ASFP team expands to support growth and develop influence

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has expanded its team as part of a structural reorganisation which aims to provide improved member, technical and training services, while further raising the profile of the Association throughout the construction supply chain. The Association has enlarged its training, technical and marketing teams in order to support and augment its rapid growth and further develop the services it offers.

Kevin Fairless has been appointed as the ASFP’s new Head of Training, supported by Phil Brownhill who now takes the role of Training Officer as the Association broadens its training offering.

Kevin has over 25 years of experience working for organisations that promote high standards, professionalism, and high-level influence. He recently worked for a leading property management membership body that has seen a strong growth phase. The body was involved in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consultation process on key legislative developments namely, the Fire Safety Bill, Building Safety Bill, and the regulation of property agents.

At a time when regulation, legislation and qualifications are high on the Government agenda, Kevin has been at the forefront of driving change, alongside industry-specific working groups which are opening opportunities for apprentices, and providing respected and trusted professional qualifications.

Commenting on his appointment Kevin stated: “I am delighted to be joining the ASFP. I am a strong advocate of professional development, and one key objective is for this to be adopted across the industry for all personnel involved with passive fire protection, including architects, facilities managers, and the larger contractor community.

“Another of the ASFP’s key objectives is to further develop its credibility with fire-related professional bodies, command a stronger influencing position and to engage much more with the lobbying and influencing agenda. The further development of the ASFP’s training offering can help to meet both objectives, since encouraging operational staff to undertake ASFP training and obtain appropriate qualifications helps raise standards across the entire sector.”

Ex-CEO Niall Rowan will provide additional technical support as the ASFP’s new Regulatory and Technical Officer. With his extensive knowledge of passive fire protection products, standards and building regulations, he will help to guide the Association’s response to the Government’s legislative agenda, provide technical support to ASFP members and work with construction industry bodies in the development of the new competency framework.  

The ASFP’s marketing team has also been boosted with the appointment of Reece Goodman as Marketing Executive, supported by Max Joyce as Production/Digital Content Executive. Reece has a first-class degree in Business and Marketing from Birmingham City University. He joins the ASFP after two years with escape room company, Escape Live, where he was the Marketing Coordinator, overseeing the company’s mailing and social media campaigns and providing website design and maintenance. Max brings extensive photography, videography and content creation experience having started his own freelance business at the age of 16 and having worked with a variety of creative individuals and businesses.  

Commenting on the growing team, ASFP CEO Steve Davies declared: “The ASFP already has an enviable reputation as a leading authority on passive fire protection but needs to raise its profile in the wider construction industry with a focus on the three key areas of influence, competency and compliance.

“By building a stronger ASFP team, the Association can offer greater support to its members, while continuing to develop its training and technical services and broadening its reach and influence to establish it as  a trusted authority, offering professional advice, education and appropriate qualifications to the wider fire, design and construction sectors.”

For further information on the ASFP and passive fire protection advice, visit www.asfp.org.uk