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National Audit Office Report Critical of Firebuy

An NAO Report is strongly critical of Firebuy and its efforts to secure national procurement for the Fire and Rescue Services in England. As a result, it appears improbable that Firebuy will continue in its present form.

FIRESA is currently consulting with its members with a view to representing the wishes of industry at this critical time phase of the National Procurement Strategy. 

FIRESA Goes Wide-Screen at Fire and Rescue Expo

Among our numerous outreach activities, Fire and Rescue Expo in Harrogate over 29th and 30th June represented a very special opportunity for the Association. While FIRESA’s presence at major exhibitions is not new, we are indebted to UBM Live for providing us with an extended stand in Hall C which acted as a focal point within the exhibition generally and which included a presentation area that allowed our members to inform delegates of their latest product offerings. Over the two days, we offered a programme that encompassed a wide range of product types including vehicles, battery-powered hydraulics, IR cameras, area lighting, water mist, CAFS deployment and powder-based Class A foams.     

FIRESA Holds Successful Fifth AGM

This year’s FIRESA AGM may rightly be seen as our most successful yet and we were especially delighted to make our first visit as an Association to the Fire Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh where proceedings began with a warm welcome from the CEO of the College, Kim Robinson.    

FIRESA Chairman Dave Russell then gave a detailed address which looked at our performance as a representative industry body against our key objectives set a year earlier and in relation to our on-going work on behalf of our members. He highlighted our membership outreach initiative which continues to facilitate an open, visible and engaged Association through availability of Council papers and the continuation of our popular members-only News Letters. Members have also had the opportunity to contribute to our several formal government consultation responses and participate in surveys whose subjects have included export activity, apprenticeships and seminar content and format. Membership engagement will remain a primary target as is the promotion of our members to the outside world, with a number of initiatives on-going and publication due shortly of a Members’ Handbook courtesy of Fire Times.
 
Export assistance was given considerable emphasis over the last year and commenced with issue of a questionnaire on our members’ export activities and aspirations followed by an initial meeting of the FIRESA Export Sub-Committee. As well as forming a direct link with UKTI DSO, several specific export tenders were made known to members and an opportunity arose for SMEs to apply for TAPS funding for the Interschutz exhibition taking place later this year. We are especially indebted to FIA Export and its Manager, Wilf Butcher, for enabling us to forge close links with that organisation.
 
Tendering was another special project that was initiated a year ago and since that time, a seminar was held which reviewed EU Procurement Law and the Framework processes and went on to provide invaluable advice on ‘How To Write A Winning Tender’ which was packed with essential advice from a tenderer’s perspective. Our work with Firebuy has yielded clarifications on a number of contract-related issues and has resulted in the emergence of standardised PQQs as well as advice on the implications of the new Remedies Directive.
 
Much of our work, as ever, requires extensive liaison with other stakeholders which includes CLG and its agencies, CFOA and its NPB, the Fire Minister and the Conservative Shadow, the All Party Parliamentary Fire and Rescue Group, BIS and UKTI DSO, FOBFO and the fire trade press and exhibition organisers. These will continue in 2010 with additional areas for attention including engagement with the new Firebuy Board, further representation to procurement and technical managers within the FRSs, liaison with the several regional purchasing bodies and greater involvement with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
 
FIRESA exhibited at Fire and Rescue Expo in May 2009 at which members received a floor space discount and at the Emergency Services Show in November. We have a close working relationship with UBM Live and are delighted to have an extended complimentary pavilion at Fire and Rescue 2010 in Harrogate over 29th-30th June which we hope will catalyse a stepwise leap in the profile of the Association. We will, as ever, also be at the next Emergency Services Show later in the year. Members are reminded that they may offer a short product presentation on the theatre area of the FIRESA stand at Fire and Rescue Expo in June.           
 
With issues such as technical standards, European opportunities and the environment are also prevalent, the most notable focus of our work remains the National Procurement Strategy. FIRESA continues to represent the industry in a robust but constructive fashion and has held talks with the Fire Minister, CLG and Firebuy as well as maintaining its seat on CFOA’s National Procurement Board. We also responded to the NPS 2008-11 and In Service Management Consultations. We note that the new NPS is more flexible and recognises FIRESA’s concerns although serious question marks linger over aspects of the Strategy’s delivery and stakeholder commitment.
 
