Construction experts lay down solid new city centre foundations

Construction experts Frankham have laid down solid city centre foundations – with the launch of a new office in the heart of Birmingham.

Specialising in Construction Consultancy and Building Compliance, Frankham has longstanding contracts across the UK.

John Powell - managing director for Frankham Risk Management Services, part of the Frankham Group - said: “With a recent emphasis on new and extended programmes of work in the West Midlands, it made strategic sense for Frankham to establish an official foothold in Birmingham.

“Increasingly, we’re being asked by organisations to support them in their building compliance approach, whether due to the niche and complex nature of their compliance requirements, the specialised expertise needed, or resourcing pressures.

“We’ve planned our move to the Midlands carefully and now, in addition to being immediately reachable by phone and online, we’re even better placed to provide in-person support at very short notice.

“We couldn’t be happier to be in the hustle and bustle of the city centre, just a 2-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station, and we’re settling in quickly!”

Ian Chand (pictured) is Frankham’s newest recruit to the Fire Consultancy business in the Midlands, taking the role of regional head of fire safety at Frankham Risk Management Services.

A born and bred Brummie, Ian’s distinguished career, rooted in the fire safety and risk sector, has positioned him as a leading expert in managing complex fire safety challenges for high-risk buildings.

He has also successfully spearheaded large-scale fire door replacement and emergency lighting programmes, as well as providing consultancy to housing providers on effective approaches for developing and implementing tailored personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) for vulnerable occupants, demonstrating a commitment to safety and regulatory excellence.

He said: “Starting with a new company is an exciting opportunity to transform experience into impact.

“With over a decade of experience managing 42 high-rise properties and over a thousand low rise multi occupancy buildings at a local housing authority, I’ve developed an inherent understanding of property management, compliance, and tenant safety.

“The Grenfell Inquiry was a turning point for the housing sector. It exposed systemic failures and led to sweeping reforms. Housing organisations were compelled to reassess fire safety protocols and ensure full compliance with new standards.

“My role during this period involved adapting to these changes, conducting internal audits, and ensuring our buildings met the updated requirements- this experience now forms the backbone of my business growth vision.

“Being part of Frankham Risk Management Services - a company rooted in property safety and compliance - allows me to leverage my background to serve a growing need in Birmingham and the wider Midlands area. With increasing regulatory scrutiny and ageing infrastructure, there is a clear demand for expert-led services in fire safety, building compliance, and risk management.

“My local knowledge, professional network, and hands-on experience position me to offer tailored solutions to local authorities (Housing ALMOs) housing associations, schools, commercial, and retail organisations

“My aim is to grow our business in the Midlands organically, starting with trusted relationships and expanding through referrals and strategic partnerships, so that we not only thrive commercially, but also contribute meaningfully to safer, stronger communities.”