The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has made two new appointments to support the continued development of its member, training and technical services. Rich Green was appointed as Commercial Projects Manager in July and Chris Sharman joined as Training Manager in September.
Rich brings a wealth of experience working in leadership and commercial roles in a variety of industries, including ten years in the lighting industry. As Commercial Manager of the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) he achieved revenue growth of over 40% and was a key part of the team that established a brand new UKAS-accredited testing laboratory. Previous roles included Business Manager for lighting company Kosnic and National Accounts Manager for pest control company Pelsis.
In this newly created ASFP role, Rich is seeking to further develop the ASFP’s membership offering, to attract members from new sectors, while also improving benefits for existing members. Commenting on his appointment, Rich stated: ‘I’m delighted with my new role at ASFP, which for me represents not just a change of job but also a change of industry. I hope to make a real difference to the Association, bringing new and innovative benefits and engagement opportunities to ASFP members to make membership even better value for money. I’ve already started work on a range of ideas but look forward to hearing suggestions from members of any new benefits or services that would help you and improve your membership experience.’
As the ASFP’s new Training Manager, Chris brings over 20 years of fire-safety sector experience. He started working in the fire industry in 1999 as an installer of specialist evacuation systems for deaf and disabled people, working in sales and management both in the UK and overseas. In 2015, he entered the passive fire protection sector, joining Hilti as a firestop specialist. He subsequently worked as a fire-protection consultant for Rockwool and as a technical support advisor for Global HSE Solutions. Chris was also involved in creating and delivering fire-safety training packages which focused on compartmentation and facade systems.
Chris has achieved an Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 3 Certificate in passive fire protection and a Level 4 Advanced Fire Safety Manager’s Diploma. He is a member of the IFE at Technician Grade and is currently working to upgrade to full membership, having accrued the required level of academic qualifications and CPD hours. He is a full member of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers.
Chris is passionate about improving competency in the passive fire protection sector, stating: ‘I look forward to my new role as ASFP Training Manager, which will enable me to put my knowledge and experience to work in this sector whilst still making an effort to continue my own professional development. I am excited to be working to raise both my own and the industry’s competency now and in the future.’
For further information on the ASFP and passive fire protection advice, visit www.asfp.org.uk
