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New Beginnings!
So it’s EADS! The long awaited decision on who will provide the critical infrastructure for the DCLG FiReControl project has now been announced. I congratulate them for their success and wish them all the best throughout the life of the project. This is a major announcement within a programme that is seen by many as pivotal to defining the shape and feel of the entire UK emergency services. The adoption of regional control centres will bring about significant changes in the modus operandi of the English Fire Service and it surely will not be long before others follow suit. I look forward to following the progress of this project and its impact on our emergency services over the next few years.
The annual BAPCO conference and exhibition is upon us and in its own way it is also being viewed as a turning point, where once the show has been fairly one way with delegates soaking up the atmosphere, presentations and the exhibition this year it is hoped that we can develop opinion based on feedback and interaction with you the delegates. If this Association has lacked one thing in the past it is published feedback, sure, there is plenty of networking at the regional events and seminars but very infrequently has there been an expression of views that have been captured and acted upon. Not only is the conference intending to address that this year but I also get a sense of it starting to happen at Regional events. Homeland Security in the USA have managed to secure RF spectrum for the sole use of the emergency services, at the recent joint South West and South East Regional event it was suggested that perhaps this approach should also be the way forward for the UK and Europe and that maybe the time is right for BAPCO to take a stance in this matter. Developing opinion and a strong membership voice is a very important step in the advancement of the Association in my view since BAPCO’s advice and support is being sought in ever widening circles and those representing you the members need to feel confident that the views they express are those of the Association.
This month’s column is to be my last as Chair of the Commercial Advisory Group. I have served CAG as Secretary and latterly as Chair for the past 6 years and feel that not only do I need a new challenge but also CAG needs fresh legs to move it forward to address the various issues facing it. I wish my successor well and trust that they enjoy the role as much as I have; they are certainly coming in at a time when BAPCO is moving into a new period in its evolution. As for me, I was recently elected as Chair of the South West and South Wales Region and now look forward to working with the other members of the Regional Committee to develop and implement a strong programme of regional events and to renewing a few old relationships within the Region.
I would like to take this final opportunity to thank the members of CAG for their support and kindness over the last 6 years – its been good working with you all.
Peter Prater, Chair
Commercial Advisory Group (CAG)
