For Brian Lakin, the founder of kitchen manufacturer and retailer Sigma3, 1998 holds bad memories. 

That year, an electrical fault sparked a fire, which burnt down the company’s entire 70,000sq ft factory and all machinery. 

“We had to rent a factory until we’d rebuilt the old one – but we managed to bounce back without losing a single customer order,” says Lakin. 

Sigma3 turns more than £15m a year and employs more than 200 people, including Lakin’s two sons Richard and Edward. It’s the largest manufacturer and supplier of kitchens and bedrooms in Wales, with 10 retail showrooms around the country.

Price: The CENTRO kitchen (pictured) is £8,096 inc VAT

Where from: Sigma3.co.uk