The fire and rescue market itself is entering a new phase of austerity with the Operational Efficiency Programme setting ever more stringent financial restraints across government which is bound to affect our Fire and Rescue Services. CFOs are braced to cope with real and significant grant cuts in coming years with the Services under pressure to deliver the same for less and with fleet and equipment among the procurement items likely to be affected. This, coupled with the changing demands of the FRSs as they deal with issues such as climate change and terrorism, make it all the more vital that industry is properly represented as we proceed through this decade.
 
We were again most fortunate at the AGM to have three outstanding guest speakers. In addition to Kim Robinson’s opening address, we heard from CFO Paul Hayden on environmental matters and their effect on the Fire and Rescue Services and from Crispin Tuckley of CLG who focused on some key procurement-related issues. Presentations are available to members via the web site. The participation of external speakers adds a most welcome additional dimension to our AGMs and we take this opportunity to thank them all for taking the time to address our members and guests.
 
The traditional Open Forum session at the AGM proved remarkably useful and we took the opportunity to take soundings from the membership on several topics including apprenticeships, member events, membership growth mechanisms and some constitutional issues as well as how we might best act given the current characteristics of the national procurement regime.   
 
Thanks once again to our members that attended and special thanks to our guest speakers and several non-member guests that joined us on the day. Every year throws up new challenges, some that we plan for in developing our influence and activities and others that will surely arise as we make our way through 2010. In whatever we do, we offer our best efforts in representing the fire and rescue supply industry here in the UK and look forward to continue to act on their behalf in what are increasingly difficult times.                                        
 
 

FIRESA Chairman Elected to FOBFO Vice Chair

The Federatation of British Fire Organisations [FOBFO] has elected FIRESA Chairman Dave Russell to its Vice Chair at its meeting of 1st June 2009.

We congratulate Dave and offer him our best wishes in undertaking this key role. It is a worthy tribute to Dave's standing in the industry and indeed to the position of FIRESA in the fire safety commmunity.  

Public FIRESA News Letter Available

FIRESA has since its inception provided regular News Letters to its members. Bearing content that is for the particular benefit of our members, these have not been for public dissemination.

As part of our promotional effort surrounding Fire and Rescue Expo, however, the May 2009 issue was produced for general distribution. It provides a useful snapshot of some of the current activities of the Association.

To receive your copy, drop an e-mail to dsmith@fia.uk.com and we'll be happy to send you an electonic copy by return.     

FIRESA Launches Export Assistance Initiative

A Sub-Committee has been formed under the Chairmanship of Council Member Tim Wight with the aim of identifying and executing a number of initiatives that will assist our members in their export activities.

The first meeting took place in June and has resulted in a list of viable priority work items including completion of our registration with the DTI and exploration of opportunities available via FOBFO and FIA Export.   

Members are reminded to return their Export Questionnaires which will help us to target our resources to greatest effect.   

FIRESA Council Refreshment

Each year, the FIRESA Constitution requires the two longest-standing Council Members to retire from office, to be replaced by a process of self-nomination and a competitive vote. 

This time round, we enjoyed the candidature of four outstanding nominees and in a typically close fought contest, we're delighted to announce that the general membership has selected David Plant of Angloco and Andy Roe of Godiva to take their seats at Council from 1st April 2009. Well done to both of our new Council Members and we welcome them to their positions.

Thanks are also due to the candidates that were unsuccessful on this occasion and we hope very much that Jon Crossland of Cosalt and Gary Storey of Scott Health and Safety will apply again when the opportunity arises.  

FIRESA Membership Reaches 60

We are delighted to welcome several new members that have joined over the last month or so, taking the total FIRESA membership to something of a landmark at 60.

These companies are Leader Group Ltd, North Fire Ltd, Plastisol UK and Weber UK and we look forward to their participation over the coming year and beyond.

For the record, Plastisol UK was the one that got us to the magic 60!

A Successful Fourth AGM for FIRESA

FIRESA's Fourth Annual General Meeting, held on 25th February at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, has been heralded as a notable success by attending members and our several specially invited guests.

Delegates recieved a warm welcome from our host, Merseyside FRS Chief Fire Officer, Tony McGuirk. In addition to the obligatory constitutional matters, Chairman Dave Russell presented on a host of political, public and project-based activities of the Association over the past year, looking forward also to the priority projects and liaisons to be pursued in 2009. Among the primary areas of focus about to yield tangible benefits for members are Tendering Advice and Export Assistance; Vice-Chairman Gerry Styler and Council Member Tim Wight respectively spoke to these subjects during the proceedings.

