Case Studies

Residential Apartment Block: 255 Units

Since taking over as Managing Agent for this impressive development, BNS has been working closely with the Board of Directors to increase compliance and safety throughout the building.

A key cost to the development has been the electricity usage. BNS has been working on ways to reduce usage with more efficient fittings and methods of lighting areas. This has resulted in a project to replace the lighting within the central atrium building with led fittings with microwave sensors. The overall project will be paid for in six years due to the savings we can make and reduce costs for many years to come.

The atrium operates an AOV system on an always open Louvre window system. This results in cold and wet weather entering the atrium which has an affect on the steel work and causing damage to the flooring. We have currently completed a scope of works for the redesign of the atrium and this has been tendered with a view for the project starting next year.

This will have a radical change for the space which is currently considered an outside space, but was initially designed to be an internal space.

Residential Development with Extensive Grounds: 144 Units

This has historically been a large self managed development containing 12 blocks of 12 apartments, with extensive grounds.

Due to growing pressures and legislation the Directors of the Management Company thought it prudent to appoint a qualified and respected Agent. The Directors undertook an extensive tender process and appointed BNS.

Due to our ability to reduce costs through economies of scale and relationships with contractors, including adding our fee, the Budget was only slightly increased upon our appointment.

This has ensured the pressures have been relieved from the Directors, yet high standards are maintained.

Landmark Residential Development

We work with the management company of a landmark residential development, formed from the renovation and rebuilding of a well-known hotel and Rock House. Our role is to help improve both general safety and fire safety across the site.

This involves fire risk assessments (FRAs), installing fire doors, and conducting PAS9980 a assessment – a fire risk appraisal of external walls and cladding of flats. The resident’s management company team is hands-on and regularly meets with us on-site to discuss compliance. We guide them through the necessary steps, ensuring they stay ahead of any potential issues.

We also help them develop action plans that outline their safety goals. Previously, they had received incorrect advice, so part of our role was to correct and provide accurate information and reassurance. During the PAS9980 assessment, we identified issues with the cladding and guided them towards the most cost-effective way to carry out further investigations, helping them remain compliant without overspending.

Assisting Not-for-Profit Organisation Supporting Start-Ups and Small Businesses in North Somerset

A not-for-profit organisation in North Somerset, aimed at supporting start-up, micro, and small businesses, turned to BNS for help with their health and safety needs. This organisation provides office space, commercial units and conference facilities to third-party businesses and works closely with the local government to secure grant funding for the local business community.

To ensure compliance and safety, they need a comprehensive health and safety service. We work with them to implement fire safety measures, manage legionella risks, and conduct thorough health and safety audits. We also supported them in maintaining their management systems, auditing against ISO standards to ensure they meet required levels of compliance.

An essential part of their work is securing third-party audits and assurance. This not only helps them maintain credibility but also assures grant providers and partners that they are a reliable and safe organisation to work with.

By helping them meet these standards, we support their mission to assist local businesses, making sure they remain compliant and reputable in the eyes of grant givers, government bodies and clients alike.

Complete Property Refurb and HMO Conversion

During this project we converted a property into an HMO (house of multiple occupancy). It was a full refurb job, so there was a lot to get through, and we handled everything from start to finish.

The kitchen and bathroom both needed a total overhaul, so we ripped out the old ones and put in brand new fittings.

After that, we tackled the first and second fix, making sure everything was lined up properly before moving onto the boiler and electrics, which also got a full upgrade.

Once all that was in place, we focused on the plastering, carpentry, and tiling. It’s the kind of detail work that really pulls everything together, making sure the place not only works but looks good too.

Finally, we gave it a fresh coat of paint and got the whole property decorated, ready for new tenants.

It was a hands-on project, and by taking care of every part, we were able to get the property up to HMO standards.

Grammar School

We act as the independent health and safety advisers for a well-known grammar school. This is a requirement for all independent schools. Our role covers everything from policy updates to independent school audits. We also carry out safety audits for the higher-risk departments, including sports, science, and design technology. 
 
