Why PUWER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Kirkby-in-Ashfield

Kirkby-in-Ashfield is a market town located in the Ashfield district of Nottinghamshire, situated between Mansfield and Nottingham. With a rich industrial heritage rooted in coal mining and textiles, the town has evolved significantly over the past few decades. While much of its traditional heavy industry has declined, Kirkby has undergone substantial regeneration, with improved transport links, modern housing developments, and revitalised commercial areas contributing to its growth and appeal.

Today, the local economy is supported by a mix of sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, retail, and construction. The town’s proximity to the M1 motorway and the A38 has made it an attractive location for distribution centres and transport-related businesses. Several industrial estates in and around Kirkby-in-Ashfield accommodate a range of light manufacturing and warehousing companies, providing employment opportunities in production, assembly, and supply chain services.

In addition to its industrial and logistics base, Kirkby-in-Ashfield has a growing service sector, with health care, education, and professional services playing an increasingly important role in the local economy. Investment in town centre redevelopment, business parks, and transport infrastructure is helping to attract new businesses and support local enterprise. With its blend of accessible location, evolving economy, and community-focused development, Kirkby-in-Ashfield continues to strengthen its role within the wider Nottinghamshire region.

Kirkby in Ashfield is surrounded by towns and villages whose growth was strongly influenced by coal mining and related industries. Nearby places such as Sutton-in-Ashfield, Annesley, and Newstead expanded during the 19th and early 20th centuries as collieries opened across the Nottinghamshire coalfield. These settlements developed close links with Kirkby, sharing transport networks, housing, and a workforce centred on the mining industry.

Smaller villages including Selston, Huthwaite, and Skegby also relied heavily on mining, alongside supporting industries such as engineering, brickmaking, and quarrying. Railways and later road links allowed coal and industrial goods to be transported to larger industrial centres, helping these communities grow and prosper. Many villages combined pit work with small-scale agriculture, creating a mixed local economy.

Following the decline of coal mining in the late 20th century, the area experienced significant change. Former pit sites have been redeveloped into business parks, housing estates, and green spaces. Today, the surrounding towns and villages support a more diverse economy, with employment in manufacturing, logistics, retail, and services, while still reflecting the strong industrial heritage of Kirkby in Ashfield and the wider region.

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 Kirkby-in-Ashfield 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 Kirkby-in-Ashfield – 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 Kirkby-in-Ashfield 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 Kirkby-in-Ashfield

Businesses in Kirkby-in-Ashfield 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 Kirkby-in-Ashfield 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 Kirkby-in-Ashfield

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 Kirkby-in-Ashfield?

Choosing the right inspection provider makes all the difference. Here’s why Kirkby-in-Ashfield businesses trust SEIS:

Local Knowledge of Kirkby-in-Ashfield 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.

Kirkby in Ashfield Facts

1. Kirkby in Ashfield is a town in Nottinghamshire, England, located in the Ashfield district.

2. The town has strong historical links to coal mining, which shaped its growth during the 19th and 20th centuries.

3. Kirkby in Ashfield is part of the Nottinghamshire coalfield area.

4. It lies close to neighbouring towns such as Sutton-in-Ashfield and Mansfield.

5. The town’s name comes from Old Norse, meaning “church village,” reflecting Viking influence in the area.

6. Kirkby in Ashfield has good transport links, including rail connections on the Robin Hood Line.

7. Much of the town expanded as housing was built for miners and their families.

8. Following the decline of mining, many former colliery sites have been redeveloped.

9. Today, Kirkby in Ashfield has a mixed economy including retail, manufacturing, services, and logistics.

10. The town has several parks and green spaces, including Kingsway Park, used for community events and recreation.

Book PUWER Inspection & Examination in Kirkby-in-Ashfield

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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