Industry
Education
Challenge
All checks needed to be completed promptly.
Results
2000 fire doors checked within 6 weeks.
Key Product
Fire Door Inspection Programme
Client Background
Unite Students is the UK’s leading manager and developer of purpose-built student accommodation. Housing over 70,000 students across major university cities, it provides safe, modern, and well-managed living spaces that support both academic and personal success.Project Overview
Unite Students appointed Firntec to deliver an urgent fire door inspection programme across five large student accommodation blocks in Portsmouth, covering approximately 2,000 doors. This was the first project we had undertaken with Unite Students, and it was driven by the need for rapid compliance and assurance while students remained in residence throughout the programme.
We deployed a team of two to four surveyors, who worked efficiently in live environments to minimise disruption. Using Riskbase for inspection reporting and NetSuite for project management and invoicing, we ensured the programme was fully traceable, auditable, and delivered to the highest standard.
Challenges & Solutions
The contract required a very fast turnaround, with all inspection reports due within just six weeks of commencement. Despite the scale and complexity of inspecting 2,000 doors across multiple occupied buildings, our team delivered every report on time. Early scheduling, close coordination, and the use of digital reporting tools enabled seamless progress.
Added Value
We provided Unite Students with clear, detailed inspection reports, uploaded in real time through Riskbase. This allowed remedial quotations to be prepared quickly, ensuring the client had a full picture of compliance needs within just four months. Our professionalism and responsiveness built strong foundations for an ongoing relationship with Unite Students.
Social Value
The programme directly benefited Unite Students and their residents by ensuring fire safety compliance in large, occupied accommodation blocks. Students were reassured that their living spaces were safe, secure, and aligned with legal requirements, providing both peace of mind and practical safety outcomes.
Results
The inspection programme was completed to deadline and within budget, with over 2,000 fire doors inspected and fully reported. Remedial quotations were produced promptly, allowing Unite Students to plan next steps with confidence. Client feedback confirmed satisfaction with the speed, accuracy, and professionalism of delivery.
Lessons Learnt
The project highlighted the importance of branded visibility for surveyors. Initially, the absence of Firntec-branded vests caused minor identification issues on-site. We have since reinforced the requirement for all staff to wear branded uniforms to ensure clear visibility, professionalism, and smooth client interactions.
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