For Michael Potts, fire safety isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. As a frontline firefighter, he’s witnessed firsthand the devastation that fire can cause. Beyond the immediate danger, the impact on businesses, livelihoods, and communities can be catastrophic.
Determined to bridge the gap between fire safety regulations and real-world application, Michael launched Orion Risk Management UK Limited—a business dedicated to helping companies understand their legal responsibilities and proactively protect their premises, employees, and customers.
Helping Businesses Stay Safe and Compliant
Understanding fire safety regulations can feel overwhelming for many business owners. Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating a safe working environment and avoiding the financial and legal consequences of neglecting fire risk assessments.
Michael explained:
“I’ve come across so many incidents that could have been prevented with better fire safety planning. The problem is, many business owners either don’t know what’s required or feel that fire safety is something they’ll ‘get around to.’ My mission with Orion Risk Management is to make fire safety clear, straightforward, and practical so that businesses can take action before it’s too late.”
From independent retailers and hospitality businesses to large corporations, Orion Risk Management provides fire risk assessments and expert advice to help businesses navigate fire safety legislation with confidence. While the company is based in the North East, Michael’s expertise is also in demand nationwide, with clients seeking his support across multiple locations.
The Challenges of Starting a Business
Setting up Orion Risk Management was an exciting step for Michael, but it didn’t come without challenges. Balancing self-employment alongside his demanding career as a firefighter required careful time management and planning.
“Firefighting is physically and mentally demanding, and I didn’t want to take on too much and risk burning out—no pun intended!” Michael jokes. “I know fire safety inside and out, but running a business requires a totally different skill set. Learning how to market my services, find clients, and manage business administration has been a new challenge.”
Fortunately, having a family with business experience meant he had a strong support system to rely on. But beyond that, Michael sought out professional guidance to ensure Orion Risk Management had the best possible start.
The Most Rewarding Part? Making a Difference
For Michael, the most fulfilling part of his business is knowing that his work actively prevents fires and protects lives.
“As a firefighter, I’ve seen the devastation that fire causes—not just the damage to buildings, but the emotional and financial toll on business owners and employees,” he says. “Knowing that I’m helping companies take proactive steps to protect their staff, customers, and assets is incredibly rewarding.”
One of the biggest transformations he sees in his clients is the shift from anxiety to confidence.
“Many businesses start off feeling unsure about fire safety regulations—what they need to do, whether they’re compliant, what their legal responsibilities are. After working with me, they walk away with clarity and confidence in their fire safety measures, and that’s a great feeling.”
How TEDCO is helping Orion Risk Management Grow
While Michael knew fire safety inside out, the business side of things was where TEDCO came in.
“TEDCO has been fantastic in helping me market my business and connect with other companies that need my services. Without their guidance, I wouldn’t have had the same level of exposure and networking opportunities.”
Marketing is often one of the biggest hurdles for new businesses, especially those offering specialist services like fire safety. TEDCO’s business support programmes helped Michael raise awareness of Orion Risk Management, giving him the tools to grow his client base.
Fire Safety: An Essential Investment for Small Businesses
With fire regulations evolving and enforcement increasing, many small business owners remain unaware of their responsibilities. Who needs a fire risk assessment? How often should it be done? What are the legal requirements?
Michael believes that education and accessibility are key to helping more businesses stay compliant and protected.
Are you a business owner unsure about your fire safety responsibilities? Get expert guidance from Orion Risk Management: www.orionrisk.org
Orion Risk Management is one of many South Tyneside businesses that have been supported through the Start Up South Tyneside programme, a business Start up programme delivered by the TEDCO Business Support on behalf of South Tyneside Council which aims to support local residents with their aspirations to start up a business. This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. For full information see: Start Up South Tyneside | Tedco Business Support
