Stove industry launches Clean Air Night education campaign
The Stove Industry Association (SIA) will be educating consumers on the most effective and safest ways to use a domestic wood burner this January with the #PositiveWoodburning campaign, to coincide with Clean Air Night. Its #PositiveWoodburning campaign, which is running across social media between the 15th and 25th January, responds to growing public discussion around air quality and domestic combustion, and is designed to complement the wider Clean Air Night conversation. The SIA says that while air pollution is a serious issue, it is important to recognise the contribution the stove industry has made over the last 10 years towards improving air quality. Erica Malkin, Executive Director of the Stove Industry Association, said: “Air quality matters, and it’s right that it receives attention. But treating all wood burning as identical risks missing where the biggest gains can actually be made. The UK stove industry has undergone significant transformation over the past decade. Modern stoves must meet strict emissions and efficiency limits under UK law, and manufacturers continue to invest in improved combustion and performance. Indeed, official government statistics show that emissions of PM2.5 and PM10 from domestic combustion fell by 17% between 2020 and 2023*, reflecting the impact of tighter regulation, product innovation and increased consumer awareness. “Not all wood burning is the same, so our focus this Clean Air Night and throughout the year is on evidence-led, practical steps that households can take to reduce emissions by upgrading old appliances, using the correct fuel, following best practice and speaking to a professional chimney sweep so that our sector continues to be able to contribute towards lowering emissions.” The SIA’s #PositiveWoodburning campaign highlights five key areas where emissions reductions can be achieved in practice: Rather than disputing health concerns, the campaign is designed to encourage behaviour change and informed decision-making, helping households burn more efficiently and responsibly. The SIA stresses that its campaign is not about denial, but about contributing constructively to the air-quality discussion. Erica added: “Improving air quality isn’t about just one thing. It’s about standards, innovation and education working together. This is a regulated sector that continues to improve, and supporting best practice is one of the most effective ways to deliver real-world emissions reductions.” * https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/emissions-of-air-pollutants/emissions-of-air-pollutants-in-the-uk-summary
Established Bespoke Fireplace Manufacturer Firemaker Goes to Market
Firemaker Limited, a long-established and highly regarded manufacturer of bespoke fireplaces, has been brought to market for sale. Founded in 2009, Firemaker has built a strong reputation for the design and manufacture of high-quality, made-to-order fireplaces, supplying trade customers across the UK. The business is particularly well known for its modern designs such as the FireBob Suspended Wood-Burning Stove, in-house manufacturing capability, and ability to deliver bespoke solutions tailored to individual project requirements. Operating from its own dedicated manufacturing facility, the company has demonstrated consistent financial performance, with strong gross margins and a proven order pipeline. Its scalable operating model and growing demand for durable and well designed fireplace solutions present a compelling opportunity for a trade buyer, investor, or complementary manufacturer seeking to expand capacity or product offering. Firemaker is being marketed by Business Partnership, one of the UK’s leading business brokerage firms. The sale represents an opportunity to acquire a profitable, well-run manufacturing business with an excellent industry reputation and significant scope for further growth. Further details on the opportunity are available at: https://www.business-partnership.com/buy/business/established-profitable-manufacturer-of-bespoke-heating-solutions You can visit the Firemaker website here.
Clean Air Night 2026: Why How We Burn Matters
Each January, Clean Air Night prompts a renewed focus on air pollution and its impacts on health. This year’s campaign, taking place on 22nd January, has once again brought domestic burning into the spotlight. Air quality is an issue that matters deeply — and the Stove Industry Association (SIA) agrees that reducing emissions must remain a priority. But meaningful progress depends on recognising an important truth: not all wood burning is the same, and real-world emissions are shaped by a combination of technology, fuel quality, installation, maintenance and user behaviour. That’s why, alongside Clean Air Night, the SIA is launching a short, practical consumer-education campaign focused on what actually makes a difference – #PositiveWoodburning. Moving beyond oversimplification Much of the public debate around domestic burning tends to treat all appliances and all use as identical. In reality, emissions vary widely depending on: Over the past decade, the UK stove sector has undergone significant change. Open fires and very old appliances — which are the highest-emitting forms of domestic solid fuel use — are no longer representative of the products placed on the market today. Modern stoves must meet strict emissions and efficiency standards to comply with UK law, and manufacturers continue to invest heavily in improved combustion and performance. Understanding air quality in context It is also important to recognise that domestic wood burning is not the sole cause of poor air quality in the UK, nor is it responsible for all particulate pollution experienced in towns and cities. Air pollution comes from a wide range of sources, including: Levels of air pollution also vary significantly depending on location, weather conditions, population density and time of year. Domestic wood burning is one contributor within this wider picture, which is why effective policy and public discussion must be proportionate and evidence-led, focusing on the sources, technologies and behaviours where the greatest improvements can be achieved. Treating all air quality challenges as the result of a single activity risks oversimplifying a complex issue — and can divert attention away from practical, targeted measures that are already delivering emissions reductions in the real world. Why consumer behaviour matters Regulation alone is not enough. How people use their appliances matters too. Independent data shows that