Eric Swainson: Director
Eric is a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Fire Engineers and has ten years experience in the industry.
Tell us a little bit about how you ended up in fire engineering?
I studied Chemical Engineering at university and originally wanted to work in the pharmaceutical industry. Although upon leaving university I originally pursued a career in process safety where I worked in the high hazard Oil and Gas industry, specialising in carrying out risk assessments on offshore platforms. In 2015 I made the decision to relocate to Australia where after trying a few different things I 'fell' into a career in fire engineering. After moving back to the UK I decided to remain in the fire engineering sector and have done ever since.
What do you aim to achieve with Mars Fire Engineering?
I want Mars to be recognised as an industry leading consultancy providing practical advice based on sound technical principles. The industry we work in presents unique challenges and has ever moving goal posts. We want to help our clients navigate through these to achieve our ultimate goal of designing safe buildings for people to use.
What do you see as the biggest challenge and opportunity for the fire engineering industry at the moment?
With challenges there is always opportunity for innovation. Currently, one of the most significant challenges facing the fire engineering sector is the growing adoption of emerging technologies—particularly the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries and their associated fire risks across various applications. The built environment is often slow to embrace change, and fire safety guidance reflects this inertia. As a result, fire engineers are frequently required to rely on first-principles thinking to assess emerging risks and devise appropriate solutions.
Outside of work?
I really enjoy running and try to get out as often as possible, rain or shine. When I’m not out running, I try to spend most of my free time with my five-month-old son, which is always my favourite part of my day.