Government Releases First Quarterly Grenfell Tower Inquiry Progress Report: What It Means for UK Businesses

In February 2025, the UK Government published the first Quarterly Thematic Update on its progress in implementing the recommendations from Phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

For business owners (particularly those in property management, construction, housing, hospitality, or facilities maintenance,) this report is more than a government update.

It’s a clear signal that fire safety standards and legal expectations are rising. Understanding the changes now is crucial for ensuring compliance, mitigating risk and demonstrating a proactive approach to protecting lives.

A Summary of Key Developments

Government Response and Legislative Reform

The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 claimed 72 lives and exposed deep systemic failures in building and fire safety. Since then, the government has been under pressure to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.

In the first progress report, the government outlines its response to the 46 recommendations from Phase 1 of the Inquiry, which focused on how the fire started, spread, and how emergency services responded.

• 29 recommendations directed at the London Fire Brigade (LFB) have now been completed (The Fire Protection Association (FPA)).
• Of the 15 recommendations addressed to central government, 12 have been implemented, with work ongoing to address the remaining three—focused on personal evacuation plans and evacuation strategies for high-rise buildings (GOV.UK report).

What This Means For Fire Prevention For Business Owners

Whether you own or manage commercial buildings, residential blocks, or mixed-use developments, there are several takeaways from this report that could affect your business directly or indirectly:

Increased Legal Accountability

The government is moving toward stricter enforcement of fire safety obligations under the Building Safety Act 2022. This includes:

• A new building safety regulator (via the Health and Safety Executive) now overseeing construction and safety compliance.
• Heavier penalties for non-compliance and an expanded remit for the Regulator of Social Housing, which now holds landlords accountable for ignoring safety complaints.

If your business involves property ownership, management or construction, you could face significant legal and financial consequences if found non-compliant.

Competence Requirements for Fire Risk Assessors

The new progress report reiterates the government’s commitment to professionalising fire safety assessments. That means only certified, competent professionals should conduct risk assessments.

As a business owner, it’s essential to ensure:

• Your fire risk assessor is third-party accredited (e.g., via the Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council).
• Your fire safety strategy is regularly reviewed, particularly if the building is occupied or used by vulnerable individuals.

According to the Home Office, nearly one third (32%) of businesses inspected in 2023 failed to meet fire safety standards, highlighting widespread gaps in compliance.

Legal Duties on Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)

Although still under review, the government has acknowledged the need for Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans in high-rise residential buildings. For businesses operating in healthcare, hospitality, or managing housing with vulnerable tenants, you should be preparing now for:

• PEEPs for disabled residents, visitors, or occupants.
• Review of fire escape routes and signage tailored to diverse mobility needs.

Proactive Steps You Can Take Now

Review Your Fire Risk Assessments

• Ensure they are up to date, comprehensive, and conducted by qualified individuals.
• Include regular evacuation drills and reviews of fire detection systems.

Check Your Legal Obligations

• Familiarise yourself with updates from the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which require responsible persons to provide key fire safety information to local fire and rescue authorities.

Engage with Competent Suppliers

• Work only with BAFE-registered fire protection firms, such as Lee Fire & Security, to ensure your fire systems meet the highest regulatory standards.

Communicate with Occupants

• Ensure tenants, residents, or staff know what to do in case of a fire. Clarity saves lives.

Looking Ahead in 2025

The Government has committed to publishing quarterly reports to provide transparency and track progress. While some reforms particularly around evacuation policies are still in consultation, the momentum is clear – that fire safety for roles such as landlords and property managers is no longer optional but a legal imperative.

As a responsible business owner, staying informed and ahead of these regulations not only reduces risk but reinforces your brand’s commitment to safety, ethics, and legal compliance.