The high-profile trial concerning the 2019 fire at Beechmere retirement village in Crewe has collapsed after Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) dropped its prosecution against four companies accused of fire safety failings. Among them was Total Fire Group Ltd (TFG), an FIA member and third-party certified fire risk assessment provider.

Background: A Devastating Fire and Complex Legal Case

Beechmere, a retirement complex housing around 150 residents, was completely destroyed in a fire on 8 August 2019. CFRS launched a long-running investigation into the fire's cause and rapid spread, later pursuing charges under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 against companies involved in the building’s design, risk assessment, operation, and maintenance.

The trial began on 6 May 2025 at Chester Crown Court. However, on the second day, the fire service withdrew its case, citing legal advice that there was "no realistic prospect of securing convictions".

Alex Waller, Chief Fire Officer for CFRS, said:

“Following extensive legal submissions heard over the first two days of the trial, unfortunately, it became clear this morning (7 May) that there would be no realistic prospect of securing convictions. After carefully considering legal advice, regrettably we have taken the very difficult decision to withdraw our prosecution case against all four defendants.
We understand that former residents of Beechmere and their families will be disappointed with this outcome, which is not the one we have been working hard to achieve.”

The Defendants and Charges

The four companies facing a total of 14 charges, all of whom pleaded not guilty, were:

• Avantage (Cheshire): Responsible for the design, construction and operation of Beechmere. A subsidiary of Your Housing.
• Your Housing: Employed staff at Beechmere and was the ‘responsible person’ under Article 3(a) of the Fire Safety Order.
• Morgan Sindall Property Services: Appointed by Avantage to manage facilities, including repairs and routine maintenance.
• Total Fire Group (TFG): Engaged to carry out fire risk assessments in 2017 and 2018.

Earlier in the process, six charges against MAC Roofing were dropped in October 2024, and two charges against WSP UK were withdrawn in February 2025.

Statement from Total Fire Group Ltd

Following the case collapse, TFG issued the following public statement:

“We are delighted to announce that Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have finally dropped the case against Total Fire Group Ltd and all other defendants in the case. The prosecution offered no evidence and not guilty verdicts were returned by the Court.

TFG has always maintained that it acted professionally and properly and always in compliance with the Fire Safety Order. By dropping the case, CFRS and the Court have recognised this. We remain mindful of the impact that this fire had on the residents of Beechmere.

The company that constructed the building, which had numerous latent defects, was in liquidation and could not be prosecuted.

It was disappointing that it took almost 6 years for CFRS to drop this case, given the time, cost and unnecessary stress/damage this has caused to TFG and all concerned. We are grateful to the fantastic legal team and our staff who have supported us through this very difficult time.”

Darren Baird DMS, MIFireE, MIFSM
Group Director

Implications for Fire Safety and Third-Party Certification

TFG is a third-party certified fire safety company — a status that reflects robust competency standards through independent verification. This case has raised serious concerns within the industry about the prosecution of certified professionals without clear evidence.

The FIA continues to strongly advocate for third-party certification as the most effective way to ensure competence and accountability in the fire safety sector. The collapse of this case underscores the need for better-informed regulatory decisions, particularly when involving reputable and certified organisations.

Wider Impact and Fire Safety Improvements

Although the trial did not proceed, CFRS has confirmed that its investigation led to significant fire safety improvements at four other similar retirement premises across Cheshire.

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