Representatives from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service's Fire Protection team were in Hucknall today (Friday 10 September) to promote fire safety in businesses across the town.

This week has been designated as Business Safety week and has seen the business support section of the team giving webinars and travelling to various towns across Nottinghamshire to advise businesses on the best ways to minimise the chance of fires in the workplace.

Luke Cook, part of the Fire Protection team at NFRS said: "The main part of our role is to go out and give advice and guidance to the local businesses. We've been trying to hit as many areas as we can this week. All the way up to Retford and all the way down to Hucknall, Bulwell lots of places like that, just to try and spread the word and to remind people of their duties to comply with fire safety law.

Mr Cook, who is originally from Hucknall, spoke of the importance of including the town in places to visit. He said: "Hucknall was obviously a good place to hit because we know there's a lot of new up and coming businesses in the area. With a new business they might need a bit more support. Obviously we try and hit the market days as well so there's as many people there as possible so we can give out as much advice to as many people as we can."

When asked about the most important factors for businesses to be aware of when it comes to fire safety, he added: "Every business should have a fire risk assessment so even if it's just an idea of an evacuation plan, emergency action plan. That's really the main point we're trying to get across and trying to help people with how to carry out a fire risk assessment, who they can appoint to carry out a fire risk assessment for them.

"Like I say there's been a lot of bits of advice we've given out such as guidance to prevent arson, guidance to prevent any electrical fires. The main piece of guidance really is to do with fire risk assessments."

Any businesses with questions or concerns, can find information concerning fire safety in a business setting here. Alternatively the fire protection team can be contacted via this email address: [email protected] .