NFA wants to raise awareness amongst the fire, fireplace and stove buying public

(30/10/2007)

The National Fireplace Association (NFA) and the Fireplace Marketing Company (FPM) has recently announced a joint working initiative to give new momentum to the NFA and encourage membership growth.

The NFA’s primary objective is to promote the fire, fireplace and stove industries to consumers and trade organisations for the commercial benefit of its retailing and manufacturing members. In its new format the NFA will seek to actively promote itself as the industry’s leading stakeholder to gain status and credibility among consumers.

The announcement comes as the NFA have concluded links with its former management agency. FPM will now oversee administration and financial matters relating to the NFA and has set itself new targets for membership renewal and recruitment.

NFA members enjoy access to a comprehensive database of technical resources and information online and a detailed revision of material is currently underway to reflect new industry standards and Government legislation surrounding the installation of gas appliances. In addition, retailer members will be featured exclusively in the online retailer guide.

To cement this new initiative, NFA chairman Richard Watts has also announced the appointment of Philip Malkin as the new executive director of the NFA. Philip is well know throughout the fireplace and stove industries and is former chairman of several high profile industry groups.

Philip said: “Our immediate objective is to secure existing memberships and recruit new ones in order to establish a healthy financial base for the organisation. Membership benefits are being upgraded and our primary objective in the coming months is to raise awareness of the NFA amongst the fire, fireplace and stove buying public.”

NFA chairman, Richard Watts added: “Philip will be a great asset to the NFA. As editor of Fires & Fireplaces magazine and technical director of the Hearth & Home Exhibition he is a familiar face to many in our industry and has a wealth of manufacturing management and industry committee experience. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced people in our industry.”

Philip has also recently become a council member of HETAS, the official and Government recognised body that approves solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services. The NFA works closely with HETAS on technical matters and the HETAS Guide contains listings of approved solid fuels and appliances as well as registered installers, chimney sweeps and maintenance businesses. Long considered a vital source of information for consumers, retailers and installers, the HETAS Guide has also become invaluable to designers and builders for its efficiency figures which help determine whether a solid fuel appliance can be installed in accordance with current Building Regulations.

Related categories:  Chimneys   Fireplaces   Gas and electrical fires   Residential applications   Stoves 

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