poor fuel quality, incorrect lighting techniques, over-loading, slumbering stoves and lack of maintenance can all significantly increase emissions. The SIA’s focus, therefore, is not on denying air-quality concerns, but on helping households reduce emissions in practice through better choices and better use. Encouragingly, official statistics already show progress: emissions of PM2.5 and PM10 from domestic combustion fell by 17% between 2020 and 2023, reflecting a combination of regulation, product innovation and improved awareness. (Source: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/emissions-of-air-pollutants/emissions-of-air-pollutants-in-the-uk-summary) This progress demonstrates that change works when it is targeted and evidence-led. What the SIA campaign focuses on Running between 15th and 25th January, the SIA’s #PositiveWoodburning campaign highlights five areas where households can make a tangible difference: Together, these measures represent practical, achievable steps that can significantly reduce emissions associated with domestic wood burning. A regulated, forward-looking sector The UK stove industry is already one of the most tightly regulated domestic heating sectors, and it continues to evolve. Emissions limits have tightened, testing requirements have increased, and manufacturers are actively developing the next generation of appliances. This winter, the SIA’s message is simple: Air quality matters. How we burn matters too. Improving air quality is not about oversimplifying complex issues or framing households as the problem. It is about supporting informed choices, proportionate policy, and continued progress — all of which are essential if emissions reductions are to be sustained. Call to action Households looking for advice on improving how they burn should speak to their local stove retailer or chimney sweep, and follow manufacturer guidance and fuel standards. By focusing on evidence, education and best practice, we can continue to make real, measurable improvements to air quality — not just on Clean Air Night, but all year round. Article and images courtesy of the Stove Industry Association (SIA).
The Westfire Uniq 37: Danish design for your home
The Westfire Uniq 37 Large woodburning stove from Eurostove brings the art of Danish design into the home. With the recent freezing weather giving 2026 a bracing start, many households may be rethinking their heating options. Perhaps their existing stove or fire isn’t performing as well as it should. Maybe they love the idea of the instant warmth and focal point benefits of adding a woodburner to their living room or open-plan space. Or perhaps a new-build project is in the pipeline and a freestanding stove would be the perfect finishing touch to set the tone. Whatever the reasons, the Westfire Uniq 37 Large woodburning stove from Eurostove is the ultimate multifunctional statement. Blending the art of Danish engineering with superior performance, the Westfire Uniq 37 Large goes above and beyond the humble woodburner. Its tall design creates instant impact in any home, transforming a cold and stark space into a cosy room full of warmth and easy elegance. Its large glass door and side panels are built for style and efficiency with a panoramic view of the flickering flames within. Ideal for any sized room, small or large, its generous 7.2kW heat output provides the cosy and cocooning feel that winters are made for. The large glass combustion door not only gives an uninterrupted view of the flames but it also benefits from a multi-point locking system for safety and peace of mind, ideal for families. Designed to extract maximum energy from each log, this woodburner also features optimised burning efficiency, reducing waste and enhancing heat output. Eco-design compliant and A rated for energy, the Unique 37 Large is finished in a premium metallic anthracite with polished stainless-steel handle, blending contemporary design with timeless styling, making it the perfect addition to any interior. “We’re delighted to add the Westfire Uniq 37 Large woodburning stove to our collection,” says Chris Baines, Managing Director of Eurostove. “This statement stove brings all the sleek, minimalist elegance of Danish design into UK homes, combining refined craftsmanship with eco-conscious technology and ease of use.” The Westfire Uniq 37 Large woodburning stove is available from Eurostove, priced from £2,950.
Mr Soot Launches Private Advisory for Established Industry Business Owners
Mr Soot has launched a new one-to-one service designed specifically for established trades business owners navigating complex decisions as their companies grow. Headed by Mr Soot founder David, the Private Advisory offering is aimed at those who have moved beyond day-to-day site work. They now face higher-stakes leadership decisions — often without a trusted peer or advisor to assist their thinking. As someone who has grown Mr Soot from a one man band into a national brand, David has first-hand experience of what it’s like to navigate the entrepreneurial journey. “When you start out, it’s easy to get advice because it’s all about learning the job – the technical skills. “But once you get to a certain stage, running a trades business stops being about being just fully up-to-date on compliance or the physical graft and starts being about judgement. “You’re making calls that affect staff livelihoods, cashflow, reputation, and risk — often under pressure and with incomplete information. “There’s very little recognition of the need for formal support on this. “As a result, most either don’t seek advice or get it from the wrong people. “Some think that getting advice from someone just because they’re in the same industry means it’s comparable or valid. “That not necessarily the case and, as a result, is where ill-informed, poor decisions tend to creep in. “The solid fuel industry doesn’t have many larger companies like Mr Soot. So this advisory exists to close that gap.” David says this offer is not about rigid frameworks or time limited programmes, but an ongoing conversation covering many diverse topics. “I’m very clear this is not coaching or consultancy. Nor is it about telling people what to do or giving them a ‘system’. “It’s about helping experienced owners slow things down, see the full picture, and make better calls with confidence — especially when the consequences are real.” Availability to is intentionally limited to preserve quality. Slots open only twice a year: January and September. For more information, please click here. Visit the Mr Soot website or their dedicated Training Centre website.
