The Association of British Insurers and Lloyds today confirmed that they are negotiating the sale of the Loss Prevention Council (LPC) to the Foundation for the Built Environment[FBE].

Established in 1986 by the ABI and Lloyds, the LPC undertakes fire and other research in support of the insurance industry. It also certifies fire security products and carries out accreditation testing. The sale follows a strategic review of how best LPC can develop and provide its specialist services. On completion of the negotiations it is expected that the LPC Group will join BRE under the umbrella of BRE’s owner, the FBE.

The Fire Protection Association, currently part of the LPC, will be established on an independent footing under its Council chaired by Jim Fitzpatrick MP. ABI and Lloyd’s will continue to sponsor FPA.

Confirming the insurance industry’s continued support for the LPC’s work, Mary Francis, Director General of the ABI, said:

“We see the sale of LPC to the BRE as an important initiative to help LPC grow in an international market place,whilst strengthening the research and certification services it provides to the insurance industry” Dr Martin Wyatt, BRE’s Chief Executive said:

“I am delighted that BRE is at an advanced stage of negotiations with ABI and Lloyd’s. Combining LPC with BRE will make us one of the world’s leading suppliers of specialist advice, testing and certification to the insurance, fire and security industries.

“In due course, this should result in enhanced services to all our customers. I am also delighted that the insurance industry will continue to support our research activities and promote certification.

Notes

1. The Building Research Establishment is the UK’s foremost centre on construction and fire expertise providing research, consultancy and information services to customers worldwide.
   
   The Foundation for the Built Environment (FBE) comprises 150 organisations representing the construction industry. It was established to provide BRE with a form of private ownership (BRE was privatised in March 1997) that will ensure its independence of any particular sector of the industry.



2. Enquiries to:
   ABI Malcolm Tarling 020 7216 7410 (Home: 020 8297 9510)
   BRE Tom Harvey 01923 664083
   LPC Elaine Cooper 020 8 2369678



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