Special thanks are due to our guest speakers. FOBFO Chairman Dennis Davis spoke with his customary insight on 'Rekindling UK Fire' while the Keynote Address following the formal proceedings was given by the Fire Minister, Sadiq Khan MP, who was also kind enough to present certificates to our more recent new members.

FIRESA Members are able to access the full presentation set in the Members' section of this web site. 

FIRESA Becomes Company Member of the UK Firefighters Memorial Trust

In recognition of the excellent work of the Trust in marking the dedicated efforts of our Fire and Rescue Services, FIRESA is delighted to become a Company Member.

The Trust is responsible for the National Monument 'Firefighters Serving Humanity' in Staffordshire, the National Memorial Statue by St Paul's Cathedral, maintenance of the archive records of UK firefighters killed on duty, the Annual International Service of Remembrance at St Paul's, the Fire Service Chapel at the Fire Service College and organisation of the Retired Firefighters Contingent at the National Cenotaph Parade.

Their web site is at www.firefightersmemorial.co.uk

FIRESA looks forward to supporting this outstanding cause.

FIRESA Chair and Vice-Chair to Remain for 2009/10

Following the resignation of Gary Smith as Chairman in the middle of 2008, Council agreed unanimously that the Vice-Chairman, Dave Russell, should step up to the top job and that the Vice-Chairmanship should be taken by long-standing Council member Gerry Styler.

Both have worked extremely hard for the Association and Council was delighted to endorse their willingness to retain their present positions through the forthcoming 2009/10 year. 

Council's recomendation was put to the vote by the general membership and there was unanimous support for Dave and Gerry's continuation in their present Officer's roles. 

Congratulations to them both and we look forward to their helmsmanship as we steer our course through another challenging but, we hope, rewarding year.        

Important Updates on the AGM

The 2009 AGM taking place on 25th February at Merseyside FRS Headquarters is set to be our best annual gathering to date.

Following the formal proceedings, we are delighted to announce that the Keynote Address will be provided by Sadiq Khan, Undersecretary of State for Fire at CLG. We are also delighted to welcome Dennis Davis, Chairman of FOBFO, who will contribute his invaluable views on the fire and rescue landscape as part of the AGM.

Members are reminded to get their bookings into the Secretariat by the end of January.

Having enjoyed joint sponsorship from Lion Apparel and CMPi last year, we are pleased to announce that this year's AGM is sponsored by AssetCo. We thank AssetCo for their generous support and Council member Derek Gotts for his initiation of this financial contribution.   

FIRESA Members to Receive Discount on Fire and Rescue Expo

We continue to work closely with UBM Live [previously part of CMPi] on industry participation at the Fire and Rescue Expo event next May at Birmingham NEC.

As part of this collaboration, we are delighted to announce that exhibiting FIRESA Members will receive a 7% discount on floor space. This represents a tangible financial benefit of FIRESA membership.

We offer our thanks to UBM Live for providing this concession.  

FIRESA NPS Consultation Response Publicly Available

With the formal consultation deadline having passed, FIRESA is delighted to make its response publicly available.

Those wishing to receive a copy should drop an e-mail to the Secretariat at dsmith@fia.uk.com, whereupon an electronic version will be sent by return. 

FIRESA Welcomes New Members

We are delighted to welcome two new members into the fold.

VT Critical Services, part of the VT Group plc,  offers operational capabilty to the fire, police, marine and commercial airline sectors. Earlier this year, it won the national contract for the maintenence, repair and overhaul of national resilience assets as part of the New Dimension project.

Abtech Safety Ltd based at Ellesmere Port is a manufacturer of personal protective equipment, notably rescue equipment for work at height and in confined spaces.      

FIRESA Responds to NPS Consultation

FIRESA has delivered a significant response to CLG as part of the formal Consultation on the National Procurement Strategy for the Fire and Rescue Services 2008-11.

Based on the views of the FIRESA membership, our contribution comprises a number of general comments on the Strategy and its enactment as well as answers to the over 40 questions featured in the Consultation document.

