Fireplace Specialist Magazine - July / August Issue

Editor’s LETTER

Hello all and welcome to Fireplace Specialist magazine.

This edition brings you news of new developments in the fireplaces world, including a raft of updates from Hetas, the SIA and the various chimney sweep organisations. We also have a feature on one of the North West’s most successful solid fuel suppliers and news of how even the most analogue, historic business of all - chimney sweeping - is going digital and offering others the chance to do so too. See pages 25-27 inside for that one.

As summer arrives and temperatures soar it could definitely be seen as a quiet time for the industry. So what do you do? Think about your winter strategy, find new ways to get summer business or just take it easy, knowing that the busy autumn and winter season will see you through?

The fires and fuel sector has enjoyed a strong 18 months thanks to gas and electricity prices surging. However, there are now signs of them coming down with some utility firms offering cheaper tariffs from July. But with inflation rates still high and various other uncertainties, it seems unlikely that they will plummet as fast as they rocketed in 2022.

Will your customers stay loyal if central heating becomes slightly cheaper? Only time will tell. I would say, keep the faith. We saw with Covid-19 people adapted their lives and many stuck with their new choices when the old ones

became available again. So there is a lot to be positive about as we look forward to the new heating season. Having said that, it doesn’t hurt to diversify and it seems the outdoor cooking and heating market is one area that could be exploited over summer.

And despite fireplaces being a traditional business, you’ve still got to embrace the modern world. As retail expert David Jinks M.I.L.T, of Parcelhero states, retail is settling into a new equilibrium, and it will be those retailers with strong in-store and strong online sales that will ultimately triumph in a post-Covid world.

Images courtesy of Adobe Stock

ORTAL has introduced the Wilderness collection featuring an ultra-realistic gas fireplace that is unlike anything in the industry! With its exclusive, patent-pending Firelog Technology, Ortal makes it possible to enjoy the experience of a wood-burning fire with a taller more realistic flame but with all the innovations and options found in its other luxury gas fireplaces. Inspired by the wonderful elements of nature, Ortal’s research and development team managed to capture the mesmerizing beauty of the wildfire and transfer it to the interior of the house to create a perfect fireplace experience. The superb Ortal range is available to view under fire at our extensive showrooms in Belper. We are currently looking for NEW retail partners in some areas, please contact us for more details.

Ro beys

01773 826085. info@robeys.co.uk www.robeys.co.uk

Wilderness Front 150H

Ortal island 130

Ortal Wilderness 75H TS

Ortal Wilderness Corner 51H

New Econoguard SS Birdguards are a steal for customers!

Having listened carefully to customer feedback market leading chimney cowl brand Colt Cowls is pleased to announce the launch of two new products: the Econoguard Stainless Steel BIrdguard in both natural and terracotta finish.

Both stainless steel Econoguards are suitable for all types of solid fuel and come with a 25mm square mesh and traditional strap fixing system… but most importantly they offer exceptional value for money for both trade customers and end users alike.

‘Demand for stainless steel chimney cowls and bird guards has certainly increased in the last 10 years or so and having listened particularly to

our installer and chimney sweep customers we know that a better quality, better value stainless steel bird guard is of utmost importance to them’ James Stedman, Managing Director of Colt Cowls reveals. He goes on to say ‘The publishing of BSEN16475-7:2016 a few years ago lead us to create our successful 316 Stainless Steel range with the BSI Kitemark and although to my

knowledge that standard is still yet to be normalised it has meant further focus on stainless steel cowls and bird guards in the market. We are very pleased to introduce these two great new bird guards which will be available at highly competitive prices along with the better quality everyone expects from Colt Cowls’

HETAS Champions Sweeping Competency with New Scheme Launch

HETAS has launched a new scheme offering sweeps, wood burning stove installers and servicing technicians an additional trusted badge of approval which will vouch for their sweeping and servicing competency.

The organisation’s Sweep and Service Scheme has been specifically designed for professional chimney sweeps to bolster their credentials and further improve consumer confidence in their business, whilst also showcasing their expertise and compliance to the very latest standards.

With a surge in consumer interest, the HETAS website, last September saw an increase of over 230% in chimney sweep searches, a trend that continued throughout the heating season, with consumers choosing to put their trust in HETAS registered businesses.

As a result the organisation has identified the need to support sweeps in this way.

The scheme offers practical routes to HETAS approval depending on the applicant’s level of experience and qualifications – no matter whether the individual is fully qualified, an existing member of another professional sweeping association; or still gaining knowledge and experience, there is a way to join the scheme or complete

Fireplace Specialist Magazine

the learning journey and register. The scheme offers registration for sweeping and servicing, just sweeping, or servicing separately.

Assessing an applicant’s mix of skills and knowledge, the appropriate route will be determined by the HETAS team who will be on hand to support throughout the registration process. The applicant then follows a straightforward process (according to their designated route).

Offering a host of benefits, the new scheme will allow those registrants to use the recognised HETAS brand and scheme logo, have a dedicated business profile page on the HETAS website, allow access to the HETAS shop including a range of equipment and support from the HETAS Technical Helpline to name but a few.

Bruce Allen, CEO for HETAS, comments: “The past year has seen an overwhelming consumer appetite for wood burning stoves due to the cost-of-living crisis. Demand for chimney sweeps is therefore at an all-time high; yet we are seeing consumers becoming more discerning

about the competency of the tradespeople they welcome within their homes.

“Our aims for our new Sweep and Service Scheme are, to improve safety and environmentally responsible burning via a standardised approach to sweeping competence and compliance; to deliver valued benefits to sweeps such as farreaching consumer promotion and accessible training and accreditation; and to provide consumers with the assurance that HETAS vouches for the competency of their chosen chimney sweep and servicing businesses.

“By incentivising our registered sweeps to undertake refresher training, upskill and leverage the exposure that our website listing offers, we trust that they will be well equipped to meet the needs of their current and future customers.”

As a certification body accredited by UKAS, HETAS is an independent and impartial business which operates in compliance to EN ISO 17065. For more information about the new scheme, visit hetas.co.uk

Image courtesy of iStock

Rising demand for wood pellet stoves

With oil, gas and electricity prices shooting up, a clean, easy to use and domestically produced fuel that didn’t leave people at the mercy of the energy companies suddenly became an attractive alternative. On top of that you have a stove that lights itself, quickly gets the room warm and then automatically turns down until it is needed next. For many people it became a cosy and economical alternative to their conventional heating as well as giving the security of a back up in case of supply interuptions.

Dry pellet stoves are simple to install and maintain and, correctly positioned, are very good at spreading their warmth around the whole house. For many people, however, the offer of

a £5,000 grant from the government, under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, was a great incentive to go for a pellet boiler stove that provides all the central heating and domestic hot water. With a choice of great looking models that could be installed in the living room, utility boilers designed to go in the garage or central heating cookers that can slot straight into the kitchen, Klover has a pellet boiler to suit every home.

Dry pellet stoves are a great introduction to wood pellet technology and the Duroflame range are designed for the UK market. Straightforward to fit and simple to use, they can go anywhere a woodburner would and appeal to a whole new set of customers. As

your wood pellet knowledge and experience grows you can add the Klover pellet boilers to your range and take advantage of the government grant that means the customer is basically getting their boiler for free.

As public concern about emissions and the climate crisis grows, so clean burning and renewable wood pellet stoves have become a rapidly expanding part of the stove market. For more details, information about training and showroom deals contact Martin from Firepower and get involved in the future of wood burning.

martin@firepower.co.uk 01803 712721 www.firepower.co.uk

Last year’s energy crisis didn’t just increase the demand for woodburners, it also turned people on to wood pellet stoves.

Image courtesy of Firepower

Wood pellet stoves are less fuss - perfect for people who don’t like to constantly tinker with a fire. They light themselves, adjust their heat output, switch off once the house is warm enough, and.maintain efficient combustion automatically. No wonder that the EcoDesign particulate emissions limit for pellet appliances is half that of wood stoves.

