Press information To download a text file of this release, go to www.parkfield.co.uk/fia Fibreoptic Industry Association offers outstanding value for money - join now! Released 20 February 2004 The principle aim of the FIA is to promote high standards within the fibreoptic industry by providing a single voice to promote and represent the interests of FIA members and the industry in general. Founded some 15 years ago, the FIA has, thanks to the dedication and commitment of its volunteer Council members, become the foremost national authority and influencer on international thinking on all aspect of using fibreoptic media in the networking, security, railway and other industries. Recent research conducted by the FIA established that its activities are overwhelmingly regarded as extremely good value for money. How is this achieved? The answer is quite simple: the FIA is a not for profit company, is supported by volunteers from all areas of the fibre optic industry who give their time and commitment to serve on its Council, which is supported by a very efficient small outsourced administrative organisation. Despite the recent challenging market conditions the FIA membership continues to grow year on year. Company membership fees range from £250 per annum for companies with turnover of less than £500,000, to £750 a year for operations with sales in excess of £5 million; individuals are charged £75 per year. Membership is open to any organisation or business involved in the fibre optics market: end users, manufacturers, distributors, resellers, consultants, installers, system integrators and training providers. Most members are UK based but companies located elsewhere are also welcome to join. The main services and benefits of the FIA, available to all grades of member, are: Technical Advice: Members can seek advice from Council members who have a wealth of knowledge and are specialists in their respective fields. Technical Support Documents: reader-friendly interpretation of existing national and international standards and, possibly more importantly, FIA TSDs are being increasingly used by standards organisations as the starting point for new standards. For example, the FIA has recently started a working group on the problems arising from over-specifying splice losses in system requirements, particularly in the railway industry, a source of increasing concern to those members active in this field. Website: The FIA website was originally part funded by the DTI and has formed the basis for considerable information on related industry topics, members have access to a restricted area were documents and other information can be easily downloaded at no extra charge. Standards Forum: Members have the chance to comment on draft standards to the Standards Director, who will take their comments to appropriate body. Every member has an equal voice to be heard at national, European and international level. Updated information on standards can be accessed via the website. SkillsMatch is an online database that enables suitably qualified individuals to promote themselves to FIA members. Government Representation: The FIA represents the industry on many different initiatives and continues to put forward proposals that reflect the needs and requirements of the industry, the FIA is well established in engaging national agencies over such issues of training qualifications. Listings of Approved Training Providers and Approved Installers are held for the benefits of members, a regular PDF newsletter is mailed to as many contacts as required in each member company, seminars and conferences are organised in venues across the UK and a very good insurance scheme is available to members. All this from a small committed Council of volunteers! To find out more, visit www.fibreoptic.org.uk, call 01793 273039 or mail jane@fiasec.demon.co.uk. *** Ends: body copy 565 words *** Notes to Editors. For further information: FIA contact: Jane Morrison Fibreoptic Industry Association The Manor House Buntingford SG9 9AB tel: 01763 273039 fax: 01763 273255 jane@fiasec.demon.co.uk www.fibreoptic.org.uk Agency contact: Nigel May Parkfield Communications Limited Parkfield House Damerham SP6 3HQ tel: 01725 518321 fax: 01725 518378 nigel.may@parkfield.co.uk www.parkfield.co.uk The Fibreoptic Industry Association represents more than 80% of UK companies involved in the manufacture or installation of fibre optic components and systems for voice and data communications. The Association provides advice to end-users, runs training and qualification services for its members, contributes to the development of national and international standards and generally represents the interests of the fibre industry. Its web site, www.fibreoptic.org.uk provides a free online reference service to all visitors.