 

Minister Responds to Commons Question on Firebuy

The following question and answer took place in the House of Commons on 30th October:

Mr. Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what forecast she [sic] has made of the (a) costs and (b) business-generated income of Firebuy Ltd. in 2008-09. [230459]

Mr. Khan: Firebuy Ltd. is forecasting (a) running costs of £2,000,000 and (b) business-generated income of £170,000 in 2008-09. Firebuy also estimates that it will help achieve £2,100,000 savings for fire and rescue authorities during this period.

FIRESA Announces 2009 AGM

The 2009 Annual General Meeting will take place at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters on 25th February.

Merseyside venue

Plans are already under way for a significant programme and we look forward to informing members of the details at around the turn of the year.

FIRESA Prepares for Emergency Services Show

FIRESA will be at Stand 168 at the Emergency Services Show at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry over 19th and 20th November, with a host of individual FIRESA member companies also exhibiting.

It's free to attend; register via www.theemergencyservicesshow2008.com

The show is set to be bigger and better than ever with visitors able to source the latest innovations from over 300 specialist equipment suppliers and explore the capabilities of a diverse range of organisations in the Emergency Response Zone. You can also learn about projects and initiatives undertaken by the fire, police and ambulance services in the Blue Light Zone and keep up to date with strategic and operational developments at the Conference.

FIRESA Meets New Fire Minister

The FIRESA Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary met with the recently appointed Fire Minister, Sadiq Khan, on 29th October. Crispin Tuckley and Anna Wadsworth of the CLG also attended the session.

Following an introduction to FIRESA and the fire and rescue market generally, we offered a summary of our views on the National Procurement Strategy, with the Minister strongly welcoming our forthcoming response as part of the formal consultation process.

We also made significant reference to the role of SMEs within our sector and offered our support to a 'Centre of Excellence' or 'Fire Foundation' to be centred around the Fire Service College, noting that this would add impetus to the ambassadorial status of the College in promoting the UK fire and rescue industry worldwide.

The Association thanks the Minister for an engaging exchange and looks forward to continuing liaison on matters affecting our industry.     

FIRESA Delivers Strong Message at All-Party Seminar

A FIRESA delegation led by its new Chairman, Dave Russell, presented a robust critique of the national procurement processes at the All-Party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group session at the House of Lords on 20th October. 

Attended by representatives of Government, Firebuy and the Fire and Rescue Services and Authorities amongst others, FIRESA offered a message of support for the principle of national procurement while highlighting the key deficiencies that have prevented the Strategy from meeting its intended objectives. Suggestions were made regarding the approaches that should be taken in order to achieve an improved position. 

FIRESA's contribution to the debate was well-received and we are working with other contributors to provide a written statement for consideration by the parliamentarians in the All-Party Group. The conclusions will be covered generally at a further event in the House of Commons in December.    

Jeff Heaton Accepts Council Seat

jeff

We are delighted to announce that the Council vacancy created by recent changes to the FIRESA Officers is to be taken by Jeff Heaton of Trelleborg. 

Jeff is Sales and Marketing Director for Trelleborg Protective Products, taking responsibility for the group’s sales operations worldwide which are covered by sales offices in Sweden, the UK, the USA, Norway, Russia, China and Singapore and a network of distributors and agents.  

He originally qualified in medical sciences before undertaking sales and marketing qualifications with the City and Guilds of London Institute and is currently studying for an Open University degree including modules in Commercial Law.
 
Jeff says ‘I feel I would bring to council a broad experience across a number of areas and a down to earth approach’.

 

Change of FIRESA Officers

Gary Smith was elected to the Chair of the Association earlier this year. He was at the time of his election and up to this point an employee of a FIRESA member company. Gary has indicated to Council that he is leaving his employment and hence he would no longer be affiliated to a FIRESA organisation.

It was with regret, therefore, that Gary has tendered his resignation from the Chair and it was with equal regret that his resignation was accepted by Council with sincere thanks for his efforts on behalf of the Association over the last three and a half years.

In order to continue to develop FIRESA at  what is a very busy time for the Association, Council has appointed the Vice-Chairman, Dave Russell, to the Chair and long-standing Council Member Gerry Styler as new Vice-Chairman. Both appointments were unanimous and are active with immediate effect and running to 31st March 2009.

We wish  Dave and Gerry all the best in heading the Association over the next six months and we can be assured that the Association is in the most safe hands.

