HETAS Extends Network of Industry Leading Training Centres across England, Scotland and Wales
HETAS, the leading solid fuel and biomass organisation, is pleased to announce the expansion of its network of registered training centres throughout England, Scotland and Wales. As the energy landscape rapidly evolves and consumers increasingly seek out sustainable and environmentally friendly heating solutions, many heating engineers and installers are recognising the importance of extending their offerings to meet these evolving demands. Keen to equip installers and technicians with the correct training that aligns with the latest industry standards and legislation, HETAS has approved training centres across the breadth of the UK. The latest centre to join its network of industry leading training venues is the Mr Soot Training Centre based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The new centre joins 14 existing training facilities which all specialise in a range of training courses, business workshops and seminars for sole traders, micro businesses and SMEs. Speaking on the launch of the new centre, David Soot, “Our business has always stood for professionalism and innovation; delivering what customers want and continually striving to raise standards. “By unveiling of a modern, bespoke training centre, we have demonstrated our commitment to investing in both the local economy and future of our industry.” Renowned for its commitment to providing quality training and certification schemes to professionals, HETAS aims to ensure that technicians across the country have access to exceptional training opportunities that foster industry excellence. All 15 HETAS accredited training centres across England, Scotland and Wales offer comprehensive courses led by expert trainers and assessors. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including appliance installation, maintenance and servicing, as well as the newly introduced Sweep and Service scheme. Commenting on the need to meet consumer demands, CEO Bruce Allen said: “By diversifying their expertise to include solid fuel and biomass appliances, heating installers, sweeps and technicians alike can effectively address consumer preferences for greener alternatives. As the industry leading training provider, we want to ensure that only the best training centres offer our range of courses. As consumer preferences drive the demand for sustainable heating solutions, HETAS remains committed to empowering installers, technicians and sweeps alike with industry-leading training and certification. By expanding its network of registered training centres, HETAS can help to broaden the knowledge and skills of those on the frontline of delivering alternative heating solutions. For more information on the HETAS training courses available and how to become a part of the growing network of qualified professionals, visit hetas.co.uk. For more information about becoming HETAS registered, visit hetas.co.uk.
Wood Fuel Specialist Makes its Business Smarter
Wood fuel specialist, Logs Direct, has scooped Gold and Silver accolades in the Made Smarter Awards 2023, from the digital transformation it has pursued
Create a clean, contemporary look with the new iLektro slimline electric fires from Eurostove
Modern interiors need modern heating solutions to enhance their contemporary look and feel. Electric fires are the perfect solution with their clean, fuss-free finish and multiple options for realistic and eye-catching flame patterns and effects. Eurostove, experts in electric, wood burning, multi fuel, inset and freestanding stoves and fires, have launched two new slimline versions of its sleek iLektro electric fire collection, perfect for saving space in the living area or open-plan interior as well as smaller homes, studios and apartments. The iLektro range of electric fires is the ultimate blend of design and technology with stunning flame effects and a clean inset design. Adding a luxurious look to any home, they produce heat instantly. No more waiting around for the logs to heat up and as they don’t require a chimney or flue, they are suitable for all properties including new-builds, studios and flats. The iLektro IS50 slimline electric fire measures H500 x W1270 x D120mm and combines style, warmth and practicality with its full-screen display, clear-vision low-reflection front glass and realistic flame patterns and effects with 10 settings for the fire-bed and toplight mood lighting. The iLektro IS60 slimline electric fire meanwhile measures slightly wider at H500 x W1524 x D120mm and also features a full glass front with six vibrant flame colour options, including a new red hue, with variable heat output. Both the iLektro slimline fires are A rated for energy, can be built-in or wall-hung and are easy to install. Measuring just 120mm deep, they are perfect for fitting into a media wall and come with a choice of six flame colours, three flame speeds, five flame brightness options and two heat settings. Each design also produces a realistic log crackle sound with volume control and users can also choose their own colours for the flame, fuel bed and downlighting. There is plenty of heat for a cosy winter’s day with up to 1.5kW output as well as even heat distribution technology built-in, so no cold spots. Users will also benefit from energy-saving LED