A Cornwall hospitality business owner has been fined £12,775 after serious fire safety violations were uncovered during inspections in 2023. The case highlights the critical importance of compliance with fire safety laws to protect lives and property.

Firefighters in Nottinghamshire were called to a dramatic blaze in Worksop after approximately two tonnes of discarded lithium-ion batteries ignited and began exploding. The incident marked the first use of a new firefighting tool designed to improve response to rural fires.

A Derbyshire health club has been issued a fire safety enforcement notice after a chlorine leak earlier this year resulted in several customers being hospitalised. The Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) conducted an inspection of a Health Club and Spa in Long Eaton in January 2025. Following their assessment, a formal enforcement notice was served on 3 February, citing serious shortcomings in the facility’s fire safety measures — including inadequate risk assessments, insufficient emergency routes and exits, and poor staff training.

A devastating fire has gutted a long-standing bicycle shop in Claudy, County Londonderry, causing an estimated £500,000 in stock losses, according to the business owner. Brian Cassidy, owner of Claudy Cycles, spoke about the emotional toll of the incident. “Thirty years of your life, gone in one night, it’s hard to take,” he said. “But I’m determined to rebuild.”

Access control systems (ACS) are essential tools for safeguarding sensitive areas and information across various industries. Whether you're protecting confidential medical records or securing restricted office zones, these systems ensure that only authorised personnel have access through methods like key cards, PINs, or biometrics.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are revolutionising fire safety by enhancing risk detection, minimising false alarms, and improving overall protection. These technologies are paving the way for smarter, data-driven fire prevention strategies within business premises and organisation locations.

On behalf of everyone at SS Systems I would like to share a huge thank you to Amanda for 15 years of excellent service. Amanda is a key member of the SS Systems family, providing great customer service to our clients and helping to create a friendly and positive environment within the office. Amanda finds time to support both internal and external colleagues with a friendly professional approach.

The UK government has released the results of an independent study on the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, e-scooters, chargers, and conversion kits. The research, commissioned by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), aims to deepen the government's understanding of the risks posed by unsafe batteries, particularly in light of a surge in fire incidents linked to these products.

The UK government has announced that seven organisations will be investigated in relation to the Grenfell Tower disaster, with all recommendations from the public inquiry set to be implemented. As part of the changes, manufacturing companies under scrutiny could be barred from bidding for public contracts, and two existing bodies will be merged to create a single building safety regulator.

At SS Systems, we have witnessed firsthand the challenges and hazards that businesses across the UK face daily. As we step into 2025, one concern stands out above the rest: the alarming lack of suitable and sufficient recorded fire risk assessments in commercial properties nationwide. This concern is echoed by fire and rescue services across the UK.