FIRESA Represented on FOBFO Executive Board

As many will know, the FIRESA Vice-Chairman, Dave Russell, is our primary representative on FOBFO Council. It has been recognsed by FOBFO that it needs to develop the work carried out previously by its Trade Committee in progressing export trade activities and, hence, it has decided to increase industry representation on its Executive Board. We are delighted that , as a result, Dave Russell has accepted an invitation to join FOBFO Board and we wish him well in working towards the aims of all of FOBFO's members.        

FIRESA to participate in NPS Seminar at House of Lords

FIRESA representatives including its Chairman and Vice-Chairman will attend a Seminar on National Procurement at the House of Lords on 20th October. Organised by the All Party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group, places are very limited and so the event is, I'm afraid, not subject to open invitation. FIRESA will, however, be participating in the debate and members will be provided with a full report of the proceedings. 

FIRESA Preparing NPS 2008-2011 Consultation Response

As would be expected, FIRESA is preparing a thorough and detailed response to the NPS Consultation.

The internal process is under way to take the views of its members and to produce an agreed response in good time for the mid November deadline. There has already been a special meeting of Council to discuss this and it is hoped to finalise the FIRESA submission at the October Council session.   

FIRESA in Discussion with DCLG on National Procurement 

The FIRESA Chairman and Vice-Chairman met with Crispin Tuckley and Anna Wadsworth in August for private discussions concerning the National Procurement Strategy. It followed our participation on the NPS Task and Finish Group and acts as a precursor for our formal response to the NPS 2008-11 Consultation which has just been issued.

Our delegates report an open and frank meeting at which FIRESA's views on National Procurement were presented and debated.

Election of New Council Member

Council member Derek Gotts' recent move from Hale Products to AssetCo created a breach of Constitution regarding representation on FIRESA Council.

As a result, Steve Bristow, also of AssetCo, has stepped down and we thank him for his notable contribution to Council and the Association generally. 

FIRESA is delighted that four outstanding candidates came forward to contest the vacant position and that the membership has duly elected Philip Tasker of Bristol Uniforms to Council with immediate effect. We welcome Philip to the role and look forward to his participation in working on behalf of the FIRESA members.  

The Department for Communities and Local Government has published the findings and recommendations from its recent review of the National Procurement Strategy and Firebuy Ltd

While noting the general support for a national procuremernt function, it delivers a sobering assessment of present circumstances. The key findings are:

  • There is no consensus on how national procurement should be carried out and what it should include
  • The FRSs have no sense of ownership over the processes and hence Firebuy has failed to achieve wide      stakeholder support, with the FRAs resenting being expected to use the national agreements 
  • While Firebuy has delivered savings, it cannot sytematically demonstrate the benefits that its contracts bring over the alternatives
  • Funding remains uncertain and divisive and the market available to Firebuy is not large enough to generate income sufficient to cover its costs
  • Firebuy's structure is unwieldy and unrepresentative and generates relatively high overhead costs

The DCLG proposes that Firebuy continues to deliver the national procurement function over the next year or so, during which time a clearer picture is expected to emerge on a number of medium and long term options.

Within the next three months, Firebuy is instructed to establish a clear interim business strategy and performance indicators, put in place processes to reduce corporate costs and overheads, and undertake a detailed review of existing contracts/strategy.

FIRESA is gathering the views of its members on this issue ahead of a meeting with Crispin Tuckley and Anna Wadsworth of the DCLG to take place early in August.

Notice of two parliamentary questions

Conservative MP Stewart Jackson asked two questions in the Commons on 13th June relating to Firebuy National Contracts and received the following written responses. 

  

1.       Fire Services: Procurement

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate she [sic] has made of the number of new appliance chassis which will be procured for use by Fire and Rescue Services in 2008-09; and if she [sic] will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda [Minister for Fire and Rescue Services]: Firebuy Ltd., the body responsible for establishing contracts for FRS national procurement, monitors the use of these arrangements. A framework contract for pumping appliances was let by Firebuy in April 2007. 77 orders were made from this contract in 2007-08 of which 47 are due for delivery during 2008-09. To date in 2008-09 a further 86 pumping appliances have been ordered from this contract, plus orders for 15 specialist appliances through other Firebuy framework contracts.

2.       Fire Services: Uniforms

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate she [sic] has made of the number of Fire and Rescue Services which have opted out of the Integrated Clothing Project element of the FireBuy scheme for 2008-09; and if she [sic] will make a statement.  

