Exhibitor Videos

HFR Solutions CIC was proud to host an inspiring and action-packed experience day for Year 5 pupils from Biggin Hill Primary School on June 25th. This event was run in partnership with Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University, a brilliant charity that helps foster a lifelong love of learning in children by celebrating and encouraging participation in extra-curricular activities regardless of background.

HFR Solutions is a Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to creating safer workplaces and stronger communities. Our mission is simple but powerful: brightening communities for a stronger tomorrow. That vision came to life during this event, which showcased the positive impact of real-world learning outside the classroom.

As a Gold Partner of Children’s University, HFR Solutions is committed to providing opportunities that expand horizons, build confidence, and spark aspirations. Our team, many of whom are ex-emergency services personnel, kicked off the day by sharing powerful career stories that showed the many paths a life of service and safety can take.

• Tony Fill, Instructor, spoke about his time in the Navy and later, the Police Force.
• Paul Cain, Instructor, shared how he began in the Army before working as a firefighter and eventually joining HFR.
• Nick Granger, our CEO, inspired students with highlights from his successful career in the Fire Service.
• Leigh Smith, Instructor, reflected on his journey from “Army boy” to Police Officer.

The children were captivated by the stories and asked thoughtful questions, showing genuine excitement and curiosity.

After the introductions, the pupils rotated through four hands-on safety workshops:

• Confined Space – Teams worked against the clock to retrieve hidden items, learning the importance of teamwork and clear communication in tight spaces.
• Working at Height – Under expert supervision, children were safely hoisted from our third-floor platform, giving them a thrilling sense of elevation and a new perspective – literally and figuratively.
• Fire Safety – Students got to use real fire extinguishers on live fires, learning how to stay calm and act decisively in emergency situations.
• First Aid & CPR – Children practiced CPR and learned how to use a defibrillator, gaining vital life-saving knowledge.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. One young girl told our staff that she’s usually very shy, but in just one morning, she had already conquered two fears. Our Community and Commercial Director said, “Seeing the confidence and curiosity in these young learners was truly inspiring. At HFR Solutions, we believe experiences like this can light a spark that stays with children for life, whether it’s the thrill of facing a fear or the pride of learning a new skill. We’re proud to be a Gold Partner of the Children’s University and even prouder to play a role in helping shape the future leaders of our region” reflecting the pride felt across our team.

We are thrilled to be able to continue supporting the amazing work of Children’s University and already have more experience days planned in the coming months for other schools. At HFR Solutions, we believe in inspiring children to dream big, face challenges, and see just how capable they really are.

Here’s what some of the children had to say:

• “We worked as a team and had to stick together. We didn’t leave anyone behind because teamwork makes the dream work.”
• “We face our fears with the work at height exercise. Don’t be afraid to give new things a try. If you don’t face your fears, you cannot get rid of them.”
• “We learnt how to work a fire extinguisher and how to keep yourself safe in a fire accident. We also learnt to do PASS in the event of a fire.”
• “We learnt how to do CPR. We also learned the steps of what to do it someone’s stopped breathing or if someone was in cardiac arrest”

Here at HFR Solutions, we believe every child deserves to dream.