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British Fire Consortium AGM: A Look Back at Our 150th Meeting On the 2nd of October, members of the British Fire Consortium gathered at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa Windermere for this year's AGM, which also marked our 150th meeting. Here's a look back at the day…
Welcome, finances and your marketing team
Gary opened the meeting with a welcome and introductions, setting the scene for the day. Mart discussed revenue and the areas in which the Consortium has been investing to enhance the member experience. This investment is based on member feedback, with a focus on the Young Persons Foundation and the marketing of the Consortium.
Next, Liam from Infuse Marketing, the Consortium's marketing partner, gave members insight into how Infuse supports the BFC and what that means for them. He covered how the Consortium’s brand has been recently updated, where the BFC is being promoted, and how members can make the most of that activity. The session was practical and engaging, and it prompted plenty of conversation afterwards.
The highlight: Professor Paul Christensen on lithium-ion batteries
Professor Paul Christensen presented his research into lithium-ion batteries and the risks they pose. His most striking point was that there is currently no suppressant or established method that deals effectively with a lithium-ion battery fire. Which is a challenge for the whole industry. The talk sparked a lively discussion among members, with plenty of questions and differing views on the way forward.
Lunch, a boat trip and an evening of entertainment
After lunch, the afternoon saw members take to the water for a boat trip on the picturesque Lake Windermere, a relaxed way to carry on the conversations. The day finished with an evening dinner and entertainment from "Last One to Laugh."
What's next
Your feedback is already shaping our plans. Over the coming weeks we'll be looking at:
· How we tackle the challenges around EVs
· How you can get more from the CPD resources on our website
· Ideas for a new member onboarding pack
Have your say
Have a thought on any of the above, or a topic you'd like us to cover next? Get in touch and let us know.
Thank you to our speakers, and to Professor Christensen in particular for a talk that will keep people thinking. Thank you, too, to every member who joined us. Your questions, conversation and debate made the day what it was.
Take a look through the images to revisit some of the highlights from the day.
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For someone starting out in the fire and security industry, there is a lot to learn.
On 2 October 2026, BFC members will gather for this year's AGM, marking a milestone: the 150th meeting. To mark the occasion, we sat down with Graham Newman, BFC President a long-serving member, to trace the story from a conversation in a London hotel bar in the 1980s to the 240+ member organisation
The third and most recent edition of ISO 3941 published in January 2026, introduces a formal addition of Class L. These are fires involving lithium-ion batteries.
