A new route for fire detection and alarm companies seeking to achieve BAFE SP-203 certification has been launched by the Fire Industry Association.

The package, which is being run in partnership with the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) – a certification body that is UKAS accredited to inspect against the SP203 scheme – has been set up in response to demand from detection and alarm companies for information and assistance in obtaining third party certification, says the FIA.

“Having brought over 250 new members to the association over the last four years, we have a good understanding of the issues companies face when trying to reach the third party certification benchmark,” said Graham Ellicott, CEO of the FIA. “We have worked with our strategic partners (NSI and BAFE) and devised a package to genuinely help companies achieve this.”

Graham Ellicott of the FIA (left) and Jeff Little of NSI seal the SP-203 deal

Jeff Little, CEO of NSI said: “It can often be a significant challenge for service providers to justify the costs, criteria, processes and the very benefits of belonging to one or more of the industry organisations open to them nowadays. But this new scheme, offered by the FIA, brings everything together within one tidy envelope to present the service provider with a clear, direct and straightforward roadmap through to membership.

“The four pillars of this package – the consultancy, certification, BAFE approval and trade association membership – will all help equip service providers with the visible manifestation that demonstrates real dedication to providing a top quality service.”