Solicitors "thriving" since Steyne fire - video

The offices of Coole and Haddock in The Steyne were devastated by a blaze on January 21, when more than 75 firefighters and 16 fire engines from across the county were tackling 20-foot flames coming from the top floor of the four-storey property.

But an emergency office move to premises in Chatsworth Road over the following few days did not stop the company clinching some top deals.

Teams of removal men were still carrying out a swift relocation to the new offices when partners Stephen Loosemore and Iain Swalwell were instructed to carry out the sale of a substantial business to a company quoted on the New York Stock Exchange.

Mr Loosemore said: "I think this proves that Coole and Haddock has risen, phoenix-like, from the ashes of the fire,

"Our clients have all remained loyal and instruct us because they know we have the legal and commercial expertise to handle such major transactions. They were confident we would do a top quality job and quickly, even when in the middle of an unexpected office move.

"We consider it a double pat on the back '“ and it indicates the speed with which we resumed normal business after the fire."

Thanks to the work of the company's IT manager, Michaela Lemon, the firm's systems were in full operation within a matter of days and work resumed almost immediately at its new offices.

To see video footage of the blaze, click here