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Our Board

Meet The Board

The British Fire Consortium is led by an experienced board of industry professionals who volunteer their time to support members, shape our training programmes, and uphold the highest standards of fire safety across the UK.

Graham Newman

Graham Newman

President

Graham has spent decades in gas cylinder manufacture and fire extinguisher standards, representing the BFC on British Standards technical committees and championing quality across the industry.

Joined: 1987

Expertise: Gas cylinders, fire extinguishers, technical standards

Gary McDowell

Gary McDowell

Chairman

Gary brings a background in chemistry, engineering and many years on the Board, focusing on maintaining the Consortium's professional standing and influence across the fire safety sector.

Joined: 2006

Expertise: Board leadership, training strategy, industry liaison

Mark Palmer

Mark Palmer

Vice Chairman

Mark entered the fire industry in the 1990s and has built deep experience in fire risk assessment, training and consultancy, supporting members with practical, real-world insight.

Joined: 2002

Expertise: Fire risk assessment, training, industry best practice

Mart Rogers

Mart Rogers

Treasurer

As Treasurer, Mart supports the Consortium's financial governance and helps ensure resources are used effectively to deliver value for members and sustain future initiatives.

Joined: 2008

Expertise: Financial oversight, governance, member services

Joe Newman

Joe Newman

General Secretary

Joe provides strategic coordination for the Consortium's activities, ensuring effective governance, clear communication, and smooth delivery of initiatives that serve and connect members.

Joined: 2020

Expertise: Fire extinguishers, training, member services

Alex Brindle

Alex Brindle

Board Member

Alex runs a family-owned fire and security business and brings practical experience in alarms, emergency lighting and extinguishers, along with a strong commitment to training and development.

Joined: 2018

Expertise: Fire alarms, emergency lighting, SME leadership

Lee Richards

Lee Richards

Board Member

Lee contributes his experience as a fire safety professional and trainer, supporting the Consortium's work on training quality and member support.

Joined: 2016

Expertise: Fire door inspection, specialist training

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Ashley Palmer

Board Member

Ashley supports the Board with a focus on day-to-day industry challenges, bringing frontline experience from within the fire safety sector to help shape the Consortium's work.

Joined: 2019

Expertise: Service delivery, member representation, field insight

Angus McDonald

Angus McDonald

Board Member

Angus is an experienced fire safety specialist based in the Highlands of Scotland and leads Dion Fire Safety Security Ltd, a business founded by his father which he acquired in 2015. Under his direction, Dion has grown to offer comprehensive fire safety solutions, including portable extinguisher supply and servicing, fire suppression systems (land and marine), safety signage, and fire safety training. His background spans technical and managerial roles, including Lighting Control Commissioning Engineer at Simmtronic Ltd, Facilities Manager at Watford Football Club, and Mobile Electrician at Heatsave Ltd. He began his career as a self-employed electrician and served in the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers.

Joined: 2023

Expertise: Portable extinguishers, suppression systems (land and marine), safety signage, fire safety training

David Gibson

David Gibson

Board Member

David supports the Consortium as a Board Member, helping guide strategic priorities and strengthen value for members across the UK fire sector.

Joined: 2025

Expertise: Board governance and member support

Have A Question For The Board?

All board roles are voluntary and supported by the BFC Secretariat. If you would like to contact the Board or raise a matter for discussion, please get in touch with the Secretary in the first instance.

Contact The Secretary