Member Benefits
So, what do you get out being a member of the FIA Export Council?
- Representation
- Networking
- Market & Scoping Mission Reports
- Overseas Trade Missions
- Inward Missions
- Promotion of FIA Export Members
- Weekly Updates
Representation
A vital role of the Council is to engage actively with government and its agencies on expert issues that will impact on the competitiveness of the UK fire industry. Acting as the recognised industry voice, FIA Export has the experience and credibility to exert real influence in growing international trade and exports.
Current issues on which we are active include:
- Promoting the fire sector within UKTI's Defence and Security sector
- Central and regional government grants
- Availability of British and European Standards in the world market
Networking
In today's fast-paced international environment, networking is essential in marketing your business as well as procuring important information and knowledge.
Exporting is an area where there is a multitude of opportunities to share information and work together in ways that are non commercially-sensitive. FIA Export recognises this and provides as many opportunities as possible to enable networking among its members and beyond.
Sector-Specific Market Reports and Scoping Mission Reports
Our most recent Scoping Report looks at the fire protection market in South Africa which holds significant potential for UK products. We have also recently commissioned a report on Brazil.
We also have available many other Overseas Market and Research Reports. Those available to non-members are listed in the eShop where you can purchase copies directly.
Our Business Plan for 2011/12 includes the commissioning of Market Reports in several territories. Contact the Export Manager to find out more about which countries have been selected.
Overseas Trade Missions
In recent years, missions have taken place to India, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, Romania and Turkey. For 2011/12, we have received UKTI funding for missions to Turkey [probably September 2011] and Kazakhstan [early in 2012].
Participation in our missions is a fantastic cost-effective way to get the very best out of an oveseas market visit. Working with the relevant British Embassy and Commercial Officers on the ground, FIA Export organises programmes of seminars, receptions and one-to-one contacts with key companies and decision makers that individual visitors to the country would be unable to achieve.
You do not have to be an FIA Export member to go on our missions so please let us know if you would like further details of these visits.
Inward Trade Missions
FIA Export acts as a focal point for overseas visitors, enabling our members to meet key personnel arriving into the UK.
UK Seminars include the Annual Industry Briefing Course which brings UKTI's Commercial Officers to the UK from across the world to present on their markets and hear from FIA Export on our members' products and export capabilities.
FIA Export was involved in a Meet The Buyers event at International Firex, 2011, which saw over 600 meetings taking place with representatives of 25 nations from all over the world.
Promotion of FIA Export Members
FIA Export members enjoy visibility to potential customers via the FIA Export website, the Directory of Members and at a range of UK and overseas events, achieving recognition as key UK exporters of fire protection and fire fighting equipment.
Weekly Updates
Every week, members receive up-to-date news on tender opportunities, inward/outward missions and seminars/exhibitions as well as guidance on a number of aspects of the exporting processes.
We also hold a growing on-line document library featuring a range of publications of assistance to exporters.
