Fire Safety Responsibilities 2025 – The Key Facts

If you manage or own a commercial property, fire safety responsibilities 2025 are not optional — they’re law. The latest updates to the Fire Safety (England) Regulations and guidance such as BS 9999 and Approved Document B make it crystal clear: the Responsible Person must ensure the building, its fire systems, and especially its fire doors, meet compliance standards.

To help you understand what’s changed and what’s required, we’ve prepared a free downloadable guide:

Who Is the Responsible Person?

The Responsible Person is typically the building owner, employer, or managing agent. Their legal duties include:

– Keeping an up-to-date Fire Risk Assessment (FRA).
– Ensuring fire doors and fire-stopping are inspected and maintained.
– Providing staff training and evacuation procedures.
– Recording all maintenance and safety actions.

Failing to fulfil these responsibilities can result in enforcement notices, fines, or prosecution.

Why Fire Door Compliance Matters

A properly fitted and maintained fire door can contain fire and smoke long enough for safe evacuation. BM TRADA Q-Mark certified contractors, like Manor Interior Solutions or IFC SDI19 registered installers, ensure compliance, traceability, and full certification records.

Poor workmanship or uncertified repairs are now a prosecutable offence under the Fire Safety Order.

Common Failures Found in 2025 Audits

Fire audits this year continue to find:

– Unlabelled or modified fire doors.
– Missing seals or closers.
– Incomplete inspection records.
– Lack of evidence for competent maintenance.

Every one of these can invalidate your compliance.

Download the Full Guide

Our new Responsible Persons – Commercial Fire Safety Guide 2025 explains:

– The full list of legal duties.
– Inspection frequency requirements.
– How to choose certified contractors.
– Record-keeping essentials under the “golden thread.”

Download your copy now to ensure your organisation meets current regulations.

External References:

• Approved Document B – Fire Safety (Volume 2)

• BS 9999:2017 – Fire Safety Code of Practice

Refurbishment cost UK is the question most clients ask first. In simple terms, a commercial refurbishment in the UK can range between £400 and £1,000+ per m², depending on the specification, building condition and region. This guide explains what drives those numbers and how to plan a realistic budget.

Typical Timeline for a Commercial Refurbishment

Below is a rough outline of stages and timeframes you can expect:

For live environments, allow additional time to minimise business disruption… and these timings are just for reference

Why Costs Can Increase Mid-Project

Even with good pre-construction planning, some things reveal themselves later, like spec changes once you see finishes in place and hidden defects such as old pipework or outdated electrics. Another contributor is possible access restrictions, including out-of-hours working. Compliance upgrades, particularly under new fire safety legislation. Inflation in material and labour rates (fluctuation can happen from quote to execution).

A sensible approach is to keep a 10–15% contingency in your budget.

 How Manor Interior Solutions Can Help

At Manor Interior Solutions, we guide clients through every stage — from concept to completion — balancing design ambition with practical delivery.

We provide:

Transparent cost breakdowns so you know where every pound goes.
A choice of commercial fit-out packages to match your spec level.
End-to-end project management and compliance oversight.
Proven results across sectors, from offices to schools and manufacturing facilities.
Explore some of our completed refurbishment projects, including:

– Grosvenor Leasing Boardroom – a modern executive space transformation.
– Cavendish School Library – functional design that blends creativity with durability.

Key Takeaways

– Use £400–£1,000 per m² as a realistic starting point (this is as of 2025)
– Define your specification early to avoid mid-project surprises.
– Plan enough time; rushing always costs more.
– Include compliance and sustainability upgrades in early budgeting.
– Work with a main contractor that offers both office refurbishment and aftercare support.

It’s June 25th, 2025, and your office should already look like it’s hosting its own TED Talk—because nothing says “we’re forward-thinking” like a workspace that delivers comfort, productivity, and a dash of pizzazz.

At Manor Interior Solutions, we believe that sometimes, you don’t need to look far to see the good in the world. It’s in our communities, the people we work with, and the opportunities we have to make a difference. That’s why we were incredibly proud to be part of a recent DIY SOS project in Leicestershire, offering our expertise and hands-on help to support a home refurbishment for a deserving family.

A Team Effort in Property Transformation; this wasn’t just another project for us—it was a chance to use our refurbishment skills for something truly meaningful. Our team members, from professionals to helpers, all played a role in this important project. Seeing so many trades and suppliers rally around a shared purpose was an incredible experience…. nothing short of remarkable.

