The Stove Industry Association (SIA) has hailed its recent two-day industry event in Perth, Scotland, as a major success, following strong attendance from businesses across Scotland and the wider UK and the signing of nine new SIA members during the event.
Held at the Mercure Perth Hotel on 29th and 30th April, the event brought together approximately 120 attendees across four sessions, including manufacturers, retailers, installers, chimney sweeps, fuel suppliers, flue specialists and other stakeholders from across the solid fuel and domestic heating sector.
The event was open to both existing SIA members and businesses interested in learning more about the work of the Association and the rapidly changing policy and regulatory landscape affecting the sector.
The sessions focused on some of the most significant challenges and opportunities currently facing the industry, including:
- Scottish and UK government policy developments
- Air quality and emissions regulation
- Consumer perceptions and media narratives
- The future of domestic heating
- The role of modern Ecodesign stoves
- Industry engagement with policymakers
- The importance of best practice and consumer education
Particular attention was given to the evolving political and regulatory landscape in Scotland, including the SIA’s successful engagement with the Scottish Government on the New Build Heat Standard and ongoing discussions around air quality policy, heat decarbonisation and domestic combustion.
Speaking after the event, Erica Malkin, Executive Director of the Stove Industry Association, said:
“The response to our Scotland event was incredibly positive and demonstrated just how important it is for the sector to come together during a period of significant change and increasing external scrutiny.
“We were delighted to welcome such a strong mix of existing members and businesses that are considering joining the Association. The fact that nine new members signed up during the event reflects the growing recognition that the industry needs a strong, united and evidence-led trade association voice more than ever before.
“The conversations across both days were open, constructive and forward-looking. There was a clear appetite for collaboration, better engagement with policymakers and a shared
commitment to ensuring that modern appliances, technological progress and responsible burning practices are properly recognised in future policy discussions.”
The SIA presentation highlighted the distinction between modern Ecodesign compliant stoves and older appliances and open fires, alongside the importance of proportionate, evidence-based regulation and consumer education. It also explored the increasing influence of health-focused narratives, growing media scrutiny and the importance of ensuring that industry expertise is represented in policy discussions at both UK and devolved government level.
The event also reinforced the growing importance of Scotland within the wider UK policy landscape, with attendees discussing how devolved policy decisions are increasingly shaping market conditions, public messaging and future regulatory direction.
The SIA says it plans to build on the momentum from the Perth event with further member engagement activities across the UK.
For more information about the Stove Industry Association visit www.stoveindustryassociation.org and to discuss member benefits and options contact David Hamilton, SIA Head of Membership on 07789 656123 or by email to david@stoveindustryassociation.org