New partnership with Fires and Rescue Service makes business safer

Businesses can now access a range of advice on how to meet fire safety regulations by entering into a new partnership with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Midcounties Co-operative recently became the first business to sign a Primary Authority Partnership agreement with the service.

This enables the business to invest with confidence in practices and procedures, knowing that the resources they devote to compliance are well spent.

Talking about the partnership, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services Station Commander for Fire Protection, Roly Bayley said:

“As a fire and rescue service our priority is to make Warwickshire a safer place to live work and visit. By signing up our first Primary Authority Partnership agreement, this helps us to achieve just that.

"Through this partnership we will have a direct influence on the fire safety of 9,000 employees and 650,000 members of the Society. We now look forward to making a real difference, not only to the business, but most importantly the people who work at and visit Midcounties Co-operative's premises.

"We are hopeful that this will be the first of many Primary Authority partnerships that we will form and are looking forward to working with other businesses.”

Kevin Brown, Midcounties Co-operative Group General Manager for Specialist Services, said: “We’re delighted to be the first business to partner with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service as part of its Primary Authority Scheme.

"Fire Safety is an area where we need to ensure the highest standards and this scheme allows the society to improve even further its fire safety procedures. This partnership really demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our sites operate safely protecting our colleagues, members and communities. We look forward to a long and continued relationship with the Authority.”

Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Councillor Andy Crump. said: “I am really pleased that we have our first Primary Authority Partner. Partnerships like this mean that a business is able to invest more easily in fire safety measures, systems and polices in line with their business model. This ensures that they are compliant with the law.

"This helps businesses to invest in safety and will allow them to grow into new areas with confidence. I look forward to seeing how the partnership develops and working with other businesses across Warwickshire as more companies come on board.”

Regardless of size, a business or recognised group of businesses for example trade bodies, franchises and other representative groups with premises in different fire authority areas can request a primary authority partnership.

If you are interested in signing up, then please contact our Fire Protection Department on 01926 423231 or visit https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/?page_id=1068766