Best Fire Risk Assessment Consultants in Kent and Sussex
Last Updated: November 9, 2026
Quick Summary
The best fire risk assessment consultants in Kent and Sussex for commercial properties are those who demonstrate competence, a defined scope, a written action plan, sector experience and clear reporting. Check qualifications, professional body membership and sector examples before appointing a consultant.
A fire risk assessment identifies fire hazards, evaluates who is at risk and sets out control measures.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.
A fire risk assessment should be reviewed at least annually and reassessed whenever the building, its use or its occupants change.
Review triggers include a change of use, building works, new equipment, a fire or near miss, and enforcing authority findings.
Fire doors and compartmentation deserve particular attention because defects in either compromise means of escape.
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Table of Contents
What to Look for in a Fire Risk Assessment Consultant
Choosing the right fire risk assessment consultant is the difference between a document that protects people and one that only protects the paperwork. A fire risk assessment is a structured inspection of a commercial property that identifies fire hazards, evaluates who is at risk, and sets out control measures.
Look for the following:
Competence. Ask for qualifications, professional body membership and sector examples.
Defined scope. The quote should state what is inspected, including fire doors, compartmentation, means of escape and emergency lighting.
Written action plan. Recommendations should be prioritised with timescales.
Sector experience. A warehouse, an HMO and a school present different hazards.
Clear reporting. You should receive a report you can act on.
For current prices or a quote, please visit our website. Read our guidance on when to appoint a fire safety consultant, or contact our team for a quote.
Here are the key qualities to check when appointing a fire risk assessment consultant.
Criterion | What to check |
Competence | Qualifications, professional body membership, sector examples |
Defined scope | Quote states what is inspected, including fire doors and escape |
Written action plan | Recommendations prioritised with timescales |
Sector experience | Warehouse, HMO and school hazards differ |
Clear reporting | A report you can act on |
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Compliance for Commercial Property
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 compliance starts with one person: the responsible person. Under the Order, the responsible person for a business premises must carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, implement the findings, and keep records where required.
That duty covers employees, occupants and visitors. For landlords, managing agents and property managers, the responsible person role may be shared or contractual, and communal areas must be assessed separately from demised units. The official guidance on fire safety in the workplace sets out the underlying duties in plain terms.
Our explainer on responsible person fire safety duties breaks down what the role requires.
How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
A fire risk assessment should be reviewed at least annually, and reassessed whenever the building, its use or its occupants change. It is a live record that must reflect the premises as they are today.
Review triggers include:
A change of use or new occupancy levels
Building works or layout changes
New equipment or processes that introduce fire hazards
A fire, near miss or false alarm
Findings from an enforcing authority visit
Our guide to the types of fire risk assessment explains how a review differs from a full reassessment. Fire doors and compartmentation deserve particular attention, because defects in either compromise means of escape across the whole building. Our overview of fire risk assessment costs explains what affects the fee.
Commercial fire safety rewards preparation, not paperwork. If your assessment is overdue, or your last report left recommendations unresolved, Kent and Sussex FRA can help. Our certified fire safety consultants carry out thorough fire risk assessments, fire door assessments and compartmentation surveys, identify hazards clearly, and give you a prioritised action plan so you know exactly what to address and when. Get started with Kent and Sussex FRA and put your compliance on a firm footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications should a professional fire risk assessor hold?
Look for a competent assessor with a recognised fire safety qualification. They should be able to show relevant experience with your property type, whether that is a retail unit, office, HMO or warehouse. Ask for evidence of professional indemnity insurance and sample reports before you book.
How often must a commercial fire risk assessment be reviewed?
Fire safety law requires the responsible person to keep the assessment under regular review. A common benchmark is annually, but you should also review it after any significant change: new staff, altered layout, new equipment, a fire incident or a change of use. High-risk premises such as HMOs and hospitality venues often need more frequent reviews, so confirm the schedule with your assessor.
How much does a commercial fire risk assessment cost in the UK?
Pricing depends on the size, complexity and use of the premises, the number of buildings and whether you need extras such as fire door inspections or compartmentation surveys. Rather than quoting a fixed figure, ask each consultant what the fee includes, whether the report and action plan are covered, and if there are follow-up charges. Request a written quote so you can compare like for like.
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