Talk with Martin about our showroom deals;

O1803 712721, martin@firepower.co.uk

www.firepower.co.uk

Klover Thermoaura, wood pellet boiler, MCS certified and qualifies for the grant

Duroflame Rembrand, automated pellet stove

Industry is changing, are you ready?

HETAS, the not-for-profit certification body, takes a look at the future of wood burning, solid fuel and biomass following recent government publications on the environment, air quality and net zero.

Over the last few years, there has been a growing interest in our sector as the government considers the environmental impact of domestic burning and its net zero targets. The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 have been in place for a few years, with the final piece of the legislation on the 1st May 2023 leading to the ban of the sale of house coal in England.

More recently with the introduction of the Environment Improvement Plan and the Air Quality Strategy, both reports identifying that government has stated its intentions to not issue a ban on domestic burning. However, it is pushing hard to promote better burning and so long as we continue to educate consumers, trust appliance designers and manufacturers to innovate and demonstrate their credentials through the Cleaner Choice appliance scheme the government is likely to see this sector make a real difference.

At the same time, HETAS & Woodsure have been working with government on the successful introduction of a biomass maintenance scheme, with thousands of boilers now being annually maintained by businesses certified on an independent scheme.

The consumer journey

HETAS has become

recognised as a brand consumers can trust, offering regulated services supported by UKAS accreditation*.

HETAS receive thousands of calls to the dedicated consumer and technical helplines and supports consumers through every stage of their domestic burning journey with the help of the businesses certified on the various schemes available.

The initial choosing of the right appliance, installation, commissioning and notifying the work onward to the correct local authority is a part of a longer lifecycle of the appliance. From here, there is an ongoing requirement for sweeping and maintenance of the appliance and the chimney or flue. Alongside the installer search function and customer helpline, the “Find a Sweep” and maintenance business search functions are incredibly busy putting consumers in touch with HETAS registered sweeps and servicing technicians. With this in mind HETAS has recently launched the Sweep and Service Scheme specifically designed for professional chimney sweeps to bolster their credentials and showcase their expertise and compliance to the very latest standards.

The matter of qualifications and

experience needed to work in this sector is always at the forefront as HETAS comply with the competent persons self-certification schemes as are audited annually by UKAS.

Support for trade HETAS also has a role to play in supporting registered businesses. The dedicated Technical helpline is specifically for registrants s and remains constantly busy throughout the year. With over 900,000 website sessions since

launching a new website, HETAS continue to provide additional benefits to registration, including ethical debt recovery and loan brokering services, a discount marketplace, use of the trusted HETAS brand and access to the HETAS Shop, amongst many other benefits.

*England and

Wales

Competent Person Scheme, MCS Installer and Product schemes

For more information, visit hetas.co.uk.

DEFRA EXEMPT ECODESIGN! A+ Rated | Highest rated system

EcoDesign Woodburning

• Available as a combined stove and chimney package.

• Schiedel twin wall compatible.

• Can be installed in Smoke Control Areas.

email: sales.uk@schiedel.com - website: www.schiedel.com/uk

PROPERTY FOR SALE/RENT

With mixed emotions, they have made the difficult decision to put both the physical store and its accompanying website up for sale, marking the end of an era for stove enthusiasts and homeowners seeking warmth and comfort.

Stove Experience has been a pillar in the community for decades, offering a wide range of high-quality wood-burning stoves in Scotland and providing expert advice to customers. Whether you were a first-time buyer or an experienced stove enthusiast, the owners and

Long-established Stove Shop and Website for Sale

After years of dedicated service, the owners of Stove Experience, a beloved wood-burning stove shop in Lanarkshire, have announced their retirement.

staff were always ready to guide you through the process, ensuring you found the perfect stove to meet your needs.

The retirement of the shop’s owners is bittersweet news for the loyal customer base that has grown over the years. Many have relied on Stove Experience not only for their products but also for the wealth of knowledge and expertise the owners brought to the table. The shop was not just a place to purchase a stove; it was a hub of warmth, inspiration, and shared experiences.

As the owners prepare to say their goodbyes, they

express their gratitude for the support and trust the community has shown them throughout the years. They fondly reminisce about the countless conversations and connections forged over the shared passion for woodburning stoves.

The decision to sell both the physical shop and the website is not one taken lightly. The owners are hopeful that someone with the same dedication and love for the craft will step forward to continue the legacy of Stove Experience. The shop’s website, with its extensive resources and online presence, holds immense potential for

someone seeking to venture into the world of woodburning stoves.

As the final embers of Stove Experience burn, the owners and the community reflect on the lasting impact the shop has had on their lives. It has been a place of warmth, not just in terms of the cozy stoves but also in the connections made and memories shared.

While Stove Experience’s owners may be retiring, their legacy will endure. The shop’s closure is a reminder of the importance of cherishing local businesses and the knowledge and passion they bring to our lives.

Owner: Anne Gill

FIREPLACE AND STONE CENTRE

Property for sale / to rent.

The business has been established for forty two years - with the owners looking to retire. The premises consist of two double fronted shops situated on the main A28 in the village of Bitchington - three miles from Margate - with private forecourt parking for six cars.

Very smartly appointed with natural stone floors throughout. A custom made spiral staircase leads to the first floor and operates as an extended showroom showing a selection of antique fireplaces and display areas for the stone, marble and granite sections of the business. A further staircase leads to the upper

floor currently operating as two offices, stock room, kitchen and toilet. The upper floors previously had living accommodation and therefore would be suitable for conversion to its original use.

The ground floor, which measures 3,000 sq.ft., was until recently operating as the premier Fireplace/ Stove/Stone establishment in Kent: supplying and fitting fireplaces, stoves etc. together with like products such as gas/electric fires, decorative hardware and accessories. The building has twelve working chimneys.

The two original buildings are linked together with a

central conservatory which leads on to a ground floor kitchen and toilet area. There is an attractive courtyard giving access to a rear entrance of the properties.

These premises could have many applications:

Estate Agent - Kitchen/ Bathroom showroomWine Bar - Restaurant

- Art Gallery - Furniture

Showroom - Studios.

Contact: Jamescsmmasonryltd@gmail.com

Photography by Mr James Linsley

Wood Burning Stoves For New Build Homes (Including Timber Framed Houses)

By Geoff Royle, Technical Director - The Stove Yard

We probably have more experience of supplying and fitting wood burning stoves in new build homes than any other stove company in the country.

However new build properties, especially timber framed homes, can be challenging for the installer and their special requirements can also limit the developer’s or homeowner’s eventual choice of stove.

Developers fit them because they add character, they’re desirable and they’re also a cost-effective way of increasing value.

Homeowners just love them and if the recent huge energy price increases prove anything, it’s that, more than ever, everyone can benefit from the heating independence and savings that only a wood burner can deliver.

Compared to a pre-2008 home there is so much more to consider when installing a low emissions stove in a modern low energy home to create a safe and efficient closed combustion system.

This includes ensuring an appropriate supply of combustion air which doesn’t impact the building’s air permeability, providing an efficient flue to safely remove combustion gases including carbon monoxide especially to counter the effects of mechanical extraction and how best to locate the stove and the flue system to safeguard combustible materials and minimise disruption to the home’s aesthetic appearance.

At The Stove Yard we offer the expertise customers need alongside a large choice of contemporary or traditionally styled air-tight stoves, boiler stoves and heat storage stoves specifically designed to work in low

energy homes, including Passivhaus type homes and those featuring MVHR.

If customers still want the look and feel of an open fire we can even make that happen with our range of Fondis insert stoves. These can deliver the old-fashioned features of an open fire and, because of their counter-balanced disappearing doors featuring patented automatic air supply control, they can also provide the safety and convenience of a modern controllable closed appliance. These insets can be installed either within the flat wall of a purposemade mock chimney breast for a minimal look or within a traditional or contemporary fire surround.

At The Stove Yard we’re often asked “can I fit a stove in a new build house?” and our answer is “yes”.

Image courtesy of iStock

Andy, who was appointed in 2021, has worked in the UK organics and alternative fuels sectors for over 19 years, with 9 years spent at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK where his focus was on the commercial development of alternative fuels for a range of markets.

