Fire risk assessor for small premises

Small business owners, landlords, letting agents, HMO owners, community halls and managers of small buildings.

A fixed fee per assessment based on the size and type of building, plus repeat reviews and follow-up visits.

• Attention to detail
• Clear report writing
• Explaining risks to non-experts

• The law expects a 'competent' person, so check which qualifications and professional memberships customers and insurers expect
• Professional indemnity insurance as well as public liability, check cover limits for fire work
• Third-party certification schemes may matter for some clients, check what is available
• Rules differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, check the current ones
• Know your limits: complex or high-risk buildings may need a more experienced specialist

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £5,000, depending on training, professional memberships, insurance and equipment. Check which qualifications and memberships customers and insurers expect, as the law expects a competent person.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many assessments you complete and the premises you cover, such as shops, offices and rented homes. Hours are typically at least 10 a week.

Check professional indemnity as well as public liability insurance, and cover limits for fire work. Check whether third-party certification schemes matter to clients. Rules differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check the current ones, and know your limits on complex buildings.