Our Story
Founded over a decade ago, we’ve grown from a two-person start-up to what is now the UK’s leading, independent fire-risk consultancy.
OFR’s globally established team has developed a reputation for pre-eminent fire engineering expertise, with colleagues working across the world to help protect people, property, and planet.
Today we employ more than 170 colleagues from over 25 countries.
The business has grown phenomenally in a short amount of time, with offices across the country in eight locations – from Edinburgh to Bath – and plans for further expansion.

Our Timeline
Use the arrows to scroll through our timeline

2016
Established in the UK by Simon Lay & Sam Liptrott after their experience working for major global multi-discipline engineering consultancies

Commenced work on projects in Europe and India, established offices in London and Scotland

2017
Expanded to Bath and Oxford

Internal research team appointed to deliver research into high-rise fire safety by CTBUH

Company becomes wholly owned by staff

2018
Established a presence in Leeds

2019
Published over 50 peer reviewed technical papers

2020
Awarded ISO UKAS 9001:2015, ISO UKAS 45001:2018 & ISO UKAS 14001:2015

Awarded Cyber Essentials certification

2021
Construction News Awards Winner

2022
Became ongoing WIFS sponsor

2023
Constructionline Gold Member Accreditation

Achilles Safe Contractor Accreditation

Supply Chain Sustainability School Accreditation

2024
North West Top 50 Company to Work For, Top 10 Best Companies to Work For, Cert B Outstanding Award

Engineering Talent Awards – Small-Medium Enterprise of the Year

Launched the UK’s first Commercial Timber Guidebook

SME National Business Awards – Silver Employer of the Year

2025
Cert B World Class Award, Building Awards Engineering Consultant of the Year

Team grows to 165+

New Bristol office opens

Our Leadership
Meet the people guiding our mission and shaping the future of OFR

Our People & Values
Our colleagues make OFR the great business that it is today

Awards & Accreditations
Being recognised through awards and formal accreditation





