When we turned up to our first Fire Industry Networking event at the FIA AGM & Lunch in 2023, we didn’t know a soul. The FIA (Fire Industry Association) is the UK’s largest trade association for the fire industry. Its annual lunch hosts about 600 people.
We hovered awkwardly during the pre-lunch drinks reception, wondering if we’d spend the afternoon nursing a glass of orange juice in silence.
Then, across the room — a familiar face: Deane Sales of Alphatrack Systems. We knew him from networking on LinkedIn! We had someone to talk to, the mood lifted and soon we were making friends around our lunch table.
At the after-party, more people came over who’d seen us online: Jim Rathbone, Richard Gates… suddenly this huge industry event felt less intimidating and a lot more welcoming.
A Table, a Chat… and a LinkedIn Follow-Up
By the next AGM & Lunch, we were no longer the new kids. We found ourselves sharing a table with Stuart Mason, Charlotte Manley and Andrew Foster from C-Tec.
The conversation flowed easily and a few weeks later Stuart and I were nerding out over 5-axis machines on LinkedIn. That’s when he dropped a casual invite: “If you’re ever near Wigan, come by and see the factory.”
From LinkedIn Natter to Factory Floor
Fast forward nearly a year — we were heading to FSM Live in Manchester and decided to take Stuart up on the offer. He was on holiday in Turkey, but Charlotte and Andrew welcomed us without hesitation.
You know a company takes visitors seriously when both the Sales Director and the Managing Director personally show you round.
And what a tour it was. We left seriously impressed: automation used smartly, a passionate commitment to upskilling staff and a real sense of pride in the culture they’ve built. Charlotte explained how C-Tec retains great people while growing and her openness about their process was refreshing.
She also encouraged more FIA members to visit — whether for a tour, training course or simply to connect. That generosity of spirit deserves a wider spotlight.
Real Access, Real People, Real Leads
Then came the 2025 AGM and lunch and this time, the Lollies got a name check from the AGM stage. Chris Tilley said it was because we were the Partners who were in the room. Not on the sidelines, not watching from afar — but there. Present. Showing up.
Later, on our table, I had the chance to grill Colin Todd and Will Lloyd about Fire Risk Assessments — incredibly useful when you’ve just become a Responsible Person.
And as the day went on, people kept coming up to say they’d seen us in the AGM. Two conversations turned into juicy leads by the time the night was over.
Food, Flair and a Touch of Stand-Up
Let’s also take a moment for the food. Across all three events, The Brewery delivered exceptional menus — and they genuinely cater for everyone, including the more “complex” dietary guests. (We’ll admit it: the Lollies are the dinner guests from Hell.) But every time, the staff handled it with skill, warmth… and flavour.
And then there’s the after-lunch entertainment. The FIA doesn’t go for the obvious “safe” comedians. Instead, they pick bold acts who’ve all landed beautifully with the crowd. Catherine Bohart, Shaun Walsh and, this year, Paul Sinha from The Chase — all earned huge laughs from a room full of fire industry professionals.
But we mustn’t forget to mention all the fabulous shirts on display! Here’s our very own Jon Law with David Murphy from Imperium Fire.
Five Chances to Show Up (Not Just One)
What really sets these events apart, though, is access. The chance to talk directly to the great and the good from the biggest names in the fire industry. And it’s not just one moment — there are FIVE chances to connect: the AGM itself, the pre-lunch drinks, the lunch, the post-lunch party downstairs…
And then, for the truly committed, the “party after the party” at All Bar One. That’s where the most unfiltered conversations happen. But no one talks about what happens at the party after the party. Our lips are sealed 🙂
The Real Value of FIA Membership
Although we’re a digital marketing agency, we’ll be the first to tell you: nothing replaces being in the room because the best marketing happens when online presence and real-world presence work together.
We started off feeling like outsiders. Now, thanks to these events — and the people we’ve met through them — we feel part of something real. But that only happens if you show up. Join in. Engage.
That’s where the value of FIA membership lives: not just in newsletters or guidance docs, but in conversations, collaborations and the connections that only happen in person.
Want to make sure your business stands out at the next Fire Industry event — or even before it begins? Explore how our Fire & Security Marketing helps you get noticed
Huge thanks to Charlotte, Andrew and Stuart from C-Tec for their hospitality, to Chris Tilley for the shoutout and to everyone who made this year’s AGM feel like coming home.
