SIA welcomes Government’s new domestic burning consultation
The Government has confirmed it will review domestic burning emissions levels, sparking fears of new restrictions on the industry. In an update of the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), Defra has this morning announced it will seek to implement ‘further measures to reduce emissions from burning’. New air quality standards and emissions limits seem likely with the revised EIP seeking new lower limits for a range of pollutants and the promise of a range of new regulations, including the launch of a new air quality alert system by March next year. The Guardian newspaper claimed the move would lead to a ‘partial ban on stoves’ however nothing in the updated EIP confirms that. Their article speculates that stoves are likely to face tighter regulations amid moves to reduce PM 2.5 emissions targets further than those set in the 2023 EIP. The updated EIP says: “Improving the quality of the air we breathe requires action by all tiers of government and wider society. “Local authorities and their air quality partners have legal responsibilities to improve air quality for their citizens and the powers necessary to do so. “This government will support councils to continually improve air quality by providing them with clear guidance, advice and tools. “The burning of solid fuels is a large contributor to national emissions of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and is a major source of air pollution, especially in urban areas.“The World Health Organisation considers PM2.5 the most harmful pollutant to human health (Air pollution is responsible for 6.7 million premature deaths every year, World Health Organisation (WHO) 2025).“These particles can enter the bloodstream and internal organs, and there is a growing body of evidence linking exposure with a range of debilitating health conditions including cardiovascular disease and asthma.“We will consult on further measures to reduce emissions from domestic burning.” Commenting on the domestic combustion commitments contained in the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025, Erica Malkin, Executive Director of the Stove Industry Association (SIA), said: “We welcome the Government’s measured approach to domestic combustion outlined in the Environmental Improvement Plan. “The EIP recognises that many households rely on solid fuel secondary heating for affordable warmth, energy security, and resilience, particularly in rural and off-grid areas. “The planned consultation on domestic combustion provides an important opportunity to ensure that future policy is both evidence-based and proportionate. Also, that it acknowledges the contribution to energy security and resilience made by domestic wood burning and differentiates modern stoves from higher emitting forms of household burning, including outdoor burning. “Modern Ecodesign stoves offer substantial reductions in particulate emissions compared to older appliances and open fires, and the stove industry stands ready to work with Government to raise standards, support consumer best practice and help households make good choices. “We share the Government’s ambition to improve air quality while ensuring that those who need or want to burn are not unfairly penalised. “The SIA will continue to engage constructively with Defra to ensure that any future domestic combustion measures are practical, targeted, and supportive of modern, lower-emission stove technology and consumer choice.”
Stove manufacturer fined £200,000 after employee loses leg
AJ Wells & Sons Ltd – the parent company behind Charnwood Stoves – was fined £200,000 and has admitted health and safety breaches after an employee suffered life changing injuries in an accident at work. The worker had his lower leg amputated following crush injuries caused when heavy metal sheets fell on him on August 15, 2023. He had been moving a trolley loaded with approximately 30 pieces of sheet metal, each weighing more than 20kg, when it toppled over and fell onto his legs. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the work at AJ Wells’ Isle of Wight premises was not being carried out safely. Hugh Wells, MD of the family run business, told Fireplace Specialist magazine that they had huge remorse over the “devastating” incident. And he confirmed that the business had revised its production processes, including the use of trolleys, to prevent a similar accident happening in the future. At the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court last week (November 25), A J Wells & Sons Ltd, of Bishops Way, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5WS, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay £9,056 in prosecution costs.The court heard that failures included the use of a trolley that was not suitable for transporting such loads, unclear routes throughout the factory for moving trolleys, and inadequate training for employees in the safe movement of heavy materials. In a statement following the hearing, A J Wells & Sons said: “We, the directors and shareholders of A J Wells and Sons, wish to express our deepest remorse for the injury sustained by one of our employees in 2023. “This incident has saddened and shaken us and has been one of the worst times in our 53 years of business. “We have always felt passionately about manufacturing on the Isle of Wight and providing meaningful, local employment. “With that we take seriously the need to value, care for and protect our staff — this sense of responsibility is deeply rooted in our Christian faith. “That we fell short in this instance is something we sincerely regret, and has acted to further reinforce our commitment to our employees’ wellbeing. “This employee continues to remain a valued member of our team and is being supported as he makes a phased return to work.” Speaking directly to Fireplace Specialist magazine, Mr Wells said: “It was devastating for our worker and for everyone in the business – it was a horrible accident. “We’ve supported him through it and he still works for us.” Commenting on any lessons learned, he said: “We’ve been in business for over 50 years and in the last ten we have put in a huge range of new measures to improve safety, including having a full time Health and Safety Officer. “We want to stop these things happening, yet despite all these measures we still suffered this awful incident. “So I would advise all others working in this industry to go well beyond what the regulations say to try and avoid any accidents happening to your workforce.” HSE inspector Nicola Pinckney said: “I hope this case serves to highlight to the industry the importance of ensuring health and safety is taken seriously and all parts of workers’ employment are properly risk assessed, and risks are controlled.”