Parmjit Dhanda: The contract for the Integrated Clothing Project has recently been signed between Firebuy Ltd. and Bristol Uniforms. We expect that a large number of fire and rescue authorities will use the contract when their current arrangements end. We know that some fire and rescue authorities are likely to seek agreement from CLG to go outside national arrangements for operational or other reasons. Firebuy will work with FRAs, where necessary, to assist them with the procurement process.

 

 

It had been announced that Shona Dunn has been appointed as the new Director of Fire and Resilience at the DCLG following a Whitehall-wide competition. She moves from her previous role as Head of Sustainable Buildings at Communities with a start date to be confirmed shortly.

FIRESA looks forward to working with her as we have with the previous permanent encumbent, Peter Betts.  

 

 

Firebuy has called a Seminar entitled 'Buying into a Better Future' which takes place on Wednesday 25th June at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Services HQ. Contrary to earlier information, this is intended for Fire and Rescue personnel and, regrettably, is not open to industry. FIRESA is, however, providing a delegation to the Seminar and we will report back to members on the proceedings. 

FIRESA is also delighted to announce that it has a presentation slot at the event which will enable industry views to be put directly to Fire and Rescue delegates.  

 

In recognition of the need to engage directly with Procurement, Fleet Management and other Technical personnel within the Fire and Rescue Services, FIRESA has produced a short document entitled 'Contributing to Professionalism in the UK Supply Chain'.

It presents the FIRESA membership's overarching business profile in terms of its commitment and responsibilities to the UK supply landscape. It also looks at the issue of expectation, this referring both to what customers may expect of FIRESA members and, in return, what position FIRESA wishes to establish in the domestic procurement market.

The document is now available in the public section of this web site via the FIRESA Membership tab.       

 

 

 

With new Chairman and Vice-Chairman Gary Smith and Dave Russell respectively leading the April Council meeting, it was agreed that further steps will be taken to enage the FIRESA membership in the activities of the Association.

During the course of this year and beyond, members will be encouraged not just to participate in but also to lead Working Groups that will address specific issues of interest to our members. This will enable members outside of the Council to play a tangible role in the delivery of our objectives.

It was agreed also that FIRESA Council Minutes would henceforth be made available on the web site to members in order that the wider range of issues and actions that are covered at Council can be made known across the membership. The Aoril meeting Minutes will appear shortly when they have been endorsed by Council.

Finally, another measure which opens out Council activities will be implemented starting at the 18th June meeting which is at Kidde Products in Thame, Oxfordshire.  It is our intention to invite one or two non-Council members to attend each Council meeting which enables our guests to understand better the work of Council and to address Council directly on any matters they would wish to raise. If you have an interest in attending the June meeting, members are invited to contact Dave Smith at the Secretariat.        

 

 

Firebuy has announced a change to the imposition of management fees pertaining to national contracts.

They note that '...the issue of Firebuy charging a management fee for its contracts has become more prominent with many Fire and Rescue Authorities [FRAs] expressing concerns around the payment of these fees' They go on to say 'Communities and Local Government [CLG].......agreed that in respect of Vehicles, Clothing and Emergency Response Equipment there will be no application of a management fee for English FRAs for the time being'.

 

The Welsh Assembly government has published its draft Fire and Rescue National Framework 2008-11 which is now open for consultation to 20th June with a view to publishing a final Framework during August 2008.

Much like the English Framework, it sets out the priorities and objectives over the next three years for the FRAs under its jurisdiction. Among the issues possibly of interest to our members are co-responding, sharing of resources, resilience [contingency planning, New Dimension, FireLink and control rooms] and procurement, the latter including reference to Firebuy.

FIRESA will be producing a response to this consultation and welcomes the views of its members.

 

 

In lieu currently of a dedicated section of the web site on events [we are working on it!], we're pleased to offer a round-up of some of the major conferences and exhibitions taking place this year.

Firstly, a word concerning FIRESA Council meetings. While these are open only to those duly elected to Council, these represent significant opportunities for Council to discuss and act upon issues raised by our members. If you as a FIRESA member have any issues you wish to be addressed at Council, please make these known to the FIRESA Secretariat. The next meeting is on 22nd April, with dates of the four remaining Council meetings in 2008 to be advised shortly.

