Fire risk assessments for Manchester buildings, built on 27 years of firefighting
From city-centre apartment blocks and converted mills to student HMOs, bars and warehouses. You get a clear report that puts the real risks first and doesn't bury you in paperwork.
Founder-led, and run by someone who has fought fires
Fire Risk Assessors Manchester was set up by Richard Whale, a serving Watch Commander with 27 years in the UK Fire Service and 20 years' experience assessing buildings. He has seen first-hand how fire and smoke travel through a building, and what makes the difference between a small incident and a serious one.
That experience shapes every assessment we carry out. Our assessors work to the approach Richard has built: look at the building the way a fire would, check how people would really get out, and write a report that tells you plainly what matters most. No long lists of “urgent” actions, and no jargon.
We are happy to talk through any part of your report after the visit, so you understand exactly what to do and why.
What you get with every assessment
- A full site visit by a qualified fire risk assessor
- A written report you can share with residents, insurers and the fire service
- Actions ranked by risk, so you know what to fix first
- Practical solutions that take cost and disruption into account
- A clear date for your next review
- Questions answered after the visit
Buildings we assess in Manchester
Greater Manchester has one of the fastest-changing skylines in the country, alongside some of its oldest industrial buildings. Each type brings its own fire risks.
City-centre apartment blocks
Communal areas, compartmentation, flat entrance doors and smoke ventilation, plus the duties the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 add for blocks of flats.
Converted mills and warehouses
Large floor plates, original timber or cast-iron structure and services run through old walls, where hidden gaps in fire separation are common.
Student HMOs and shared houses
Terraced houses in areas like Fallowfield, Withington and Rusholme, where several tenants share one escape route and one kitchen.
Offices and co-working spaces
Single floors in shared buildings through to whole office blocks, including how your evacuation plan fits with other occupiers.
Bars, restaurants and venues
Busy kitchens, late-night crowds and customers who don't know the building, from the Northern Quarter to the suburbs.
Warehouses and industrial units
High-bay storage, lithium-ion batteries and vehicles in distribution and logistics sites across the city region.
Fire safety in Greater Manchester
The law is the same across England, but how it plays out locally matters. Here's what building owners in Greater Manchester should know.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
GMFRS enforces the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 across the ten boroughs. Its inspectors audit premises and can issue enforcement or prohibition notices where the risk to people is serious.
A city region of tall buildings
Greater Manchester has hundreds of high-rise residential buildings, with many more under construction. Since Grenfell, the fire service and councils have worked through a programme of inspection and remediation, so expect scrutiny of fire doors, compartmentation and evacuation strategy.
Licensing is set by each council
Mandatory HMO licensing applies to HMOs with five or more people from two or more households. Manchester City Council also runs selective licensing in designated areas, and Salford has its own schemes. Fire safety is a standard licence condition, so check your council's rules.
Your assessment must be written down
Since October 2023, changes made by the Building Safety Act 2022 mean every fire risk assessment must be fully recorded in writing, whatever the size of the business, and carried out by someone competent.
This is a plain-English summary for England, not legal advice. Licensing schemes change, so always check with your own council.
How it works
Tell us about the building
Fill in the form or call us. A few quick questions about the size and use of the building is all we need.
Get a fixed quote
A clear price before anything is booked. No tie-in contract and no obligation.
Site visit
A qualified assessor walks the building and flags anything urgent on the day.
Your report
A written, prioritised action plan, with help on hand if you have questions.
Areas we cover
We cover all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester. Places we regularly work in include:
- Manchester city centre
- Ancoats
- Northern Quarter
- Spinningfields
- Castlefield
- Hulme
- Fallowfield
- Withington
- Didsbury
- Chorlton
- Salford Quays
- MediaCityUK
- Trafford Park
- Sale
- Altrincham
- Stockport
- Oldham
- Rochdale
- Bury
- Bolton
- Wigan
- Ashton-under-Lyne
- Stretford
- Prestwich
Common questions
How much does a fire risk assessment cost in Manchester?
It depends on the size, use and layout of the building. Tell us a little about yours and we'll send a fixed, no-obligation quote, usually the same day.
Who carries out the assessment?
One of our qualified fire risk assessors, working to the standards and approach set by our founder, Richard Whale. You'll know who is coming before the visit.
How often should it be reviewed?
Regularly, and whenever something significant changes, such as building work, a change of use, or a fire or near miss. For most premises a yearly review is sensible, and your report will give you a date.
Do you assess individual flats?
A standard assessment of a block covers the communal parts. Flat entrance doors are checked because they protect the escape routes. If you need individual flats looked at, we can quote separately.
Can you help with health and safety too?
Yes. As well as fire risk assessments, we carry out health and safety assessments, and we're always happy to talk through your report after the visit.
Get your free quote
Tell us about your building and we'll come back with a clear, fixed price. No obligation and no tie-in contract.