What to Look for in a Professional Asbestos Solutions Company

MD Asbestos Solutions Ltd

May 9, 2025

6 min read

Updated: Sep 1

Asbestos is a dangerous material that poses serious health risks when it isn't handled properly. Because of this, choosing the right asbestos removal company is one of the most important decisions you'll make if you suspect asbestos in your home, workplace or investment property. In this guide, we'll walk through the key things to check before booking anyone in, from licensing and insurance to fair pricing and the red flags worth avoiding.

Why Asbestos Removal Is a Sensitive Process

Asbestos was once prized in construction for its heat resistance and strength, and it's still found in large numbers of properties built or refurbished before 2000. The trouble is, once its fibres are disturbed, they can become airborne and, if inhaled, lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

This is exactly why asbestos removal should never be treated as a DIY job. Handling or disposing of asbestos incorrectly can release hazardous fibres into the air, creating a risk that lingers long after the work has been "finished". A reputable, experienced asbestos removal company will know how to manage that risk safely from start to finish. For more on the rules that govern this, take a look at our complete guide to asbestos safety standards.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Asbestos Removal Company

With so many companies offering asbestos services, it can be hard to know who to trust. Below are the factors we'd encourage you to check before booking anyone in.

Licensing and Accreditation

When it comes to asbestos work, licensing isn't optional – it's the law. Look for a company that can show valid certification across the following:

HSE Licence – a legal requirement for any company carrying out licensable asbestos removal work, confirming they're authorised by the Health and Safety Executive to do it safely.
Asbestos Removal Licence under CAR 2012 – required for companies handling, removing and disposing of higher-risk asbestos-containing materials under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Environment Agency Waste Carrier's Licence – needed to legally transport and dispose of asbestos waste at a licensed facility.
UKAS-accredited laboratory testing – ensures any samples taken as part of your asbestos testing are analysed to a recognised, independently audited standard.
UKATA and trade body membership – demonstrates that technicians and supervisors have been trained and assessed against national asbestos-handling standards.

It's also worth knowing that not all asbestos work needs a licence. Lower-risk, "notifiable non-licensed work" can be carried out without a full asbestos removal licence, but it still has to be notified to the relevant enforcing authority and carried out by a trained, competent contractor. If a company can't clearly explain which category your job falls into, that's worth asking more questions about.

We hold all of the licences and accreditations above, including CHAS Advanced accreditation, UKATA Asbestos Supervisor status and full Environment Agency registration, so you can be confident every job we take on meets the required legal standard.

Insurance You Shouldn't Skip Over

Licensing isn't the only paperwork worth checking. A reputable asbestos removal company should also carry comprehensive insurance covering both property damage and personal injury. Asbestos removal involves inherent risks, so it's essential you're financially protected should anything go wrong during the work. Don't be afraid to ask to see proof of cover before you book.

Experience and Specialist Knowledge

Asbestos removal takes more than technical know-how; it takes experience across a wide range of property types and situations. A company that's been in the industry for years will have handled everything from small domestic jobs to large commercial clearances, and will know how to identify risks quickly and choose the safest removal method for the job in hand.

With over 19 years of experience, our team has the specialist knowledge to deal with asbestos-related challenges safely and efficiently, including sensitive environments such as schools and healthcare settings where minimal disruption is essential.

Health and Safety Measures

The safety of workers, residents and anyone nearby has to come first. Look for a company that carries out detailed risk assessments and method statements before work begins, uses appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout, and arranges air monitoring and clearance testing to confirm a site is safe to re-enter once the job is done.

We follow a strict health and safety protocol on every project, with fully trained staff, regularly inspected PPE, and independent air monitoring arranged wherever needed, so you can be confident no harmful fibres are left behind.

A Full Range of Services Under One Roof

Managing asbestos properly usually involves more than just removal. Surveying, testing, removal and safe disposal are all critical parts of the process, and a company that offers the full range means you don't have to coordinate between several different contractors. We offer a complete, end-to-end service, from initial asbestos testing and asbestos collections through to asbestos removal, disposal and reinstating services once the job is complete.

Transparent Pricing and Getting Multiple Quotes

It's always worth getting quotes from a few different asbestos removal companies so you can compare pricing and the scope of work on offer. Be wary of anyone willing to give you a quote without visiting the site first, as this can be a sign they don't fully understand the job ahead. A fair, trustworthy quote should always include a site assessment, a clear breakdown of costs for survey, testing, removal and disposal, and a realistic timescale for the work, with no hidden fees further down the line.

We provide free, no-obligation quotes with a full breakdown of costs and clear timescales, so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins. If you're curious what tends to influence pricing, our guide on what affects asbestos collection cost breaks it down in more detail.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

Finally, take the time to check a company's reputation. Genuine customer reviews, case studies and references are one of the best ways to gauge how reliable and professional a company really is, so look for independent feedback on sites such as Google Reviews, Checkatrade or Trustpilot rather than relying on testimonials alone.

We're proud of the reputation we've built across Farnborough, Hampshire and the wider UK, and we're always happy to provide references on request. You can read more about our team and accreditations on our About Us page.

A Quick Checklist Before You Book

If you take nothing else away from this guide, use this as a quick checklist before you commit to a contractor:

Ask to see their HSE licence, CAR 2012 licence (where relevant) and Waste Carrier's Licence.
Check they hold insurance covering both property damage and personal injury.
Ask how many years they've been operating and what types of properties they've worked on.
Make sure they'll visit your property before providing a quote.
Get two or three quotes so you can compare pricing and scope fairly.
Ask what PPE, containment and air monitoring measures they use.
Confirm waste is taken to a licensed disposal facility.
Look up independent reviews or ask for references.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

A few warning signs can save you a lot of hassle further down the line. Be cautious of any company that:

Offers a quote over the phone without ever assessing the site in person.
Can't provide proof of licensing, accreditation or insurance when asked.
Gives vague or shifting pricing, or pressures you to sign on the spot.
Is unable to explain how or where asbestos waste will be disposed of.
Has little to no independent reviews, or is reluctant to provide references.

Trust your instincts here. A genuinely professional asbestos removal company will always be transparent about its qualifications, process and pricing.

Why Choose Us for Your Asbestos Removal Project

We're a trusted name in asbestos removal, and our commitment to safety, expertise and customer satisfaction is what sets us apart. With over 19 years of experience, a fully certified team, and a focus on legal, safe asbestos disposal, we're equipped to handle any asbestos removal project, whatever the scale.

Whether you need asbestos removal for your home, office or industrial property, we offer tailored solutions built around your specific needs, carried out efficiently, safely and fully in line with all relevant regulations.

Get in Touch

If you're concerned about asbestos in your property or need professional assistance with removal, we're here to help. Our team of experienced asbestos specialists is ready to provide expert guidance and a reliable service from start to finish.