Somerset business set to close

A family-owned business in Somerset is set to close next month as it is unable to conform with fire safety regulations.

Seeley and Co, which is located in Hill Road, Clevedon, will close for the final time on Christmas Eve as it is can not afford the renovations needed to bring it in line with fire laws, reports thisissomerset.co.uk.

Earlier this year, fire safety inspectors visited the premises and told owner Mike Seeley that the building would have to be fully fireproofed to protect the properties on the second floor.

He told the news provider: "The shop floor is about 2,500 sq ft so it would be a big job to fireproof the ceiling and cost in excess of £10,000 which is money that I do not have.

"I have decided, especially at my age and with no one to pass the business on to, that it is just not worth spending the money."

A 'suitable and sufficient' fire risk assessment must be conducted on all commercial properties in England and Wales, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

If the fire risk assessment is deemed to be carried out to an insufficient extent, the Responsible Person can face an unlimited fine or a maximum prison sentence of two years.

If you have any further questions about fire risk assessments or the fire regulatory fire safety order form please Contact us