fiaMore than half of companies within the fire sector reported an increase in orders over the preceding six months, the Fire Industry Association's (FIA) third Market Condition Review has revealed.

The report is a ‘snapshot’ taken every six month to review how the fire protection market is performing. It is based on a survey conducted by the FIA of both FIA member and non-member companies across the UK.

Wave 3 of the report has revealed that:
• Growth in the fire sector continues with 53% of respondents reported an increase in orders over the preceding six months
• The private sector is primarily responsible for the increase in orders
• 37% of respondents indicated an increase in tenders requiring Third Party Certification

Commenting on the findings, CEO of the FIA Graham Ellicott said: "Overall, the report shows an improvement for the industry. Profit margins are still being squeezed, which isn’t good, but orders are up as is recruitment. Businesses are also seeing a small increase in requests for evidence of Third Party Certification, which we applaud and whole-heartedly encourage.

"The most notable observation from this third wave of the survey is that, in the last six months, FIA members have received 40% more orders than the non-members surveyed. This proves the reassurance FIA membership gives end customers; non-members should take note."

The FIA’s Market Condition Review can be downloaded from free at: http://bit.ly/1rRZWh7