Are bioethanol fireplaces the next big trend?
Homeowners looking for a clean burning fireplace often turn to the humble gas fire but with gas costs remaining high and environmental regulations expected to tighten, industry experts are predicting that bioethanol fireplaces could become more popular. While electric fireplaces have come a long way in terms of the aesthetics of the simulated flames, bioethanol fires are emerging as one of the most stylish and eco‑friendly heating solutions for modern homes, offering real flames without the smoke, soot, or need for a chimney. While they won’t replace central heating, they offer a clean, modern way to enjoy the ambience of a real flame without the drawbacks of traditional fires. What Are Bioethanol Fireplaces? Bioethanol fireplaces burn bioethanol fuel, a renewable energy source made from crops such as sugarcane or corn. Unlike traditional wood‑burning stoves or gas fires, they produce no smoke, ash, or harmful particulates. The only emissions are small amounts of carbon dioxide and water vapour, making them a cleaner alternative for indoor heating. Sustainability Benefits Design & Lifestyle Appeal Bioethanol fireplaces are increasingly popular among high‑end homeowners seeking both aesthetics and practicality. Considerations Market Trends
Creating characterful fireplace surrounds with brick slips
As demand grows for stylish, space-efficient fireplace designs, many installers and retailers are turning to brick slips as a practical and versatile finish. Eurobrick Systems, the UK’s leading brick slip and stone slip cladding specialist, has seen increasing interest from people looking to upgrade their fireplace designs using their wide range of brick slips to create the perfect finish for fireplace surrounds, chimney breasts, inglenooks and feature walls. A real brick finish with benefits Brick slips provide the authentic appearance of traditional brickwork but with significant advantages for interior applications. Lightweight and easy to handle, they take up much less space than full bricks, making them ideal for smaller spaces and compact living areas where every millimetre counts. Because they can be tiled directly onto suitable substrates, they are also well suited to both renovation work and new installations. A wide choice of finishes Eurobrick’s wide selection of brick slips includes colours, textures and finishes to complement both contemporary and classic fireplace designs. For retailers, this variety helps customers visualise how a surround might look in their own homes, while for installers, it supports efficient project planning and material specification. Accessories for installation To complete the installation, Eurobrick also supplies all the necessary materials and accessories, including cement adhesives, eight colours of pointing mortar and brick spacers. These products are designed to work together to help achieve consistent, high-quality results without requiring specialist bricklaying skills. Fast turnaround of orders and reliable nationwide delivery ensures that materials arrive when needed, supporting busy project schedules. Technical support Eurobrick also provide technical guidance through installation instructions for the proprietary cladding systems (if required) along with video resources, practical recommendations on substrates, installation methods and finishing techniques. Eurobrick’s cladding systems can be useful for larger interior projects such as feature walls where additional support or insulation may be helpful and their technical team are available to advise installers and retailers on the most suitable approach for specific projects. Customer guidance To help customers with their choice of final aesthetic, Eurobrick’s website also includes useful design articles on topics such as how the choice of mortar colour can affect the overall look, different types of mortar finish and also different patterns that can be achieved with brick slips to create a distinctive finish. This guidance can be a valuable tool in helping homeowners make design decisions. A complete solution With a wide product range, comprehensive support and dependable nationwide supply, Eurobrick provides fireplace retailers and installers with everything needed to create high-quality, authentic and space-efficient fireplace surrounds. To explore the full range, order free brick slip and mortar samples or to find out more information please visit www.eurobrick.co.uk or contact the team on 0117 971 7117 or info@eurobrick.co.uk.