Following his successful career at SUEZ, Andy set up his own consultancy business, Cynosure Partners, and he is also the deputy chair of the Wood Recyclers’

SIA confirms renewal of Andy Hill as chair

The Stove Industry Association (SIA), the UK trade association for manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers within the solid fuel stove sector, has confirmed the renewal of Andy Hill as its independent chair.

Association, which represents both UK producers and European energy and panel board consumers.

Hugh Wells, vice chair of the SIA, who confirmed Andy’s renewal to members at the Association’s recent General Meeting, commented:

“The last 24 months have been a particularly busy and challenging period for the Association with the introduction of Ecodesign legislation and a very high demand for stoves. Andy’s leadership has been crucial in ensuring that the Association can continue to represent the interests of its members at all levels and further develop the dialogue around the many benefits of modern, wood burning stoves. The SIA Executive is

Appointment of new Directors in Micon Distribution LTD

delighted to renew Andy’s position.”

Andy said:

“The UK stove industry is a thriving and innovative sector, delivering sustainable, renewable, low emission, low carbon, energy grid independent, highly efficient and cost-effective heating solutions for consumers up and down the country. I work with a fantastic team, and I am genuinely honoured and excited to be continuing in the role of chair as we advance the SIA’s general public and key stakeholder engagement programme in order to promote the stove industry and the role it will play in our low carbon future.”

We are delighted to announce the appointment of our new company Directors Alan Burroughs, Martin Reid and Andrew McCroy at Micon Distribution LTD.

The new appointments have come along with a sustained period of expansion for the company and will broaden the responsibilities of the board of directors while sharing the load by increasing the board from two to five directors.

All have been with Micon from its inception and have a combined experience of over 80 years working with the company. They have held senior roles within the organisation and their experience and dedication have been invaluable in helping the

company to become the successful enterprise it is today. They have all worked hard to ensure that Micon Distribution meets the ever-changing demands of the marketplace.

Martin and Alan have been with Micon Distribution since its inception and have been instrumental in its growth and success, having both held senior sales positions within the company. They have extensive knowledge and experience of the company’s operations, products, and services, as well as of the wider

industry, and will bring a wealth of valuable insights and ideas to the board within their new positions as Directors.

Andrew has also been with Micon since its inception as the Financial Controller and his promotion to Financial Director is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the company. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in financial management, as well as his ability to identify efficiencies.

Andy Hill

Pictured left to right Martin Reid and Alan Burroughs

Eurostove Ltd

tel: 01934 750 500

web: www.eurostove.co.uk

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.

It is available in four sizes, the 950 aspect and three landscape models: 1250, 1650 and 2000. 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.

Bring high-tech heating into the home with the iLektro electric fire range from Eurostove

“Speak to a Sweep!” initiative offers advice for trade and public

The Federation of British Chimney Sweeps (FBCS) and its member associations are in the process of developing a website and sweep led campaign to promote the “Speak to a Sweep!” initiative as an information platform.

The site will have two aspects to it with a public and a professional interface. The public side will focus on promoting the various public information campaigns and messages such as ClearSkies, Burnright, Burn Better, CO awareness, chimney fire safety week and so on with the overriding message of ‘Speak to a Sweep!’.

The professional side of the site will provide the toolkits and resources for Local and Unitary Authorities (LA’s) to refer to, signpost, and access as they strive to meet their now legally defined obligations to meet emission and PMs targets set by national Government. The DEFRA Draft Air Quality Strategy and recent consultation exercise highlights the ‘expectation’ of LA’s to improve air quality within their defined geographical areas regardless of whether the area is on target to meet the defined air quality standard. Arguably, this makes the use of biomass and solid fuel as a domestic cooking and heating source a ‘soft target’ with the potential implementation of ‘no burn days’, planning restrictions etc particularly in

Smoke Control Areas.

The position is exacerbated by the levels of misinformation regarding the contribution to poor air quality from the use of biomass and solid fuel as a domestic heat source proliferated by emotive headlines in the popular press. Air quality and the promotion of the various messages is vital to promoting the correct information and reducing emissions from the use of biomass and solid fuels as a domestic cooking and heating source to the LA’s and public is essential to ensure the longevity and future prosperity of the wider industry and trades.

The home page will be directed at the public with the key messages from each of the relevant industry stakeholders promoting their specific public information messages to educate the end user in the proper use of biomass and solid fuels as a

domestic cooking and heating source. This will provide a comprehensive one stop shop of information for those interested in a new or replacement installation to the experienced end user to achieve maximum combustion efficiency and low environmental impact from their chosen appliance and fuels.

The professional side of the site will provide the relevant toolkits for LA’s, sweeps, retailers, and installers to promote the various messages from the industry to the public. The latter will include anything from logos, video embed codes, website or stationery banners, pre-formatted letters to the local press, pre-formatted social media posts, copies, or access to previous newsletters, articles, and academic research.

Fireplace Specialist Magazine

Images courtesy of iStock

Bryn Coal celebrates surge in burning as gas crisis heats up the solid fuel sector

It’s been a challenging few years for small firms, with first the coronavirus pandemic and then Brexit, leaving businesses battling to stay afloat. Things then got even harder last year when the war in Ukraine kicked off a cost of living crisis as energy prices soared.

But for Bryn Coal, the exorbitant cost of turning on central heating has sparked one of the best periods in its history after owners of stoves and fireplaces came flocking to buy solid fuel as a cheaper and more predictable way of heating their properties.

Bryn Coal Co was founded in 1988 as a wholesale company to provide a better service to the retail delivery market.

In 2008 it joined forces with J Fisher Coal Merchants, a business first established in 1921.

Now, current co-owner and

managing director Steve Fisher, the fourth generation of his family to work in the solid fuel business, is enjoying one of the strongest periods in recent memory.

Steve, who runs the Wigan based firm with co-owner Des, was preceded by his father, grandfather and greatgrandfather.

The firm has a fleet of delivery vehicles offering a nationwide service but focusing on the North West and Midlands.

They offer a wholesale service to businesses, including stove retailers, alongside a cash and carry service for

the public or trade.

Steve said 2022/23 had seen record sales and he was confident the solid fuel and fireplace sector would thrive for many years to come, despite anti-stove coverage from the London centric national media.

With the coal ban coming into effect last May, he said smokeless fuels were proving popular but wood was the most common product people wanted.

“I think the new regulations are good,” he said. “It’s more environmentally friendly.

“There’s not many coal merchants

around now, they’ve either died off or we’ve bought them out.

“But the new policies are helping the industry to be more controlled, which is something we’ve wanted for a while because people know what they’re getting.

“Up to a couple of years ago you could have non-smokeless unapproved ovoids, high sulphur petcoke and stuff like that, and people were selling that as an authorised smokeless fuel.

“There was a lot of that going on, but now everything has to be HETAS approved, so it’s more of a level playing field.

“We were always selling premium products while some people out there were mis-selling high sulphate products as smokeless - so it was a bit naughty and it’s good that it’s being regulated now.

“People know they’re actually getting a proper clean burning

product, which is good for legitimate businesses.”

Steve said the sector was looking healthy as people began to turn off their central heating in fear of running up unaffordable bills.

And he said the age old appeal of a nice fire was attracting a new generation of customers.

He continued: “We had our record sales last year. That’s been helped by our online shop as there’s a lot more younger customers.

“Only ten years ago it was still mainly older people that had fires but it’s more common now with younger people and the popularity of stoves.

“It’s trendy!

“We have people come to our yard and they’re like kids in a toyshop, they get all excited. I guess it’s the timeless appeal of fire!

“More people are getting stoves fitted, so I think business will be strong for the next few years, especially with gas prices.

“The advantage of using solid fuel is you know what you’re spending. People come to us because they know how much they want to spend rather than getting a shock of a bill at the end of the season.

“They can come to us with £100 and they can see what they’ve got.”

Fuels that are proving popular

• Lignite Brickette - halfway between coal and peat sourced from Ireland. It has a nice flame that lasts longer than logs.

