27 April 2006 | Helen Gilbert

FiReBuy, the national procurement body for the fire and rescue service, has announced its non-executive board of directors.

The agency, which came into effect on 3 April, is delivering the service's National Procurement Strategy and will lead on deals for vehicles and equipment.

Liz Barron, a Fire Service Examination Board ombudsman and adviser to Onyx UK and the Fire Service College, has been appointed chair of the non-departmental body.

Five directors have also been named: Elizabeth Bennett, executive head of democratic and legal services at Nottinghamshire County Council; Robert Light, managing director of a farming and equestrian business; David Rowe, former deputy leader of Suffolk County Council; and former chief fire officers George Herbert and Martin Kitchen.

"There are some really good, strong people on the board and we're well equipped to deliver the procurement strategy," Barron told SM.

The government is providing £1.8 million for the organisation over the next two years.

The board, which is also made up of representatives from the Local Government Association, Chief Fire Officers Association and London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, is to complete its integrated clothing and vehicle projects next year.

Currently, 47 brigades buy their own uniforms, but FiReBuy will provide one point of contact.

"There are millions of pounds to be saved here," Barron said. "With today's complex procurement regulations, using FiReBuy provides a safeguard for people.

"Suppliers will find it better because they only have one organisation to deal with."

SMapr2006