Multi Flame technology and can enjoy the flame effects with or without the heat switched on, making the iLektro slimline electric fires a luxurious focal point all day, every day. Both designs have full-screen display, remote control for ease of use and a handy seven-day programmable timer with room thermostat. “Our iLektro electric fires are designed to suit all homes at all times of the day,” says Chris Baines, Managing Director of Eurostove. “Users can enjoy the realistic flame effects without the heat as well as benefit from 1.5kW of evenly distributed heat when needed. The new slimline models are ideal for saving space in a smaller room, studio or apartment and look stunning installed into a media wall in an open-plan design. They also have a kind of ski resort or James Bond look about them, which friends and family are sure to love.” The iLektro IS50 slimline is priced from £650 and the iLektro IS60, from £850 Images courtesy of Eurostove
Chimney Fire Safety Week. “Speak to a Sweep!” 4th to 11th September 2023
The Fire Kills campaign will be promoting relevant messages throughout Chimney Fire Safety Week from 4 to 10 September. Given the cost-of-living rise, people may explore using alternative methods to heat their homes, which might impact on use of chimneys. Ensuring these are safe and ready for use is important, so the primary message of the Week will be to encourage people to have their chimneys swept in preparation for use over winter. Awareness and Action Ultimately the campaign strives to raise awareness of chimney fires and encourage consumers to act. The campaign focuses on the importance of chimney sweeping and appliance maintenance, the use of quality fuels and tips to get the most efficiency from a stove. Having a chimney swept not only reduces the fire risk, but also enables more efficient combustion saving you money by reducing the amount of fuel used and reduces emissions helping the environment and the air we breathe. The sweep will offer bespoke advice the householder on the use of their appliance, the correct use of fuels to gain maximum heat and warmth from their appliance. Partnership working with the Federation of British Chimney Sweeps The Federation of British Chimney (FBCS) and its association members is committed to providing a unified voice and single point of contact for the chimney sweep trade. Its member association cover more than 80% of registered chimney sweeps within England, Scotland and Wales and works in partnership with the major stakeholders within industry to raise standards through formal qualification (NVQ) and promote the essential services of the chimney sweep. The “Speak to a Sweep!” campaign has been specifically developed to deliver public information campaigns such as Chimney Fire Safety Week through partnership working with other industry stakeholders such as ClearSkies, Stove Industry Alliance, British Flue and Chimney Manufacturers and the Sweep Associations. The FBCS association members are sweeping, servicing, and maintaining flues and appliances in 10,000 homes each working day helping to keep the householder safe and warm. Social media posts #speaktoasweep! For more information and how can help with fire prevention, please visit: www.speaktoasweep.co.uk/safety Images courtesy of iStock
The New Woodland Electric Stove from Mendip is Fully Programmable for Intuitive Heating
When you want the ease and convenience of a clean heating solution, which is quick and efficient too, the new Woodland Electric Stove from Mendip Stoves is the perfect combination of style and substance. Offering the look and feel of a traditional woodburner, this 570mm wide 2kW stove is fully programmable. This enables users to set a specific heat requirement at a specific time, so no more coming home to a cold house after work or a trip away. With the Mendip Woodland Electric, if you’d like your living room to be 21 degrees at 6pm for instance, the stove will know when to switch itself on as it ‘learns’ from experience for a fully intuitive heating solution. With its clean-lined contemporary design, which suits both modern and traditional interiors, the Woodland Electric Stove features a large viewing window and an authentic flame effect. The flames can be selected in multiple colours as well as offering the option of having them flickering at variable speeds to create a different ambience at various times of the day. Designed in the UK, the stove is ideal for homes without a chimney, hearth or flue as well as those who require a quick and easy installation. Electric stoves are so easy to fit, providing instant heat at the touch of a button. Added benefits include a lower price tag and installation cost as well as the flexibility of being installed anywhere with a power supply. Electric stoves are also 100% efficient and clean, heating up a room in an instant, making them the perfect heating choice for all types of properties and lifestyles. Chris Baines, MD Mendip Stoves, comments: “We are so excited to be launching a brand new electric stove for 2021. Offering homeowners the look and feel of a woodburner but with instant heat, intuitive control and a fully programmable intelligent source of comfort and warmth, this next-generation stove is suitable for all homes and budgets.” The Mendip Woodland Electric Stove from Mendip Stoves is priced from £1,125.