• Supertherm - a premium ovoid that can be used on Open Fires, Room Heaters, Stoves and Cookers

• Excell - a longer burning fuel that produces very little ash

• Oxbow Red - a more affordable smokeless fuel

• Kiln dried wood - available from 40ltr nets suitable for the occasional domestic fire all the way up to 2m2 crates (4 bulk bags)

Bryn Coal Co has a fleet of seven delivery vehicles, offering a nationwide service, and a large cash and carry service available at its depot.

Contact Unit 17, Landgate Industrial Estate, Ashton in Makerfield, Wigan, Lancashire, WN4 0BW

Tel - 01942 272 126

Email - sales@bryncoal.co.uk

The Heating App - taking the headache out of running your installation and sweeping business

Stove Industry Supplies launches new digital service for sweeps and installers

Stove Industry Supplies (SIS) has introduced a game-changing solution called The Heating App, which empowers chimney sweeps and installers to effectively manage their businesses using their mobile devices. This innovative digital scheduling system is tailored specifically for the stove industry. The Heating App integrates a comprehensive diary system, customer communication features, and a reminder service, streamlining everyday administrative tasks and facilitating efficient management of teams and financial matters.

Sales Director, Sam Hamer, explains: ‘’We specialise in supplying highquality parts to the trade industry, ensuring that our customers have access to reliable parts for repairs and installations. Our inventory includes a wide range of replacement glass, fire bricks, baffle plates, grates, stoves, flue systems, and ancillaries. With our efficient next day delivery service, we prioritise meeting the demands of our trade customers. Additionally, our HETAS Approved Training Centre, in partnership with Robinsons UK Technical Training Academy, provides comprehensive courses for industry professionals throughout the heating industry. We are dedicated to equipping our customers with the knowledge and skills necessary for success, contributing to their professional development and staying current with industry standards.’’

‘’One thing that makes us stand out from other distributors is our close involvement with our customers’ work. We still have a stove shop and are registered installers and chimney sweeps. This means we can directly relate to our customers and understand their needs. When they reach out to us, they know they

are speaking to someone who has firsthand experience and knowledge in their field. This advantage allows us to provide personalised and informed support, making us a trusted choice for our customers.’’

‘’Despite not being a large distribution company, our business stands out as a family-run enterprise. With a team of 21 staff, my dad and I started this venture seven years ago after leaving The Heat Resistant Glass Company. Our combined experience in the industry spans a significant period - my dad with 30 years and myself with 15 years of involvement. This background has granted us a deep understanding of the industry, particularly when it comes to spare parts. We pride ourselves on our knowledge and expertise, which allows us to provide valuable insights and assistance to all our customers.’’

Speaking about SIS’s exciting new app, Sam said: “Our app is a gamechanger for the heating industry. We saw a gap in the market where existing apps didn’t quite meet the needs of installers like us. So, we partnered with the Sweeps App and completely overhauled it to suit our industry.

“This app does it all. From commissioning sheets, chimney sweep certificates, gas certificates, it covers every aspect of our business. The best part? You can run your whole business from it. Managing your diary, invoicing, quoting, and expenses has never been easier.”

“But what sets us apart is our text message reminder system. Imagine booking a customer for a year ahead and not having to worry about them

until their appointment. Our app sends automated text and email reminders a month before and 24 hours prior to the appointment. It’s convenient for customers and reduces missed appointments.

“We’ve seen other apps that only offer email reminders, but let’s face it, emails can be easily missed. That’s why we believe our text message feature is a game-changer. It pays for itself by preventing missed appointments, and it even sends automatic reminders to those who haven’t booked yet.

“Forget about paperwork and manual contact management. Embrace the digital era with our app. It’s time to simplify your business and save time and money in the process. Join us in revolutionising the heating industry with our app designed by professionals, for professionals.”

SIS is launching The Heating App, and you can try it for free. Once the trial period ends, it’s only £39.50 per month with no minimum commitment (additional users £20.00) or pay annually and get the 12th month free. Plus, they have an in-house support service to assist you along the way. Don’t miss this opportunity to revolutionize your business with The Heating App.

For more details see pages 26/27 or go to www.theheatingapp.com

EASILY MANAGE YOUR ENTIRE BUSINESS AND TEAM ON THE GO!

The must-have app for Stove Installers and Chimney Sweeps!

The Heating App makes your daily tasks a breeze with its easy-to-learn, intuitive design. You can manage all your paperwork and scheduling in one place with our clean design and minimal typing. Plus, you can use it offline, making it ideal for rural locations.

Our calendar function allows you to manage your daily and weekly schedules at a glance. Automatic client email and text reminders a month before the appointment and 24hrs ahead of your visit ensure no more missed appointments. And with customisable reminders, you can set your notifications for servicing appliances. The Heating App also generates an automatic report of customers not yet booked in for a service, making it easier to know whom to contact to get booked in for a service.

With our contacts function, you can search by owners and see the entire client history at a glance. You can view contact and address information, past invoices, quotes, and upcoming appointments.

The Heating App allows you to store images, videos, links, and documents. You can also view reports sent to customers, appointments, and invoices for each room.

You can customize your services, easily choose from your list for one-click invoicing, and customise appointment duration to suit your needs.

Our app also allows you to manage your sales, purchases, and VAT effortlessly. Upload a photo of any purchase receipt, and you're done! With our exportable detailed report, you can easily access all your financial data and share it with your bookkeeper.

Keep your clients up to date with fully customisable progress reports. You can easily add diagrams, images, documents, and email reports at the touch of a button. Plus, with access for all your team and log-in for your bookkeeper and office manager, everyone can stay updated on schedules, progress reports, and financials.

Sign up for a free trial and see how it can help you streamline your business.

FCS West Supplies provides a ‘one stop shop’ for all domestic and industrial requirements from manufacture to the final installation.

With the focus on gas, woodburners, cookers and biomass, supplying the domestic market with a complete range of high temperature insulating materials is at the heart of our business.

Bespoke

Machining/Gaskets

Machining

Our excellent cutting facilities and extensive capabilities allow us to cut and machine many different materials and service both domestic and industrial applications. Vermiculite, RCF boards, AES products, blankets, calcium silicate, paper and gasket materials can all be produced to bespoke requirements or production quantities.

High Temp Building Board

Flue Insulation

Silicones and Adhesives

High Temp Blanket

Rope Seals

ThermoWrap Flue Insulation

ClearSkies: The key to driving down emissions from domestic combustion

Launched in August 2020, clearSkies is an independently assessed certification mark scheme for stoves that is designed to drive the installation of lower emission and more efficient wood burning stove appliances.

The scheme, which is open to all manufacturers, currently has over 360 certified appliances on its product database from a range of 21 well-

known and respected brands – figures that are increasing all the time.

The only independent stove appliance certification scheme that

combines both Ecodesign and Defra smoke control area exemption into one easily recognised mark, clearSkies also drives continuous appliance improvement by including levels within the scheme that go beyond the minimum requirements of the Ecodesign Regulation for even lower emissions and further enhanced appliance efficiency.

Andy Hill, chair of clearSkies Mark Limited explains: “A clearSkies mark on an appliance confirms to the consumer that emission and efficiency performance data in respect of Ecodesign compliance and UKCA marking has been verified by the independent scheme administrator (Kiwa UK).

“To achieve a Level 3 or above clearSkies mark, manufacturers must also be able to evidence Defra exemption for the appliance.

“To secure certification at clearSkies Levels 4 the appliance’s test results must show a further 15% improvement on the minimum emission and efficiency thresholds for Ecodesign. For Level 5 appliances it’s a further 15% again.”

affordable, luxury electric fires

premium hand decorated real log fuel beds running costs from only 3p per hour

Scan to explore the full range

DRU expands the Dik Geurts Vidar Triple range of wood stoves with six new models

The Vidar Triple, with a panoramic, 3-sided fire view, is one of the most popular stoves in the Dik Geurts range. It is Ecodesign compliant with an A rated energy label and easy air slide control.

The Vidar Triple series now includes small, medium and large models, each with a freestanding or wallmounted option. The freestanding models have ample wood storage capacity and all models have optional external air connection for clean burning and high efficiency. All versions also have infrared side windows, which enable high flames and comfortable heating.

