The NFPA 2025 survey highlights AI adoption, digital tools, training demand, certification gaps, and workforce pressures in the skilled trades sector.
FIA Market Conditions Survey 2025 opens to UK fire sector
Annual questionnaire invites feedback from UK fire companies
The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has opened its 2025 Market Conditions Survey, inviting input from organisations across the UK fire safety sector.
According to the FIA, the annual questionnaire provides insight into employment trends, skills gaps, training availability, supplier pricing and payment practices across the industry.
The survey is designed to take five minutes to complete and is open to all UK-based businesses involved in fire safety.
The FIA stated that all responses are anonymous, with the data used to compile a publicly available benchmarking report.
The organisation added that the final report offers sector-wide visibility into economic and operational trends affecting fire safety businesses across the country.
Feedback will contribute to open-access industry report
The FIA explained that the results of the 2025 Market Conditions Survey will be collated into a free report accessible to the wider sector.
The association said the report aims to assist decision-makers by offering benchmark data that reflects real-time experiences within the industry.
It added that responses help identify common challenges, highlight strengths, and inform strategic planning at both company and industry levels.
The report will be made publicly available once responses are analysed and collated.
The FIA confirmed that respondents’ identities will not be collected, ensuring anonymous participation.
Survey themes include workforce, pricing and payments
According to the FIA, the 2025 edition of the survey focuses on several key themes relevant to day-to-day operations and planning within the sector.
These include recruitment and workforce availability, with the survey aiming to identify areas experiencing skills shortages or staffing changes.
The organisation stated that pricing and supplier costs are also covered, as well as patterns in payment practices among clients and contractors.
The survey further explores access to training and continuing professional development, as well as broader market confidence.
The aim, according to the FIA, is to present a cross-section of the current business environment faced by UK fire companies.
Survey supports collective planning and sector readiness
The FIA stated that the purpose of the annual survey is to provide businesses with the opportunity to share experiences that may reflect wider issues.
By participating, companies can contribute to a broader understanding of sector conditions and support collective preparation for changing requirements or pressures.
The organisation noted that the benchmarking data is intended to guide planning around investment, hiring, and service provision.
It added that the insights gathered may also help to inform policy recommendations or future training initiatives.
The final report will be made available to all respondents and to the general public via the FIA website.
Participation offers entry into £100 prize draw
As an incentive for completing the survey, the FIA confirmed that respondents will be entered into a draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher.
The association stated that the prize draw is open to all participants who complete the survey in full.
A link to the questionnaire is available on the FIA website and through its official communications channels.
The FIA encouraged businesses of all sizes and types to contribute, regardless of their specific area of expertise or operation.
The survey will remain open for a limited period, with the publication date of the results to be announced at a later time.
FIA Market Conditions Survey 2025 opens to UK fire sector: Summary
The FIA has launched its 2025 Market Conditions Survey for the UK fire industry.
The survey is open to all UK-based fire safety businesses.
It collects anonymous feedback on employment, training, pricing, and payment practices.
Responses will inform a publicly available benchmarking report.
The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete.
Participants will be entered into a draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher.
The results will be used to support strategic planning and shared understanding across the sector.
The survey is currently accessible online via the FIA’s communication channels.
Is the Procurement Act helping UK emergency services or holding them back?
Emergency services report training gaps in Procurement Act rollout
Half of senior procurement professionals in the UK’s emergency services have said they lack sufficient training and resources to support the implementation of the Procurement Act.
The findings are based on a survey commissioned by Commercial Services Group, a public sector procurement provider, following the Act’s introduction in February 2025.
The group said the survey reflects a mix of support and concern across Blue Light services, as respondents welcome the Act’s aims but warn that without leadership, guidance and investment, its potential will not be realised.
According to Commercial Services Group, 50% of Blue Light participants identified capability gaps as a barrier to delivery.
It said financial constraints were also seen as an obstacle by 45.5% of respondents.
Limited capacity and regulation flagged as barriers
Commercial Services Group reported that over a third (34.1%) of emergency sector procurement leaders warned that low resource capacity may limit inter-agency collaboration.
The survey also found that 36.4% of respondents believe regulatory compliance challenges could undermine implementation efforts.
The group said these challenges may restrict the ability of emergency services to meet one of the Act’s main aims, which is to support economic development.
It added that just 15.6% of participants believe the Act will significantly improve procurement practices, with only 4.5% expecting improvements in workforce wellbeing.
Sector leaders call for stronger support measures
Tarryn Kerr, Managing Director of Procurement Services at Commercial Services Group, said: “Our Blue Light services are under substantial pressure.
“Demand is unprecedented and these vital teams are overwhelmed as they navigate this alongside regulatory changes and limited resources.