Fireplace boss talks up industry on local news
A South Yorkshire retailer has stepped into the spotlight to defend the fireplace industry. MAC Metalcraft Sales Manager, David Ball, appeared on regional TV news to add some balance to a feature on complaints about stoves from the lobbyist group Mums For Lungs. He and SIA Executive Director, Erica Malkin, were both given plenty of air time by ITV Calendar, to argue the case for woodburning stoves. The Yorkshire and Lincolnshire news programme led on Mums For Lungs’ claim that enforcement of smoke control areas is ‘weak’. It said that there had been 1,000 complaints about smoky chimneys in the region but only three fines were issued. But it gave David and Erica – who are helping to organise next year’s Trade Stove & Fireplace Professional Show in Doncaster – a fair hearing with more screen time than the anti-stove spokesperson. Fireplace Specialist understands that ITV news sent journalists out to fireplace retailers across the country to run the story on several of its regional channels. The mainstream media focus on stoves over the past few weeks comes amid continued negative headlines generated to coincide with the start of the heating season. Charnwood Stoves boss Hugh Wells has already called out the annual ‘wood burner bashing’ in a well argued rebuttal article on his website. The SIA has also made a number of TV and radio appearances in support of domestic burning in recent months. David, who hosted an ITV news journalist at his Mexborough showroom, said he felt he and Erica had done their best at short notice to help promote the sector and give viewers the facts amid misleading anti-burning lobbying. While some of his interview was edited out, his appearance informed viewers that modern woodburners contributed very little to pollution. And he stressed to the audience the importance of using low moisture ‘Ready To Burn’ wood and not burning scavenged items that haven’t been dried out. SIA chief Erica drew viewers’ attention to the facts around domestic burning and that zero emission stoves are not far from being delivered by manufacturers. She told viewers: “Calling for a ban is a retrograde step because it dismisses consumer choice entirely. “If consumers are better educated to do wood burning well then that choice can be maintained, providing they’re using the very latest appliances.” Speaking to Fireplace Specialist, David said: “The SIA are doing a good job of representing the industry and lobbying MPs and I feel that independent companies like us can do a bit more to get a positive impression of wood burning in people’s minds.” Thinking of attending the Trade Stove & Fireplace Professional show next year? Book your FREE ticket here.