In addition, the small Vidar Triple models have an average 4.9 kW heat output, which means, under UK regulations, there is no need to install extra ventilation points in the room.

New! Dik Geurts Smart Assist app control coming soon to Vidar models.

Smart Assist is the latest innovation for Dik Geurts wood stoves. It consists of an automatic air slide controlled by an exclusive new app for smartphones and tablets.

Using the app, you can select the flame height and heat output of the stove. A temperature sensor controls the air supply and a sound alert on your phone or tablet tells you when the logs need to be replaced. The result is clean, efficient burning and no wastage of wood, all from the comfort of your armchair.

Dik Geurts Smart Assist is coming soon to the new Vidar range and more models in the near future.

For further information, email: info@ drufire.co.uk or visit www.drufire.com

Dik Geurts is a name that has been synonymous with wood fires and stoves for over 40 years. Founded in the Netherlands in 1981, the Dik Geurts range is now produced by DRU, established in 1754 and one of Europe’s leading fireplace companies.

Top Image: Vidar Triple Small Store.

Middle Image: Vidar Triple Large Store.

Bottom Image: Vidar Triple Small Wall

Images courtesy of DRU Verwarming BV

Henley Stoves: Combining Elegance and Efficiency

Henley Stoves is a renowned brand in heating solutions, offering a wide range of high-quality stoves that bring both elegance and efficiency to any home. With a reputation for superior craftsmanship, Henley Stoves has become a trusted choice for homeowners seeking warmth and style.

The stoves from Henley Stoves boast exquisite designs that blend seamlessly with various interior aesthetics, be it

traditional or contemporary.

Henley Stoves offer a diverse selection of models, including wood-burning, multi-fuel, bioethanol, and electric fires.

Whether you desire the cosy ambiance of a crackling wood fire or the convenience of an electric fire, Henley has the perfect option for you.

With Henley Stoves, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a stove that not only enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal but also operates efficiently. Experience the perfect marriage of elegance and efficiency with Henley Stoves.

Email sales@ henleystoves.com

Phone +44 1 353 698800 Website www. henleystoves.com

Tech advice: how to help customers struggling with lighting their stoves

During

This is when the air in the chimney begins operating in reverse to its normal flow pattern. The most obvious sign of this only comes when lighting your stove during these seasons due to the changeable weather conditions.

Because of the warmer temperature outside, a property can feel colder than it is, and the customer may have decided to light their woodburning stove.

Symptoms

Not lighting - sometimes Spring / Autumn Syndrome can be seen by the stove itself not lighting how it would normally.

Smoke Spillage - If sufficient air is coming down the chimney or flue in reverse, then the stove will begin to light but spill smoke through what are normally air inlets out into the room.

The stove can continue to do this for some time, where normally the heat produced in lighting a stove travels up the chimney to aid the draught, when the chimney has a reverse air flow the heat from fire has no chance to travel up the flue, warm the chimney and operate normally.

Causes - Most prevalent if the customer has an external flue, twinwall system or block-built chimney. The dense cold air within the chimney can act as a plug in the flue.

Remember it is not the stove’s job to push the air up the chimney, but the chimney’s job to pull air through the stove.

How to prevent Spring / Autumn Syndrome

The best way to combat this is a lighting method detailed below. It is an easy 10-step process which helps get heat into the chimney gradually so as the fire increases slowly the smoke will then be drawn up the flue system.

Inverted / Upside Down Lighting Method:

1 – Make sure the grate is not covered in ash or chunky remnants of your last fire. This is so the air can pass easily through the grate up into the bed of the fire. Set the controls on your stove to the lighting position as detailed in the instruction manual.

2 – Place two small split logs (logs should always have a moisture level of less than 20%) across the fire bed making sure that you leave some of the holes in the grate uncovered.

3 – Create a normal pyre of kindling on these two split logs (as pictured) with firelighters interlaced within the pyre to allow air to pass easily through the kindling tower which enables a quick and clean lighting process.

4 – Light the firelighters and close the door on the stove. The fire will slowly increase in size and heat, warming the flue gradually without producing copious amounts of smoke. As the fire grows, it heats the chamber and flue, allowing the flue draught to start to establish, removing any smoke that might have built up within the chamber during this step.

5 – Leave the stove alone and in

about 5-10 minutes, once the fire has established, you can move the air controls from the lighting position and leave the secondary air controls completely open.

6 – Again you can leave the stove to continue burning with the secondary air control fully open, and as the kindling falls between the logs below it then lights these slowly. Once these logs are burning well, then the air controls can be adjusted to the usual place. The stove will then continue to burn the logs at a controlled rate and output.

7 – You don’t have to rush to reload the stove as soon as the flames stop. The heat from the stove will continue while the logs are still burning. In doing this you are ensuring that all the volatile gases are burned from the wood that causes smoke so that when you come to re-fuel the stove no smoke will escape into the room.

8 – When you are just left with glowing crunchy looking cubes of charcoal on the fire bed – This doesn’t always look the most appealing, but it is the best way to refuel the stove with minimum leakage and spillage while the door is open for reloading - you are ready to reload the stove.

9 – Set the air controls to fully open Remember – ALWAYS wear a heat proof glove (normally supplied with the stove) when refuelling a stove.

10 – Open the door – only a crack – this allows the pressure to equalise between the stove chamber and your room. If you pull it straight open, you run the risk of the change in air

the spring and autumn months, temperatures can rise suddenly making it a lot warmer outside than inside. When this happens, it can sometimes lead to what we in the stove industry call ‘Spring/Autumn Chimney Syndrome’.

pressure causing fine ash or smoke to be pulled into the room.

After about 5 seconds open the door fully and load the logs as per the manual for their load rates. Once these logs have been lit and fire has begun establishing again you can return the air controls to their previous operating positions and regulate the burn level through the secondary air control.

TOP TIP – Have logs close to hand so that the door is open for the least amount of time possible.

Image courtesy of iStock

The Beltane Stoves Chew EcoDesign stove from Eurostove

Eurostove is offering retailers a new affordable option for customers who are planning their autumn/winter heating.

For homeowners who favour a classic-looking stove with clean lines and fuss-free design, the Chew design from Beltane Stoves is the perfect multifuel stove, using either smokeless coal or wood.

This 4.6kW model is big on size as well as performance.

Measuring H606mm x

W490mm x D320mm, it can burn logs up to 35cm long and has a wide ceramic glass window for a great view of the flickering flames as they crackle and pop within.

An airwash system keeps the glass clean and free from smoke deposits, and the stove features easy to use air controls and a

robust cast iron grate. A sleek chrome handle adds a touch of class.

Sleek and sturdy, the Beltane Chew is crafted from hard wearing steel and is ideal for classic interiors such as country cottages, barn conversions and period homes as well as contemporary decors, new-builds and both large

and small spaces.

With an impressive 80% heat efficiency, the Beltane Chew is sleek, streamlined and sophisticated. This versatile stove can be fitted onto a 12mm glass floorplate, set into an existing fireplace or installed as a freestanding model, making it a truly flexible solution for any interior style.

As well as looking streamlined and stylish while providing plenty of high heat output, the Beltane Chew is also extremely efficient with an A+ energy rating.

Perfect for large spaces, this stove is also Defra approved for smokecontrolled areas and conforms to the EcoDesign legislation - the new rules regarding efficiency and emissions. The convection top plate gives excellent heat distribution, making it suitable for larger spaces and open-plan living and it’s great value at £1,045 from Eurostove.

Added benefits also include vermiculite lining, a fireproof material with high insulating capacity. This helps to optimise combustion and performance and is easy to maintain.

Beltane Stoves’ Chew stove from Eurostove is priced from £1,045.

Image courtesy of Eurostove

The UK's Biggest and Best Fireside Wholesaler

From Outdoor to Indoor, Stove Glass to Stove Fans, From Companion Sets to High Temp Paints, From Fire Bowls to Fire Chimineas. Make Calfire Spareline your one stop shop for all of your Fireside Accessory Needs.

