Do Small Businesses in Surrey Need a Fire Risk Assessment?
If you run a small business in Surrey — maybe a café in Guildford, a hair salon in Woking, a workshop in Farnham, or a little office in Camberley — it’s easy to think all this fire safety stuff is for the big guys.
You’ve got a small team, a tiny space, and no fancy equipment.
Surely you don’t need a full-blown Fire Risk Assessment, right?
Wrong.
The law doesn’t care how big your business is. If you employ people, have customers, or invite the public into your premises, you must have a Fire Risk Assessment.
The Law Is the Same for Everyone
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every business — large or small — has a legal duty to identify and manage fire risks.
There’s no “small business exemption.”
There’s no “I only have two staff” loophole.
If you have a premises that people work in, visit, or sleep in (and that’s not a private home), the law applies to you.
That means cafés, salons, takeaways, shops, workshops, small offices, even home-based businesses that have visitors — all need an FRA.
You can check the official guidance from Surrey Fire & Rescue Service for confirmation.
Why Small Businesses Are Often Most at Risk
Here’s the irony — smaller businesses are usually the ones most affected when something goes wrong.
A small fire that a big company can absorb might wipe out a local shop overnight.
Fires don’t just destroy stock and equipment; they take out your income, your reputation, and your future.
And when investigators arrive, the first thing they’ll ask for is your Fire Risk Assessment. If you don’t have one, you could face:
- Fines up to £5,000 for minor offences
- Unlimited fines or prosecution for serious breaches
- And insurance headaches that make recovery almost impossible
What a Fire Risk Assessment Does for You
A Fire Risk Assessment isn’t just about ticking a box — it’s a simple, practical way to make your premises safer and keep your business running.
A good FRA will:
• Identify potential fire hazards (electrics, cooking, heating, storage, etc.)
• Check escape routes and emergency exits
• Confirm whether alarms and lighting meet standards
• Make sure your extinguishers are suitable and serviced
• Highlight simple fixes to reduce risk and improve safety
In other words, it shows you what’s working, what’s not, and how to sort it before Surrey Fire & Rescue ever needs to get involved.
“Can I Do It Myself?”
If your business is very small and low risk — say, a two-person office or a small boutique — you can do your own Fire Risk Assessment using the government’s free templates on GOV.UK.
But if your setup involves anything more complex — like cooking, flammable materials, multiple rooms, or shared spaces — it’s worth bringing in a professional assessor.
They’ll make sure your assessment meets British Standards like BS 9999, BS 5839, and BS 5266, and give you proper documentation to prove compliance.
Surrey Fire & Rescue Don’t Want to Catch You Out
Contrary to what people think, fire officers in Surrey aren’t looking to hand out fines — they want to help businesses stay safe.
If they do visit, they’ll usually give advice first. But they will expect to see your Fire Risk Assessment and evidence that you’re maintaining your safety systems.
Having a proper FRA in place shows you’re serious about safety, and that goes a long way if they ever come knocking.
How Often Should You Review It?
Even for small businesses, the golden rule is simple: review your FRA at least once a year, or sooner if anything changes — new layout, new equipment, new staff, or a fire incident.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just make sure it’s up to date and reflects what’s really happening in your premises.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Safe
At Fire Risk Assessment Surrey, we help small business owners across Guildford, Woking, Camberley, Farnham, and Epsom meet their legal duties without the jargon or big-company price tag.
We’ll carry out a straightforward, no-fuss assessment, explain what needs attention, and leave you with a clear plan to stay compliant — and stay open.
Because fire safety shouldn’t be complicated. It should just be done.
Book your Fire Risk Assessment in Surrey today and tick one big worry off your list.
