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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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