April 17, 2025

A Director’s Journey Home: How a Local Business Helped Rebuild More Than Just a House

In September 2022, Adam Allsop, a director at The Shutter Studio, and his family faced a life-changing moment when a devastating fire tore through their home. The blaze left nothing behind but ash, smoke-damaged belongings and a long road ahead to recovery.

“It’s hard to describe the feeling of watching everything you own and cherish go up in smoke,” Adam reflected. “At that time, it was just me, my wife and our two young boys – completely heartbroken. But among the many people who stepped in to help us pick up the pieces, my team at The Shutter Studio played a huge role.”

The family was en route to London when a panicked call from their neighbour changed everything. Smoke was pouring from every window, and the fire brigade was on its way. Adam’s first thought wasn’t the house – it was their one-year-old Cockapoo, Cooper, who had been left in the kitchen.

“Nothing else mattered in that moment. I just needed to know Cooper was safe,” he said.

While the Allsops rushed back home in a taxi, family and friends raced to the scene. Firefighters battled thick smoke to access the property. Eventually, Cooper was found unconscious in the larder. He was quickly put on oxygen and rushed to the vet.

“It was one of the most emotional moments of my life,” Adam recalled. “Seeing him come around after that… it was overwhelming.”

In the aftermath, the family moved into Adam’s parents’ home to regroup and begin the slow process of rebuilding – not just physically, but emotionally too. “You realise how lucky you are to have loved ones nearby in moments like these. We’ll never take that for granted.”

Over the next 20 months, the Allsops endured multiple home moves, a lengthy insurance process and a rollercoaster of emotions. Despite the trauma, Adam said they always held onto one piece of gratitude: no one was physically hurt. “We knew the house could be rebuilt. That gave us hope.”

Rebuilding with Heart and Craftsmanship

The fire had caused significant damage, particularly at the rear of the house. But Adam was determined that the rebuild would not only restore what was lost – it would bring back the feeling of home. He credits his team at The Shutter Studio, along with trusted local businesses, for making that happen.

“We were surrounded by the best people – our family, of course – but also my incredible team at The Shutter Studio. They didn’t hesitate to help,” he said.

The rebuild also involved the craftsmanship of builders Hilleards and bespoke kitchen manufacturers Stoneham Kitchens. But one individual stood out: Roberto, a top surveyor at The Shutter Studio and a close friend of Adam’s.

“Roberto played a huge role. His carpentry skills were invaluable. He helped with all the bespoke joinery and oversaw much of the work to make sure the quality was exceptional,” said Adam.

Support came from every corner of the business. The Shirley branch installed new roof blinds and shutters, while the factory team volunteered to restore fire-damaged furniture. Among the salvaged pieces was the family’s dining table – now beautifully transformed.

“Having some of our original items back really brought a sense of familiarity. It made the new house feel like home,” Adam said.

More Than a Business

Now, over two years later, the Allsops have nearly completed their journey. Apart from a few finishing touches, their home has been restored.

“I’m so grateful to my team,” said Adam. “They showed what kind of people they really are – talented, kind, and willing to go above and beyond.”

What this experience reinforced, he says, is that The Shutter Studio is more than a business.

“We’re not just a team of blind and shutter specialists. We’re a group of multi-skilled, compassionate people who approach every project with care – as if it were our own home,” Adam shared.

That spirit, he believes, is what sets the company apart. “Our ethos is about service, craftsmanship, and community – and that’s something you can’t teach. It’s just who we are.”

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Established in 2011, The Shutter Studio specialises in made-to-measure plantation shutters, transforming homes with wooden window shutters, improving home value, curb appeal, insulation and security.

Serving the whole of Kent and into London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire.

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020 8662 0126

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