a strong message to those with responsibilities under the Fire Safety Order and shows the Fire and Rescue Service’s commitment to fire safety.”

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service urges all property managers and landlords to ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and to act promptly on risk assessments and Enforcement Notices.

Speaking at the annual ‘Chiefs and Chairs’ event hosted by HMICFRS, Sir Andy Cooke introduced his third annual assessment of Fire and Rescue Services in England. Cooke addressed leading figures from across the Fire and Rescue sector, including Samantha Dixon (the Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy), Sir Andy stressed that the Government must now take the opportunity to increase the momentum behind long-awaited reform.

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector welcomed the promising signs of progress in Fire and Rescue Services’ protection departments. Positively, Cooke said that most Fire and Rescue Services are also increasing their focus on improving productivity and supporting the well-being of their workforces. He’s also encouraged to see continued progress in the sector’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel’s recommendations.

However, Sir Andy urged Fire and Rescue Services to prioritise improving leadership at all levels and to create and maintain a positive organisational culture. This is essential for supporting lasting change across the sector and achieving better outcomes for the public.

Additionally, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector expressed concern about the competing demands facing protection staff and ongoing difficulties in recruiting and retaining skilled officers.

Proactive approach  

Sir Andy also stated that Fire and Rescue Services need to take a more proactive approach towards improving efficiencies. For example, the highest performing services are investing in their IT and technology systems and committing towards developing effective internal governance structures.  

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector said that the Government must be decisive and follow through on its commitment to reform. Sir Andy has encouraged ministers to seriously consider granting the Inspectorate with greater powers to create accountability.  

In order to help Fire and Rescue Services make the improvements needed, Sir Andy has urged the sector to implement seven national recommendations, including precisely determining the roles of Fire and Rescue Services and their staff to remove any ambiguity, reviewing and reforming the systems for determining pay and conditions and affording Chief Fire Officers operational independence.

All of the recommendations have been made in previous annual reports, while some of them continue to remain unaddressed.

Crucial role

Sir Andy Cooke said: “Fire and Rescue Services have a crucial role to play in protecting the public and making communities safe. Every day, staff show unwavering dedication and professionalism.”

Sir Andy added: “It was encouraging to see improvements made in our latest round of inspections, particularly so the progress made in protection departments and the focus on improving productivity. However, persistent issues remain in some areas, such as values, culture and behaviour as well as  leadership. Until our outstanding recommendations are addressed in full, the sector will not be able to give the best service to the public.”  

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector noted: “Now is a valuable opportunity to refocus efforts and advance reform across the Fire and Rescue Sector, including extending our powers and establishing a College of Fire and Rescue. Reform will be vital to create a consistent, professional and accountable Fire and Rescue Service the public expects and deserves.”

Response from the NFCC

Fire chiefs have welcomed the new HMICFRS report, which shows the majority (73%) of Fire and Rescue Services in England have been rated adequate, good or outstanding.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) believes the findings are a clear reflection of the professionalism and dedication of Fire and Rescue Service staff who work tirelessly to keep their communities safe. However, the NFCC also urges increased investment in Fire and Rescue Services given that the report also highlights continued inconsistencies across the sector.

The NFCC asserts that, while it shares the Inspectorate’s concerns about variations in performance and capacity, there needs to be the correct infrastructure in place at a national level in order to drive up standards and increase consistency.

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report recommended the creation of a College of Fire and the NFCC has welcomed the Government’s support for its establishment. However, the NFCC is now urging the Government to move swiftly from support to action, with urgent investment needed to ensure the College of Fire can be fully realised and deliver the transformational change the sector requires.

NFCC chair Phil Garrigan explained: “Fire and Rescue Services have continued to deliver in the face of rising demand, increasing complexity and constrained resources. The HMICFRS report reinforces what we have been saying for some time: that sustainable improvement requires sustainable investment.”

