The British Fire Protection Systems Association and the Fire Extinguishing Trades Association are to merge into a single body – the Fire Industry Association – from 1 April 2007.
Members of the two associations’ voted overwhelmingly to merge at their respective AGMs held in London last month. Brian Gibbons, chairman of FETA, and Peter Moore, chairman of BFPSA, co-chaired the meeting and said the memberships had recognised the significant benefits of merging.
“FETA has been in existence since 1916 and has become a name synonymous with quality in the fire extinguishing side of the business,” said Mr Gibbons. “However, times move on and we have seen the advantages of presenting a unified voice for the fire industry, particularly in terms of our representation to government. We see this merger with the BFPSA, with whom we have already been working increasingly closely for a number of years, as the means to present that unified voice, while at the same time increasing the benefits to our members and retaining the FETA ‘brand’ which has become so well respected by our customers.”
Peter Moore commented: “The objectives of the two associations have become closer and more sharply defined in recent years, notably the promotion of third party certification as the most effective means of demonstrating competency in the new era of fire safety legislation.
“Our Industry can look forward to a new organisation which will deliver the key benefits of enhanced services to members, improved internal efficiencies and a stronger, more encompassing voice with all stakeholder groups,” he added.
