The Fire and Security Association has announced the appointment of Pat Allen, Director of Abel Alarm, the UK's largest independent provider of security systems, as its new Vice-Chairman.

Commenting on the appointment, FSA Chairman Steve Kimber said: ‘The growth of the FSA over the last 18 months has been tremendous and with that growth we have seen the challenges for the association and its members become more diverse and demanding. I am delighted to have Pat, who I consider to be a leading figure in the fire and security systems sector, working alongside us to ensure we continue to grasp every opportunity to influence the future direction of our industry.'

Pat Allen is a well known and highly respected figure in the fire and security systems sector having served on many BSi technical and BSIA section committees, and more recently through his work with the Chief Fire Officers Association in relation to its revised policy on the reduction of unwanted fire alarm signals.

Stefan Hay, Head of the FSA, added: ‘I warmly welcome Pat's appointment as Vice-Chairman of the FSA. He has already contributed greatly to the association as Chairman of our Fire Systems section. I am sure that his considerable knowledge of the industry will prove to be invaluable.'