On December 16, 2012 a major fire destroyed a large proportion of the V-Flora (UK) Ltd’s commercial glasshouse and rendered the remaining areas unusable.

The glasshouse contained machinery and equipment, irrigation, heating and ventilation systems, together with over 900,000 orchid plants. The plants were in various stages of growth but none survived the fire. V-Flora also rented out part of the glasshouse to a supplier of plants to a major supermarket chain.

Action Taken

The client was unhappy with the performance of the assessor who was initially instructed to deal with the claim, and subsequently appointed Thompson & Bryan. We immediately began working with V-Flora’s management team to advise on mitigation measures and to quantify the claim.

Using accounting and growing records, the value of the stock was calculated and agreed with the loss adjuster.

Engineers, surveyors and glasshouse experts were appointed to ascertain the damage and the costs associated with repairing and rebuilding the premises. Repairs were undertaken to the areas rented by the tenant in order that these could be re-occupied and rental income maintained.

A supply of plants from Taiwan was established that could be temporarily stored in glasshouses in Holland and sold on to customers. Repairs were also carried out to two of the areas least damaged, allowing V-Flora to take deliveries of plants and begin supplying customers again from the UK.

Outcome

Thompson & Bryan presented the loss adjuster with fully documented and supported Material Damage and Business Interruption claims. This allowed  us to negotiate a seven figure cash settlement that gave V-Flora the freedom to reinstate in a manner that would suit their future plans.

Client Comment

“I would like to express our complete satisfaction with the services you provided in negotiating a seven-figure settlement following a fire at our premises.

“Throughout the team displayed the highest levels of professionalism and in particular I would like to thank John Leivers and David Kelly. Their ability to view the claim from our perspective and hard work made sure we received a fair settlement as quickly as possible.

“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Thompson & Bryan.”

Jane Wang
V-Flora (UK) Ltd