Garrigan also observed: “We want to see a sector where every Fire and Rescue Service can demonstrate the standards delivered by the very best. To achieve that, Government must ensure the right structures, funding and skills strategies are in place to support our people and protect the public. Investment in the College of Fire and in our workforce isn’t optional. It’s essential if we are to meet the changing and growing demands faced by Fire and Rescue Services.”

Uptick in incidents

The report highlights that Fire and Rescue Services in England have seen a 22% increase in incidents in the last decade, with non-fire incidents up 69%, placing further pressure on operations that have seen years of constrained budgets. This follows warnings from the NFCC in August that proposed changes to funding could see Fire and Rescue Services in England lose a further 2,300 firefighter posts on top of the 11,000 lost as a result of financial cuts since 2008. The NFCC has repeatedly called on the Government to reinvest in the sector to ensure Fire and Rescue Services are properly equipped and staffed to meet growing and changing risks.

The NFCC echoes HMICFRS’ concerns about the competing pressures facing Fire and Rescue Service protection (ie building safety) staff, with many departments struggling to recruit and retain skilled officers. This has the potential to impact the prioritisation of high-risk premises and public safety. The NFCC has previously raised this in its Remediation Position Statement and industry White Paper on Remediation, calling on the Government to create a comprehensive national skills strategy to build capability across the protection workforce.

The Inspectorate’s findings also emphasise the need for continued work on culture and leadership. The NFCC is supporting this through its People, Culture and Leadership Strategy, working alongside the Ministerial Advisory Group and the Inclusive Fire Service Group to embed lasting cultural change and improve leadership across the sector.

The NFCC also welcomes the Inspectorate’s recognition of its positive contribution to sector improvement, including the impact of its positive practice portal and financial benchmarking initiatives. These programmes are supporting Fire and Rescue Services to drive consistency, share Best Practice and improve outcomes for communities.

The Trade Association’s mission remains the same. Upholding the highest standards of fire safety through education, technical expertise and collaboration has never been more important. As fire safety challenges continue to change, the FIA remains at the centre, driving the industry forward and advocating for enhanced safety regulations.

Looking back on the last year, it has been another momentum-defining period, with every initiative the FIA has undertaken raising the standard of fire safety, in turn protecting more lives and property.

The number of members has grown, increasing by 10.6%. An exceptional level of member retention has been maintained at 98.5%.

Training has continued to go from strength to strength with the catalyst being the introduction of BS 5839 1:2025. The numbers of attendees for training sessions have exceeded record levels, leading to more fire safety professionals gaining the skills and knowledge to excel.

The launch of the FIA’s comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment course has been hugely popular touring eight cities, with over 2,500 professionals attending and 7,200 Continuing Professional Development hours earned on a collective basis.

Leadership team

The FIA continued to strengthen its leadership team with the addition of general manager Andrew Ledgerton-Lynch OBE, whose experience and passion will be invaluable in helping the FIA to achieve its aims.

Other developments were the launch of Phase One of the new FIA website: a modern and user-friendly platform designed to make it easier for professionals to access guidance, book training and engage with the FIA’s community. As this is Phase One, there will be more phases unveiled over the next few months.

The FIA also launched the Technology Council, which looks to build on the Trade Association’s momentum and help the organisation to continue its journey into the digital era.

FIM Expo

Continuing the organisation’s commitment to share its expertise both locally and further afield witnessed the FIA relaunch its regional FIM Expo programme in Harrogate, attend The Fire Safety Event at the NEC in Birmingham and travel to Gibraltar to host the inaugural FIA Fire Safety Summit.

The Trade Association’s Annual General Meeting and Annual Lunch took place at The Brewery in central London on 6 November.

2026 promises to be another successful year with the aim of continuing to take positive strides towards improving the industry. In moving forward, the FIA is very grateful for the ongoing support of its members and partners in the desire to continue to champion competence and transparency.

*Further information is available online at www.fia.uk.com