On Boxing Day, Kevin Brown thought his reprographics firm was finished following a devastating fire.

But two weeks later, thanks to help from staff, neighbours and other businesses in Hailsham, Rare Reprographics was back in business.

Kevin, a director of the company, said: "It's little short of a miracle when I think back to how it all looked on the night of the fire. There are many people I'd like to thank for helping to get us started again. We had offers of help from people we didn't even know."

The fire started when thieves, frustrated at not being able to steal a van, set it alight instead. The fire spread to a bathroom accessory firm and then the repro company's premises, destroying the upper floor.

Everything on the ground floor was wrecked by water. Fortunately back-up disks of current work were saved from the flames. The company, which prepares artwork for magazine publishers, has a staff of 11 who all faced the prospect of losing their jobs.

Kevin said a local fish farm lent a pump to remove the water from the site and he was given free use of a van by another local company.

He said: "When the fire brigade and the police had left the scene, it became obvious that if the business was to keep going we had to move quickly but I didn't know were to start.

"Local property companies helped us to find new premises within a quarter of a mile which was very lucky because, following the floods in Lewes and Uckfield, premises of this size in this area are in very short supply. We didn't want to leave Hailsham. It is convenient for both our staff and customers.

"The insurance company was helpful and efficient although I was a bit concerned that even before the building had a chance to cool down there were representatives from legal firms poking around the ashes offering to fight our case with the insurers for ten per cent of the compensation. We declined.

"I'd advise anyone in business to make sure they have insurance cover and a fire-proof safe.

"After what seemed to a long time, but in fact is very short in terms of getting back in business, a mere two weeks, we are working again and feeling very relieved.

"I had always believed a business owed its success to three things in equal parts, staff, cust-omers and equipment, but I've changed my mind. Staff and customers are still equally important but equipment can be replaced with relative ease."

The new plant is only two-thirds the size of the previous offices. Another move is envisaged within six months.

After experience of the fire, Kevin says it should be plain sailing.