HSE International ISSUE 110 | Page 41

UKFA – THE UK FIRE ASSOCIATION HERE TO HELP Q The UK Fire Association is one of the UK’s leading fire industry trade associations. Can you tell us more about your organisation? The UK Fire Association (UK-FA) was formed in 2009 by three very experienced fire prevention specialists with the goal to create a Trade Association geared specifically towards supporting small, independent fire protection providers and their customers. Members are typically privately owned businesses that are reliable, competent and properly insured to undertake the fire protection services in which they specialise. They are highly motivated to do a good job, at a reasonable price, as they will stand or fall by the quality of the service that they provide. “Today, the UK-FA has almost 200 members covering the whole of the UK. This allows members, through networking and mutual recommendation, to offer nationwide coverage...” Today, the UK-FA has almost 200 members covering the whole of the UK. This allows members, through networking and mutual recommendation, to offer nationwide coverage providing a full range of fire protection services for their clients. Q What are the benefits of becoming a UK-FA member? The UK Fire Association is open to any bona fide fire protection service provider and offers exceptional value for money - an annual subscription is just £200. The UK-FA holds friendly, informal members meetings twice a year, which rotate to different areas of the country. Guest speakers discuss emerging technologies and provide updates to industry codes of practices or standards, with explanations on the implications. Members have the opportunity to keep up with their professional development. During 2018, the UK-FA will be implementing half-day regional technical meetings. Periodic newsletters and blogs keep members up-to-date with what is going on in the fire industry. The association’s website is evolving to become ever more interactive and the growth of social media activity helps keep consumers aware of their obligations regarding due diligence in fire safety. The UK-FA actively encourage members to work together to enhance the range of services they can provide. As far as practical, everything is run online; including joining the Association from the home page of the www.uk-fa.org website. Members have exclusive access to online template documents and enjoy substantial discounts when buying BSI publications through the Association. A comprehensive technical library with prompt online and telephone technical support is available at the UK-FA head office. This service is available to all members should they be in urgent need of help.  HSE INTERNATIONAL 41