Left to right – Joe Grimes (Hunter Stoves), Erica Malkin (SIA), Steve Race MP, David Hamilton (SIA) and James Verlaque (SIA).
The event was sponsored by Steve Race, MP for Exeter, who welcomed colleagues and highlighted the importance of policy clarity around modern stoves — particularly as government shapes future heat and energy pathways, including the Future Homes Standard and national air quality targets.
The session showcased the stove industry’s diverse UK supply chain, which encompasses manufacturers, installers, chimney sweeps, distributors, retail showrooms, test laboratories, training centres, fuel suppliers and local forestry businesses. MPs also heard how modern stoves can provide affordable, low-carbon, grid-resilient secondary heat, supporting households during peak electricity demand, power cuts, and in off-gas or rural areas.
The event attracted cross-party interest with 11 MPs attending, along with representatives from Defra’s Air Quality and Domestic Emissions Team, to engage directly with the sector.
Steve Race MP (Exeter), sponsor of the event, said: “It is vital that policy decisions around home heating are grounded in clear evidence and distinguish between modern stove technology and those older appliances or open fires. This sector supports skilled jobs in communities across the country — including in my own constituency — and contributes to energy affordability and resilience. I was pleased to host this event and to bring colleagues together to better understand the role these appliances can play in our future energy mix.”
Erica Malkin, Executive Director of the Stove Industry Association, added: “We were delighted to welcome MPs and officials to our parliamentary drop-in. Modern Ecodesign stoves, when used with properly dried and seasoned wood fuel, offer households a resilient, renewable, and affordable source of secondary heat. As the UK transitions to low-carbon homes, it is crucial that policy recognises the clear distinction between today’s Ecodesign stove technologies and older appliances. We look forward to continuing constructive engagement with government as it develops future heating and air quality frameworks.”