The school has a theatre and performing arts centre that hosts external bookings as well as school events. We work with the theatre manager many times a year, helping create risk assessments for a range of performances ensuring safety is in place for all users. 
 
Beyond our role as health and safety advisers, we assist with managing their fire safety and asbestos management. We also provide independent oversight of any contracted works. During the school holidays, when they carry out maintenance projects such as roof replacements or kitchen renovations, we work alongside their facilities manager to ensure all health and safety standards are met. 

Retail Shop Fit-Outs

We worked on a retail shop fit-out, taking care of all the electrical work. This included ripping out old systems, installing new ones, and making sure everything was up to standard.

Once the old wiring was gone we set up new installations. After the installs, we ran full electrical tests to check everything was working as it should.

Finally, we completed the EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports) to keep everything compliant and give the shop owners peace of mind. Now, the shops are ready to go, fully fitted with safe and reliable electrical systems.

Industrial Manufacturer

We work with an industrial manufacturer offering health and safety support. Our focus is on several areas, including how they store materials, manage their manufacturing processes, plus ensuring their paint spraying booths and gas storage are compliant and safe. We also look at safety during steel cutting to make sure everything is under control. 
 
At BNS help this company to improve their fire safety and manage risks in all their operations. One of the main things we’re doing is a DSEAR assessment, which is needed when dealing with potentially explosive gases. In their case, this includes substances like nitrogen and propane. We make sure they’re stored and used safely to prevent any accidents. 
 
By staying hands-on with their team, we guide them through managing these risks and keeping their workplace safe, so they can focus on what they do best. 

Complete Rectification Works

At BNS, we handle full insurance remedial works, stepping in when someone raises a claim for property damage that’s covered by their insurance.

Once the insurance company passes the claim to us, we jump into action, starting with a full assessment and survey of the damage.

From there, we create a detailed floor plan and a work schedule, which helps set the reserve amount with the insurers.

Once the excess is paid, we move on to the next steps—organising everything and getting the work scheduled.

Then it’s all about carrying out the repair work, from start to finish, making sure the property is restored properly.

We take care of everything so the client doesn’t have to worry about a thing, making sure the process runs smoothly and their property is back in shape as quickly as possible.

Private Surgical Unit

We work with a private surgery that focuses on dermatological surgery. Initially operating one site, they expanded by acquiring an additional property. They then transformed this from a light industrial unit into a state-of-the-art surgical facility. 
 
Before they could secure their CQC licence, a licence that is essential for any medical facility, they reached out to us for assistance. As part of our services we conducted a fire risk assessment (FRA) and checked the overall fire safety of the building.  

We looked at the layout of their property to make sure it was safe and ensured they had a good plan in place to manage any legionella risks. 
 
We also advised them on how to store nitrogen safely and supported them in setting up the right protocols for their operations. 
 
By partnering with them during this transition, we helped make sure their facility met the necessary safety standards, allowing them to provide great care for their patients. 

Monasteries and Guest Houses

We work with a group of nuns who run two monasteries and guest houses. Our job is to provide independent oversight for their organisation and support them in maintaining safety.

We take a close look at their fire risk assessments (FRAs) and suggest the best ways to tackle any issues that come up. We also carry out audits against the health and safety ISO Standard. They aren’t necessarily looking to become certified, but using this standard helps them check their practices and see how they measure up.

By partnering with them, we help create a safer environment for both the nuns and their guests, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Food Bank

We work with a food bank that had previously their fire risk assessment (FRA) done by another company. Unfortunately, it raised more questions than it answered, especially when it came to the need for inspecting their fire doors.

We stepped in to help clarify things and reassure the food bank workers about the findings from their report. We also guided them on how to manage the maintenance of their fire doors, putting a plan in place.

Our goal as a business is to make sure our clients feel confident in their safety measures, working in a secure environment for them and everyone who relies on their services.