Euralarm opens its doors to Associate Members

Prior to organising its Extraordinary General Assembly and following a decision taken by the membership, Euralarm is now opening its doors to Associate Members. Founded back in 1970, Euralarm represents over 5,000 companies within the fire safety and security industry. Collectively, these organisations are valued at 67 billion Euros.

At present, Europe finds itself in a time of change. New technologies, digitisation, new standards and regulations are pointing towards a new era, but life safety and security for European citizens whether at home, at work or travelling throughout Europe are going to remain key considerations.

The fire safety and security industry has a vitally important role to play in keeping Europe a safe place. In relation to this, the work of Euralarm is supported by a broad representation of stakeholders caring for a safe and secure society. That support ensures that Euralarm can contribute towards a safe and secure environment.

Euralarm provides leadership for the fire safety and security industry, offering their expertise to policy-makers and standardisation bodies alike. The organisation proactively supports a European Single Market strategy for the sector. As part of that strategy, and as the only Trade Association in the sector, Euralarm has a local team operational in Brussels.

Until now, the membership of Euralarm was open to national associations and companies who want to tap into the political expertise of the organisation and understand how European Union and local policy is impacting the fire safety and security industry and its markets.

Seeking new members

Euralarm is now calling upon stakeholders who want to contribute to the move to the next era to join the organisation. Those stakeholders include research organisations, certification bodies, associations, insurance companies and consumer organisations.

Associate membership allows companies to make personal connections with technical and political experts, share expertise on standardisation and be heard and influence standardisation and legislative processes. Stakeholders who become associate members will be kept in touch with the latest trends in regulation and technology and benefit from direct access to a repository of Euralarm documentation produced by members and the professional team resident at the Trade Association.

Associate members are also welcome to network with industry experts during the annual Euralarm Symposium in addition to other focused events.

Associate membership brings with it observer status. There are no voting rights attached or rights to chair a Euralarm Section or Euralarm Committee. Associate members have the right to participate in the activities of the Trade Association and its sections and have access to relevant section and cross-sectional information.

*Organisations interested in joining Euralarm as associate members can send their application in writing to the General Management or visit the Euralarm website at www.euralarm.org for more information

BSIA appoints Pauline Norstrom as Honorary Member of Trade Association

Pauline Norstrom has been appointed by the Board of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) as an Honorary Member of the Trade Association. Norstrom’s involvement with the BSIA stretches back over 20 years, with the dedicated security professional having served as chair of the Association from 2014-2016 as well as serving for six years as chair of the Video Surveillance Systems Section.

During her tenure as chair of the Trade Association, Norstrom championed the BSIA’s strategy, part of which was to promote the value of member services over and above price in what is a highly competitive marketplace, duly resulting in the development of the White Paper entitled ‘The (Real) Price of Security Solutions’.

As chair of the Video Surveillance Systems Section, Norstrom ensured that the BSIA was represented on the National CCTV Strategy Board and speaking for the whole industry, in turn leading to the development of BS 8495 focused on the extraction of digital evidence, the BSIA’s Privacy Masking Guide, the Chip and PIN Guide and the Code of Practice for the Design, Installation and Maintenance of Video Surveillance Systems.

Pauline Norstrom

Norstrom was also a key driver behind the development of the leading research project entitled ‘The Picture Is Not Clear: How Many CCTV Surveillance Cameras in the UK?’, the most extensive study of the number of CCTV cameras in the UK in the last 20 years. This particular project positioned the BSIA in the mainstream media in the UK and globally.

In 2016, Norstrom founded Anekanta Ltd, which from 2019 has provided expertise for converging new and legacy technology, examining ethical considerations and the potential impact of the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Prior to this, Norstrom headed up the global marketing function of Dedicated Micros, followed by senior Board and leadership roles in related UK and US technology businesses.

Norstrom is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, a member of the IoT Security Foundation and the Security Industry Association’s Cyber Security Advisory Board and also a member of British Mensa.

Norstrom is a regular public speaker and writer providing thought leadership and ideas to the industry and its stakeholders.

Mike Reddington, CEO at the BSIA, said: “The BSIA is delighted to appoint Pauline Norstrom as an Honorary Member of the Association. Pauline’s contribution to the industry and our Association will play an essential role in clarifying the industry’s position on facial recognition, and will go some way towards helping to explain the benefits of this technology, recommending ethical uses and building the trust of the public. We can then move forward the next iteration of research on CCTV cameras.”

Door & Hardware Federation appoints Dormakaba’s Ricky Walker as vice-chairman for Industrial Door Group

Ricky Walker, service commercial manager at dormakaba, has been appointed by the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) as vice-chairman for the Industrial Door Group.

The DHF is a Trade Association for companies associated with locks and building hardware, doorsets, industrial doors and shutters and automated gates. With over 450 members, it’s a valued single source for technical advice, support and training and, importantly, is committed to raising the standards of the industry.

Walker has been a member of the DHF for ten years. He’ll be drawing upon his 18 years of industry experience to work with the association in his role, helping to spearhead the importance of Health and Safety standards for companies and their end user clients.

Ricky Walker

“I’m very proud to be taking this central position at DHF,” commented Walker. “I’m particularly looking forward to working with people who, like me, are passionate about the industry in which we work. My past industry experience as an engineer, as well as being a business owner prior to joining dormakaba, means I’m well aware of some of the key challenges we face in the industry, such as skills shortages and a lack of fresh talent.”

