Rebuilding Italica Following Office Fire Damage

Italica, based just outside Newcastle, is a business rooted in Italian heritage, importing high-quality food and drink products including pasta, cheeses, speciality meats, wines, and liqueurs. In November 2021, a fire broke out at Italica’s premises on the Chainbridge Road Industrial Estate, affecting both the ground and first-floor offices. The incident caused significant damage to the building and its contents, leaving the company unsure of the full impact and how to begin recovery.

Challenges

The fire left Italica facing serious operational disruption. The extent of the damage was unclear, and the business was uncertain about how to navigate the complex process of recovery. There were also multiple stakeholders involved, including separate insurers for the building and its contents, as well as the property landlord, all requiring coordinated communication and approvals.

Solution

Recognising the need for expert help, Italica contacted Polygon directly. Dean Coyles, Polygon’s Area Operations Manager, took the lead, guiding the business through the next steps and facilitating communication between Italica, the landlord, and the insurers.

Polygon was appointed to manage the full restoration, providing an end-to-end solution from content recovery to full building reinstatement. Early stages focused heavily on coordination to align all parties and obtain necessary permissions. Once confirmed, Polygon developed a comprehensive work schedule, secured materials and labour, and ensured that progress could begin without delay.

From the outset, a temporary office was arranged so Italica could maintain business continuity. Throughout the project, Polygon’s team maintained consistent dialogue with Italica’s owners, keeping momentum and meeting all key milestones.

Result

Five months after restoration work was approved, Italica returned to fully refurbished, modernised offices. The final inspection and sign-off marked the completion of a smooth and carefully managed project. The owners expressed their appreciation for Polygon’s professionalism and the respect shown to both their business and their time.

Benefits

Italica received full support from the initial response through to the final handover. Polygon’s leadership and seamless coordination across all parties ensured a structured, efficient recovery. Business continuity was protected throughout, and the entire restoration was completed on schedule. Most importantly, the stress and uncertainty following the fire were significantly reduced, with Italica praising the experience as having made “a very difficult situation easy.”