Bring high-tech heating into the home with the iLektro electric fire range from Eurostove
The Eurostove iLektro 950 Aspect fire Efficient, clean, simple and easy to install, electric fires are perfect for every home. Whether it’s a modern new-build without a flue, a studio apartment with limited space, a purpose-built flat with clean lines and a contemporary look or even a rural cottage that needs something quick and easy to heat up a living area, dining room or open-plan space, electric fires offer the perfect blend of sleek design and state-of-the-art technology. Eurostove’s new and updated iLektro collection is ideal for homes with good insulation, where heating is required but also where a focal point feature fire is desired to give a room instant wow factor and a cosy, welcoming feel at the touch of a button. The new iLektro range is available in four sizes, the 950 aspect and three landscape models: 1250, 1650 and 2000 – with something to suit every space. Highly efficient with high heat output, clean energy and easy installation, it’s the perfect choice for anyone wishing to get ahead and install a new fire ready for the autumn/winter to come. The Eurostove iLektro 1250 Landscape fire The iLektro range by Paul Agnew Designs is created for modern lifestyles with Wi-Fi capability, allowing users to operate their fire from a smartphone or tablet, both iPhone and Android. This allows homeowners to turn their fire on before they get home and turn it off via their device if they forget before they go out. It also comes with a remote handset, an LED indicator inside the stove as well as six frame colour options and a new two-level crackle sound for the authentic sound of a crackling fire. Users can also adjust the flame brightness and flame speed and choose from 10 fuel bed colours and 10 top light colours too. There is even a backlight option for external shelving as well as rotating options for the fuel bed to suit any space and desired effect. The Eurostove iLektro 1650 Landscape fire The iLektro collection of electric fires from Eurostove also comes with a realistic chamber bed that can be fitted with Gas Quality Ceramic Logs, Vermiculite, Coal Pieces, Black or Amber Crystals to create the desired look and feel. A-rated for energy efficiency, each of the fires provides even heat distribution as well as the perfect ambience that can be app controlled both in temperature and visual effect from a smartphone or tablet. There’s no need for a flue, which makes installation quick, clean and easy in any room. Perfect for media walls, homeowners can also match LED lighting around the TV or behind a bookcase to the colour of the fire for a complementary or contrasting finish. All models are available as standard with the option to be single, double or triple-sided with full-screen display, energy-saving LED Multi Flame technology and the use of the flame effect with or without heat. There is the option of front, left-hand, right-hand and bay orientated options with clear-vision, low reflection front glass and a unique side glass reflection. There’s also a seven-day programmable timer with room thermostat, making the iLektro collection the ultimate in flexible, versatile heating to suit all spaces and all tastes. The Eurostove iLektro 2000 Landscape fire “We are delighted to be adding these four new and improved models to our iLektro collection,” says Chris Baines, Managing Director of Eurostove, “With so many options for the layout, flame colour, flame speed and brightness as well as crackle sound effects and various heat settings, it really is an electric fire design that suits everyone. Energy and heat efficient, it’s also a really clean, quick and easy way to install a new fire, creating a wonderful focal point in any room.” The iLektro 950 Aspect fire from Eurostove is priced from £1,650; the 1250 Landscape is priced from £1,695; the 1650 Landscape, from £2,075 and the 2000 Landscape, £2,425.
