Another great reason to join IFEDA

PRESS RELEASE
31 October 2011

IFEDA MEMBERS FEEL THE BENEFIT
IFEDA, the Independent Fire Engineering and Distributors Association, recognising the need to offer additional benefits of membership that add tangible value to its many members, has introduced a free bespoke HR advice and assistance service.

The service, provided by Fitzpatrick Wilkes & Co, is designed to assist member companies, many of whom employ staff but don’t always have the access to specialist in house HR expertise, with their HR queries. Fitzpatrick Wilkes specialises in assisting small and medium businesses with their HR requirements; Pauline Wilkes from Fitzpatrick Wilkes says: "With our expertise and knowledge of the HR issues affecting small businesses we are delighted to be working with IFEDA to provide bespoke advice to members on their specific HR queries."

The HR service comprises an HR audit, which enables Fitzpatrick Wilkes to assess the policies and procedures currently in place, and identify any areas which may be lacking, or require very specific policies. This audit ensures that any subsequent advice provided is bespoke to the member, and completely fits their business needs and requirements. The initial audit, which can be conducted via the telephone or in person, can then be followed up with 3 free phone calls which are included as part of this benefit.

Graham Ferris, general manager at IFEDA commented: "Offering a personalised service to our members is an added benefit of membership that provides real value. Many members have HR queries from time to time, and to be able to tailor a package that answers their very specific needs, rather than a general answer, is a real bonus. We’re delighted to be working with Fitzpatrick Wilkes on this collaboration."

IFEDA, as an independent trade association, promotes quality standards and procedures within the fire safety industry.
Further details about IFEDA can be found at www.ifeda.org or by emailing info@ifeda.org.
ENDS

For media information, images and interviews contact:
Kay Pendell-Smith
ps marketing
Tel: 01296 394729

IFEDA, supporting prostate charity for Movember

Being the General Manager of a trade association in what is a male dominated sector of British industry I am saddened by the number of times I hear about prostate and testicular cancer especially when it affects IFEDA's members and/or their family. I was made aware that the technicians of IFEDA member Fire Crest Protection down in Cornwall are growing moustaches as their way of raising awareness and funds for this worthwhile charity in what is known as movember.
On behalf of IFEDA I to am going to support their efforts for movember BUT having seen the attached photo from the IFEDA agm of 15 October I am intending to lose a substantial amount of weight and invite you to donate to the disappearing pounds.
I am weighing in at 14 stone and 8 pounds (verified by my incorruptible wife) you may wish to sponsor me for every pound lost from today until Thursday 1st December.
Neither I nor IFEDA take or use any of your donation - it will go via the links below to the Prostate Cancer Charity
My just giving page can be found at http://www.justgiving.com/Graham-Ferris
Or via the associated Facebook page at http://apps.facebook.com/jgdonation/Graham-Ferris/on-facebook
If you fancy supporting this charity by growing your own moustache you can read more about MOVEMBER at http://uk.movember.com/about or even sponsor the guys at Fire Crest.

IFEDA elects new national chairman

IFEDA, the Independent Fire Engineering and Distributors Association, has elected a new Chairman for the association at their recent AGM.
Nigel Walton, Director at Abbot Fire Group, steps into the role having been an active member of the association for the past 9 years.
Walton said: "I am thrilled to accept this new role. It’s an honour to have received the backing from my industry colleagues with their unanimous votes of support. My thanks go to the previous Chairman for his work and commitment, and I look forward to enhancing the work IFEDA does. Working with both members of the association, and the fire industry as a whole, I look forward to achieving IFEDA’s aim of continually raising standards and procedures within the fire industry."

The AGM was followed by the IFEDA Annual Conference, where the association members benefit from talks by key industry speakers and presenters about information and legislation relevant to their industry.

Graham Ferris, General Manager at IFEDA, commented: "This year we received a huge amount of positive feedback from those members who attended the information sessions, not only in relation to the very varied topics, but also how the information can help with the running of their own businesses."
Rui Soreto, from Everlux Masterlux, flew in from Portugal to give a timely presentation on the recently published BS ISO 7010: 2011 which covers graphical symbols, safety colours and signs, and registered safety signs.
This year’s speakers also included Ron Reid from Shoosmiths, the law firm, who commented: "It was clear to me that members took a real interest in the presentations and asked intelligent and searching questions of presenters to broaden not only their own knowledge but for the benefit of all." IFEDA members also benefitted from a presentation from Stephen Adams, General and Marketing Manager, from BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment), who discussed the latest schemes and marketing news.

IFEDA, as an independent trade association, promotes quality standards and procedures within the fire safety industry.
Further details can be found at www.ifeda.org or by emailing info@ifeda.org.