FETA marks growth at annual gathering
UK – FETA flags growth and policy engagement
Rising membership and increased consultation activity are strengthening the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations’ (FETA) role in representing the building services sector, its leadership has said.
Speaking to around 700 guests at the organisation’s 2026 annual lunch at The Brewery on Chiswell Street, London, chief executive Chris Yates said FETA had taken on a “more critical national role” over the past year, with climate change, energy and building safety continuing to dominate the agenda.
He pointed to a sustained rise in consultation work over the past 12 to 18 months, driven by political change, with members contributing to responses across a range of policy areas.
Collaboration across the sector
FETA chair Barry Trewhitt said collaboration across the sector is becoming increasingly important, particularly as areas such as ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and building controls take on a more central role in national infrastructure.
It really is appreciating how that enables us to get a strong voice out to government officials
Chris Yates, chief executive at FETA
He said the federation had responded to an “unprecedented number of consultations”, supported by a model designed to deliver faster technical input on issues including F-gas, building safety and payment practices.
A key development over the past year is the formation of HPA UK in January 2026, bringing together the Heat Pump Association (HPA), the Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA) and the Heat Pump Federation into a single body representing the low carbon heating sector. Trewhitt described this as a “landmark step for the industry”.
Activity and visibility
Across its member associations, FETA reported ongoing work in areas including embodied carbon, future building standards and competence, alongside continued engagement following the Grenfell Tower report.
The federation also reported growth in both membership and digital reach, with combined social media audiences exceeding 131,000.
Trewhitt said the sector is becoming “stronger, more confident and more influential”, supported by increased collaboration and engagement across its membership.
The event also featured guest speaker Matt Dawson, who addressed attendees following the formal proceedings.