ROBEYS introduce the RAIS 600 Range Wood Burning Fires
ROBEYS have the pleasure of introducing the RAIS 600 Range Wood Burning Fires, featuring 600 RD, 600T and 600 MAX. RAIS 600 RD is the ultimate room divider, bringing both function and style into your home. This evolution of our popular RAIS 600 fireplace insert features large, crystal-clear glass surfaces, offering a breathtaking view of the flames from both sides. With IR-coated glass, it ensures a clean burn without soot formation. RAIS 600 RD also offers flexibility with the option to open on both sides or leave one side completely closed. It creates an impressive visual division in the room while providing a cozy and warm atmosphere. RAIS 600 T is an elegant tunnel model, designed to impress from every angle and perfectly suited for more architectural homes. As part of our RAIS 600 concept, this fireplace insert features large glass surfaces that provide an uninterrupted panoramic view of the fire. The IR-coated glass ensures a clean and efficient burn, while the robust construction guarantees longevity. RAIS 600 T is the perfect centre piece in modern interior design, creating an elegant connection between two rooms and spreading warmth and charm throughout the home. The RAIS 600 RD Max combines the flexibility of a freestanding stove with the sleek design and functionality of a built-in fireplace. Visible from all sides, it serves as both a heat source and a striking focal point in any room. Perfect as a room divider, this stove integrates effortlessly into open floor plans, offering warmth and ambiance from multiple angles. Its minimalist design and use of high-quality steel and glass ensure it complements various interior styles while maintaining durability and performance. All the above can be customized with 6 colour options available being White, Nickle, Platinum, Sand, Mocha or Black and 6 Handle choices Patina Oka, Natural Oak, Stainless Steel Square, White Corian, Black Leather, Brown Leather and Classic Long Stainless Steel. There are so many options available to suit all styles. ECODESIGN Ready – due to the very strict new performance criteria many stoves on the market will need to be completely re-designed to comply, however we are delighted to report that current RAIS wood burning stove range already meet the ecodesign criteria!! This means you can now be absolutely sure when you purchase your “ecodesign ready” RAIS stove that it is future proof and already incorporates the most advanced combustion technology available. These stoves even have their very own stamp of approval, helping to not only raise awareness of this new initiative but also indicates that your RAIS stove is of high efficiency and ecodesign ready. Keep a lookout for the Rais Ecodesign logo on our website to help identify the stoves of the future. By choosing one of the Rais 600 range models for your Showroom it gives your customers many combinations to choose from. For more information and to find out about our great showroom deals please contact Robeys Tel: 01773 826085 Web: www.robeys.co.uk Email: info@robeys.co.uk You can find this article and much more in the latest issue of Fireplace Specialist magazine: https://fireplacespecialistmagazine.co.uk/3dissue/fireplace-issue-17/
MPs hear how modern wood burning stoves aid low-carbon heating
MPs from across the UK attended a parliamentary drop-in event hosted by the Stove Industry Association (SIA) on 4th November in Portcullis House to learn about the role modern, Ecodesign-compliant wood burning stoves play in supporting the UK’s future low-carbon, resilient heating landscape. The event was sponsored by Steve Race, MP for Exeter, who welcomed colleagues and highlighted the importance of policy clarity around modern stoves — particularly as government shapes future heat and energy pathways, including the Future Homes Standard and national air quality targets. The session showcased the stove industry’s diverse UK supply chain, which encompasses manufacturers, installers, chimney sweeps, distributors, retail showrooms, test laboratories, training centres, fuel suppliers and local forestry businesses. MPs also heard how modern stoves can provide affordable, low-carbon, grid-resilient secondary heat, supporting households during peak electricity demand, power cuts, and in off-gas or rural areas. The event attracted cross-party interest with 11 MPs attending, along with representatives from Defra’s Air Quality and Domestic Emissions Team, to engage directly with the sector. Steve Race MP (Exeter), sponsor of the event, said: “It is vital that policy decisions around home heating are grounded in clear evidence and distinguish between modern stove technology and those older appliances or open fires. “This sector supports skilled jobs in communities across the country — including in my own constituency — and contributes to energy affordability and resilience. I was pleased to host this event and to bring colleagues together to better understand the role these appliances can play in our future energy mix.” Erica Malkin, Executive Director of the Stove Industry Association, added: “We were delighted to welcome MPs and officials to our parliamentary drop-in. Modern Ecodesign stoves, when used with properly dried and seasoned wood fuel, offer households a resilient, renewable, and affordable source of secondary heat. “As the UK transitions to low-carbon homes, it is crucial that policy recognises the clear distinction between today’s Ecodesign stove technologies and older appliances. We look forward to continuing constructive engagement with government as it develops future heating and air quality frameworks.”
