VIABILITY STUDIES

When purchasing or leasing premises for business, it can be helpful to obtain advice regarding problems which may be encountered later when satisfying fire precautions requirements. This applies especially to older premises. As an enforcing officer I experienced a number of occasions when it was obvious that the cost of alterations would put serious strain on a company, and others where alterations were precluded completely by lack of available space, uncooperative neighbours, or local planning limitations.

In some of those instances it appeared possible to salvage the situation, by permitting only very limited operations, and imposing extra rigorous fire procedures. However, few can withstand the necessary managerial commitment, and distraction from core business, that policing such a situation demands.

Haste due to the fear of losing an available site has caused would be occupants to lose sight of other issues involved. Occasionally the only sensible advice was to the effect that, “ they had acquired the wrong premises”.

C.J.G. services can help you to avoid this. If requested I will meet you at the premises, and give a first reaction to the situation. It may be possible to provide this service at short notice if necessary.

Studies will relate only to the likely suitability of the premises in respect of fire precautions. Structural, sanitary and other issues more suited to your architect or structural engineer are specifically excluded from my remit.