Building a safer Essex

2024 marked a significant step forward for fire safety across Essex, with the establishment of the Business Engagement Team at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. Created to support business and building owners, the team focusses on educating local businesses about fire safety legal requirements. With each team member bringing a high level of expertise and experience - the team’s mission is clear: to make Essex safer.

The team’s mission and impact

Led by team manager Alison Loades, the Business Engagement Team spent much of this year setting the groundwork, building valuable partnerships with local councils and business support networks. The focus in 2024 has been to gather data and understand the fire safety challenges that business owners across Essex face. “This year was crucial for establishing our role and understanding what business owners are up against,” Alison shares. “Our ultimate aim is to make Essex safer, and that starts with insight and building trust.”

A major part of the team’s mission has been empowering business owners to take control of their own fire safety through comprehensive education and support. Alison stresses the importance of fire risk assessments as the foundation for safety planning, emphasising that before deciding on control measures - like how many fire extinguishers they need - businesses must first be fully aware of the risks unique to their premises.

Reaching out across the County

To maximise their reach, team members are spread across Essex, forming connections within diverse communities. They frequently come together for targeted visits to areas identified as needing extra fire safety support. These visits are highly appreciated by business owners, who often express surprise at the level of tailored advice they receive. “Many business owners are amazed by the depth of information and resources we offer, both in person and resources available on our website,” says team member Todd Parrott.

One of the team’s unique strengths is their ability to listen to and understand the needs of Essex’s varied business landscape. For instance, Ollie Everett, the team’s Rural Engagement Officer, brings invaluable expertise about rural communities and farming, which has proved instrumental in helping farmers address their specific fire safety challenges. His work has become a cornerstone of the team’s outreach, especially for communities that have historically been underserved in terms of fire safety support.

Inclusivity and technological innovation

As the team continues to engage with businesses, they encounter both familiar and unique challenges. Team member Robert Gibby has observed that language and cultural barriers are common, particularly among smaller high-street businesses and restaurants. The team is committed to making fire safety information accessible to all, including non-English-speaking business owners. To this end, they actively promote the ECFRS’s website, which offers an innovative tool that translates fire safety resources into 22 languages - a game-changer in making fire safety guidance more inclusive.

Addressing emerging risks with lithium-Ion batteries

Looking ahead to 2025, the team is preparing to tackle new and emerging challenges, particularly the rise in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. Dave Bond, Head of Protection at ECFRS, notes that any business using lithium-ion batteries must include this in their Fire Risk Assessment. “In Essex alone, we’ve seen dozens of serious fires this year due to lithium-ion batteries,” Dave explains. “The risks are real, and we want businesses to know exactly how to protect themselves.”

With these new measures, the Business Engagement Team is laying the foundation for a safer Essex, using both their industry expertise and community connections to support local businesses. Through their commitment and forward-thinking approach, they’re not only addressing today’s risks but also preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.