Bristol Sewing Business Devastated by Industrial Estate Fire Launches Recovery Campaign
A Bristol-based sewing company has been completely destroyed following a devastating fire that swept through the Broadmead Industrial Estate in Keynsham last month. The founders of RC Bespoke Designs, Chantal Preston and Ruby Baker, have now launched a public fundraising campaign in a bid to resurrect their business from the ashes.
Creative Enterprise Reduced to Rubble in Minutes
The fire, which broke out on January 19, rapidly engulfed multiple buildings on the industrial estate, with the flames reaching the attic studio of RC Bespoke Designs within an hour. Despite the swift response of twelve Avon Fire and Rescue Service engines, the rented workspace and all its contents were completely destroyed. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Chantal Preston, 35, described the scene: "Our studio was an attic space... the roof and second floor no longer exist. It didn't stand a chance." The business partners lost years' worth of specialised tools, valuable stock, completed client work ready for collection, and personal storage items in the inferno.
Community-Founded Business Faces Uphill Battle
The duo established their bespoke soft furnishings company early last year after meeting through Bristol's Narrowboat community. They had been preparing for a significant social media launch and had already secured work with several local businesses, including their first large-scale project: creating an awning for a local marina.
"This studio wasn't just a business," Chantal explained, "it was our livelihood, our creative home and a place we poured our time, money and heart into. We are incredibly grateful that no one was seriously hurt, but the loss has been overwhelming." One person was taken to hospital following the fire but sustained no serious injuries.
Fundraiser Aims to Replace Essential Equipment
Facing the monumental task of rebuilding, Chantal and Ruby have established a GoFundMe page to raise essential funds. While they have been generously offered temporary workspace for three months, they need to completely restock their professional equipment. The extensive list includes:
- Pattern masters and sewing machine tables
- Specialist fabrics, threads, and haberdashery supplies
- Industrial irons and cutting equipment
- Storage solutions and adjustable work chairs
- Large cutting tables and rotary cutters
"We desperately need the help of our community," Chantal appealed. "Our work is impossible without tools and a space to work. Small businesses have to fight really hard to come back from losses of such devastation, and oftentimes don't succeed alone, especially in this crazy climate."
Appeal for Community Support and Donated Equipment
Beyond financial contributions through their GoFundMe campaign, the business owners are also welcoming donations of second-hand haberdashery tools or sewing machines that community members might be selling cheaply or discarding. "We'd love to give them a new home," Chantal added, highlighting the practical challenges of completely restocking a specialist workshop.
The founders remain determined to rebuild their enterprise, concluding: "Thank you for supporting us during one of the most devastating moments of our journey. We can't wait to rebuild and come back stronger." Their story highlights the vulnerability of small creative businesses to unforeseen disasters and the crucial role community support plays in economic recovery.