Moving on to external events in date order, the Worshipful Company of Firefighters' Fire Industry Charity Ball is taking place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 28th June. Anyone interested in attending this fantastic evening should contact Bryan Spearman on 07860 188030 or e-mail brandy.promotions@virgin.net

The CBRN Resilience Conference takes place over 8th and 9th July at the Thistle Marble Arch Hotel in London. FIRESA members get a 10% discount, further details available from www.iqpc.com/ShowEvent.aspx?id=90992

Coming up over 27th-29th August at ACC, Liverpool is Fire and Rescue 2008 which is co-located with the World Firefighters Games. Go to www.fireandrescueexpo.com for more information.

Later in the year, Firex North takes place over 21st and 22nd October at the Harrogate International Centre. Details can be found at www.firexroadshows.co.uk

Following last year's highly successful event, the Emergency Services Show is again at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry and takes place over 19th-20th November. Details may be found at theemergencyservicesshow2008.com

 We also have sight of some overseas events including Disaster Management 2008 in New Delhi, India over 16th-18th April, web site www.dmindiaexpo.com

The International Aviation Fire Protection Association has its 11th International Conference over 15th and 16th October in Warsaw, Poland and is currently calling for papers. Details at www.iafpa.org.uk, enquiries to colin.simpson@iafpa.org.uk

 

 

FIRESA continues to represent its members in respect of the National Procurement Strategy 2008-11, with further comments being offered to DCLG prior to release of the draft Strategy for consultation. We are pleased that the present version arising from the deliberations of the NPS Task and Finish Group [at which FIRESA was an active participant] is an accurate reflection of the key recommendations of the Group.

FIRESA's additional comments include a request for clear focus on Firebuy's structure, business plan and financial base and an indication of how the revised Strategy can be seen to offer an improved position based on lessons learned over the early years of national procurement. We feel also that industry has a role to play in 'sense checking' market volume estimates that would underpin the financial viability of the proposals. On the Centre of Excellence, we are aware that this is the subject of a separate consultation but the NPS needs to recognise the C of E policy and timescales where these may impinge on national procurement activities. Finally, FIRESA welcomes reference in the Strategy to technical innovation and refresh mechanisms but feels that this would benefit from additional discussion given that this is a primary area of concern regarding the well-being of the sector going forward.       

 

 

FIRESA is delighted to welcome a new Honorary Member in David Chisnall who, of course, needs no introduction to FIRESA Members nor to a great many in the Fire and Rescue Services and its supply industry.

This honour was bestowed in appreciative recognition of David's service to the industry over many years and not least for his Chairmanship of the Association over the first three years of its existence.

David has kindly responded to this with the words that the award is 'most unexpected and is received with warmth and affection. My time with FIRESA, while challenging, has been full of pleasure and achievement. This clearly has only been possible through the friendship and co-operation that has been received from all.'

David, thank you from us all and we wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.          

 

 

Defence IQ has organised a two day conference over 8th and 9th July entitled 'CBRN Resilience 2008' to take place at the Thistle Hotel, Marble Arch in central London. Focused primarily on civilian CBRN resilience in the UK, the key theme is making the transition from individual capabilities to readiness to respond. The programme features a host of agencies and organisations with a part to play in response to a CBRN incident, with the overall focus being on improving inter-agency co-ordination.

We are delighted to act as a Marketing Partner with Defence IQ with the FIRESA logo being featured on the conference brochure and web site.

FIRESA Members will shortly be receiving more information on this event and as part of the partnership agreement, will be entitled to a 10% discount.  

 

 

Sincere thanks are due to those many members that attended the 2008 AGM on 12th March and, of course, to our external presenters Sir Ken Knight, Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser, and Keiran Timmins, Executive Director of Finance at the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

The presentation set for the AGM is available in the Members' Section of this web site.

We said a fond and appreciative goodbye to our Chairman David Chisnall who has headed the Association since its inception and to Council Member Paul Brebner who has also served FIRESA over the same period. Thank you both for your invaluable contributions to this Association during its formative years.

With farewells come welcomes and we are delighted that there are two new Council members taking their seats this year. Joining Council from 1st April are Derek Gotts of Hale Products and Tim Wight of WL Gore and we look forward very much to their participation in taking FIRESA to new heights.   

