© 2025 News On The Block. All rights reserved.
News on the Block is a trading name of Premier Property Media Ltd.
© 2025 News On The Block. All rights reserved.
News on the Block is a trading name of Premier Property Media Ltd.
More than 100 firefighters attended special exercises at a seven-storey apartment block that Principle Estate Management looks after in a Somerset coastal town.
The training events took place at Portishead Marina, which houses scores of residents who enjoy spectacular views of both the Marina Lock gates plus the sea beyond.
Adrian Archer, a senior property manager at Principle, explained how the exercises were planned as part of the ongoing care and attention for residents whose properties are about to have replacement cladding and insulation fitted.
Mr Archer said: “We wanted to show how cooperating with the fire service helped to improve our own operational preparedness, ultimately keeping all residents safe.
“Here at Principle, we don’t just tick off boxes and conform to the latest regulations, we do so in an open and transparent way, making sure that everyone knows what’s going on.
“It’s important that the cladding and insulation work that’s now going on across the country, following the awful Grenfell fire, is accompanied by close partnership with our emergency services.
“We were therefore more than happy to host Avon Fire & Rescue Services so that they could show us, plus our landlords and residents, exactly how they would operate if ever there was an emergency.
“The result was lots of reassurance for our customers, which we feel is an important part of making a difference to their lives every day.”
Craig Williams, of Avon Fire & Rescue Services, explained how the full simulated event took place to fully trial new equipment and procedures.
Mr Williams said: “This was a great example of how we might handle a potential hazard at a multi-storey block of flats that’s about to receive replacement cladding and insulation.
“There were ten fire wagons that brought firefighters from across the region to the site to ensure that they all gained valuable experience.
“Thanks to the support from Principle, this meant more than 100 firefighters who attended have now developed and embedded new, modern firefighting practices.
“This has helped our operational crews to further align themselves with new National Operation Guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council.”
Launched in 2018, Principle has since grown into what is now more than 60 staff looking after a portfolio of more than 11,000 units at around 300 developments across the UK.