Letting Agents

Why BNS Was Chosen

Abode Property Management, and its student and professional lettings brand Digs, manage a large portfolio of rental properties in Bristol where the safety and compliance of communal spaces is essential.

With 120 properties across the city, Abode and Digs required a partner with the technical expertise to deliver thorough fire risk assessments and compliance testing, while keeping reporting clear and manageable.

BNS was selected for its proven fire safety expertise, in-house health and safety and electrical teams, and practical, action-focused approach. We listened carefully to Abode and Digs’ requirements and tailored a service delivery model that worked for them – in this case, the simplicity and clarity of reporting was key, making it easy for their team to action.

Our ability to provide concise executive summaries and highlight issues that can be quickly remedied meant we could reduce administrative burden while ensuring prompt safety and compliance.

Services Delivered

BNS’s health and safety team carries out annual fire risk assessments across the portfolio, supported by weekly compliance testing to meet statutory requirements. This includes:

• Fire alarm testing, rotating manual call points to ensure full system coverage
• Emergency lighting tests to confirm functionality in simulated power failures
• Recording and documenting all tests in compliance with British Standards
• Clear reporting with initial action schedules, followed by weekly online meetings with Abode and Digs property managers
• Final reports including executive summaries, action lists, and budgeted costs for remedial works

In addition, BNS’s in-house electrical team supports with operational testing of life safety systems, ensuring any identified electrical requirements are handled seamlessly.

Outcomes Achieved

Through this contract, Abode and Digs benefit from a consistent, structured approach to fire safety and compliance across their Bristol portfolio.

Property managers receive clear, prioritised actions that enable swift resolution of issues, helping to maintain safe, compliant, and well-managed buildings.

Abode highlighted the value of BNS’s comprehensive approach, noting that the detailed reports provide reassurance that their developments remain compliant with all elements of fire safety legislation.

As Holly Wrightson, Head of Property Management at Abode, explains: “BNS’ service is comprehensive and competitive. They are experts in their field, and their reports are extremely detailed.” 

By tailoring the service around Abode and Digs’ needs, particularly through straightforward, actionable reporting, we’ve made compliance easier to manage and less time-consuming for their team.

The combination of BNS’s health and safety expertise and in-house electrical capabilities provides Abode and Digs with a single trusted partner for fire safety compliance, reducing complexity and giving peace of mind that residents’ safety remains a priority.