An Essex firm that was devastated by fire last month managed to open for ‘business as usual’ just 10 days later.

Jefferies in Westcliff on Sea had its office destroyed on 8 May when a blaze ignited at the retail outlet beneath it.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Within 10 days of the blaze, the seven-partner firm had relocated to premises a mile and a half away in Tylers Avenue, Southend on Sea, and was trading as normal.

The firm had just reviewed its business continuity plan.

Managing partner Sarah Mitchell said: ‘The fire happened on a Sunday evening so thankfully no one was injured, but we lost everything.’

She said that all the firm’s IT systems had been backed up externally, so no client information was lost.

Mitchell said the firm, which specialises in conveyancing and litigation, had received strong support from local firms and the courts in the days immediately after the fire.

She added: ‘Our staff have been amazing and very accommodating.

'Everyone really pulled together.’