The Harmony series from Eurostove delivers lasting warmth
Whether it’s to complement a period property – from a cosy cottage to a converted barn – or to bring an authentically classic look to a modern new-build, the Harmony series of multi fuel stoves by Nestor Martin are the perfect fit. Available from leading UK distributor Eurostove, these models combine the core principles of the Nestor Martin brand – traditional cast iron bodies featuring modern, efficient combustion technology – to bring character, charm and warmth to any home. The stoves’ exceptional quality cast iron design is so durable that it will last for years to come when maintained correctly, making the Harmony I and Harmony III stoves a sound investment. Practical and functional, the Harmony I stove comes with an airwash control and thermostatic damper to give users full control over the stove’s performance, whether burning dried, seasoned wood or registered smokeless fuels The advanced control system ensures optimal combustion efficiency with a heat output that can be customised to suit the homeowner’s needs. It also includes a direct draught slide for the flue to be heated directly, an innovative design feature that provides a quick and clean fire-starting process with hassle-free ignition. Added benefits include a side-loading door for longer logs and reducing ash deposits on the hearth. A-rated for energy efficiency, it’s Eco-design compliant, measures H670 x W604 x D391mm with a 9kW nominal heat output. A larger model at H732 x W740 x D469mm, the Harmony III multi fuel stove boasts a higher heat output with 12kW, perfect for larger rooms and open-plan living. It also features the direct draught slide, side-loading door, solid construction, thermostatic damper, intuitive airwash control to keep the glass door clean and adjustable air levers as well as also being Eco-design compliant for cleaner burning and lower emissions. “The Harmony series from Nestor Martin is excellent value for money,” says Chris Baines, Managing Director of Eurostove. “Expertly crafted from high-quality materials with meticulous attention to detail, these stoves will last for years, providing homeowners with an efficient heating system and dependable performance that can be enjoyed for many years to come.” The Harmony I multi fuel stove is priced from £2,531 while the Harmony III model is priced from £3,114
The Creation of The Basset 5 from Stove Industry Supplies
Sam Hamer, owner of Stove Industry Supplies, describes his journey so far in the stove industry and the process of making his own stove: The Basset 5. The Spark I’ve been around stoves my whole life, fitting them, servicing them, selling the parts, and listening to the same moans we all have about how awkward some are to install or strip down. My Dad ran The Heat Resistant Glass Company, supplying glass and parts to the trade long before I was old enough to know what a stove was. He even went on to design his own range Firestorm Stoves which some of you might remember. From playing with Lego in the warehouse as a child, I moved onto picking and packing boxes, cutting glass, working in the office, installing stoves, and even welding and fabricating them. Later, I went out on the road as a rep, getting his stoves to market, and I’ve never left the trade since. These days I own Stove Industry Supplies, which has grown into one of the UK’s largest stove parts businesses. We’ve also got a HETAS-approved training centre, a retail showroom, and I still keep my hand in as a registered installer and sweep, getting out when I can with our installation teams. I’ve seen this industry from every angle. I know the same challenges and wins you do, and that experience is what’s shaped the way the Hamer Fires brand has been built. The idea for the Basset 5 started like most good ideas, over a brew, talking shop. Me, my dad, and Dave, our head fitter, were chatting about stoves and what we seemed to be fitting the most of. I joked, “Why don’t we just make one?” My dad looked at me and said, “Well, what are you waiting for?” That was it the moment the idea stuck. Every fitter and stove shop owner has probably said the same thing at some point: “If I made my own, I’d fix this, change that, and make it easier to fit and service.” Because half the time, you’re standing there thinking, “Who designs these things? They’re a pain in the arse.” So that’s exactly what I set out to do, make a stove built from real-world experience, shaped by the frustrations we’ve all had. The Challenge Four weeks later, the prototype drawings were done, and we were ready to start the journey. Two weeks after that, the first prototype was in production. Seeing that first stove made, and getting it flued up and burning I thought, “We’ve cracked it.” Well… not quite. That’s when the real fun and frustration began. I started tinkering, making small changes, testing them, and watching how they affected the burn. I’d be stood there with the flue gas analyser, checking readings, swapping parts, trying different ideas to see what actually made a difference. I began experimenting with vermiculite baffles cutting, shaping, and even gluing them together in different ways to see how the gases moved. That bit of playing around ended up creating something unexpected it led to Firebrick Superglue, a product we now sell today as a brick repair sealant. The baffle experiments solved one problem, but then my attention