The architecture firm Studio E, which was responsible for the Grenfell Tower refurbishment, has faced significant scrutiny.
The company has been attempting to close its doors for over four years, yet due to ongoing investigations, it remains active.
Despite being in liquidation, Studio E cannot officially shut down until the inquiry into the tragic 2017 Grenfell fire concludes.
This fire devastated the West London community, claiming 72 lives, and has left a lasting impact on public safety concerns.
The Role of Studio E in the Grenfell Tragedy
This week, the public inquiry into the disaster highlighted that Studio E holds a “very significant degree of responsibility” for what happened.
The firm made critical decisions during the refurbishment, particularly regarding the materials used.
One of the most damning findings was that they prioritized cost-cutting over safety, leading to the use of highly flammable cladding.
This decision, along with other failings, revealed a “cavalier attitude” toward fire safety regulations within the company.
Lack of Experience and Due Diligence
Further concerns emerged about Studio E’s managing architect, Bruce Sounes, who was found to have no prior experience in overcladding residential towers.
The inquiry revealed that his lack of due diligence, particularly in reviewing product certificates, was troubling.
This lack of attention to detail contributed to the disaster’s severity.
Legal Complications and Accountability
Despite being in liquidation, Studio E is not free from potential prosecution.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, there is no legal barrier to initiating corporate manslaughter charges against a company in liquidation.
However, the process of dissolving a company, which can take up to a year, poses challenges.
If a company is dissolved and removed from Companies House, it can no longer be prosecuted.
A Culture of Systematic Dishonesty
The inquiry, led by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, condemned a culture of “systematic dishonesty” among building firms involved in the Grenfell refurbishment.
His 1,700-page report accused unscrupulous companies of deliberate lies about fire safety tests.
The blame was also extended to politicians who failed to act on safety warnings for over 20 years.
Apologies and Reflection
Andrzej Kuszell, one of the founders of Studio E, offered a heartfelt apology to the survivors and those who lost loved ones in the disaster.
He expressed deep regret, stating, “Absolutely every one of us would wish to turn the clock back.”
Kuszell acknowledged that had they understood the weaknesses in building regulations, the tragedy might have been prevented.
Pressure for Justice
As the inquiry progresses, pressure is mounting on police and prosecutors to speed up their investigation.
Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, has urged authorities to act “as quickly as possible” to ensure justice for the bereaved families.
However, it could be another ten years before any resolution is reached.
The Shocking Revelations
The inquiry has revealed shocking details about the actions of various companies involved in the refurbishment.
Emails from insulation firm Kingspan showed a blatant disregard for safety, with one employee admitting, “All we do is lie.”
At cladding provider Arconic, an employee confessed that the company was “not clean” regarding fire tests.
And at Celotex, another insulation firm, there were concerns that their product “realistically shouldn’t be used” due to its flammability.
Financial Gains at the Cost of Safety
The inquiry also uncovered that Rydon, the lead contractor on the Grenfell project, had misled the block’s management organization about potential cost savings.
While Rydon suggested they could save up to £376,175 on the cladding, they were, in fact, receiving far greater savings from a subcontractor, as much as £576,973.
This discrepancy raised questions about whether Rydon had taken some of the savings for themselves.
What’s Next?
As the inquiry continues, the revelations have only intensified the calls for accountability.
Nineteen companies and 18 individuals are under investigation, with charges of corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter being considered.
Yet, despite the mounting evidence, no suspects have been named, leaving many to wonder when justice will finally be served.
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