Blaze which tore through Smethwick industrial estate was arson

The blaze destroyed several businesses at the site in Wattville Road in the early hours of December 3.

It took more than 70 firefighters several days to completely extinguish the flames.

West Midlands Fire Service today confirmed it was an arson attack.

Spokesman Peter Edney said: "The fire was started intentionally and we are investigating, although nobody has been arrested.

"Unfortunately there were no CCTV cameras on site but we do ask as always that anybody with information call us."

Meanwhile, one of the companies that lost all of its stock in the fire is preparing to move into new premises.

Andy Mackay, sales director for Tiger Stationery, said: "The original fire was in our warehouse in Smethwick which was about 40,000 sq ft and destroyed everything.

"I don't have specifics in terms of cost but it was fully stocked pre-Christmas so it was quite devastating.

"We are now in the process of purchasing a new warehouse near West Bromwich which is even larger than our previous warehouse at around 48,000 sq ft.

"That should be up and running by the middle of January so we are almost back on our feet."

Tiger Stationery, along with its partner company Country Stationery, is an importer that supplies major high street chains.

The company managed to secure temporary premises just 24 hours after the fire ripped through the industrial estate.

Mr Mackay said: "Luckily we were not out of business for too long and now we are moving into these new premises.

"We will have to do some minor renovation work on it but after that they will be fully functional. Come February we should be back to normal.

"It was pretty devastating for everybody really. We lost a lot of stock and now a lot of people that worked there for a very long time will have to get used to going somewhere completely different every day."

Mr Mackay said he was angered at the news it was arson.

"Of course the fire has already happened and we can't change that, but I must admit it is hugely disappointing that this is how some people get their kicks," he said.

Anyone with information about the fire should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.