“The Procurement Act can aid positive change in our emergency services but must provide organisations the necessary support to do so.”
She added: “This should not be treated as a tick-box exercise. It’s crucial that we deliver stronger guidance and visible leadership from the top to unlock long-term value for public services and vastly improve outcomes for those on the frontline.”
Public sector confidence varies across services
Beyond the emergency services, Commercial Services Group said the wider public sector shows cautious optimism.
It reported that 84% of total respondents are confident in delivering on National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) priorities.
Three-quarters (76%) of participants see the Procurement Act as a route to change, rather than simply a regulatory requirement.
However, confidence levels differ by sector.
The survey found that local authorities report high levels of preparedness, but the healthcare sector shows lower levels of confidence, indicating variation across public service readiness.
Tools and frameworks identified as enablers
Tarryn Kerr said: “To turn ambition into action, organisations need practical tools like easy-to-use frameworks, such as those provided by Procurement Services, that enable compliant procurement and unlock the full benefits the Act has been introduced to deliver.
“Organisations using frameworks can save time and money by removing the need to run a full competitive tender process.”
Commercial Services Group said its frameworks are already used by more than 22,000 organisations and thousands of schools across the UK.
It added that the organisation is publicly owned and reinvests its revenue into the communities it supports.
The company said its procurement service is part of a broader offering that includes HR, SEND support, legal advice, recruitment and energy management.
UK Blue Light services report challenges in Procurement Act implementation: Summary
Half of senior procurement staff in emergency services said there are gaps in training and support for the Procurement Act.
The survey was commissioned by Commercial Services Group and reported by Blue Light.
Financial and resource constraints were highlighted as risks to implementation.
34.1% of respondents said capacity issues may limit collaboration.
36.4% said regulatory compliance could affect delivery of the Act.
15.6% viewed the Act as mainly a compliance task.
4.5% said it would improve workforce wellbeing.
Across the public sector, 84% said they are confident in delivering NPPS priorities.
76% saw the Act as a real opportunity for change.
Confidence was higher in local government than in healthcare.
Tarryn Kerr called for leadership and tools to improve implementation.
Commercial Services Group said frameworks help streamline procurement and reduce tendering costs.
The Fire Industry Association launches annual market conditions survey
Join the 2024 fire industry market conditions survey
The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has announced the commencement of its annual Market Conditions Survey for 2024, inviting all businesses within the UK fire sector to participate.
As reported by the FIA, this initiative is designed to evaluate the current state of the UK fire market.
The survey, which takes approximately five minutes to complete, seeks insights into various industry aspects such as the ratio of skilled to unskilled workers, apprenticeship opportunities, payment periods, and changes in supplier costs.
Objectives of the survey
The primary goal of the survey is to gather valuable data that will help predict market trends.
This information is essential for businesses within the fire sector to make informed decisions.
The survey results will be compiled into a comprehensive report, which will be accessible to everyone in the industry.
Responses will remain anonymous to ensure open and unbiased feedback.
The FIA emphasised the importance of participation in the survey, stating: “Your input in this 5-minute survey is crucial for providing valuable insights into industry trends.” The organisation encourages all relevant businesses to take part and contribute to shaping the future of the fire industry.
How to participate in the survey
Participation in the survey is straightforward, with the FIA providing a direct link for businesses to complete it.
The association values the opinions of industry professionals and views this survey as a key tool for driving growth within the sector.
By contributing, participants will aid in the development of a more comprehensive understanding of current market conditions.
The survey results are expected to offer critical insights, aiding businesses in strategic planning and operational adjustments based on the collected data.
Benefits for businesses
For businesses, engaging in this survey presents an opportunity to influence the direction of the fire industry.
The feedback collected will help highlight areas that require attention and improvement, ultimately fostering a more robust and resilient market environment.
By sharing their experiences and perspectives, companies can play a crucial role in identifying industry trends and challenges.
The FIA believes that collective input from various stakeholders will lead to a more accurate and useful market analysis.
FIA releases annual Market Conditions Survey for UK fire market
The Fire Industry Association has released its annual Market Conditions Survey to assess the current market conditions within the UK fire market.
The survey examines the state of the fire industry from all businesses within and provides insight into the current trends in the levels of skilled to unskilled workers, employment of apprentices, payment periods and changes in supplier costs – plus the opportunity for individuals to voice their opinion on the things that matter to them most within the fire industry.
The FIA is asking businesses working within the fire sector to contribute to the survey, as this will form an essential piece of research and help predict the market trends within the industry.
Once all the data from the survey has been collected, the responses will be collated to create a report that will be freely available to all. The results will be anonymised in the report so that individuals can freely have their say.
The members survey can be found here.
The non members survey can be found here.