turned to something bigger, filtering the flue gases them selves. That’s when I really went down the rabbit hole. Most stoves use simple steel plate baffles. They do the job, but once they’ve been through a few burns, they’re awkward to remove warped, tight, and often stuck solid. I wanted something better. The goal was simple: create a system that helped the stove burn cleaner and more efficiently, but still be practical to install and service. I started sketching ideas that worked more like a catalytic converter something that didn’t just deflect the gases, but made them work harder before they left the stove. The first version used layers of fine stainless mesh sewn together and held in a frame. It worked well at first, but after a few burns the mesh became brittle and started breaking down. I knew straightaway that if I released it like that, I’d never hear the end of it from other sweeps so that idea was binned. Next, I tried ceramic coatings. They looked good on paper, but they were a nightmare to apply, I had to bake them onto the secondary baffle. And after a few tests, they started flaking off. Another one scrapped. Each failed idea led to something new though, and after about four more versions and a lot of trial and error we finally landed on what’s now the CleanFlow™ Flue Cage: three layers of offset stainless steel that heat up quickly and help burn off more particulates as the gases pass through. Of course, I knew straight away what every fitter’s first thought would be: “That’s bolted what happens if the bolts seize?” It’s the kind of thing that drives me mad too. So we built it using spacer bolts the cage bolts into the spacers, not directly into the body. That means even if something does seize, you’ve still got two ways to get it apart. Once the CleanFlow™ system was sorted, the next focus was making the inside of the stove as easy as possible to strip down and service. There’s nothing worse than a stove where you have to strip half the firebox just to get the baffle out twist it sideways, hold it up with your hands wedged inside the firebox, try to shuffle out of the way to pull bricks or parts out, all while balancing it there. And then on top of that, you’ve got to remove every brick first. Basically, you end up dismantling the whole inside just to take out one part. It’s painful. The side bricks sit tight to the stove body, but at the top rear, just above the tertiary bar, there’s a small gap to get your fingers in and pop them out cleanly. The back bricks then come out with ease. The log retainer lifts straight
Warm up your home with the new iLektro Integra fireplace
Create the heart of the home with the new iLektro Integra electric fireplace from Eurostove. A fireplace has traditionally always been the heart of the home. There’s nothing quite like returning after a long day to put your feet up in front of a roaring fire. It also creates a striking focal point in any living space and with an elegant fireplace surround, makes the perfect spot for hanging Christmas stockings and displaying festive wreaths and garlands. Eurostove is thrilled to reveal the launch of a brand-new addition to the iLektro range of electric fireplaces – the Integra collection, perfect for complementing a period property or adding character to a modern new-build. Electric fires are a fuss-free and easy way to add classic charm and warmth to any home, as they can be installed without an existing fireplace and, at just 75mm deep, the new Integra designs can be flush fit so there’s no need to create a hole in the wall and they can also be used to replace an existing traditional fireplace for instant, clean heat. Designed by Paul Agnew Designs, the matt black cast iron iLektro Integra fireplace collection is available in two designs – the Anson for a sleek, modern look and the Ashbourne for a more intricate and traditional style. The fires also come in a choice of an LCD or LED screen. The LCD model offers a realistic flame effect with authentic crackling and sparks for visual impact while the LED version has a flickering flame effect. Both designs feature wood-effect logs and real fire audio for all the hallmarks of a real log fire. The LCD fire also boasts five unique flame patterns, each with three colour options and six brightness levels for every colour. The flickering ambient light fuel bed also has six colour choices and four brightness settings while the glowing logs are enhanced by a blend of LED logs, standard logs and crystals, all brought to life with a pulsating LED log effect. Downlight illumination also features six colour options and four adjustable brightness levels. For effortless control, the fires can be operated via a dedicated mobile app, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant while added benefits include two heat settings delivering up to 2kW of heat, a seven-day programmable timer, digital thermostat with stylish remote control and six volume levels for the realistic crackling sound effects. “Blending over 25 years of heritage craftsmanship with state-of-the-art electric fire innovation, the new iLektro Integra collection features advanced LCD electric fire technology,” says Chris Baines, Managing Director of Eurostove, “redefining what a fireplace can be – elegant, efficient and easy to install – all without the need for a chimney.” The iLektro Integra electric fireplace collection starts from £1,795 for the LCD fire & surround.