Making an Impact Through Building and Refurbishment

While the work itself was challenging, the most rewarding part was knowing that our contribution would have a lasting impact. Whether it was installing, refurbishing, or lending an extra pair of hands, every effort mattered. This experience reinforced what we already knew—building isn’t just about spaces; it’s about the people who live in them.

Giving Back to the Local Community

At Manor Interior Solutions, we take pride in every fit-out, refurbishment, and construction project we undertake, whether it’s a commercial space or a heartfelt community project. It’s about giving back and ensuring that our work makes a meaningful difference. Supporting initiatives like DIY SOS allows us to use our expertise in property refurbishment to contribute to something bigger than ourselves.

A Huge Thank You to Our Team and Volunteers (especially the ones not in the pictures !)

While we put in the effort to make this refurbishment a success, we also had an amazing time along the way. It was a chance to meet like-minded people who share our passion for construction, problem-solving, and giving back. For some of our office-based team, it was a rare opportunity to get stuck in, get their hands dirty, and feel the aches the next day—but it was all worth it! The camaraderie, teamwork, and shared laughs made it an unforgettable experience.

We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved, from our own team members to the wider network of trades and volunteers. It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do. Being part of something bigger than ourselves, seeing firsthand how collaboration can change lives, is an experience we won’t forget.

Fire safety in commercial buildings goes beyond just fire doors. While fire doors play a critical role, it’s essential to think about the other measures that work together to protect people and property in the event of a fire. One of the most important, but often overlooked, is fire-stopping. This refers to passive fire protection techniques designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through a building, which are crucial in working together with all other passive fire protection measures.

At Manor Interior Solutions, we specialise in providing certified fire-stopping solutions across the East and West Midlands. This article will help you understand why fire-stopping is essential for commercial properties and how it fits into your overall fire safety strategy.

Fire-stopping is one of the cornerstones of fire safety in any commercial building. In simple terms, it involves sealing any gaps, openings, or joints that could allow fire or smoke to spread. These gaps are often created by pipes, ducts, cables, or other building services. Left untreated, they can be a weak link in your fire safety strategy.

The importance of fire-stopping can’t be overstated. Even a small gap can allow fire to spread rapidly from one area to another, turning what could have been a contained fire into a major hazard. Effective fire-stopping, alongside fire doors, works to isolate fire to one area, providing critical time for evacuation and minimizing damage. At Manor Interior Solutions, we provide fire-stopping surveys and installations to help ensure your property is well-protected.

Fire-stopping systems are typically made from specialist materials like intumescent seals, fire-resistant sealants, fire-rated boards, and mortars. These materials expand or harden when exposed to heat, effectively blocking the spread of fire and smoke through walls, ceilings, and floors to create a robust barrier that contains fire to a specific area, protecting other parts of the building.
The BM TRADA certification scheme ensures that fire-stopping installations meet strict quality standards. By choosing BM TRADA certified fire-stopping solutions, such as those offered by Manor Interior Solutions, building owners in the East and West Midlands can feel confident that they comply with UK building regulations and that their property is safeguarded against fire risks.

Fire-stopping isn’t a standalone solution; it’s part of a broader fire safety strategy that includes other essential measures such as fire doors, sprinklers, alarms, and emergency lighting. You could have the best fire doors in place, but if gaps in the surrounding walls or ceilings aren’t properly sealed, fire can still spread.

Regular checks by certified professionals ensure that fire-stopping measures are maintained alongside fire doors. At Manor Interior Solutions, we offer comprehensive fire-stopping services, including regular inspections to identify and address any weaknesses in your building’s fire safety defences.

As a building owner or manager, it’s crucial to be aware of potential fire-stopping issues. Some typical places where fire-stopping is necessary include:

• Around fire doors, especially if the frames or surrounding walls have gaps
• Service penetrations, such as pipes and cables passing through walls
• Expansion joints or other structural gaps between floors and ceilings
• Void spaces above ceilings and beneath floors

If your commercial building is older or has undergone renovations, it’s especially important to have a fire-stopping survey carried out. New construction might introduce new gaps or openings that require sealing. Additionally, fire-stopping materials can degrade over time, so regular maintenance is key to keeping your building compliant and safe.

Trends Shaping 2024-2025

At Manor Interior Solutions, we’ve always believed that design should serve both form and function, and the trends emerging in the commercial design industry this year are pushing those boundaries even further. Let’s dive into some key areas leading the charge:

Sustainable Design – The Future is Green

Today, sustainability is no longer just a corporate social responsibility initiative; it’s becoming a core requirement for commercial spaces. From the materials used to the energy efficiency of the space, businesses are seeking eco-friendly designs that not only reflect their values but also provide long-term cost savings. At Manor, we’ve pioneered projects where reclaimed wood, energy-efficient lighting, and low-VOC materials have created both aesthetic and sustainable office environments. The Graf UK Toilets Refurbishment was a great example of how eco-friendly designs can still feel premium, with the use of sustainable materials like eco-tiles and energy-saving fixtures.

