The multi-year agreement will see the launch of the Fire and Security Matters Awards, which take place at the Ricoh Arena in 2022 with entries for the event set to open next year. The event aims to recognise excellence and innovation in the fire and security sectors and will be supported by the industries’ leading publications Fire Safety Matters and Security Matters.

Fire Safety Matters will also publish an essential annual guide to the UK’s fire safety sector in partnership with the FIA. This will be sent to all Fire Safety Matters subscribers and all FIA members.

In addition, all FIA members will be offered the opportunity to receive a copy of Fire Safety Matters as an additional membership benefit. The magazine is the market leader in the fire sector and published four times per annum. It’s also the only publication in the sector that can offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points to readers.

Commenting on the strategic agreement, Fire Industry Association CEO Ian Moore said: “There are a range of opportunities offered by Western Business Media in this agreement that stand to benefit all of our members. They will always be our focus. I have been contributing to Fire Safety Matters magazine for some time and look forward to opening it up to FIA members to input their thoughts. In addition, the new awards evening serves as a great opportunity to promote and recognise innovation in the fire safety world.”

Western Business Media’s CEO Mark Sennett responded: “We’re delighted to be extending our already great relationship with the FIA. This partnership will provide the FIA with access to our database of more than 300,000 industry professionals. We’re always keen to help share updates on the organisation’s essential work within the sector.”

Sennett added: “Launching the Fire and Security Matters Awards was a logical step based on industry feedback and follows on from the successful launch of the Health and Safety Excellence Awards, for which the FIA has served on the judging panel since 2018. Both the FIA and Fire Safety Matters are keen to recognise the vital role played by the industry in keeping people and premises safe.”

In addition, Sennett explained: “We’re also excited to be partnering with the FIA on the launch of an annual guide focused on the state of the UK fire safety sector, which will provide key information on legislation and Best Practice as well as research on trends. This will be published annually starting from 2021.”

*For more information on Fire Safety Matters magazine visit www.fsmatters.com For more information on the Fire Industry Association visit www.fia.uk.com