Why PUWER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Nottingham

Nottingham is a major city in the East Midlands, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant economy. Famous for the legend of Robin Hood and its lace-making and bicycle manufacturing past, Nottingham has evolved into a modern, diverse urban centre with a population of over 300,000. The city benefits from excellent transport links, including two universities, a growing tram network, and proximity to the M1 motorway and East Midlands Airport, making it a strategic location for business, education, and innovation.

The city has a highly diversified economy, with key industries including life sciences, financial services, digital technology, advanced manufacturing, and the creative sector. Nottingham is home to BioCity, one of the UK’s leading bioscience hubs, which supports pharmaceutical, medical, and biotech companies. The financial and business services sector is also a major employer, with companies like Experian, Capital One, and Boots having significant operations in the area. In addition, the city has a growing digital economy, with many tech start-ups and scale-ups supported by innovation centres and university-led research partnerships.

Retail, education, and public services also play a central role in Nottingham’s economy. The presence of the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University brings a strong student population, skilled workforce, and research capabilities that attract investment and drive local enterprise. The city is also undergoing significant regeneration, including major redevelopment projects in the Southside and Broad Marsh areas, aimed at enhancing infrastructure, commercial space, and cultural venues. With its mix of established industries and emerging sectors, Nottingham continues to position itself as a forward-thinking, economically resilient city at the heart of the Midlands.

Nottingham is surrounded by a wide range of towns and villages whose development was closely linked to industry, trade, and transport. Places such as Beeston, Hucknall, and Long Eaton grew rapidly during the 19th century as centres of manufacturing, particularly textiles, lace making, and engineering. Their close proximity to Nottingham allowed them to benefit from the city’s markets, workforce, and transport connections.

Other nearby towns and villages, including Arnold, Carlton, West Bridgford, and Bulwell, developed as a mix of industrial and residential areas. Coal mining played an important role to the north of the city, especially around Hucknall and Bulwell, while brickmaking and small-scale engineering were also common. The River Trent and the network of canals and railways helped move raw materials and finished goods across the region.

In the late 20th century, many traditional industries declined, leading to significant changes across the area. Former factories and pit sites have been redeveloped for housing, retail, and business use. Today, the surrounding towns and villages support a more diverse economy, including technology, logistics, education, and services, while still reflecting Nottingham’s strong industrial heritage.

For these businesses and industries, staying compliant with the Provisions and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 is not just a legal requirement—it’s also about safeguarding your employees, protecting your business reputation, and ensuring your equipment remains safe and reliable.

Legal Requirements Under PUWER 1998

PUWER regulations place strict duties on business owners and equipment operators. Any business in Nottingham that owns or operates work equipment must ensure that:

• Work equipment is safe to use.

• Examinations and maintenance are carried out at regular intervals.

• Inspections are conducted by a competent person.

Failure to comply can lead to heavy fines, prosecution, and serious safety risks.

Protecting Your Workforce and Your Business

At SEIS, we know that every business in Nottingham – whether in heavy industry, healthcare, education, or automotive—depends on reliable, safe equipment. Regular PUWER inspections reduce the risk of accidents, protect your workforce, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Compliance not only keeps you legal, but also demonstrates a strong commitment to employee safety.

What is a PUWER Examination?

An examination under PUWER is a detailed and legally required inspection of work equipment. Unlike simple checks or maintenance tasks, a PUWER examination must be performed by a competent person and records should be taken to document the inspection carried out, by means of an inspection report.

Frequency of Examinations

How often your work equipment in Nottingham needs to be inspected & tested depends on its type and use:

• On initial install – Work equipment should be inspected on initial install, after assembly at a new site or location, and prior to first being put into service.

• At suitable intervals – Whether this be decided by manufacturers guidance, or dependent on how quickly the work equipment or parts are liable to deteriorate .

• After exceptional circumstances which may jeopardise the safety of the work equipment  – Equipment must be inspected immediately if it has been modified, damaged, or relocated.

Competent Persons and Impartial Reporting

PUWER requires inspections to be carried out by a competent person—whether that be the us at SEIS, equipment supplier or highly trained operator. At SEIS, our inspections are impartial, unbiased, and always in line with UK regulations.

Types of Work Equipment Covered by SEIS in Nottingham

Businesses in Nottingham use a vast range of work equipment, and at SEIS we provide PUWER inspections across them all.

