FWS Services — Starting Strong After the Tata Transition
When Tata Steel announced redundancies at Port Talbot, many local families faced an uncertain future. For Robbie Morgan, who had spent 18 years working in the site’s Security and Fire Departments, the news became the push he needed to turn his experience into a new opportunity.
In September 2024, Robbie co‑founded FWS (Fire Water Safety) Services Ltd with business partners Daniel and Richard. Based in Neath Port Talbot, the business provides a mix of fire safety and water hygiene compliance services – from fire risk assessments and fire door inspections to Legionella risk assessments, water sampling, and pipework disinfection.
During the early stages, Robbie worked for his partners’ company, SW Water, while FWS was being developed in the background. This gave him stability and additional hands‑on experience before transitioning fully into the business in July 2025. Since then, FWS has grown steadily, delivering work for small local businesses as well as larger commercial clients in cities such as London and Manchester.
Accessing Support:
Knowing that setting up a business after long‑term employment required careful planning, Robbie contacted Neath Port Talbot Council’s Economic Development team. Their support helped him understand what assistance was available through the Tata Transition Funds, including the advice and guidance available through Business Wales as part of a package of funding and support developed by the UK Government to support those affected by the restructuring at Tata Port Talbot works.
Robbie described the process as positive, especially once the Tata funding was awarded. Being able to split his grant claim was particularly helpful, easing cash‑flow pressures during the early months of trading.
A Strong Foundation for Growth:
The funding allowed FWS Services to purchase essential specialist equipment, improve service delivery, and develop a professional website — all of which helped the business build credibility and take on a wider range of work. The support provided the solid foundation Robbie needed to grow the company sustainably.
Robbie’s Advice to Others:
For anyone affected by the Tata transition and considering self-employment, Robbie offers the following advice:
“Make contact early and don’t delay. Ask questions — even if you think they’re small. Be clear about what matters most to your business and what investment will make the biggest impact. Use the support available, because it can genuinely make the difference between struggling through the early stages and building something sustainable.”
Reflecting on his journey, he also shared:
“Having spent around 18 years working at Tata Steel, including 15 years in the Fire Department, applying to become an approved supplier feels like coming full circle. To now be in a position where I could potentially support the business as a supplier is something I’m very proud of.”