Fiair Air blower

British Manufactured using CORTEN steel. CorTen steel is corrosion resistant and will gradually produce an attractive rusty colour over time when exposed to the elements.

(Apollo may ship with rustic colour)

Flat Packed available in two sizes.

Apollo 1 (38020) Height; 950mm/Base Diam; 425mm/ Weight; 15kg

Apollo 2 (38021) Height; 1150mm/Base Diam; 515mm/Weight; 17kg

The Fiair is a hand held battery powered fan used to speed up the blaze of your open fire, stove or barbecue. Uses 3 x AAA batteries (not included).

All of our Fire Bowls are made from 1.5mm steel and are powder coated to add another layer of protection.

BBQ racks are also available for each model. The small and medium use the same rack - This will slightly over hang on the small bowl and will be extremely hot.

Large (38014) Diam; 69cm

Height; 17cm

Total Height; 31cm Weight; 7.5kg

Manufactured in Britain using 3mm Mild Steel, The Calcube is available in 2 sizes. Delivered as flatpack and only takes a matter of minutes to assemble. No nuts or bolts needed!

Calcube 1 (Small) 38022

Height; 30cm

Width; 30cm

Depth; 30cm

01691 772922

Calcube 2 (Large) 38023

Height; 30cm

Width; 45cm

Depth; 45cm

Small (38016)

Diam; 39.5cm

Height; 15cm

Total Height; 29.5cm

Weight; 4.5kg

Medium (38015) Diam; 57cm Height; 15cm

Total Height; 31.5cm Weight; 5.8kg

Medium Stool (38017) Diam; 57.5cm

Height; 19cm

Total Height; 29.5cm Weight; 6.1kg

Why do I need a NVQ qualified chimney sweep?

The Chimney Skills Training centre has published updated guidance for retailers to advise customers and for the maintenance of their own active display stoves

chimney sweep be able to carry out the necessary checks on your system, but they will also offer invaluable advice on fuel choice and operating techniques allowing you to get the best from an appliance while minimising emissions and environmental impact.

How can I find a NVQ qualified chimney sweep?

There are currently nearly 200 NVQ qualified chimney sweeps operating within the UK. You can find one by following the link below and using your postcode to search for ones close to you.

this just means some members of staff are qualified. When contacting companies, you should make it clear that you are looking for a NVQ qualified chimney sweep to complete the work for you.

Many NVQ qualified chimney sweeps also hold CSCS skilled worker cards which ensures that their health and safety and working at heights knowledge is up to date, giving you further assurance of their trade credentials.

I need my appliance and flue checked. What will the work include?

All solid fuel and wood burning installations need sweeping, servicing and inspecting annually.

This is good practice and not just to minimise any problems when the fire is in use. Failure to do so will invalidate any warranty with the appliance or lining system, may be needed to ensure your home insurance requirements are met and for landlords, will show compliance to your responsibilities.

This work could be done by anyone but to ensure that you are getting the correct standard of care, you would be wise to employ a NVQ qualified chimney sweep. These tradespeople have been trained and assessed to show that they meet the competence level needed to give you a true picture of the condition of your appliance and flue system.

Not only will a NVQ qualified

www.chimneyskillstraining.co.uk/ nvq-sweep-locator

It is important to note that NVQ qualifications confirm the individual’s competence. Companies may advertise as being NVQ qualified, but

It is commonly believed that a chimney sweep will just clean the chimney to remove the soot. This is a vital part of the job, but by no means the major part. Modern appliances and flue systems need to be checked to make sure that they are in good condition and will perform as they should for the next service period. The inspection may reveal where new parts are needed, areas of further work or even further investigation are needed. On completion, you will receive a written report of the findings and any further repair work or investigations that are recommended.

NVQ qualified chimney sweeps can offer a menu based inspection structure where each level of inspection is clearly defined and costed meaning that you are fully aware of the scope of work that you will receive and the price that you will pay.

What level of chimney inspection do I need?

Many NVQ qualified chimney sweeps offer three levels of chimney inspection. These are based on the guidelines set out below and will include sweeping, servicing and inspecting the appliance and flue system.

Level 1 chimney inspection –readily

accessible areas

Readily accessible means areas that are quickly and easily reached for inspection without the need for removal of access panels or doors and need nothing more than hand tools to access. The appliance and flue system will be cleaned to allow the examination to be done. External assessment of the chimney is made from the ground without getting on the roof. The internal surfaces of the flue system will be checked with a brief camera inspection. Photos of any obvious defects will be taken to assist with reporting.

Level 2 chimney inspection – all accessible areas

This level of inspection will include all aspects of a level 1 chimney inspection. Additionally, the system will be checked for structural stability and integrity, with a full camera inspection of internal flue surfaces. Externally, all surfaces of the flue system will be inspected. This will involve the removal of any access panels, covers or doors to gain access provided there is minimal damage to the finish and decoration of these areas. Access to the roof, loft, basement and crawl spaces will be needed as will access to those in any adjoining dwellings.

Level 3 chimney inspection –invasive

This will involve all features of a level 2 chimney inspection but will also include an assessment of areas that are hidden and can’t be accessed any other way. Removal of some component parts of the system will be needed and it may entail significant building work. Typically, this work will need the services of other specialists, particularly in the reinstatement of chimney walls.

What level of inspection is recommended?

This will depend on the reason for the inspection. In most cases, a level 1 chimney inspection will be sufficient to meet the needs of insurance or compliance. Your NVQ qualified chimney sweep will gain enough information to deem your installation suitable for continued use, or that it requires further work or investigation. Should any defects be found, you will be advised whether these need addressing before further use or if they can be left for a future date.

Typically, a level 1 chimney inspection is advised for the following.

• annual compliance check

• annual insurance check

• change of property owner

• change of tenant

• change of appliance

• change of flue system

• change of usage

• reported failure in performance

• reported carbon monoxide release

• party wall issues

This may result in the recommendation of level 2 or 3 chimney inspections. These more thorough inspections are also recommended following major building work, chimney fires and other catastrophic events which may have affected the structural stability or integrity of the system.

What type of report can I expect?

You will receive a brief, written report detailing the appliance and flue system, the work done, and any defects identified. Recommendations will be included for timescales for any repairs deemed necessary, along with details of any further work or investigations.

Should you need a more formal report, many NVQ qualified chimney sweeps can provide this for you for an additional fee. A standard format has been developed for these which is designed so that those less familiar with appliances and flues have the information and recommendations separated into a summary. The more technical details are in the body of the report for those more conversant with chimney systems and solid fuel appliances.

What will an inspection cost?

There are many factors which affect the cost of chimney inspections. Each NVQ qualified chimney sweep will have their own pricing structure based on their business needs. However, you can rest assured that whatever the cost, you will receive a valuable service and be given the information you need to make decisions on what to do with your chimney and fireplace.

Sounds like the best option

To ensure that you are able to continue to enjoy the warmth and comfort from your appliance, enlist the services of an NVQ qualified chimney sweep. Your system will perform as it should both for efficient heating and minimal environmental impact giving you peace of mind.

To find a NVQ qualified chimney sweep near you, follow this link www. chimneyskillstraining.co.uk/nvqsweep-locator

Heating Homes With Logs That Support Township Employment

Wood specialist, Logs Direct, is putting a sustainable spark into heating homes in 2023 with a little help from the South African sun.

Adding to its WARMA Home Fuels range of ethically sourced products, it has made Proper Wood Hardwood Logs, containing sustainably sourced Eucalyptus, available.

Naturally dried in the South African sun, these ready to burn logs have a

moisture content of under 20% and produce minimal smoke – ensuring your leisure time in the great outdoors is enjoyable and free of unpleasant sparks and odours.

These new mixed species hardwood logs are a hassle-free fuel option all

year round and are even more satisfying given their sustainable credentials.

The logs are actually a green-economy product, sourced via a great project based outside Cape Town. The project is all about helping to restore biodiversity and build

resilience at a local level and it all boils down to how eucalyptus trees are handled.

Eucalyptus oil may have benefits, but eucalyptus trees consume a vast amount of water and that eats up far too much of the natural water

reserve. To safeguard local water supplies, the local government has set up an initiative to fell these trees and that then creates a lot of wood.