Walker continued: “At dormakaba, we take pride in the active responsibility we’ve taken to find solutions to these challenges. By working with the DHF, we will be able to deliver training to both apprentices and new starters, while also improving the knowledge of existing engineers and manufacturers. This ensures everyone’s kept up-to-date on the necessary product and installation standards and legislation such that all products are specified, maintained and installed in line with this. We’re extremely keen to promote better, safer industry standards.”

Life safety expert Baldwin Boxall joins Fire Industry Association

Life safety and voice alarm expert Baldwin Boxall has recently become a member of the Fire Industry Association (FIA). With over 800 members, the FIA is the largest fire protection-focused Trade Association in the UK. Its objective is to promote, improve and perfect fire protection methods, devices, services and apparatus through training and technical support as well as assist in the shaping of legislation and professional fire industry standards.

Baldwin Boxall’s sales and marketing director Nick Baldwin informed Risk Xtra: “Our own mission has always been to supply products and solutions that set the industry benchmark and to develop meaningful relationships with our customers so that they know we are a company upon whom they can rely. We feel that the FIA reflects those values and that we and our customers can only benefit from this move.”

Baldwin added: “We’re delighted to become part of the FIA family and look forward to working in partnership with the organisation and becoming involved with industry training, promoting Best Practice and realising the various networking opportunities that being a member also brings.”

Baldwin Boxall provides a range of solutions for end users in charge of fire safety programme management, among them EN54 voice alarms, emergency voice communication systems, PA systems, room panels and Nurse Call solutions.

*Further information is available online at http://www.baldwinboxall.co.uk

 

Fire Industry Association to assess current fire industry market conditions

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) – the UK’s largest Trade Association for the fire safety sector – is to carry out its latest large-scale survey designed to assess the current market conditions within the UK fire market.

The Market Conditions Survey, which is conducted every year, asks businesses within the fire market to voice their opinions on various areas of trade, such as the number of orders and quotations provided, and tracks their views on the need for training and personnel.

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 when it comes to predicting the market trends within the industry.

As an added incentive, the FIA is offering respondents to the survey the chance to win a £50 Amazon voucher. For those who are quick enough, the first 100 people to enter will be given two entries into the prize draw.

The FIA promises full confidentiality. No names or businesses will be singled out within the report.

To take part, click on the links below, depending on whether you or your business is a member or a non-member of the Trade Association.

*Members: https://r1.dotmailer-surveys.com/7416bb21-9f2ufcea

*Non-Members: https://r1.dotmailer-surveys.com/7416bb21-322ufb33

Comelit fires up new division with FIA membership

Comelit UK has become a member of the Fire Industry Association (FIA) following the introduction of its new fire division, which is purpose-designed to complement the company’s renowned security portfolio.

The Italian door entry manufacturer, which is known for its high specification solutions, now offers a range of automatic fire detection systems, including conventional and addressable panels, that have proven successful across Europe.

Pledging its commitment to the sector, Comelit has become a member of the FIA. The latter is the largest fire protection Trade Association in the UK and influential in helping to promote and shape legislation and professional standards in the fire industry.

Colin Smith, fire manager at Comelit UK, said: “One of my first priorities in my new role was to ensure that Comelit joined the FIA. This was not only to cement our commitment to the fire industry, but also to define our position in alignment with an organisation that can set industry Best Practice, shape standards and influence legislation.”

Smith continued: “I’m looking forward to attending the FIA’s networking events and conferences to raise awareness of our new fire division. We can present a portfolio of products that achieves the highest safety standards, without compromising on the style and aesthetics synonymous with the Comelit brand.”

Comelit will now be able to present its membership of the FIA by using the latter’s logo on all printed and digital media, in turn demonstrating its dedication to an organisation associated with quality, credibility and high industry standards.

Kat Schabowska, marketing executive at the FIA, explained: “The FIA has a duty to inform the public about good practice. Employers in particular are often confused about their responsibilities, and it’s our duty to provide the necessary guidance and requirements to achieve the standards. We’re delighted to welcome Comelit UK on board as it launches into the fire industry. What this demonstrates is a commitment to offering products and services of the highest standard and which achieve our strict membership criteria. We look forward to working with Colin and the team.”

Euralarm members in favour of revising EU’s Construction Products Regulation

Euralarm, the Trade Association representing the European electronic fire safety and security industry, has provided comments on the Inception Impact Assessment on a potential revision of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). While supporting the main objective of the CPR, Euralarm feels that, in line with the actions of DG GROWTH, a review of the document is necessary.

According to Euralarm members, the CPR hasn’t had the required effect on the competitiveness of the electronic fire safety industry. The industry depends on standardised product performance requirements and standardised behaviour, which is at odds with the CPR.

For example, alarm buttons to activate a fire alarm system are always red right across Europe and the world. Under the CPR, this isn’t seen as ‘performance criteria’ and therefore the colour could change depending on national solutions, which could well lead to building occupants being confused in fire episodes and the lives of European citizens being put in danger.

Although the CPR’s stated objective is to help standardise test methods and ensure the European-wide acceptance of test results, thus supporting the movement of construction products across Europe, it’s also trying to cover a very wide range of products with very different characteristics and where performance criteria are less important. This has a negative effect on the standardisation of fire detection and alarm products.

Euralarm is prepared to explain the objective differences and the impact on the functionality and reliability of electronic fire safety products.

Based on initial consultations, Euralarm members favour revising the CPR (Option II of the Inception Impact Assessment), bearing in mind the successful role that standards have played in the market in terms of establishing clarity, flexibility and harmony. This is good for the European economy and its ability to participate in a global market which, after all, is all the main objective of the CPR.

Euralarm will continue to work hand-in-hand with the European Commission and, specifically, with DG GROWTH to define and implement the best possible solution.