Industrial Power Press

• Press brakes

• Hydraulic power press

• Guillotine press

• Mechanical power press

Industrial Machinery

• CNC machines

• Lathe

• Pillar drills

• Injection moulding machines

Miscellaneous Work Equipment

• Storage racking

• Roller shutter doors

• Ladders

• Staging

No matter the type of equipment on your site, SEIS ensures every examination is completed thoroughly, with full reports for your compliance records.

SEIS: Your Local Independent Inspection & Testing Company

SEIS is proud to support Nottingham businesses with impartial, expert inspections. We understand the local industries, from heavy industry to food production, and we tailor our service to meet your needs.

Independent, Impartial & Compliant

As an independent inspection provider, we do not sell or repair work equipment. This means you can trust our assessments to be impartial, unbiased, and fully in line with PUWER regulations.

Experienced Engineer Surveyors

Our team of qualified surveyors have years of hands-on experience across multiple industries. They know exactly what to look for and how to ensure your business remains compliant without unnecessary disruption.

Minimising Disruption to Your Operations

We understand that downtime costs money. That’s why we work around your production schedule, conducting inspections efficiently and professionally so your operations continue smoothly.

Our Inspection Process in Nottingham

We make PUWER inspections & testing straightforward and hassle-free for local businesses.

Booking and Scheduling

Simply get in touch with our team, and we’ll arrange a time that works for you.

On-Site Examination

Our engineer surveyors visit your site and carry out thorough examinations with minimal disruption.

Report of Thorough Examination

After each inspection, you’ll receive a clear, detailed report highlighting any defects and recommended actions.

Ongoing Compliance Management

We’ll manage your inspection schedule, reminding you before your next due date. Plus, you’ll have access to our online reporting portal, so your certificates are always at your fingertips.

Why Choose SEIS for PUWER Inspections in Nottingham?

Choosing the right inspection provider makes all the difference. Here’s why Nottingham businesses trust SEIS:

Local Knowledge of Nottingham Industries

From heavy industry and food manufacturing to hospitals, schools, and garages, we understand the unique challenges businesses here face.

Trusted by Multiple Sectors

We provide inspections for:

• Heavy industry

• Education

• Healthcare

• Automotive

Client-Centric Approach

We pride ourselves on safety, compliance, and customer service—always putting your needs first.

Nottingham Facts

1. Nottingham is a city in the East Midlands of England and the county city of Nottinghamshire.

2. The city is famously associated with the legend of Robin Hood and nearby Sherwood Forest.

3. Nottingham grew into an important industrial centre during the Industrial Revolution.

4. It was particularly well known for lace making, textiles, and hosiery manufacturing.

5. The River Trent flows to the south of the city and was vital for trade and transport.

6. Nottingham Castle stands on a sandstone cliff overlooking the city.

7. The city has a large network of man-made caves carved into the sandstone beneath it.

8. Nottingham is home to two major universities: the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.

9. It has strong transport links, including rail connections and a modern tram system.

10. Today, Nottingham has a diverse economy including education, healthcare, technology, retail, and creative industries.

Book PUWER Inspection & Examination in Nottingham

Booking with SEIS is quick and easy:

✅ Call our friendly team

✅ Fill in our online booking form

✅ Get your inspection arranged around your schedule

We’ll handle the rest, ensuring your equipment is inspected thoroughly, your compliance is up to date, and your workforce is kept safe.

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Number Location Plant

Plant Type *--- Select Choice ---Fork Lift Truck / Mobile Hydraulic HandlerCrane - Overhead / Goliath / Mobile etcPassenger lift / Goods lift / Platform liftPatient hoist / Patient sling(s) / Stair lift / Wheelchair Stair liftChain hoists & blocks / Lifting attachments / Lifting ancillaries / Lifting tackleVehicle lifts / Vehicle jack / Engine craneMobile Elevating Work PlatformTailboard lift / Lorry mounted crane / HIABOther

Plant Type *--- Select Choice ---Air receiver / Air compressor / Air oil receiver / Expansion vesselAir dryer units / Abrasive blast potsRefrigeration system(s)Steam boiler - Horizontal / VerticalSteam receivers / Steam heated roller / Steam heated platen / Blow down vessel / Steam jacketed panAutoclave / Coffee steam boilerWritten scheme of examination write up & certificationOther

Plant Type *--- Select Choice ---Pallet truck - Manual / PoweredLadders / StagingCNC machine / Industrial machineryPower pressStorage rackingAxle stands / hand toolsRoller shutter doorsOther

Plant Type *--- Select Choice ---Local exhaust ventilationWelding extractors / Welding hoodsDust extraction systemsFume cupboardOther

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