Key Questions to Consider:

• What sustainable goals does your business want to achieve with your new space?
• Are there specific eco-friendly materials or certifications (e.g., LEED) you want your project to include?

Well-Being-Focused Spaces – A Breath of Fresh Air

The workplace has become more than just a place to get work done. Employees now expect environments that contribute to their mental and physical well-being. Designs that integrate natural light, greenery, ergonomic furniture, and spaces for relaxation are not just luxuries but necessities to retain top talent. In the SEKO Northampton Office Fit-out, we saw how large windows, plants, and open spaces provided employees with a space that reduced stress while increasing productivity. These elements have been proven to boost creativity, reduce absenteeism, and foster a happier work environment.

Key Questions to Consider:

• How does the current office environment impact your team’s mood and productivity?
• Would adding natural elements like plants or increasing natural light be important for your team?

Kitchens and Break-Out Areas – The Heart of the Workplace

Kitchens and break-out areas are no longer just functional; they’re vital spaces where employees relax, socialize, and recharge. These areas are key to fostering a positive company culture. In our work on the Kings Breakout Area Refurbishment, we created a kitchen and break-out area that became the social hub of the office. Not only did it provide a space for employees to eat and unwind, but it also encouraged informal meetings and cross-team collaboration. Similarly, the Kitchenette Andretti Silverstone project featured a sleek, inviting kitchen space that perfectly balanced form and function.

Key Questions to Consider:

• Do your employees have a space where they can relax and connect informally?
• Would upgrading or redesigning your kitchen and break-out areas improve overall employee satisfaction and encourage collaboration?

Multifunctional Configurations – Flexibility is Key

With hybrid work models becoming the norm, the need for adaptable office spaces is growing. Companies require layouts that can accommodate solo work, collaborative meetings, and everything in between. In our work for AMPS’ Mezzanine Fit Out and Office Refurbishment, modular furniture, movable walls, and flexible room configurations allowed the office to be transformed depending on the needs of the day. This not only makes better use of space but also improves team dynamics by creating areas that can be repurposed for different types of work.

Key Questions to Consider:

• Do you need spaces that can transition between individual work and collaboration seamlessly?
• Are there opportunities to use modular furniture or adaptable layouts to increase the flexibility of your office?

Fostering Collaboration in Distributed Teams

The challenge of hybrid work is keeping teams connected and engaged, even when they’re not physically in the same space. Office designs that support collaboration both in-person and virtually are now essential. In the Alltrade Office Fit-out, we focused on creating collaborative spaces that included video conferencing-ready rooms, open-plan areas, and technology-integrated workspaces to bring together remote and in-office workers. The result was a space that encouraged both formal and informal collaboration, regardless of location.

Key Questions to Consider:

• How can your office design help bridge the gap between in-office and remote team members?
• Would incorporating technology-enhanced collaboration areas help boost team engagement?

A Commitment to Excellence and Customer Value

Manor Interior Solutions has successfully achieved Integrated Management System (IMS) certification, which includes ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards, with the assistance of Citation ISO Certification Ltd. These certifications represent not only our commitment to maintaining the highest industry standards but also our dedication to delivering exceptional service to our clients. This significant achievement underscores our focus on quality, environmental sustainability, and health and safety in all aspects of our refurbishment and construction services.

A special thank you goes out to our dedicated team, who have been instrumental in achieving this milestone. Your hard work, attention to detail, and tireless effort during the auditing process have ensured that we met and exceeded the standards required by these certifications. It was truly a team effort, and we are grateful to be surrounded by individuals who are as committed to excellence as we are.

What Do These Certifications Mean for Our Clients?

So, what do these certifications mean for you as a customer? In a nutshell, they guarantee quality, environmental responsibility, and safety. Consistent Quality and focus on customer satisfaction; you can trust us to deliver on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Manor Interior Solutions is committed to reducing our environmental impact by working to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote environmentally friendly practices. Safety First; we take safety seriously and you can have peace of mind knowing that we have strict health and safety measures in place to protect everyone involved in your project. More importantly, our certification means we constantly strive to improve our processes, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance the customer experience. We don’t rest on our laurels; we are always looking for better, faster, and more efficient ways.