 

FIRESA delegates Gary Smith and Dave Russell participated on behalf of the Association in a two-day Task and Finish Group led by CFOA's National Procurement Board on the subject of the National Procurement Strategy. Comprising representatives also from CFOA, the Fire and Rescue Services, LGA, CLG, APPFS, Firebuy and regional Centres of Excellence, the Group will produce a working draft of the new Strategy which is more strategic and less directive than the current version and which will more clearly define the complex relations between the various stakeholders and organisations.

Our understanding of the process leading to the final document is that the notes from the Task and Finish Group will be structured by CLG into a discussion draft so that any gaps or uncertainties may be readily identified. This will be circulated to the Group for comment and any further work, after which a draft NPS will be produced and fed into the separate review on Firebuy being undertaken simultaneously by CLG. This phase is expected to be complete by the end of March 2008 and the final draft Strategy will then go to formal consultation with the Fire and Rescue Services during May 2008.  

    

 

 

The Association has just received an offer from Firebuy to present to the FIRESA membership on the future for Firebuy and National Procurement. Members are advised to watch this space as there will shortly be an announcement for a members-only Seminar probably in the first half of April. 

 

 

 

FIRESA delegates, namely Vice-Chairman Gary Smith and Council Member Dave Russell, are to participate in a Task and Finish Group convened by CFOA that sets out to review the National Procurement Strategy. Output will take the form of a Strategy Proposal to be provided to the DCLG in order to inform the new version of the NPS covering the period 2008-11.    

 

 

 

FIRESA is delighted to have participated in the Emergency Services Show at Stoneleigh Park in November which proved to be a vibrant and well-attended event. We offer our thanks to those that stopped by the FIRESA stand and look forward very much to next year’s event at the same location.The Emergency Services Show 2007 takes place over 28th and 29th November at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry and is the definitive event for promoting multi-agency collaboration within the UK emergency services. FIRESA will be represented collectively and we’re very pleased that many of our members have elected to exhibit in their own right. We look forward to seeing you there.

There has never been a better time to join FIRESA. We are currently offering a special deal that enables new members to join the Association now and receive their membership free up to 31st March after which you will be invoiced for the 2008/09 membership year at the standard rate of £900+ VAT. Membership is open to all suppliers of products and services to the fire and rescue sector so why not join us? Click on the ‘FIRESA Membership’ header for further information or give Dave Smith a call at the Secretariat on 020 8549 5855.

The FIRESA AGM will take place on 12th March at the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Headquarters in Stone. Members only, I’m afraid, but for those that are able to come, we promise an exciting programme of internal and external speakers that will stimulate debate on the key issues facing our industry. FIRESA is especially delighted to announce that the Keynote Address will be provided by Sir Ken Knight who is now Chief Fire Adviser to the UK government.

The National Procurement Strategy for 2008-11 is now in preparation and talks have already been held between FIRESA and the Department for Communities and Local Government to take our initial views on the future shape of this Strategy. FIRESA is also to participate in a Task and Finish Group convened by CFOA’s National Procurement Board which is to meet over two days in February in order to present a proposed strategy to the DCLG.

A FIRESA delegation met in December with the Minister responsible for fire, Parmjit Dhanda. The opportunity was taken to discuss a number of key issues affecting the industry including, of course, national procurement but also concerning the wider fire and resilience agenda in the UK. We are pleased to report an engaging session during which the concerns of our members were articulated.

Andy Davies is the newly-appointed Deputy CEO of Firebuy Ltd and FIRESA was delighted to welcome him to present on Firebuy’s latest National Procurement activities at our 22nd August Council meeting.

A reminder that the CBRN Resilience Conference takes place over 20th and 21st September at the Café Royal in London.

FIRESA is represented on a Civil Aviation Authority Task Group looking at foam testing requirements for airport fire vehicles. The CAA has announced that Briefing Days for vehicles providers will be held at Aviation House, Gatwick Airport on both the 12th and 19th of September.

FIRESA took part in the DCLG review earlier this year on the future funding of Firebuy. Owing to ministerial changes at the DCLG, a final decision on how Firebuy is to be funded is delayed until after the parliamentary summer recess.

A special FIRESA Task Group headed by the Vice-Chairman, Gary Smith, has made recommendations to Council regarding the future direction and priorities of the Association. These are to be agreed at the October Council meeting, after which members will be informed of our proposals.