La Hacienda’s Easy Log promotion set to see sales light up
To support retailers with driving sales of firebaskets, chimeneas and firepits this summer, La Hacienda – part of the AMES Companies – has launched a special Easy Log sales promotion. Taking place between 1st July 1st and 31st Aug, consumers need only spend £25 on qualifying La Hacienda products to receive a free pack of Easy Logs worth RRP £34.99. Supported by instore signage at the point of sale to drive interest and convert more sales instore, all consumers have to do is visit www.lahacienda.co.uk/special-offer/ to redeem their free pack. A photo of the receipt noting the qualifying sale will be required*. Nick Jones, Commercial Director at the AMES Companies, said: “Summer means longer nights and more reasons to stay out after dark. Consumers often turn to firepits, chimeneas and firebowls to take the edge of those chillier Great British evenings. Recognising this and wanting to support our retailers, we have launched our Easy Log sales promotion to entice even more customers. A low minimum qualifying spend has been identified to make this promotion accessible to the masses, and I’m sure we will see many convert from browsing to buying.” Image courtesy of La Hacienda
Mendip Stoves launch brand new UK factory with British-made Woodland stove
The Mendip Stoves Woodland dual control woodburning stove Mendip Stoves, manufacturer of modern woodburning and multifuel stoves, is proud to announce the opening of its brand-new factory in Somerset. It’s here in the West Country that Mendip is now manufacturing its Woodland dual control Ecodesign 5kW woodburning stove, the first stove the company has manufactured itself, bringing the very best of British design and manufacture here to the UK. As well as offering homeowners the ultimate freestanding stove for rural and city living alike, the new Somerset factory also delivers in terms of in-house quality control and supporting our UK industry with new jobs and opportunities as well as the use of British steel in its design. The Woodland woodburning stove from Mendip is a popular design, winning the accolade for the Best 5kW Stove at both the Hearth & Home and Build It awards back in 2016. It burns wood cleanly and efficiently with an A+ rating for energy and is Ecodesign and smoke control compliant. This means it’s designed in line with the European-wide legislation for environmentally-friendly stoves that came into effect in 2022. It’s also authorised for installation within a smoke control area, making this a truly flexible and versatile stove solution. This freestanding modern stove is hugely popular for its looks, high heat output and design options and now it’s made from British steel in Mendip’s new Somerset factory, too. The Woodland features an easy-to-use dual control air adjustment system for optimum combustion and control and has a generously sized fire box for standard logs. The preheated air wash system meanwhile ensures the glass door remains clean on the inside for a perfect view of the glowing flames within. This multifuel stove can be used with dry logs and registered smokeless fuels (one fuel at a time) and has a low 100mm distance to combustibles at the rear and 250mm to the side (or 100mm on the convection model), so it can slot easily into an existing hearth or alcove to keep living spaces cosy. “We are absolutely thrilled that Mendip Stoves now has a UK factory where we can manufacture here in Somerset,” says Chris Baines, Managing Director of Eurostove. “It’s wonderful to be able to support our industry in this way with job opportunities and the use of British steel for our stoves. We look forward to launching many more designs, both current and new, from here in the UK over the coming years.” The Woodland dual control stove from Eurostove is priced from £1,795.
Mendip’s new Ashcott-Wide wood burner offers a spectacular view of the flickering flames
Imagine coming home after a hard day at work or a refreshing walk at the weekend to the warmth and cosy glow of a wood burning stove. Not only does a freestanding stove add heat and character to a room but it also brings a central focal point to living areas, dining spaces and open-plan living. The Mendip Aschcott-Wide, available from Eurostove, has more visual impact, at 620mm but it is only 260mm deep with a heat output of 6kW, ideal for well-insulated new-builds, smaller spaces or flats that don’t require too much heating. It is fitted with an environmentally friendly catalyst to ensure the stove always emits less pollutants into the environment. It is available as a standard floor standing stove and a logstore version. The design is sturdy, robust and hardwearing with a 50mm to rear combustibles, high-quality contoured cast iron door, slim convection top plate and sculptured cast iron legs alongside a large glazed window, giving a full view of the dancing flames inside. The magnetic door catch is easy to use while the design is perfect for both classic and contemporary interiors. As the Ashcott Wide is an eco-friendly catalyst stove, you’ll also benefit from a better all-round performance as well as helping the environment too. Suitable for built-up areas and smoke control zones, the stove is SIA and Defra approved and complies with the 2022 Ecodesign regulations. “Whatever style of stove you’re looking for, it needs to comply with the latest regulations,” says Chris Baines, managing director of Eurostove. “Air quality is improved as wood is burned more efficiently, which in turn gives homeowners the cleanest, cosiest environment in which to spend time with family and friends. We are here to help consumers make the right choice for both their home and the environment.” Available as a traditional leg design as well as a logstore option, prices start at £1,815. About Eurostove Eurostove Ltd is a family owned business based in Somerset since 2004, who specialise in wood burning stoves, be they traditional, contemporary or inset. The Mendip range is designed in Britain, ensuring that the stoves are beautifully built by experienced craftsmen using cutting-edge technology. Mendip stoves are manufactured to exceed British standards with demand for quality at every stage. From its heavy-duty steel body to the ergonomically designed door handle, every detail has been meticulously considered.
