More than a property claim: Protecting business continuity under pressure

When an overnight fire caused damage on the grounds of a sports club, action was required to manage the immediate impact and navigate the challenges that followed.

When disaster threatened game day

In the lead-up to a weekend fixture, an overnight fire caused damage at a sports club just a few days before a scheduled game. The incident affected both the club grounds as well as some surrounding areas.

There was extensive damage to key operational facilities, leaving smoke, chemical and hazardous waste and contamination across the site. With the weekend game approaching, the club faced the challenge of restoring the affected areas.

More than property damage: protecting business continuity  

While the fire damage was contained to a specific area of the site, there was a broader concern around maintaining normal operations. With the fixture approaching, the club needed a recovery plan to reduce disruption and keep preparations on track. 

The situation was escalated by the need to safely manage the chemical and hazardous waste. This required a coordinated approach between the club, restoration specialists, and our internal loss adjusting team. The aim was to ensure the site could be safely accessed as soon as possible. 

Immediate action and on-site support  

Following notification of the incident, prompt action was taken by our loss adjusting team to assess the damage and establish a recovery plan. They contacted the customer and broker to understand the extent of the loss and what support from us was needed. The following day, a site visit was arranged to assess the damage in more detail and coordinate the next steps in the recovery process.

Working alongside specialist restoration contractors, our adjuster coordinated the clean-up and reinstatement process. This included smoke remediation, waste removal and preparing key areas of the site for safe use.

Throughout the claim, our loss adjusting team worked closely with the club, broker and suppliers, maintaining regular communication to keep recovery plans on track and all parties informed on progress.

We were able to arrange interim payments to the customer to provide immediate financial support. This helped to cover costs for damaged stock and essential boiler repairs, while longer-term restoration and repair works were organised.

This coordinated and collaborative approach helped the club to continue operating. It also helped set the customer up with a smooth path towards a full restoration of the premises.

A result on and off the pitch: the value of proactive claims handling 

Within 48 hours of the claim being reported, clearance was granted for the weekend fixture to proceed. The venue was able to safely reopen, helping the club continue its activities.

This claim highlights the importance of a coordinated approach to recovery. By working closely with the customer, club, and broker, we were able to support the immediate clean-up. We provided interim funding where needed, and put plans in place for longer-term repairs. 

The outcome demonstrated that effective claims handling is far more than repairing the damage. It's about protecting business continuity, minimising disruption, and helping customers move forward with confidence and ease. Recognising that the true measure of a claim is how quickly and effectively a business can recover and build resilience for the future.