How to Choose a Fire Risk Assessment Company

Choosing the right fire risk assessment company in the UK is an important decision for building owners, landlords, managing agents, and Responsible Persons. A poorly conducted assessment can leave you non-compliant with legislation, at risk during an inspection, and exposed to enforcement action — or worse, genuine safety gaps. If you are wondering how to choose a fire risk assessment company, understanding what to look for — and what to avoid — is essential.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out. Choosing a competent company is key to meeting that duty.

Quick Checklist: How to Choose a Fire Risk Assessment Company

• Confirm assessor competence and experience
• Check experience with your type of building
• Ensure a structured, recognised methodology
• Verify professional indemnity insurance
• Compare scope of work, not just price
• Ask for references or testimonials

This checklist summarises the key factors discussed below.

Why Choosing the Right Provider Matters

The law places responsibility on you to ensure your fire risk assessment is suitable and sufficient. Even when you hire a third-party company, that duty remains with the Responsible Person.

Choosing poorly can lead to:

• Non-compliance with fire safety law
• Inaccurate or superficial assessments
• Unsafe situations going undetected
• Enforcement notices or legal penalties

That’s why thoughtful selection — not just the lowest price — matters.

1. Competence Is Non-Negotiable

The most important thing is that the company you choose employs competent fire risk assessors. Competence means they have the knowledge, experience and skills to carry out a fire risk assessment appropriately for your building type and risk profile.

Ask potential providers to demonstrate:

• Evidence of training, qualifications or relevant experience
• Membership of recognised professional bodies (e.g., Institution of Fire Engineers, fire safety registers)
• A track record with similar buildings or premises types

Registers such as the National Fire Risk Assessors Register can help you verify competence independently.

2. Experience With Your Type of Premises

A company may be competent generally but still lack experience with your specific building type — for example:

• Blocks of flats
• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
• Commercial offices
• Industrial warehouses
• Licensed premises

Make sure they’ve previously worked on buildings like yours and can explain how they approach nuances specific to your sector.

3. Clear, Systematic Methodology

A quality company will explain their approach clearly and align it to recognised fire risk assessment methodology such as PAS 79 (a recognised UK methodology for carrying out structured fire risk assessments).

Ask:

• Do they follow a structured process?
• Will they physically inspect the premises?
• How do they record significant findings?
• How do they present their recommendations?

You want more than a generic checklist — you want evidence they understand the five steps of a suitable assessment.

4. Professional Indemnity & Insurance

Ensure any company you consider has sufficient professional indemnity insurance and liability cover. This protects you if their work fails to meet professional standards and you face a claim or enforcement issue.

5. References and Testimonials

Positive reviews, client testimonials, and case studies are strong indicators of reliability. Ask for references, particularly from businesses similar to yours.

6. Transparent Pricing and Scope

Different companies may offer vastly different scopes under the same headline price. When comparing quotes:

• Ensure each covers the same scope of work
• Confirm what is included and what isn’t
• Avoid quotes that seem unusually low for the stated service

This ensures your comparison is meaningful and you’re not surprised by hidden costs.

While cost is an important consideration, the cheapest quote may not provide the most comprehensive assessment. A thorough, professionally prepared fire risk assessment reduces the risk of enforcement action and costly remedial surprises later.

7. Communication and Accessibility

Good communication is not a bonus — it’s essential. A provider should:

• Respond promptly
• Explain findings clearly
• Be available for post-assessment support
• Provide documentation that you can act on

Assessors who don’t communicate well are harder to work with when it matters.

8. Red Flags to Watch Out For

Be cautious if a company:

• Uses only generic templates with no site inspection
• Cannot demonstrate relevant experience or qualifications
• Is unwilling to share references
• Lacks insurance or refuses to confirm scope in writing
• Focuses mainly on price without methodology

Questions to Ask Potential Providers

Use this checklist when speaking to companies:

• Are your assessors competent and how is that demonstrated?
• Have you worked on premises like ours before?
• What methodology do you follow?
• Will you provide a written report with actions and priorities?
• Can you share past client references?
• What insurance do you hold?
• What is included in the quote?

Conclusion

Choosing a fire risk assessment company is more than ticking a box — it’s about ensuring that your building’s fire safety obligations are met thoroughly and professionally.

A competent, experienced provider will not only help you comply with the Fire Safety Order, but will deliver clear findings, sensible recommendations and peace of mind.

At Fire Risk Assessment Network, we provide professional fire risk assessment services that are suitable, sufficient and tailored to your premises. Contact us today for a free quotation and to discuss your requirements.

We work with landlords, managing agents and businesses across the UK, providing proportionate assessments tailored to each premises type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to choose a registered fire risk assessor?

While not mandated to choose from a specific register, you should ensure the assessor is competent and can demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience.

Should the company visit the site in person?

Yes. A competent fire risk assessment almost always includes an on-site inspection to accurately identify hazards and control measures.

Can I use internal staff to conduct the assessment?

If they are competent and understand fire safety law and practice, yes — but many organisations prefer external professionals for independence and reassurance.

What happens if my assessor is not competent?

You retain legal responsibility under the Fire Safety Order, and significant deficiencies may lead to enforcement notices or penalties.