Stûv turns 40
Belgian wood heating expert combines innovation and renewable energy. With its wood or pellet stoves and wood inserts produced in Belgium, Stûv exports customised heating solutions combining performance, design and durability. Stuv, the Belgian expert in individual wood and pellet heating, celebrated its 40th anniversary in Bois- de-Villers on 15 June 2023. The Namur group is one of the world leaders in the sector. By leveraging their sense of innovation, they help build a sustainable future. On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, Stûv welcomed some 400 commercial and technical partners, as well as public and political figures to the site of the Citadel of Namur. This was an opportunity for the guests to (re)discover an impressive success story as well as its new flagship, the Stûv P-20S pellet stove. It didn’t exist, it had to be invented. The story began with an observation in the early 80s, recalls industrial designer Gérard Pitance: “After experiencing the oil crisis and several oil spills like that of the Amoco Cadiz, I could not accept the idea of heating my future house with gas or oil, especially since we had a natural fuel around us wood. As I explored the available solutions, I quickly realised that what I wanted didn’t exist. So, I decided to create it.” This first wood stove earned him compliments and expressions of interest from his friends, his visitors, and his contacts. The message is clear: there is market demand. To introduce itself, the Namur start-up choose an appropriate name on both sides of the linguistic border. Stûv recalls the Flemish word “stoof” (pronounced “stuff” in patois) and the Walloon “stouve”: both mean “stove”. Proximity makes it possible to “stick” to the desires of users. Today, the company has three production sites: Bois-de-Villers, Thuin and finally in Floreffe where the R&D centre is located. Stûv designs, manufactures and markets individual wood and pellet heating solutions: stoves and inserts. With a constant approach: “The quality, design and performance of our products are key priorities,” explains Jean-François Sidler, CEO of Stûv. The same goes for after-sales service. A company conquering the world. Since its foundation 40 years ago, Stûv’s success is clear to see. From five people at the beginning, the company grew to 50 and then to 100 employees. Today, it has 140. And a dozen additional positions should be created in the coming months to cope with the increase in demand. In Belgium and abroad. “We export to more than 15 countries,” says Jean-François Sidler, mainly in Europe, but the success on the North American market led us to open an office, then an assembly plant in Canada. Further developments are being studied for the future. Thus, the growing popularity of our products in Australia could lead us to create a subsidiary there.” The numbers are green. Faced with sharp increases in energy prices in recent years, consumers have a renewed interest in a fuel that we have in large quantities around us. Stûv’s turnover grew by 30% in 2022. For 2023, forecasts are for growth of 15%, which would allow a turnover of 40 million euros. “In Belgium, forests are managed sustainably,” says Jean- François Sidler. Wood is a real source of local and renewable energy. With a major advantage: the CO2 and fine particulate emissions of our wood and pellet stoves are significantly lower than those of existing heating systems. Whether they run on gas, oil or electricity. It is not said often enough: wood is now the main source of renewable energy in Europe, far ahead of solar and wind energy.” Innovating for comfort and durability. Gérard Pitance, founder of Stûv, agrees: “Since the beginning, our efforts have focused on optimising combustion as well as constantly reducing emissions. One of the latest fruits of our innovations is the P20-S pellet stove. It generates CO2 and fine particulate emissions close to zero. In fact, it exceeds the expectations of the European ECODesign 2022 standard. This result is essential. The device is more than a success in terms of aesthetics and comfort. The flame that illuminates the living room is one aspect of it. High heating performance is another. The resulting total respect for our environment is a third. Yesterday, today and tomorrow, Stûv is driven by this desire to innovate technologically by taking a sustainable approach.” About Stûv. Stûv SA is a Belgian company that designs, manufactures and markets individual wood and pellet heating solutions, aimed at magnifying the fire, both functional (heating) and emotional (beauty, aesthetics and conviviality). To do this, Stûv constantly imposes a strict line of conduct based on creativity, design, the quality of the products developed and their adequacy to the expectations and needs of consumers, while attaching great importance to sustainability and human values. Stûv represents 140 direct jobs and as many with its subcontractors. The company has an annual turnover of 35 million euros, produces some 15,000 stoves a year, 80% of which are for export. For more information: Stuv UK 07786864831, sarah@stuv.co.uk