new companies incorporated locally this week now need a fire risk assessment

New Firms Urged: Fire Risk Assessment Is a Day-One Duty A wave of new company incorporations this week brings a critical reminder: under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every non-domestic premises in England and Wales must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment (FRA) from day one of occupation. Recent minor fires in newly opened shops and offices — where no assessment was in place — have underscored how quickly a lack of planning can escalate into enforcement action, insurance void, or worse, injury. For the responsible person — whether a director, landlord, or manager — the practical lesson is simple: commission a competent FRA before staff or customers enter. Identify fire hazards, people at risk, and put in place clear emergency procedures. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 also mandate record-keeping for shared premises. Don’t assume your insurer or landlord has it covered; the legal duty is yours. General guidance, not formal legal advice — book a HawkSwift assessment for your premises. — HawkSwift FRA News