New fire safety company launches at the North East BIC

A new fire safety and training company has launched with the aim of becoming an industry leader.

Will Fatherley set up ProFire Safety & Training using experience gained from a previous company, which specialised in the field.

Keen to retain the old company’s talent and continue providing services to clients, Will worked with the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) to set up ProFire at the Sunderland business park.

Will, who is chief executive of ProFire, said: “We’d built up a fantastic team and had a great track record and I couldn’t let that go to waste.

“I quickly decided to set up a new business to retain the talent of as many staff as possible and to ensure continuity for loyal customers.

“I knew I had to move quickly, or it wouldn’t work and managed to get set up in just six days.

“From the very beginning, the BIC really came to our rescue when we needed them – finding us a home, giving us advice and connections and surrounding us with an incredibly supportive community.

“We were a start-up in need, and they were there for us. Because of that we managed to save ten jobs and now are gearing up for ambitious growth.”

The company provides fire safety services, fire fighter training and workplace safety training for a wide range of clients and plans to develop new software products that will open up new opportunities.

David Howell, Director of Operations at the BIC, said: “Our sole purpose is to help businesses in the region, and this was a perfect opportunity to put our money where our mouth is.

“Will has a talented team, a fantastic track record behind him and ambitious plans for the future ahead. We can’t wait to get started helping him to bring these plans to fruition.”

ProFire launched in the BIC’s Innovation Zone, before moving into its own dedicated space where it continues to grow. The Innovation Zone is part-funded by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.