FIA

Graham Ellicott - Chief Executive Officer

Graham was appointed as the first CEO of the Fire Industry Association in April 2007 when the BFPSA and FETA joined forces to form the new Association. Prior to this Graham was CEO of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection ( ASFP ) and Managing Director of the Mandoval Group.

With 30 years of experience in the fire protection sector Graham has worked in North America and Europe in the cellulosic fire, hydrocarbon fire and flame retardancy sectors. Graham is a Chartered Chemist, a Chartered Scientist and a Fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers.
 

Martin Duggan - General Manager 

Martin joined the team in 2001 as Export Focal Point Manager where he established the influential Export Council. He progressed to Commercial Manager in 2005 before taking his current position as General Manager with the formation of FIA . Prior to working for the FIA Martin held positions within Dennis Vehicles and Hygood.

Dr Dave Smith - Export Manager

After completing his PhD in thermodynamics, Dave was a Senior Research Scientist at Kidde before moving on to product, sales and business management roles in the same organisation relating to fixed fire suppression systems. He then joined the FIA as Business Development Manager where he looked after a number of its committees as well as heading its regional activities and external liaison work. Dave now acts as FIA Export Manager and, in addition, provides secretariat support to FIRESA , the trade association for suppliers to the fire and rescue sector.

Robert Thilthorpe - Technical Manager

Robert joined the team in 2002 as Assistant Technical Manager, taking over as Technical Manager in 2005. Prior to joining the FIA Robert worked for BSI and was responsible for National, European and International Fire Committees for fire extinguishing (FSH/18, CEN /TC191), fire detection and alarms (FSH/12, CEN /TC72), Fire Brigade Equipment (FSH/17, CEN /TC192) and Portable Fire Extinguishers (FSH/2).

Robert remains the current Chair of FSH/18 Fixed Fire Fighting Systems and CEN /TC191 Fixed Fire Fighting Systems as well as representng the  FIA at European level - Eurofeu Fixed Installations Section and Portable Fire Extinguishers Section, Euralarm Services Section.
 

Phil Martin - Technical Manager

Phil worked for Walter Kidde for five years in the 1970’s engineering fire suppression systems. During his career he has worked for a number of fire safety companies, in a number of roles where he has been involved in FD&A, portable extinguishers and emergency lighting, fire safety signs, fire risk assessment, QMS and training. For four years prior to joining the FIA , Phil was an independent consultant working within the fire industry providing technical training, QMS and fire risk assessment.

 Graham Simons - Technical Manager

Graham joined the Technical Team in February 2011, with a specialism in FD&A queries as well as acting a Secretary to the FD&A Council. Prior to joining us he worked for 12 years at Honeywell Life Safety as Regulatory Manager, where he also sat on various technical committees including Euralarm, BSI FSH12 and ISO TC21 Standards.

Vicky Keeble - Compliance Manager

Vicky joined the FIA in 2011 as Compliance Manager to provide guidance and consultancy to members on quality and environmental (Q&E) systems.  Vicky has 7 years' experience in Q&E management and audit gained working  at Atkins in Epsom, where she provided advice, training and support to the business on Q&E issues.

Vicky is currently studying part time for an MSc in Corporate Environmental Management at Surrey University and is an associate member of the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment.

Michael Gregg - Sales Manager

Michael joined the FIA in September 2008 as Sales Manager.  His primary role is to deal with everything relating to membership of the FIA .  Michael has previously worked within the property business and also spent 20 years working for the Post Office Ltd

Becky Reid - Marketing Manager

Becky joined the FIA as Marketing Manager in 2008, brining with her a wealth of knowledge following eight years specialising in marketing, events and PR in the motorcycle and sports industries.  Previous roles include Marketing Manager at Suzuki, Product Manager for Honda and Press Officer for Yamaha Racing. Becky is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Monica Keats - Marketing Communications Executive

Monica joined the FIA in January 2011 as Marketing Communications Executive. She attended the University of Kent where she received a BA (Hons) in Hispanic Studies. Since graduating, Monica has gained experience in Public Relations and events; having worked in arts PR and then as an Events Executive, organising B2B IT events.

Ian Gurling - Training Manager

Ian joined the FIA in early 2008.  Prior to this Ian introduced NVQs to NFT Distribution, project managed an NVQ programme for the care sector on behalf of the Surrey County Council and provided training for the Police Federation of England and Wales.  Ian is a keen proponent of education and training for which he has been awarded Graduate of the City and Guilds Institute and has also gained a BA(Hons) through the Open University.

Melena Blake - Training Coordinator

Melena  joined the Association in July 2009.  Before joining the FIA she worked at Phoenix Vauxhall as a Bodyshop Receptionist where she was responsible for booking cars into the garage and keeping customers updated on the repair process.  Prior to this she worked as an Auctioneers Clerk for Manheim Auctions where she assisted the auctioneers in the running of the auctions.