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PRESS RELEASE February 2007
For many years Sir George Pigot (ex-CEO FSA) had been at the forefront of moves to unite the UK Fire Sprinkler Industry and form a single organisation to represent the Industry at all levels. Indeed the FSA was formed for that specific purpose in 2003 but unfortunately BASA, who had initially been supportive, dropped out at the last moment.
Nevertheless much work has been done in the years following and 2006 began with a broad agreement between the FSA and BASA to merger into a united organisation by the end of the year. Negotiations continued through the summer to resolve minor issues and to deal with contractual matters.
With this in mind the FSA Council agreed to the closure of the FSA as from December 31st 2006 and its CEO was instructed to prepare to shut down the business accordingly. However, with no further subscription income due, this closure precipitated a cash flow crisis. A plan was developed to allow the orderly closure of the FSA and this necessitated closing down the Brimpton office on October 31st. The sprinkler manufacturers agreed to put in extra money and all Members were sent a bill for a £100 (+VAT) in accordance with the rules of membership.
It was agreed that staff of the FSA could continue to provide basic services on a voluntary basis until the end of the year, at which time it was expected that the new organisation would take over. Many hoped this would be a totally new organisation, however BASA (suitably modified) were keen to be that organisation and thus maintain their 30 year history. Indeed at their 2005 AGM they agreed to change their name to BAFSA to incorporate the FSA's name with their's.
At their AGM in November 2006 BASA formally confirmed their name change to BAFSA, and modified various of their Rules to allow for the merger of interests between the two organisations. However at some point it would seem that a decision was taken to renege on agreements and to defer the merger, apparently in order to avoid certain costly contractual obligations.
This has left many in the Residential and Domestic Sprinkler sector disenfranchised and disillusioned. Moves have therefore begun to establish a new organisation to represent this sector; at least until such time as BAFSA fulfils its obligations.
At a meeting on February 8th 2007 it was agreed to form a simple society to be called RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLER ASSOCIATES. The organisation will provide a web site, training, accreditation, technical information and limited technical representation for the residential and domestic sector of the sprinkler industry. Details are contained in a proposal paper.
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