AN ACCOUNTANCY firm has paid back firefighters with a fundraiser, a year after they were rescued from a blaze at their premises.
Barnsley accountancy firm GBAC, based on Shambles Street, went up in flames on October 20 last year after an extractor fan in the roof caught fire.
The 17th century building’s timbers meant the roof was on fire very quickly.
But it took someone from neighbouring National Tyres to inform the occupants of the smoke pouring out, even though onlookers were standing outside watching the flames.
The business had to relocate to temporary premises at the Digital Media Centre but moved back into the newly-refurbished office in June.
Last Wednesday they hosted clients and firefighters to raise money for the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service charity, which helps ex-firefighters.
GBAC’s Georgia Gibbins said: “We had five fire engines surrounding the offices, trying to put the fire out. And we were left with a big hole in the roof and a lot of water damage.
“We have now got one side of the building which is completely new, with new floors, walls, toilets. It looks a lot better and the smell has finally gone.
“We invited a lot of clients to come as a way of saying thank you for co-operating during our move. And we have worked with the fire marshall to get a fire engine to come along so little kids can have a look around.”