The Westfire Uniq 32 inset woodburning stove is perfect for modern living
Sleek and seamless, the Westfire Uniq 32 inset woodburning stove from Eurostove is ideal for modern living. When choosing a new stove for a home heating upgrade or to complete a new-build project, there are many styles to choose from. For some, the appeal of a traditional freestanding log burner can’t be beaten, especially when installed within a country cottage or rural retreat. For others, an inset stove with its combination of efficient heating, stylish aesthetic and space-saving design is the perfect fit, particularly in a modern interior. The A+ energy rated Westfire Uniq 32 inset woodburning stove from Eurostove will instantly create a cosy ambiance in a contemporary setting. The 800mm-wide body is available with a steel front frame, or full glass front, and it can be installed with wide or narrow four-sided frame options to suit any space. It’s designed to maximise energy efficiency with an insulated fire chamber that reflects heat back into the room, ensuring optimal warmth while minimising heat loss. The easy-to-use air controls and closed combustion adapter allow for a cleaner burn, making the most of the energy extracted from every log while reducing emissions at the same time. It has a high heat output of 7kW and can be installed in small, medium and large rooms as well as open-plan living spaces, providing ambient warmth for any home. The large glass viewing window gives a full view of the flickering flames inside, creating a captivating focal point and a real hub of the home. A choice of frames, from the clean and crisp metallic anthracite to the clear glass front, are equally sleek and sophisticated, enhancing the stove’s modern finish. Inset stoves create an elegant and clean-lined look in any living space, sitting within a recess in the wall or fireplace with the front of the stove designed to be flush or almost flush with the wall. Saving valuable floor space in a modern new-build home, their inset wall installation is fuss-free and clean-lined, ideal for anyone who wants an easy heating focal point for their home. “The Westfire Uniq 32 inset woodburning stove offers homeowners a modern, space-saving solution that also uses less fuel and creates a clean-lined look,” says Chris Baines, Managing Director of Eurostove. “Combining high efficiency with a sleek design and 7kW heat output, the Danish design is the perfect fit for modern homes.” Visit Eurostoves website here: https://www.eurostove.co.uk/
How Cookery Events Are Fuelling Appreciation for ESSE Wood-Fired Stoves
As the colder months draw in, two inspired cookery events “Food to Share” at Rangemoors in Devon and “A Midwinter Feast” at Great Glen Stoves in Inverness are proving that nothing connects customers to the heart of a home quite like an ESSE cooking stove in action. For stove retailers, these experiences highlight a powerful sales story, in-store showroom events aren’t just demonstrations they’re immersive journeys that bring ESSE’s craftsmanship, versatility, and warmth to life. Food to Share: Cooking with Heart in Devon In November Rangemoors’ Winkleigh showroom opened its doors for “Food to Share”, a hands-on cookery event hosted by Philippa Vine, a chef known for her farm-to-table ethos and vibrant seasonal cooking. Guests gathered around ESSE’s wood-fired and electric cookers to create colourful, comforting dishes inspired by the autumn harvest, from sweet Crown Prince squash flatbreads to golden stacks of crepes cooked directly on the hotplate. Philippa’s approach mirrors the ESSE philosophy: local ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and food that brings people together. Participants cooked, chat, and ate in a small, friendly group, learning both the artistry of seasonal cooking and the practical energy-saving benefits of ESSE’s handcrafted ranges. It’s a full sensory experience that leaves attendees not only inspired to cook, but to own the cooking stove they’ve fallen in love with. And with 50% of the ticket price donated to Devon Air Ambulance, the event connects community spirit with culinary passion an ideal recipe for brand warmth and loyalty. A Midwinter Feast: Celebrating ESSE in the Highlands On Wednesday 10th December Great Glen Stoves in Inverness hosts the arrival of ESSE cooking stoves to their showroom with “A Midwinter Feast”, led by acclaimed chef and food writer Tim Maddams. Known for his time on River Cottage and his advocacy of ethical, local ingredients, Tim will bring the spirit of Highland cooking alive across two demonstration sessions. From venison chorizo sausage rolls to whisky chocolate truffles, every dish showcases the efficiency, performance, and versatility of ESSE’s wood-fired and electric models including the popular ESSE Ironheart cook stove. Guests will enjoy tastings, expert insights, and Q&A sessions, all while experiencing firsthand how seamlessly ESSE combines traditional craftsmanship with modern cooking techniques. (Tickets £40 | Booking essential: www.greatglenstoves.co.uk) Does Your Showroom have an ESSE Cook Stove on Live Display? These two events demonstrate the power of experience-driven retailing. Customers don’t just want to read about performance they want to see, smell, and taste it. When chefs like Philippa Vine and Tim Maddams bring ESSE cooking stoves to life, they create stories that customers take home and share. In-store cookery experiences offer stove retailers a unique opportunity to: As both Rangemoors and Great Glen Stoves show, there’s no better way to showcase the heart of the home than by lighting the fire, lifting the lid, and letting the food and the conversation flow. Let’s gather, cook, and share around the warmth of an ESSE. Visit their website here: https://www.esse.com/. You can also view this article in issue 17 of Fireplace Specialist Magazine, take a look here.
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.”