For the average customer, the only thought given to fire safety when he or she comes into a B&Q store might be buying a smoke detector, fire blanket or fire extinguisher. But behind the towering racks of materials and equipment, which gladden the heart of any home improvement enthusiast while striking fear into the DIY-challenged, is a story of a determined bid to make B&Q leaders in retail fire safety. It was not always so. In the 1990s, the company suffered a number of fires and lost no less than five stores. Although there were no customer or staff injuries, a small number of firefighters did suffer from minor injuries. Not only did this situation have a direct cost in terms of loss of business and restocking, the company was also in danger of having its reputation badly damaged. So the directors resolved to put fire safety right up the corporate agenda.
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