The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has commenced its Market Conditions Survey to assess the current state of the UK fire market. Released annually, the survey seeks vital opinions and input from businesses in the fire sector. Questions range from the frequency of enquiries received for fire-related services, the number of orders placed, evolving recruitment practices, and levels of workforce training. The survey also enables businesses to share some of the biggest challenges they are currently facing in the fire sector.
As the not-for-profit trade association explains, every response will provide valuable insight into emerging trends within the industry, including “skilled-to-unskilled worker ratios, apprenticeship opportunities, payment periods, and supplier cost changes”.
“By contributing, you’ll assist in predicting market trends, aiding businesses in making informed decisions, and shaping the future of the fire industry,” FIA adds. Following last year’s survey, the FIA noted several interesting trends based on the data it received as part of its 15th Market Conditions Review.
At the time, FIA revealed a significant increase in the number of enquiries coming from the public sector (from 14% to 56%), while private sector enquiries dropped by 26%. In its analysis, FIA said: “This could be a sign that public investment and new legislation is driving public sector growth, whilst the current period of high inflation is driving the private sector to cut costs.”
Regarding the indicators for skilled labour, apprentices, and training, FIA noted that there was “evidence that industry is increasing its apprentice intake and future staff training intentions compared to the latter half of the earlier decade, but levels of current training are slightly down as well as increases in skilled labour”. Responses received in this latest survey will again be compiled into a comprehensive report that will be accessible to everyone.
