Competition Law training for FIA members
Introduction
The Fire Industry Association is committed to maintaining the highest standards of fair competition. All FIA members must complete this Competition Law training before taking part in FIA groups, councils, meetings or events. This ensures every participant understands how competition law applies to trade associations and the importance of acting in full compliance at all times.
Competition law protects businesses and consumers by preventing unfair practices such as price fixing, market sharing, or agreements that restrict competition. The FIA must follow these rules to protect our members and the Association from penalties or prosecution.
Why this training matters
If competition law is breached, both individuals and their organisations can face serious consequences. These may include:
- Heavy fines up to 10% of worldwide turnover
- Personal penalties or imprisonment
- Reputational damage and business closure
Completing this short online course will help you:
- Recognise what constitutes anti-competitive behaviour
- Understand the FIA’s policy of compliance
- Participate confidently in FIA meetings and discussions
This training forms a mandatory part of the FIA compliance programme and must be completed before attending any FIA meeting.
What you will learn
The course will introduce you to:
- The key principles of UK and EU competition law
- How competition law applies to trade associations
- The role of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
- The FIA’s own compliance policy
- What to do if a conversation or meeting becomes non-compliant
Videos and short examples will show how breaches can occur and what to do to prevent them.
You will not receive a separate certificate, but your training status will be linked to your membership record to confirm eligibility for FIA meetings and events.
What you must not discuss at FIA meetings
To remain compliant, never share or discuss the following topics at FIA meetings, events, or online forums:
- Prices, pricing policies or discount schemes
- Terms or conditions of supply or payment
- Market allocation or agreements to avoid specific customers or regions
- Production limits, investment levels or sales targets
- Future business strategies, bids or tenders
- Information about competitors that is not publicly available
If any of these topics arise during a discussion, you must stop the conversation immediately and inform the Chair.
How the law applies to trade associations
Trade associations bring together competitors to share knowledge and promote good practice. However, they must operate under strict rules to avoid collusion or the appearance of collusion.
The FIA fully supports free and fair competition. We apply clear procedures in all meetings, including:
- Written agendas circulated in advance
- Minutes recorded and stored
- Only agenda items discussed
- Immediate suspension of any market-related discussion if legal advice is required
Reporting a Concern
If you ever believe that a conversation or meeting could breach competition law:
- Stop participating immediately
- Report your concern to the meeting Chair or Secretariat
- You can also email us in confidence
All concerns will be handled sensitively and reviewed in line with FIA policy.
Summary
Competition law compliance is everyone’s responsibility. Completing this training ensures you can contribute to FIA activities confidently and legally, protecting yourself, your organisation and the wider fire industry.