Proper Wood – with whom Logs Direct is working – is tackling the wood overload around South African townships, by supplying township residents with the tools that can turn wood into employment and tools opportunities. These communities are now chopping the wood into log-sized products and packing these in recyclable packaging for on-sale.

These ready-to-burn logs with a purpose are perfectly sized for small or large appliances, at approximately 25cm lengths. They are just as suited indoors, for a wood-fired log burner, as outdoors, for a firepit.

Their dense wood structure ensures an extended burn time, making them ideal not only for when prolonged heat is required of a wood-burning stove but also when the firepit will be in operation for a while. Once the sun goes down and a chill in the air sets in, homeowners can huddle round to watch the

flames flicker, knowing they will stay warm well into the evening.

Proper Wood Hardwood Logs are available to buy from Logs Direct at trade prices of £5.50 ex VAT, per bag and in weather resistant bags with carry handle. By buying these logs, you can support employment and better futures within South Africa’s townships.

Logs Direct is a specialist wood and fuel, gardening product, and pet bedding and feed supplier, based in Lancaster but serving the whole of the UK. It has been part of the Government’s consultative process on the issue of wet wood and smoke pollution and supplies top quality ‘Ready to Burn’ wood with the Woodsure mark. It also has its own beech, compressed HACCP compliant range of ‘Piccante’ logs, for use in wood-fired pizza ovens, domestic, mobile and commercial and it supplies restaurant owners and mobile caterers nationwide. It has various environmental accreditations and supports causes such as red squirrel protection.

We are specialist importers bringing Brazilian slate hearths, flagstones and large slabs at extremely competitive prices. We supply and deliver nationwide to the trade and to the public.

Eurostove brings luxury multipurpose BBQ grill and firepit by Hergom to UK market

Designed to turn any outdoor event into a memorable experience, the Firepit by Hergom is durable and resilient in all weathers. Its outer ring is made up of four segments, where two cast iron griddles and two grills can be combined for the ultimate outdoor cooking event. The ring swiftly reaches the optimum temperature for searing and sizzling everything from bangers and burgers to vegetables, steaks and seafood, and it remains at temperature for some time thanks to the thermal qualities of cast iron.

“What’s great about the Firepit is that you can cook directly on the griddle and grill, as it’s finished in a protective, durable food-grade enamel coating, which provides a safe, hygienic cooking surface,” says Chris Baines, managing director of Eurostove.

with a cast iron cooking ring finished in food-grade enamel and is perfect for relaxing with a cool drink while chatting with family and friends and toasting a marshmallow or three.

After every use, make sure you wait for the Firepit to cool completely then remove the ashes, which can be composted, as well as any food scraps with a wood or synthetic spatula to avoid scratching its surface. Clean the griddles and grills with a piece of cloth dipped in olive oil then protect the Firepit by leaving it covered, even if it’s stored in a garage or shed.

The Hergom Firepit with a low base is priced from £1,545 whilst the high base is from £1,800.

The Hergom BBQ/firepit is the perfect focal point for the garden, patio or terrace, with ample room for a family feast, followed by a cosy fire, making sure that everyone remains warm and toasty long after the sun goes down.

The cast iron product is the ultimate summer accessory and it’s so much more than a simple BBQ, it works as a garden heater, as well as a generous grill area for barbecuing too.

Its enamelled cast iron ring allows you to cook on the grill or griddle while it radiates a pleasant warmth, ideal for family get-togethers or weekend drinks and a bite to eat with friends.

The key to its intense heat is the solid cast iron construction with a 960mm diameter body and a robust thickness, which is finished with a heat resistant paint.

The large central opening makes it easy to ignite the fire and keep it going, even while cooking.

“Cast iron offers outstanding heat retention so it’s perfect for browning meat and sealing in goodness. What’s more, although the fire doesn’t directly touch the food, the aroma of the wood fuel adds a delicate flavour to your meal.”

With this in mind, Hergom advises that the wood logs used with its Firepit should be well-dried and fungus-free. Hard wood will cook thicker pieces of meat, as the embers last longer and for a smoky nuance, try oak, beech or walnut. For something fruity, use wood from almond, apple or cherry and for added taste, add some aromatic herbs to your cooking.

The new Firepit by Hergom is available in two versions – with a Tall Base or Low Base. The Tall Base design offers the perfect height for alfresco cooking and comes with a steel base for log storage. It also has handy stainless steel side bars for hanging tongs and spatulas.

The Low Base version also comes

As part of the Eurostove family, Hergom is one of Europe’s largest and most established manufacturers of cast iron stoves and cookers. Made in its own state-of-the-art foundry in Santander, northern Spain, they use only the finest materials to produce durable, efficient, thermally effective heating solutions.

A Spanish made cast iron firepit and barbecue is now available for retailers through UK distributor Eurostove.

Images courtesy of Hergom

Hergom Has Experienced Huge Growth In The UK MarketHere’s Why

Why buy Hergom - the Spanish brand taking the stove world by storm?

While Hergom has over 50 years of experience in crafting stoves and honing their woodburning technologies, it is no surprise that their woodburning stoves range is growing ever more popular here in the UK.

From design to manufacture, all processes take place in their offices and foundry in Santander Spain. Hergom takes pride in the quality of their cast iron products and believes that cast iron is the ideal material for wood-burning stoves. This is thanks to its durability, sturdiness, finishing possibilities and high heat transfer capabilities.

Durability

Given its extraordinary resistance to heat and rust and construction capabilities without weld points, cast iron is one of the highest quality materials to make components for a woodburning stove.

Quality Heat

Cast iron products emit a pleasant, uniform, radiant heat. They cool more slowly than steel-bodied stoves, allowing you to continue to enjoy some warmth from the fire after it has been extinguished.

Finish

Cast iron allows for unique shapes and attractive details, allowing shapes and forming that cannot be created from the use of other materials. Some Hergom products are available in

an enamel finish, for high adherence protection. The brightness of the enamel remains intact over time, and the non-stock surface allows for easy cleaning.

High Heat Transfer Capabilities

Cast iron is also less likely to undergo, to the same level as steel, the expansion-contraction cycle caused by the heating-cooling of steel stoves. A cast-iron bodied stove will provide decades of operation.

Hundreds of thousands of homes worldwide have trusted Hergom products and are fully satisfied because at Hergóm they unite research and the latest technologies to guarantee you a confident fire experience, with complete efficiency.

The best materials

As the main component of their products, cast iron guarantees a high-quality finish, great resilience, and optimum heat transfer. All steel models boast a double chamber structure to guarantee their durability over time.

Clean burn and high efficiency

Hergom’s advanced combustion systems assure a complete wood burn, giving you more heat with less wood, reducing your costs in fuel and maintenance while taking care of the environment

Outstanding fire view

The big glass surfaces remain clean for a long time thanks to the Airwash

system, which drives an air current through the inner side of the glass, keeping it free of soot and giving you a spectacular view of the flickering flames

Easy combustion control

The fire is easily controlled thanks to primary and secondary air controls, which allow you to adjust the amount of air in the combustion process

Easy cleaning

Removable ash pans assure clean and convenient disposal of ashes.

Reliability

All Hergom products are EC certified to guarantee their efficient performance, safety and low emissions, but at Hergóm they work hard to pass the strictest international controls regarding efficiency, CO, particle emissions, etc.

For a full look at the current Hergom range, you can view their range on the Eurostove website.

Images courtesy of Hergom

Logs Direct launches new fuel to help barbecue fans grill like pro-chefs

The new fuel is available in bulk orders for retailers and ideal to bundle with barbecue and outdoor cooking products.

A great barbecue starts with science, focusing on the food being cooked, the temperature required and recommended cooking times, not to mention the physical distance between the charcoal and food and the characteristics of the charcoal itself.

Luckily, the new product from Logs Direct is extremely smart and backed by science, with the result being that it burns with a higher heat output and consistent temperature, over longer periods of time – just what a busy chef needs.

