FIA lifts the lid on 2025 strategy and growth

FIA reports record growth and new Technology Council

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has reported record membership growth, expanded training activity and the launch of a new Technology Council in its latest Annual Report.

The report outlines rising participation across training and events, increasing collaboration with government and regulators, and a continued focus on competence and professional development.

Read the full annual report below

Ian Moore on the FIA’s direction

FIA Chief Executive Ian Moore said: “The FIA continues to go from strength to strength as we deliver measurable progress across all areas of the Association.

“We have seen record growth in membership, record levels of training participation and stronger engagement across our councils and working groups.

“Our focus on competence remains central, and we have worked hard to ensure that our training and guidance evolve in step with the industry’s needs.

“The launch of the new Technology Council and our digital transformation programme will help us to connect knowledge, people and innovation more effectively.

“We will continue to build on this momentum, supporting our members, strengthening standards, and driving forward the professionalism of the fire industry.”

How is FIA membership changing?

Membership rose by a net 121 companies in 2024, bringing the total to 1,261.

This represents growth of 10.6 percent and one of the highest retention rates in the Association’s history.

A total of 138 new members joined, while 17 departed, mostly through mergers or business closure.

Retention reached 98.5 percent, increasing to 99.6 percent when measured on satisfaction.

Many new members were fire and security service providers seeking compliance through training and third-party certification.

The FIA’s Membership Team continues to assist companies maintaining or regaining certification under revised standards such as BS 5839-1:2025.

What are the highlights from FIA training?

The report describes 2024–25 as a record training year, with more than 10,000 delegates engaged.

Over 1,700 companies participated across courses, CPD and events.

A total of 1,010 training days were delivered, with an average of 15 delegates for online courses and 11 for classroom sessions.

Satisfaction scores remained high, with trainer ratings at 4.6 out of 5, overall satisfaction at 4.5, and a 4.69 likelihood of returning.

New and revised courses included a combined Emergency Lighting programme, dry riser training and a suite of on-demand CPD modules.

The Association plans to expand its digital learning portfolio to improve flexibility and international access.

How did the FIA support BS 5839-1:2025 implementation?

The revision of BS 5839-1 prompted a nationwide update programme led by the FIA.

Eight in-person roadshows and four live online seminars drew more than 2,000 participants.

An on-demand CPD video supported further training, issuing more than 8,000 hours of accredited CPD.

Nine qualification courses and 13 training books were updated, requiring almost 200 man-days of technical review and amendment.

The Association ran this work concurrently with its normal training schedule to avoid disruption.

What leadership and organisational changes occurred?

Andrew Ledgerton-Lynch OBE joined the FIA as General Manager on 17 September 2025.

He brings more than 25 years of sector leadership and was recognised in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours.

His appointment supports the FIA’s digital transformation and expansion of Centres of Excellence.

The Chief Executive’s foreword highlights “measurable progress” and plans to broaden specialist courses and deepen international involvement in standard-setting.

What progress has been made on digital transformation?

Phase one of the redesigned FIA website will launch ahead of the 2025 AGM.

The platform aims to simplify training bookings and member access to guidance and events.

Future phases will include personalised learning pathways and enhanced technical resources.

Marketing activity has been streamlined, with an expanded Focus newsletter reaching 7,700 readers and LinkedIn followers rising above 52,500.

The Association is exploring AI-enabled processes for communications and member engagement.

What is the purpose of the new Technology Council?

The FIA launched its Technology Council in August 2025, the first new council in over a decade.

It builds on the former IoT Working Group and focuses on cybersecurity, interoperability and the digital golden thread of building safety information.

Up to 15 elected members will be confirmed at the AGM, with the first meeting to set the Council’s priorities.

Which events defined the year?

The 2024 AGM and Annual Lunch at The Brewery in London attracted more than 560 attendees and sold out.

Awards included Young Technician of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

FIM Expo in Harrogate combined a regional exhibition with CPD sessions on BS 5839 updates, battery safety and mental health.

The FIA hosted a major presence at The Fire Safety Event in Birmingham, operating a Members’ Lounge and FIA Guidance Theatre.

The first FIA Fire Safety Summit in Gibraltar featured speakers including the territory’s Chief Fire Officer and Sir Ken Knight.

Exhibitors included Aico, Britannia Fire, C-TEC, The Fire Door Inspectors and Hyfire.

What did the Market Conditions Survey reveal?

Wave 17 of the survey indicates stabilising orders and enquiries but continuing inflationary pressure.

Participants reported price volatility from suppliers and reduced recruitment of skilled labour compared with previous years.

Export activity remained largely flat, dependent on existing partnerships and markets.

The FIA positions these findings against ongoing regulatory and supply chain demands.

What progress did the technical councils report?

The Extinguishing Council completed a project with Newcastle University on battery fires and established a new group on PV systems.

Its Gases Working Group issued updates on F-gas and PFAS guidance and supported European and ISO standards work.

The Watermist and Foam groups contributed to EN and ISO committees and published new guidance on system design and environmental compliance.

The Fire Detection and Alarm Council progressed guidance on IP connectivity, false alarms, video detection and alarm devices testing.

The Services Council developed new practical training modules for hydrants, risers and hose reels and advanced plans for a multi-disciplinary training facility in Northwich.

The Fire Risk Assessment Council issued myth-busting notes and supported standards work on BS 9792, BS 9991, PAS 9980 and BS 8674.

The Fire Engineering Council collaborated with the Institution of Fire Engineers on facade safety and published FAQs on Building Safety Gateways.

The FRES Council formalised a memorandum of understanding with the NFCC and focused on procurement, innovation and PFAS policy.

The Export Council promoted UK fire sector exports worth an estimated £575 million and expanded international exhibition activity in Europe, Asia and Africa.

How is the FIA addressing environmental issues?

The Environmental Policy project was revised and republished alongside new online resources and guidance.

The FIA continues to coordinate its approach to PFAS transition and promotes sustainability across its working groups.

What are the priorities for 2026?

The Association plans to expand its specialist training catalogue and roll out practical courses at Northwich.

It will grow on-demand provision for UK and international audiences and strengthen involvement in international standards.

Later phases of the digital platform will introduce personalised learning and member dashboards.

Competence and transparency remain central themes for the year ahead.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The report signals an industry focused on competence, environmental compliance and digital integration.

Training demand and standard updates continue to reshape skills requirements across fire safety roles.

Professionals and organisations engaging with FIA programmes are likely to see benefits in compliance, networking and technical development as the Association enters its next phase of growth.