Security and Fire Safety Challenges Facing Facilities and Estate Managers in 2025

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Written by David Brayfield

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January 27, 2025

Facilities and Estate Managers face an increasingly complex landscape regarding building security and fire safety. With evolving legislation, technological advancements, and heightened risks, ensuring the safety and security of buildings and their occupants has never been more challenging. I've put some thoughts together on the primary challenges in 2025 and some practical thinking to address them effectively.
A typical building looked after by Facilities and Estate-managers facing challenges in 2025.

As a business owner, I get it; compliance, legislation, tasks, and ‘to-do lists’ never stop; it’s a constant battle to keep things safe and ticking along, and 2025 will be no different. How I see it, this year, if you’re a business owner or in estate and facilities roles, your primary challenges will include:

1. Navigating Evolving Legislation

Compliance with building security and fire safety regulations is critical in the UK. In recent years, significant legislative updates, including the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, have placed greater accountability on professionals tasked with ensuring a business’s compliance.

Challenges:

  • Understanding and implementing complex regulatory requirements.
  • Keeping up with future amendments and ensuring compliance across multiple sites.
  • Maintaining clear documentation to demonstrate adherence during inspections.

Solutions:

  • Engage with fire safety and security specialists to stay updated on legislative changes.
  • Invest in compliance software that streamlines record-keeping and reporting.
  • Schedule regular audits to identify and address gaps in compliance.

2. Enhancing Physical and Cybersecurity Measures

As buildings become more connected, the integration of physical and cybersecurity is paramount. For example, cyber threats targeting building management systems (BMS) can lead to vulnerabilities in physical security. Even a minor incident can have serious repercussions.

Challenges:

Solutions:

  • Implementing multi-layered cybersecurity protocols, including encryption and two-factor authentication for all digital systems.
  • Upgrading physical security infrastructure, such as smart locks, facial recognition and AI-powered surveillance.
  • Ensuring facilities teams have implemented effective incident response plans and that employee training is up-to-date.

“Facilities and Estate Managers are under increasing pressure to stay ahead of evolving security and fire safety risks. Compliance, technology, and risk mitigation are constantly shifting, making it crucial to have the right expertise with a trusted partner on your side. I understand these challenges inside out. Our team is here to help you cut through the complexity, strengthen your defences, and ensure your people and buildings remain safe, secure, and compliant—today and in the future.”

David Brayfield, Managing Director

3. Managing Fire Safety in Ageing Buildings

Ageing buildings is a common challenge. Many UK buildings, particularly in urban areas, are often old and require significant investment to meet modern fire safety standards. Retrofitting older properties poses unique challenges that require attention to detail to ensure the end solution meets the complete requirements of the challenge.

Challenges:

  • Identifying and addressing fire risks in older buildings, such as inadequate fire compartmentation or outdated materials.
  • Minimising disruption to occupants during retrofitting projects.
  • Balancing fire safety improvements with budget constraints

Solutions:

  • Conduct comprehensive fire risk assessments to prioritise upgrades.
  • Collaborate with fire engineers to design tailored solutions for older structures.
  • To offset costs, explore funding options, such as government grants or energy efficiency initiatives.

4. Preparing for Emerging Risks

Facilities and Estate Managers must also anticipate emerging risks, such as climate change-related threats, which can exacerbate flood and fire risks and complicate security efforts. The UK often has many flooded areas, not just rural ones; many urban areas have been affected recently. Flooding is a real ongoing challenge for property and estate managers.

Challenges:

  • Increased likelihood of fires due to climate changes.
  • Flooding and adverse weather impacting fire safety equipment and security systems.
  • Rising crime rates in specific areas create additional security concerns.

Solutions:

  • Develop comprehensive emergency preparedness plans addressing both fire and security risks.
  • Install resilient fire safety and security systems designed to withstand environmental challenges.
  • Work closely with local authorities and emergency services to avoid potential threats.

Merge security and fire safety services with us

5. Leveraging Technology for Proactive Safety

Technology offers significant opportunities to enhance building security and fire safety, but adoption can be challenging. The rapid advancement of AI also adds to the complexity of choice. With budget squeezes and an all-too-often scenario, selecting the right technology is critical. An incorrect choice can be costly from a monetary and human perspective.

Challenges:

  • Navigating the overwhelming number of technology options on the market.
  • Ensuring interoperability between new and legacy systems.
  • Training teams to use advanced tools effectively.

Solutions:

  • Invest in integrated systems that combine fire safety and security management.
  • Choose scalable solutions that can grow with your building’s needs and as technology advances.
  • Partner with trusted vendors who provide training and ongoing support.

The Way Forward

With every year seemingly throwing more stuff at us all, we are here to help. Facilities and Estate Management is pivotal for many businesses; safeguarding buildings and occupants against security and fire risks is no small undertaking. While I have identified five common challenges, that is not a complete list.

If any of the challenges I mentioned sound familiar, you are not alone. We can help. Talk to us about your security, compliance, and fire safety needs, and we’ll demonstrate how we can help you find the right solutions.

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