Phoenix Fireworks

General information

Phoenix Fireworks have been doing displays for the last 40 years. Originally the company was owned by Ian Craig (a long time resident of Sevenoaks) and subsequently was taken over by Martin Coffin. Under new ownership for 10 years now, the company has undergone major investment and improvements; ultimately leading to the collection of the two major British awards in the industry.

Safety is a by-word within our profession, with more regulations that the Nuclear industry we have a lot of interested people to keep satisfied. Enshrined in that culture is Phoenix's need to maintain the highest possible safety standards.

Planning for a successful display is an absolute must. The display you see on the evening is the culmination of a long and detailed exercise in fireworks selection, music selection, layout and of course design. Once these elements are brought together the fireworks are fused and put onto frames for display. This process can take weeks to complete.

The British Pyrotechnists' Association (BPA) is the recognised industry trade body for professional fireworks companies. Unlike the EIG, the BPA has minimum requirements in terms of membership - these are: significant turnover, adherence to a published code of conduct, correct insurance and storage facilities and licences. There are other trade bodies where the requirement is simply to pay a small fee. The membership of the BPA is just over thirty, but they represent the best in the industry.

Not only are Phoenix members of the BPA, but we are active on the management committee of the group. As an organisation we have instigated the only training and qualification system for those engaged in fireworks displays. All our staff have been trained and have taken (and passed) the BPA examination system to either Level 1 or Level 2. This exam is likely to be adopted by the EU as a definition of competency in the forthcoming legislation on fireworks.