Our People

Tom Roche is a Senior Consultant within the International Codes and Standards Group for FM Global, one of the world’s largest commercial property insurers. Based in Windsor, Tom works to share FM Global’s knowledge and expertise to influence building codes and loss prevention standards.

Prior to his current appointment, Tom served in a variety of engineering and engineering management roles across the UK. He has travelled extensively to support clients across the world to establish loss prevention policies and implement risk strategies all aimed at improving the resilience of their businesses to property risks. He joined FM Global in 1993 as a field engineer based in the Manchester Office.

Tom holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical and electronics engineering from Lancaster University.

Iain Cox is Chair of the Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA), the National Fire Sprinkler Network (NSFN) and the Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council.

Iain retired from the Fire Service in June 2013 after 34 years, the last ten of which he served as Chief Fire Officer of Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service. From 2009 to 2011 he was a Board member of the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) with responsibilities for Prevention and Protection. He was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service medal in 2009.

Iain has a BSc in Physical Geography from the University of Reading and an MA in Management from Coventry University.

“As a serving fire officer, and as the national lead for the Chief Fire Officers Association on Fire Safety, I have seen the benefits that sprinkler protection can bring to business, communities and individuals. Unfortunately I have also witnessed the devastation that is wrought by fire in unprotected premises. I sincerely believe that if more businesses understood the real benefits – and the true costs – of fire sprinklers, then more companies would install them.”

Jim is the Director of RISC Authority and Technical Director of the Fire Protection Association (FPA).

In 1991 Jim undertook a post-doctorate study at the Fire Research Station “Extinction of fires by fine water sprays in confined spaces”. Between 1992 and 1994 he then worked at South Bank University London as Lecturer in Chemical Engineering & Fire Safety Engineering, and Active Fire Research Group Manager in the Division of Chemical Engineering.

From 2002 to the present day, Jim has been at the FPA, where he continues to undertake research in to fire protection, with particular emphasis on risk avoidance, reduction and management. Jim has worked extensively with the ABI, major insurers, the MoD and other clients developing the next generation of fire safety management strategy, equipment and policies.

NFCC has a unique role in representing Fire and Rescue Services at a national level and, as the professional voice of the fire and rescue service, we aim for maximum impact. We strive to harness knowledge and expertise from across the country, bringing it together for the benefit of all.

Alan is the Executive Director of the European Fire Sprinkler Network and a chartered chemical engineer.

After graduating from Cambridge University, he worked as a research process engineer for Shell and Procter & Gamble before joining Tyco in 1992. With Tyco he held a series of European fire protection business and product management roles, culminating in responsibility for the European sprinkler components business.

In 2003 Alan left Tyco and set up the European Fire Sprinkler Network, EFSN, a fire safety coalition whose members wish to see an improvement in fire safety through the widespread use of fire sprinkler systems. He is currently a member of committees for the BSI, CEN and NFPA.

Alisdair Perry is Chief Executive of the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) and a passionate campaigner for automatic fire sprinklers to be fitted in residential care homes, schools and dwellings. 

Ronnie King is the Vice Chairman of the National Fire Sprinkler Network (NFSN). He works alongside the Chairman and the Executive to bring together the operational Fire & Rescue Service support and networking to influence decision makers at local and national level, using advocates and supporters of sprinklers.

Prior to this, Ronnie served for 20 years as Chief Fire Officer at Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. In total, Ronnie has 41 years’ experience serving in Fire & Rescue Services in West Yorkshire, London, Scotland and HM Fire Service Inspectorate.

Ronnie is also the Honorary Administrative Secretary for the All-Party Parliamentary Fire Safety & Rescue Group (APPFSRG). In his role with the APPFRSG, Ronnie is responsible for bringing fire safety and other issues to the attention of the members.

Ronnie was educated at Keighley Boys’ Grammar School in Yorkshire.

“The British economy has lost £1 billion in GDP and 5,000 full-time jobs through preventable fires in commercial warehouses alone over the last five years. This only ‘scratches the surface’ in terms of the cost of fire to the wider business community in England and Wales.

“Insurers quote that large loss fires are at an all-time high, not to mention the disruption to transport links, the release of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, the loss to communities, jobs, education and direct tax receipts. Knock-on effects for each fire include an average of 21 local businesses impacted by such road closures and air and water contamination.

“The credible evidence from research recognised by Government supports the view that it makes financial and economic sense to install sprinklers.”

Andrew Turner has over 20 years' experience in the provision of successful public affairs services in the UK and the EU for multi-national companies and trade associations covering a wide range of policy areas. 

These have included managing numerous and long-term projects in the transport, financial service, telecoms, public health, advertising, food manufacturing, chemical and construction sectors.

David is a professional marketeer with over 25 years experience working in the built environment. He is Managing Director of Fabrick, a full service content agency that works exclusively in the built environment with clients including manufacturers, contractors, consultants, trade bodies and distributors. He has a broad skill set encompassing strategy, research and brand, coupled with vast experience in communications including media relations, crisis communications, creative and events.

He has delivered numerous award winning campaigns, helping client achieve goals and objectives and providing a tangible ROI. David has worked for companies, large and small, in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Malaysia, India, USA and Australia, providing creative flair to ensure clients stand out from their competitors.

David manages the team that manages and delivers corporate affairs including PR and media relations for the Business Sprinkler Alliance.