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FIRESA, the UK Fire and Rescue Suppliers Association, has pledged to continue to influence the procurement agenda and to maximise the ‘clout’ of fire equipment suppliers in the coming year.Speaking at its annual general meeting in March, FIRESA’s new vice-chairman, Dave Russell of Kidde, said the Association has a key role as both a lobbyist for change and as a consultative body in the industry. Reviewing the past year and looking forwards, he said the Association will be ‘flexing its muscles more’ on major issues.
He said there was currently too much reliance on overseas suppliers for UK resilience, even though there is a good industry base in the UK for this. Greater priority should be given to domestic suppliers, he urged.
The Association will help shape the National Procure-ment Strategy for the fire service – now being reviewed – as well as maintaining its strong representation on UK and European standards groups, added Mr Russell.
The meeting also highlighted the lack of ‘buy-in’ by stakeholders to national procurement agency, Firebuy, although there was acceptance of the benefits of national and regional procurement in terms of best value and interoperability.
Gary Smith of TVAC was appointed as FIRESA’s new chairman for two years from April 2008. He replaces David Chisnall, who was thanked by delegates – including keynote speaker, Fire and Rescue Advisor Sir Ken Knight – for his significant efforts with the Association.
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