Having spent the last forty years running its administrative operations via the offices of Association Group Management Ltd in Bordon, Hampshire, the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is to appoint the British Coatings Federation (BCF) as its new secretariat service provider. This will involve transferring the ASFP’s entire secretariat and administration function to the BCF’s headquarters in Coventry commencing in June with the aim of completing in late-summer 2020.
The move is due to the ASFP’s significant growth in recent years and its need for full-time administrative support for its ever-broadening training and member support programmes. Since AGM Ltd services multiple clients, the organisations have agreed to part by mutual consent to enable each to further develop their services and operations.
The move offers the ASFP opportunity for continued growth in all aspects of its operations and will enable it to continue to provide appropriate support to its expanding membership. Other considerations such as location, meeting facilities and business management were also major factors in the ASFP’s choice of new service provider. The new arrangement offers the benefit of access to in-house meeting facilities along with further efficiencies in the accounting, administrative and customer relationship management systems, as well as enhancements to the website and media interfaces.
The new partnership offers the opportunity to develop greater synergy between the two organisations, allowing both to pool their shared expertise in fire matters.
Although the Coronavirus outbreak may impact on short term growth, the ASFP believes the change remains essential in protecting the Association’s current position, while also future-proofing for the anticipated growth in membership and services in coming years.
Commenting on the move, ASFP CEO Niall Rowan declares:
“The ASFP’s strong growth in recent years, coupled with our significant expansion into training means the Association’s interests can be better served by an organisation that is situated in a more central location, much nearer to our membership base and closer to ASFP officers. BCF offers outstanding facilities and the opportunity to develop a more synergistic relationship going forward. We are sure members will notice that the services we offer will develop significantly with the excellent support available from the BCF.
“I would like to thank Association Group Management Ltd for their long and dedicated service and their continued loyalty and support, which has enabled the ASFP to develop into the thriving organisation it is today. We wish them every success in the future.”
BCF Chief Executive Tom Bowtell states:
“We are delighted to have been selected by ASFP to support their back office operations. This builds on our existing strong relationship with ASFP. We look forward to delivering outstanding service to ASFP members with two new dedicated members of administrative staff. BCF have a culture of operational excellence under Office Manager Nadine Saxon’s leadership, which we will incorporate into ASFP processes, systems and member engagement.”
AGM Ltd Director Lauren Fairley adds:
“We have seen the ASFP grow substantially in the last few years and as a result feel that the Association now needs its own, directly employed secretariat. John and I have made lifelong friends within the Association and its members and wish it well in all its future activities.”
For further information, go to www.asfp.org.uk