This is because the briquettes, made from wood chips, are delicately created through a longer pyrolysis process. This is a decomposition

process that ensures more energy is stored within the material used in the briquette, allowing for a significant increase in burn duration and grilling temperature.

New technology also ensures this charcoal briquette leaves fewer ashes, meaning less hassle during cooking and reduced clean-up after it. It uses energy in a highly efficient manner during the burning process, meaning fewer briquettes are required to do the job, which translates into less cost for the eatery.

More plusses come from the fact that the manufacturing process is completely chemical-free and specifically chemical/glue-free, making this product 100% organic.

Already loved and used by chefs throughout Europe, firing up with the new Restaurant Carbonised Charcoal Briquettes enables the prepared food

to achieve its maximum food-quality potential, giving customers the very best barbecue experience.

With a wide variety of other products too, suitable for any restaurant or kitchen that uses barbecues, wood-fired ovens or grills, Logs Direct is well-placed to be a supplier of choice to the restaurant and hospitality sectors. It can deliver directly to restaurants on a guaranteed regular schedule that suits their demand patterns and can soon understand restaurant usage and issue reminders, if it believes that stocks are running low.

The smart new Restaurant Carbonised Charcoal Briquettes are available to buy in 10kg boxes at www.logsdirect.co.uk, priced at £25 but, for bulk orders, call the team on 01524 812476.

Adding to its dedicated range of specialist fuel products for cooking, wood specialist, Logs Direct, has launched Restaurant Carbonised Charcoal Briquettes, to inspire people to barbecue smarter this summer.

Fireplace firms stoke up business at World of Fireplaces tradeshow

International event attracts traders from across the world

The World of Fireplaces trade fair took place in Germany last April.

The event saw 240 exhibitors inspire the industry with the latest products, innovations and knowledge.

Organiser, Trendfairs, said the B2B event had exceeded expectations with exhibitors, visitors, the supporting industry associations, politicians and the media all surprised by the aboveaverage reception.

The event was hosted at the Leipzig Exhibition centre in the 15,000 square metre hall and also outside.

Michael Rambach, founder and partner at Trendfairs, said all those involved in the “hot start” to WOF were completely convinced that the trade event had a great future ahead

of it.

He said: ”For the next World of Fireplaces in 2025 the “bar” is set at a high level!

“The industry wants its own platform, we provide it.

“With the World of Fireplaces we are setting a milestone around the topic of fireplaces and comfortable living ambience.

“And it is our set goal to make the ‘World of Fireplaces’ a lasting success for all concerned.”

One of the British faces there was David Hamilton from HETAS.

He commented: “Exhibitions and events are important as an opportunity to meet people and discuss the future of the industry and gain insights and challenges we all face. It was refreshing to see so many people out in Germany to look at the best the industry has to offer. We had some great feedback on the stove market across Europe and bumped into many familiar faces from the UK.”

Trendfairs has reported that interest in the event was “unexpectedly high” across all three days.

A total of 8,135 trade show visitors were counted at the entrance; with the first two days the busiest.

Visitor numbers were boosted by approximately 750 exhibitor representatives present on site every day.

Two thirds of the visitors (65.9%) came from Germany alongside large amounts from the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Italy and Sweden.

Visitors from the UK were present, including a group from industry regulator HETAS.

In addition, there were also visitors from far beyond Europe, including Israel, Australia, China, the USA, Canada, Mongolia, Ghana, the United Arab Emirates as well as several South American countries.

Trendfairs said the evaluation of visitor numbers by industry and position was particularly interesting. It said managing directors, sales and distribution managers and owners made up the largest groups, accounting for around two thirds of the visitors. Further significant was

the presence of trade visitors from assembly and customer service, purchasing, product development and management, marketing and independent sales representatives.

Exhibitors at World of Fireplaces 2023 included manufacturers, suppliers and retailers across the following categories:

• Pellet, tile and storage stoves

• electric fireplaces and stoves,

• decorative items,

• cold and imitation fireplaces,

• stoves and grills,

• exhaust systems,

• boilers, separation and control technology,

• fuel, bricks and fireclay,

• software for smart homes and for system control,

It was mainly the diversity of industries that generated enthusiasm on the exhibitor side.

At seven and six percent respectively, tiled stove and ventilation installers and chimney sweeps were the next most important groups seeking business contacts in Hall 5 and the outdoor area.

Exhaust gas technicians, HVAC tradesmen and representatives of other trades, energy consultants and architects also formed important

customers who made intensive use of the World of Fireplaces for networking and negotiating.

Last but not least, there were decision-makers from construction and electrical markets as well as corporations, who are statistically less important in purely quantitative terms, but who bundle a large market and sales volume.

In conclusion, Mr Rambach said: “We have earned a first-class reputation with various special trade fairs in several European countries.

“With support of the federation HKI we could also prove this in Leipzig. And since ‘after the fair’ always means ‘before the fair’, we will immediately do everything we can to vigorously fuel the wonderful success of the justconcluded ‘World of Fireplaces’ for the next event in 2025!”

Facts & figures

Trade visitors

8.135 trade visitors from around 60 countries

Ranking (about 100 people): 4.180 trade visitors from Germany, 222 from the Netherlands, 168 from Austria, 163 from the Czech Republic, 149 from Poland, 138 from Italy, 134 from Sweden, 106 from Slovakia

Exhibitors and brands

About 240 exhibitors and brands on 15.000 m² on the inside and 1.000 m² on the outside

Product groups

• Fuels / Ignition materials

• Insulating materials

• Permanent fireplaces

• Decorative fire

• Electric fireplaces

• Emission control technology,

particle separators, catalysts

• Ethanol fireplaces

• Trade press, media & publishers

• Solid fuel fireplaces & heat pump & solar technology

• Fireplaces with water technology

• Garden & barbecue fireplaces

• Gas fireplaces / gas inserts

• Glass ceramics / fire viewing panels

• Grill appliances

• Stoves

• Wood stoves

• Hybrid fireplaces

• Institutions / Associations

• Tiled stoves / Plaster stoves

• Tiled stove inserts / heating inserts

• Fireplace inserts / Tiled stove inserts

• Fireplace inserts / heating fireplaces

• Fireplace stoves

• Ceramics / fireclay / mortar / plaster / adhesive material

• Boiler & storage techniques

• Cooperation partner

• Machines & equipment for firewood preparation

• Measuring technology

• Stove tiles

• Outdoor fireplaces

• Pellet stoves

• Testing laboratories

• Chimney sweep accessories

• Chimney systems / technology

• Swedish stoves

• Smarthome

• Other

• Storage stoves, storage fireplaces

• Control & regulation technology

• Tools / Auxiliaries

• Accessories

Images courtesy of Trendfairs

CE mark axing delayed until 2025

UKCA Marking requirements have now been amended and the recognition of CE marking in the UK has been extended to the 30th June 2025.

UKCA Marking requirements for products supplied under system 3 under the Construction Products Regulation.

UKCA mark requirements have now been amended and the recognition of CE marking in the UK has been extended to the 30th June 2025.

This means that manufacturers will be able to continue to supply their products in England, Scotland and Wales using the CE mark until the 30th of June 2025.

If the manufacturer is using the CE Mark, the conformity assessment must continue to be carried out by an EU recognised Notified Body.

The previous communications in June 2022 which permitted manufacturers to apply the UKCA mark by using an EU notified body report if the appliance was tested before the 31st of December 2022 will no longer be introduced and is superseded by the new extension above. However, until further notice, market surveillance authorities will not take enforcement action against any products found to be utilising a sole UKCA mark that is evidenced by a previous European CE technical evidence file if tested before 31st December 2022.

After 30th June 2025, all products placed on the UK market will need to follow UKCA marking rules, which would ultimately mean that they would need to be tested by a UK notified body. E.g. A product tested by an EU notified body on 05/07/2024 would be able to sell into the UK by applying the CE mark until 30/06/2025 after which the product

would need to meet the requirements of UKCA marking (i.e be tested by UK notified laboratory).

Any questions on UKCA Marking, Cleaner Choice or other product enquiries please contact certification@ hetas.co.uk

Please see below for a summary of the new requirements for UKCA marking: