Asbestos on the high street continues to dominate the headlines

Asbestos is a big problem on the high street

The headlines have once again been dominated this week by stories of high street premises which have been affected by asbestos.

In November, Acorn Analytical Services shone a spotlight on the growing epidemic in towns and cities across the UK and urged companies and shop owners to put the safety of their staff and customers first by ensuring they are aware of the dangers and fully compliant with the latest rules and regulations.

Now, two major high street projects have hit the headlines after the discovery of asbestos led to the projects being put on hold.

Buildings ‘riddled with asbestos’

In Wakefield, plans to create a new library and museum inside a former BHS building have been delayed.

The Yorkshire Post has reported that the project will be put back by at least six months while the material – which can cause deadly mesothelioma – is removed. Work to remove the asbestos from the building is set begin next month and should be complete by April.

Meanwhile, a row has erupted over plans to demolish the M&S store in Marble Arch, London which the CEO of Marks and Spencer, Stuart Machin, claims is ‘riddled with asbestos.’

In an article in Retail Gazette, Mr Machin says he believes the only workable solution is to demolish the building – a plan which has angered campaigners.

Both projects demonstrate that asbestos continues to be a widespread problem on our high streets – more than 20 years after the substance was banned in new buildings.

Time to go back to basics

There is no doubt that asbestos can be a complicated business, but the good news is it doesn’t have to be.

You should always put it right at the top of your health and safety agenda – not doing so could prove to be a costly mistake.

A good way to start your journey is by getting hold of a copy of our book, Asbestos: The Dark Arts.

The book, which gets a five-star rating on Amazon, explains why asbestos is so dangerous and the steps you can take to keep up to date with the latest regulations.

We’ll help you cut through the red tape and offer you helpful advice about how to make asbestos management much simpler.

Our podcast, Asbestos: Knowledge Empire also offers a useful introduction into Acorn Analytical Services and the work we do to support businesses, charities and organisations across the UK.

Our team can help

With offices in Birmingham, Cleckheaton, Northampton and London – and clients across the UK – Acorn Analytical Services is here to help you.

As well as management surveys, we can offer a whole programme of services including asbestos removal management and air testing and full construction, design and management (CDM) support if you are a contractor.

We also work hard to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos and have joined to together with leading charities, Mesothelioma UK and ActionMeso to ensure we get the health awareness messages across.

Our surveys are the very best way to protect yourself and those around you from the dangers of asbestos with our consultants inspecting your building thoroughly to check for its presence

You’ll receive your results quickly and efficiently and ensure you have all the detail you need to make informed decisions about effective management.

Acorn is a professional consultancy helping organisations deal with compliance using surveysair testing, and removal management. 

Please call one of friendly team of advisors, or use the online form to obtain your free quotation. If you would like further information, help or advice on asbestos training, contact the team on 0844 818 0895 or Contact Us

Neil Munro

I work in a dual role at Acorn Analytical Services focused primarily on growing and leading the business from our Northampton office base. My focus is on overseeing all sales, marketing and financial activities from Northampton. I assist clients with high-level asbestos management strategies and training. Together with Ian Stone I host our weekly podcast – Asbestos Knowledge Empire and I'm Co-author of Asbestos The Dark Arts and Fear and Loathing of Health and Safety.

Need Help? Request a Call Back

Request a call back from one of our expert Asbestos Consultants who will help you identify what you need

More Asbestos Articles

You need to think carefully about asbestos

Asbestos: Think carefully before signing on the dotted line

A BUILDER who lied to his customers about his asbestos industry credentials has been forced to pay back the thousands of pounds. According to the Environment Agency, Lee Charles used false paperwork to convince customers he was legitimate and had the qualifications necessary to remove asbestos and store it safely. In reality, Charles had no … Read more

Asbestos surveyor

Unveiling the Hidden Dangers: How Hiring a Professional Asbestos Surveyor Could Save Your Business and Property

Could your business be at risk from an invisible threat, hidden within the very structure of your buildings? Understanding the importance of a professional asbestos surveyor could be key to preserving your business operations and the integrity of your properties. Uncovering the hidden dangers of asbestos can protect your employees’ health, save significant costs in … Read more

inexperienced asbestos consultants (Medium)

The Rise of Inexperienced Asbestos Consultants: A Growing Concern

The asbestos industry is facing an alarming issue with the rise of inexperienced asbestos consultants. These individuals, lacking proper accreditation and expertise, are entering the market with only basic P402 qualifications. In this article, we aim to highlight the potential risks and consequences associated with this concerning trend. Understanding P402 Qualification The BOHS P402 qualification, … Read more

The Houses of Parliament are 'riddled' with asbestos

Asbestos: Living with the legacy of the past

THERE is so much asbestos in the Houses of Parliament it would take 300 people two-and-a-half years to remove it completely. That’s the view of members of the Public Accounts Committee who fear that the Parliament buildings are at risk of crumbling unless swift action is taken. In older buildings, asbestos is a common problem … Read more

Mesothelioma - celebrating the work of nurses

Mesothelioma: Celebrating the work of Mesothelioma UK’s nurses

IF you’re a regular reader of our blog, you’ll know that mesothelioma – the cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibres – is a cause close to all our hearts. Over the years, we’ve worked closely with Mesothelioma UK, the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people living with mesothelioma and their families, … Read more

Let your career in the asbestos industry grow with Acorn

Let your career in the asbestos industry grow with Acorn

GIVING young people the opportunities they need to build successful careers in asbestos and health and safety is a big part of the work we do here at Acorn Analytical Services. Having all started off as apprentices and learnt our trade over many years, we pride ourselves on providing the right environment where the next … Read more

Here for you on Safety and Health at Work Day and every day

Here for you on Safety and Health at Work Day – and every day

ASBESTOS is one of the biggest health and safety hazards in the UK contributing to 2,700 deaths from mesothelioma every year. To mark Safety and Health at Work Day we wanted to highlight the range of services Acorn Analytical Services provides to help protect yourself and those around you from his hidden killer. We’ll also … Read more

Asbestos is dominating the headlines once again

Asbestos – silent killer dominating national headlines once again

ASBESTOS has once again dominated the headlines this weekend with The Sunday Times focussing on the stories of real people who have been affected by this hidden killer. Research shows there could be as much as six million tonnes of asbestos contained within 1.5 million buildings in the UK – including 90% of hospitals and … Read more

Construction workers are at a much greater risk of being exposed to the dangers of asbestos

‘Asbestos awareness is crucial for everyone involved in the construction industry’

IF you work in the construction industry chances are you will come into contact with asbestos – perhaps without even realising it. With hundreds of thousands of buildings in the UK still believed to contain this highly dangerous material, even something as simple as drilling a hole could leave you vulnerable to exposure, and at … Read more

Mesothelioma can affect anyone of any age

Raising awareness of mesothelioma – a deadly cancer which kills 2,500 people every year

AS Global Asbestos Awareness Week draws to a close, we felt it was important to shine a light on the work of Mesothlioma UK, a charity which is close to all our hearts. For many years, Acorn Analytical Services has been very proud to support the work of this amazing charity which supports people living … Read more