A TEAM of dedicated office staff have vowed to carry on working after burglars wrecked their premises.

Crammed into the only office still intact, administration staff at Metrolpolitan Tiles, in Blackburn, are refusing to let the break-in ruin the business.

Led by determined managing director Patricia Bridge, the 22-strong workforce say they will battle through, after burglars started seven fires at their Kent Street premises and stole thousands of pounds worth of vital computer equipment.

Customer portfolios and stock files were ruined in the fires but staff have rescued enough to keep the business in operation.

Patricia, who helped set the firm up seven years ago, said workers had been left angry and frustrated by the mindless vandalism.

She said: "We are a very family-orientated company. There are 22 staff here - plus seven more at our Bury office - and, between us, we have 18 children to support.

"This senseless attack on our business has made us very angry, but also very determined to keep going and repair the damage."

The company, which designs, manufactures and distributes hand-made tiles all over the UK, was about to embark on a high-profile New Year promotion.

They have had to put it on hold, but say they will not be cancelling it altogether.

Patricia added: "We want our customers to know that we are still trading.

"We even sent out the rescued burnt copies of our New Year brochure just to prove how resolute we are.

"All trade enquiries were accessed through the computer database but now we are down to one computer and everything is being done over the telephone.

"It's time-consuming but we're not going to let the burglars get the better of us.

"The fire-damaged offices are in the process of being renovated so everyone is crammed into one room - which has certainly done a lot to lift the workforce's spirits."

"Everyone has worked incredibly hard. I can't thank them enough."

Last year the firm was on the up and had been given a financial boost by the Lancashire Rosebud Fund.

Patricia said "They had faith in us and I hope that all our customers, and potential customers, will give us a chance to get back on our feet."

The break-in happened between 8.40pm and 10pm on Sunday, December 28.

Anyone with information about the burglary should contact Blackburn CID on 51212, or Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111.

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