Inside Small Businesses - ARK Fire Security

This week’s Inside Small Business takes us just beyond Fowey to meet a company that supports many of our region’s retail, hospitality, and accommodation providers. Fire safety might not be the most glamorous side of running a business, but it’s one of the most essential — and at the heart of that work in Cornwall is ARK Fire Safety Management, led by Anthony Kent.

Rachel Roberts

For Anthony, fire safety isn’t just a profession, it’s a lifelong calling. After more than 20 years in the field, he’s built a reputation grounded in trust, diligence, and deep technical understanding. Having spent his entire career working for others, he finally decided the time had come to build something of his own.

“I’d reached the point where I couldn’t progress further without taking full ownership,” he explains. “So I made the leap, for my family, and for the next chapter of my career.”

The name ARK carries its own story: not only his initials, but also a nod to the Ark of the Covenant, often symbolised by a pillar of fire, a fitting metaphor for the guidance and protection his work provides.

Transitioning ARK Fire Safety into a full-time venture felt natural rather than risky. The foundations were already secure: strong industry relationships, a broad client base, and a track record of trusted expertise across Cornwall and beyond.

“The work and opportunities were already in place with connections and the business the southwest has to offer” Anthony said “but success would depend on full time commitment”.

Today, ARK works across Cornwall, Devon, and the Isles of Scilly, with projects now taking Anthony to other parts of the UK. Yet his commitment to local businesses remains unwavering.

Operating in Cornwall means facing a kaleidoscope of properties, industries, and risks, from harbourfront guesthouses to historic cottages, nurseries, and care homes. For Anthony, that’s exactly what keeps the job interesting.

“There’s no single challenge here,” he explains. “Every building is different… age, structure, layout - they all shape how we approach risk. That constant variety is what I love. No two days are ever the same.”

A typical week with ARK Fire Safety might include conducting fire risk assessments, auditing fire door compliance, and following up on projects to measure progress. “The most satisfying part,” he says, “is going back to a site and seeing genuine improvement. You can feel the difference; it’s safer, calmer, and people have confidence.”

Beyond compliance, much of his role is about reassurance and education. His clients range from landlords and shop owners to nurseries and hospitality teams. “I’ve met so many people who worry they’re missing something,” he says. “Once I’ve completed a structured audit, they feel relieved. They know exactly where they stand and what needs to be done. That clarity helps them focus on running their business.”

He recalls that nurseries, for instance, pose unique hazards that might go unnoticed day to day. “It’s about recognising real-world risks and making safety routines practical for staff, not burdensome,” he adds.

Fire safety has been Anthony’s world since his apprenticeship days. Two decades on, he remains energised by the science of fire dynamics and the human side of prevention. “I still love the learning,” he admits. “Technology, materials, even how people move through buildings,  it’s always changing. Staying ahead of those changes keeps me motivated.”

That same enthusiasm extends into community engagement. Locally, ARK sponsored last year’s Great Trethew Vintage Rally, and Anthony continues to collaborate with Cornwall’s business community, including plans to deliver fire safety talks with the Cornwall Residential Landlords Association (CRLA). “Knowledge makes all the difference,” he says. “The more we can share, the safer we all become.”

Looking to the future, Anthony envisions measured growth focused on quality and education over quantity. “I’ve started taking on larger contracts nationally,” he says, “but I’ll always stay grounded in the South West. This is home, it’s where I want to make the biggest impact.”

Through ARK, he’s built something more than a consultancy. It’s a trusted presence within Cornwall’s economic ecosystem, empowering small business owners, landlords, and community organisations to stay safe, compliant and confident.

When asked to sum up what ARK really stands for, Anthony puts it simply:

“It’s not just about reports or advice, it’s about taking responsibility. It’s about being truly fire-conscious in everything we do.”

If you’re a local business owner unsure about your fire safety obligations, or want to feel more confident that your property and people are protected, Anthony at ARK Fire Safety is always happy to help. His practical, people-first approach has already made a difference to many in our community. You can find him online at ARK Fire Safety Management Ltd, serving Cornwall, Devon and beyond.