By Emily Ransome-Farmer MTPI AssocRICS, Head of Property Management at Watsons Property
Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service Partnership
Watsons is proud to announce that we are now an official Primary Authority Partner with Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service (NFRS), a significant step forward in strengthening fire safety assurance across our residential blocks, estates and mixed-use developments.
What Is a Primary Authority Partnership?
A Primary Authority Partnership (PAP) is a formal agreement allowing an organisation to work directly with one local authority to receive assured, regulator-backed advice on compliance.
For Watsons, this authority is Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service, the statutory fire safety regulator for the county.
Why This Matters Right Now — Fire Safety Over the Christmas Period
Fire services nationally report an increase in domestic fires during December, driven by higher levels of cooking, electrical use, candles and temporary decorations. As part of our commitment under the Primary Authority Partnership, we are sharing current, trusted fire safety advice from Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service and national fire authorities to help residents stay safe over the festive period.
You can click on the image on the right to enlarge, or download a PDF version for your own records.
What This Partnership Means for the Properties We Manage
This partnership places Watsons among a small number of managing agents nationally who work directly with their local fire authority to ensure properties are managed to consistently high, compliant standards. For freeholders, RMC and RTM directors, developers, landlords and leaseholders, it brings clearer guidance, stronger oversight and greater confidence that fire safety responsibilities are being met consistently across every building we manage.
Stronger, Verified Compliance
Our fire safety procedures, inspections and record-keeping are now shaped directly with NFRS involvement, resulting in:
- Greater consistency and accuracy in fire risk assessments
- Clearer guidance on fire doors, alarms, signage, compartmentation and evacuation strategies
- Confidence that decisions are based on endorsed best practice.
This is particularly important given the Building Safety Act, changes to the Fire Safety Order, and increased expectations placed on Responsible and Accountable Persons.
Faster, Expert-Backed Decision Making
Whether responding to resident concerns or assessing refurbishment and upgrade proposals, we can now obtain direct, assured advice from NFRS, reducing delays and uncertainty.
This benefits directors and freeholders managing:
- Resident enquiries
- Building alterations
- Fire safety disputes
- Upgrade specifications and remedial works
- Fire engineering recommendations
Reduced Risk of Enforcement Action
Because our approach is reviewed and supported by NFRS, our customers benefit from greater protection should enforcement concerns arise, helping safeguard:
- RMCs and RTMs
- Freeholders
- Developers approaching handover
- Landlords in mixed-use schemes
Consistency across buildings really does matter – and this partnership ensures it.
This guidance is intended for general fire safety awareness. Always follow building-specific fire safety instructions.
- Further winter fire safety guidance from NFRS is available here: Keeping People in Norfolk Safe at Home This Winter
- National festive fire safety advice is also available from the National Fire Chiefs Council: Councils and Fire Chiefs Issue Reminder on Home Fire Safety Ahead of Festive Season
Contact Our Team
Our property management specialists are here to protect your property. Get in touch today to discover more about our award-winning services and how we can help you.
Property Management Team
18 Meridian Way, Meridian Business Park, Norwich, NR7 0TA
📞 Phone: 01603 226500
✉️ Email: management@watsons-property.co.uk
