Carvers boss tells of determination after fire

The boss of a building firm whose warehouse was ravaged by a fire has told how there was "no question" of giving up.

Henry Carver, managing director of Wolverhampton-based Carvers Business Supplies, has praised his 200-strong workforce for its support since the blaze on February 29.

The company now has a large temporary warehouse at its site in Little's Lane and is operating as normal while work gets under way to build a new base.

Mr Carver, aged 53, has recently unveiled plans for a "builders' village" where different trades such as tile and paint specialists will be able to rent space and promote their services under one roof.

In an interview with the Wolverhampton Magazine, Mr Carver reveals that insurers had told him that 75 per cent of companies fold if they are as badly damaged by fire as his.

"People ask whether it's worth starting again but for us there was no question", Mr Carver said.

He added: "We've only been able to do this because of the great team of people we have. I knew I could rely on them.

"We managed to stay profitable even in the recession and they were not about to let this stop us."

The fire started in a wood-burning stove in its warehouse and destroyed vast quantities of stock. The fire also destroyed the company's offices and shop but a giant temporary warehouse and shop has been set up and is now open meaning that Carvers is trading again as normal.

Carvers Building Supplies has been in Wolverhampton for 116 years.

The company has another site in Neachells Lane, Wednesfield, where operations were transferred during the demolition of the burned-out warehouse.

Despite the fire, the company is still organising the city's annual charity marathon, which raises thousands of pounds for a variety of worthy causes.

It takes place on September 2.