Trade Stove & Fireplace Professional Show 2026: Tickets Now Available
Professionals across the stove and fireplace industries are gearing up for the Trade Stove & Fireplace Professional Show 2026, taking place on 30th & 31st May 2026 at Doncaster Racecourse. The official website – tradestoveandfireplaceprofessionalshow.com – has just launched, and registration for free tickets is open now. This landmark event will unite manufacturers, retailers, installers and designers from across the UK and Europe to showcase the future of fireplace and stove innovation. Why attend the Trade Stove & Fireplace Professional Show 2026? This two-day event is the ultimate showcase for the stove and fireplace trade, combining craftsmanship, design and the latest technology. Attendees can expect: Whether you’re a retailer, installer, or designer, this is your chance to connect with the heart of the UK’s fireplace industry. Event details Who should attend? This professional-only trade event is ideal for: Tips to make the most of your visit How a Shared Vision Sparked the UK’s Premier Stove & Fireplace Event Back in 2019, David Ball (M.A.C) founded the Trade Stove & Fireplace Professional group with a simple but powerful goal: to bring the industry together. His vision was to break down barriers, move past rivalries, and create a community where every professional stands on equal ground. Fast forward six years to April 2025, and that same spirit of unity inspired group administrator Selina Brannan (M.A.C) to take the next bold step — launching a nationwide exhibition: the Trade Stove & Fireplace Professional Show. Selina’s exceptional organisational talent has been the driving force behind this project. Thanks to her dedication—and the unwavering support of our community and partners—we’re confident this event will mark an exciting new chapter for the UK heating industry. “In the early planning stages, we reached out to Erica Malkin (SIA), Emma Hatherall, and Susan Wheeler from Fireplace Specialist Magazine to explore ideas and potential collaborations. Their enthusiasm matched our own, and together we began laying the groundwork for something truly special.” And that’s where it all began — a shared passion turning vision into reality. History in the making. Join the UK’s leading fireplace & stove trade event The Trade Stove & Fireplace Professional Show 2026 isn’t just an exhibition — it’s a hub for innovation, sustainability and growth within the industry. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it — register for your free tickets today at tradestoveandfireplaceprofessionalshow.com.
Mr Soot Hiring Amid Surge in Service Demand
Mr Soot Chimney Sweep is firing up for another record-breaking year, launching a major recruitment drive with two exciting opportunities now open: Trainee Chimney Sweep and Chimney Sweep & Solid Fuel Installation Technician. The North West company, which also operates the Mr Soot Training Centre, has seen demand for its services surge to unprecedented levels, fuelled by homeowners investing in efficient heating solutions and the business’s growing reputation across the region. “Demand right now is absolutely off the scale,” said David, Managing Director of Mr Soot. “We’re forecasting another record-breaking year ahead, and we need more great people to help us meet it. It’s an exciting time to be part of our journey.” The two new positions reflect the company’s dual focus — supporting experienced technicians looking to advance their careers, while also creating an entry route for newcomers eager to train in the trade. “We’ve grown rapidly over the past few years, but it’s been through steady investment in people and quality,” added David. “The Trainee Sweep role is a brilliant opportunity for someone with the right attitude to learn, while the Experienced Technician post suits someone already skilled who wants to join a company that genuinely values professionalism and career growth.” Both roles offer full-time, permanent employment, competitive pay and benefits, and the chance to work across Wigan, Manchester, Liverpool, and Cheshire. Perks include a company vehicle, private medical cover, pension scheme, 33 days’ holiday including your birthday off, and paid professional training through the firm’s own accredited training centre. With continued investment in people, equipment, and infrastructure, Mr Soot is cementing its position as one of the UK’s fastest-growing names in the chimney and solid fuel industry. “We’re building something that lasts — not just a business, but a brand people trust,” said David. “The growth we’re seeing now is just the start.” Applications are open now via our Careers Page with recruitment ongoing throughout October. For more information, visit www.mr-soot.com or call Michele, our Director of Operations, HR & Customer Services, on 0800 054 1154. Image courtesy of Mr Soot.