At fire engineering business OFR Consultants the direction of the company is shaped by its staff. The ownership model involves a rolling programme of share devolution to those rising within the business and attracts employees who want to be part of something for the long term.

OFR was established in 2016 to deliver high-quality advice at all stages of a building project. It recruits talent from multinational companies, but also takes on less experienced workers, such as graduates, who can offer different perspectives. The mix produces what it calls “great problem solvers and communicators”.

As an employer it encourages flexible working to help people with their work-life balance, supports those who want to undertake voluntary work and offers an additional day's leave on birthdays. The mid-size company has expanded through reinvestment of revenue and organic growth.

From the company's delivery hubs in London, Manchester, Leeds, Bath, Oxford, Edinburgh and Glasgow, more than 100 staff advise clients on fire safety, covering project conception, planning, design, construction, operation and legacy dispute resolution.

OFR advises some of the world's largest organisations, as well as boutique local projects, and is involved in pro bono charity work. It believes every scheme matters to each client and delivers the same quality of advice no matter what the project is. Last year, it was listed in the Building Awards Top 100 Consultants and shortlisted for Specialist Contractor of the Year. Clients include the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in Wimbledon, and Urban Splash in Manchester.