The Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA)
FETA is a high-profile UK trade body which represents the interests of manufacturers, suppliers, installers and contractors within the building services sector.
FETA is split into six principle Associations – the Association of Ductwork Contractor and Allied Services (ADCAS), the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA), the British Flue and Chimney Manufacturers Association (BFCMA), the British Refrigeration Association (BRA), HEVAC and the Heat Pump Association (HPA). Both HEVAC and BRA are split into numerous specialist groups, reflecting the diverse range of solutions in these sectors.
FETA also runs a number of other specialist groups such as the Training & Skills Group – established to advise the FETA Board on Training & Skills needs across all the FETA associations – and the Indoor Air Quality Group.
Parts of FETA can trace their origins back to the early days of fan manufacturing and the expansion of refrigeration in UK as part of the war effort in the 1940s. Over time additional groups formed as technology changed and they combined into associations, which agreed to band together to form FETA in 1984. This cost-effective model then attracted further associations to join. The long history of representing diverse commercial interests continues to this day, as does the tradition of forming new specialist groups to match advances in products and technology.
FETA members benefit from improved access to a wide range of information that may not be available from elsewhere. This is achieved in a variety of ways: regular meetings and social events to offer a better, shared understanding of the sector; direct, relevant information feeds from Brussels, Whitehall departments, international organisations or technical bodies; and association guidance documents by the experts in the industry.
Members also benefit in other ways. A collective approach by a respected trade body always carries more weight in government consultations, or via direct contact with officials and politicians, than a single company pleading special interest. The collaborative action could be just as effective if it is conducted with other organisations or pressure groups that affect a business. Company reputation can also be enhanced through a recognition that responsible companies inevitably belong to trade associations, which promote best practice and quality standards across their membership.
FETA aimsto be the representative voice of the industry so as to promote and defend its interests and those of its members.As such it provides high-quality, cost-effective services and programmes tailored to members’ needs, whilst facilitating and promoting the growth of the industry in national and international markets.
As a growing, pro-active trade association actively collaborating with other similar organisations, FETA participates in scientific, public and policy debates which might affect members and so influences policies, legislation, regulations and standards, while also
providing members with a source of information on market issues, legislation, training, technological advances and research.
Tel: 0118 940 3416
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