Momentum builds: Frankham’s regional expansion update
Written by John Powell, managing director of Frankham Risk Management Services
Despite continued stagnation in construction output, and the forecasted flatlining of new-build housing, commercial developments, and private housing RM&I, demand for consultancy expertise in fire safety, building safety, retrofit, and decency remains exceptionally strong.
These are precisely the areas in which Frankham is firmly established as a market leader. This demand extends far beyond London and the Southeast and is increasingly evident across the UK.
Our recent growth into the West Midlands and the Southwest reflects this national trend and demonstrates our commitment to meeting emerging needs where they arise.
A strong platform for growth
While it may be premature to claim our brand has fully landed in these regions, early engagement has been extremely encouraging.
We have already secured several significant contracts, establishing a strong platform for sustainable growth.
Since opening our Birmingham office in March 2025, we have already expanded the space once and are about to do so again, as we are operating at capacity.
Crucially, we continue to employ locally across a range of disciplines, directly contributing to the region’s skills base and broader economic development.
Our investment in the West Midlands has resonated widely. We have received invaluable support from the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC), whose mission to drive regional growth aligns closely with our own. We are extremely grateful to Chris Lawes and his team for their guidance and engagement since the outset.
Collaboration and community
We are equally appreciative of our close collaboration with Kieron McGinn and the fire engineering team at West Midlands Fire Service.
Their support, particularly in granting us access to their Solihull training facility for our recent, well-attended event on life safety in housing, has played a key role in enabling us to communicate key building and fire safety messages across the sector.
Although Frankham has supported clients in the West Midlands for several years, establishing a physical presence has been genuinely transformative.
It has shifted our focus from simply delivering secured work to seeking meaningful, long-term impact within the communities we serve.
As part of this commitment, we are speaking with BMet College to support their skills programme, an initiative that aligns closely with our commitment to addressing the industry-wide skills shortage.
Helping to create pathways for new talent to enter and progress within the sector is a core priority for Frankham, and we are delighted to be exploring supporting BMet at their Erdington Skills Centre wherever we can.
In conjunction with WMGC, we remain fully committed in promoting a vibrant regional economy and improving living standards across the West Midlands.
Momentum in the southwest
We must not forget the Southwest. We have seen similar momentum there. We are actively supporting Bristol City Council with the remediation of several high-rise residential buildings and have recently secured a long-term fire risk assessment contract.
Our work in the region aligns closely with our Critical Friend model, which enables Bristol City Council and their contractors to access a wide range of specialist advisory services, including fire engineering, fire consultancy, asbestos management, and principal designer expertise.
As in the Midlands, we continue to recruit locally in the Southwest, further contributing to regional development. Although activity is currently coordinated from our Oxford office, plans for a more permanent and expanded presence in the region are firmly underway.
Overall, it has been an exceptionally busy, and immensely rewarding nine months for everyone involved.
Contact Information
For more information on our services or regional expansion, please contact: John Powell managing director, Frankham Risk Management Services
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0208 309 2746