It was an absolute privilege to take part in the recent FIA BS 5839‑1:2025 roadshow events — a series of nationwide events (and webinars) aimed at guiding the industry through one of the most important code revisions in the UK fire industry in recent years.
As someone who attended all but one roadshow and had the honour of chairing the expert panel, I came away inspired — not just by the content, but by the people. The events reminded me why I feel so proud to work in this industry, and why being actively involved in shaping it matters more than ever.
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Raising Standards, Together
The BS 5839‑1:2025 revision is a cornerstone update for our industry. It affects how we design, install, and commission fire detection systems, as well as how we document compliance and maintain the reliability of systems designed to save lives. And yet, these roadshows weren’t just about code updates — they were about raising competency, sharing insight, and bringing the industry together.
Whether in Belfast or Newport, Edinburgh or London, the energy in the room was the same. People showed up. They listened, questioned, and engaged. In fact, over 2,500 people attended in person or online — a clear signal that the fire industry is hungry for progress and professional development. 2,500 people — that’s an incredible turnout and speaks volumes about our industry’s commitment to learning and progress.
And full credit goes to the FIA’s Technical Team, whose presentations were not only informative and outstanding but genuinely engaging. I was proud to sit alongside them — and alongside panellists from BAFE and other FIA member organisations — as we tackled questions from attendees. It was a powerful reminder that codes and standards are built not just on documents, but on dialogue.
👉 Read the FIA’s official recap here.
A Missed Opportunity?
There was one moment during the roadshows that stood out to me. At the start of several sessions, the FIA Technical Team asked the audience:
‘How many of you submitted feedback during the BS 5839‑1 public consultation?’
Very few hands went up.
I’ll be honest — that surprised me. In every room, I saw so much expertise. So many experienced professionals. So many people who clearly care deeply about doing things right. And yet, most hadn’t participated in the public consultation process.
It made me think: how many valuable insights never made it to the people writing the standards? How many perspectives — from installers, designers, service technicians, and even manufacturers — could have made the final version stronger?
Be Part of the Solution
I cannot take credit for using this quote from my US colleague, Rick Heffernan, but he is right:
Our fire industry is only as strong as the people who shape it.
Yes, we all follow the codes and standards. But how many of us help inform them? How many of us write guidance documents for them?
The Fire Industry Association does incredible work to drive professionalism and progress. From technical papers to training, from webinars to lobbying, it’s an organisation built to raise the bar. I’m proud to support that work through the working groups I’m involved in — and I’m fortunate that my own company, Detectortesters, actively supports my participation.
But the FIA needs more people. Simple fact. If you’re part of an FIA member company, you can help shape change.
Technology, IoT and AI
Let’s be honest: our industry is evolving fast. IoT-enabled devices, digital compliance solutions, and AI — the list of innovations keeps growing.
If that’s your thing, then the FIA’s IoT Forum might be right for you. I recently had the privilege of presenting at its most recent event, and I can say with confidence: the work happening there is exciting. But like any working group, it needs energy, input, and ideas from a broad mix of contributors.
My Personal Invitation
As Chair of the FIA Installers & Maintainers Section (I&MS), I’m always on the lookout for new members — people who care about raising the bar and improving outcomes for customers. The I&MS is just one group among many. If you have a passion for our industry, technology, training, codes, compliance, or best practices, there’s a place for you.
And you never know where that involvement will take you.
I certainly didn’t expect to be involved in national roadshows or contribute to European-level discussions when I first joined a working group. But I’ve never looked back — and I’ve met some brilliant people along the way.
If you’re part of an FIA member company and you’d like to get involved, just drop a message to [email protected]
