ASFP to partner with British Coatings Federation

by Projects

After spending the last 40 years running its administrative operations via the offices of Association Group Management (AGM) Ltd in Bordon, the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is to appoint the British Coatings Federation (BCF) as its new secretariat service provider.

The move is due to the ASFP’s significant growth in recent years and its need for full-time administrative support for its ever-broadening training and member support programmes. The decision will involve transferring the ASFP’s entire secretariat and administration function to the BCF’s headquarters in Coventry with the aim of completing this process in the next few months.

The organisations have agreed to part by mutual consent to enable each to further develop their own services and operations. The move offers the ASFP opportunity for continued growth in all aspects of its operations and will enable the organisation to continue to provide appropriate support for its expanding membership.

Other considerations such as location, meeting facilities and business management were also major factors in the ASFP’s choice of new service provider. The new arrangement offers the benefit of access to in-house meeting facilities along with further efficiencies in accounting, administrative and customer relationship management systems, as well as enhancements to the website and media interfaces.

The new partnership also offers the opportunity to develop greater synergy between the two organisations, allowing both to pool their shared expertise in matters relating to fire safety.

Although the Coronavirus outbreak may impact on short-term growth, the ASFP believes the change remains essential in protecting the Association’s current position, while also future proofing for the anticipated growth in membership and services in the coming years.

Commenting on the move, ASFP CEO Niall Rowan told Fire Safety Matters: “The ASFP’s strong growth in recent years, coupled with our significant expansion into training, means that the Association’s interests can be better served by an organisation that’s situated in a more central location, much nearer to our membership base and closer to ASFP officers. The BCF offers outstanding facilities and the opportunity to develop a more synergistic relationship going forward. We’re sure members will notice that the services we offer will develop significantly with the excellent support available from the BCF.”

Rowan added: “I would like to thank Association Group Management Ltd for their long and dedicated service and their continued loyalty and support, which has enabled the ASFP to develop into the thriving organisation it is today. We wish them every success in the future.”

Croatian firefighting aircraft to participate in RescEU missions again this year

by Breaking NewsProjects

For the second year in a row, Croatia’s firefighting aircraft will be on stand-by as part of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (RescEU) mechanism, the Defence Ministry said on Tuesday 16th June.

Croatian firefighting planes will be prepared to participate in the RescEU mission from June 15 to October 31, based on two models. Under the first model, two aircraft would fly to neighbouring Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania and would return to Croatia each day, while the second model envisages missions of several days to more distant countries like Spain, France and Israel.

A third model also exists where aircraft can be deployed to countries with a high wildfire risk and will be prepared to intervene if necessary.

The commander of the 855th firefighting squadron, Colonel Tomislav Vacenovski, said that together with other sections of homeland security, Croatia’s firefighting system has also been strengthened and is capable of providing assistance to other countries.

“We have had 19 international missions in seven countries which confirms our high potential and preparedness to promptly deploy our forces not only in Croatia but in countries that request assistance,” Vacenovski said.

RescEU is a project that reinforced and strengthened the EU’s disaster risk management by upgrading the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and has the objective of enhancing both the protection of citizens from disasters and the management of emerging risks.

Sourcewell and FireRescue GPO partner up to meet procurement needs

by Featured NewsProjects

Sourcewell, a co-operative purchasing organisation providing solutions across the US and Canada, has teamed up with the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA), founder of FireRescue GPO in an attempt to meet the cooperative procurement needs of the nation’s fire service, as well as enhance FireRescue GPO’s ability to aid the fire service.

“With this new partnership, we will significantly grow our fire service and public safety contracts to provide even more options to our public safety community,” said Sourcewell’s Manager of Contact Administration, Tom Perttula.

Revenue generated through FireRescue GPO is shared with the fire chiefs’ associations across the country including the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IFAC), its divisions and state fire chiefs’ associations.

Future solicitations include public safety technology and communications, critical care and resuscitation equipment as well as public safety body armour. “This partnership leverages the power of scale to our co-operative procurement program,” said Chief Jeffery Johnson, CEO of the Western Fire Chiefs Association. “Providing a more effective and comprehensive purchasing experience for our members.”