Showroom hails new chapter for Wendron Stoves

One of Cornwall’s leading woodburning stove specialist has opened a new showroom, marking a new chapter in the firm’s history. After trading from the village of Wendron for nearly 30 years, Wendron Stoves has moved to a bigger outlet in Helston.

Displaying an extensive range of British and European stoves, including high-end products not available elsewhere in the region, the firm is aiming to reach new markets. The vision is for the new showroom to pave the way for growth, securing the three-generation family business for the next 30 years.

The move has already created three new full-time posts, with Tammy Jenkin managing the firm’s accounts and biomass boiler servicing engineer, Conan Williams-Toy,  also joining the firm, with an installer due to be appointed. Former Sales Director Gary Hawkins has been promoted to General Manager, to enable Director Nathan Ward to focus on the strategic direction of the business.

The new showroom, which is at Water-ma-Trout Industrial Estate, is the result of significant investment from the business. Through a two-year refurbishment programme, the Wendron Stoves team transformed the space from an industrial unit to a contemporary wood-clad showroom, finished to the highest specification.

Nathan Ward took over the running of the business from his parents 25 years ago. He sits on the technical committee of official industry body HETAS, through which he helped to rewrite the British Standard on wood burning stoves. The firm is preparing for likely legislative changes around clean air in the next two to three years, which will impact on the woodburning stoves market.

Nathan’s three daughters are now involved with the firm: Molly works in the warehouse and as an installer and Ashley works in sales and administration, while Georgia helps out during school holidays and weekends.

The business incorporates sister company Wendron Biomass, established 12 years ago, and the showroom is heated by a biomass boiler. Staff can advise customers on biomass as well as woodburning stoves and the firm is experienced in highly complex and large-scale installations.

Wendron Biomass Director Nathan Ward said: “We are the longest-running wood burning and biomass business in the region and have unparalled knowledge and experience within the team. We also have well well-established relationships with manufacturers in Britain and across Northern Europe, which means we can offer the best possible range of high quality stoves. Our new showroom means that our passion, expertise and commitment to quality are now reflected in the way we present ourselves.

“When my family founded the business nearly three decades ago, wood burning stoves were simply about functional heating. The market has undergone an evolution. Now they are expected not only to heat a home, but to signifcantly enhance the look and feel of a room. Some of our stoves are nothing short of artworks and to display products of that quality, you need space and a beautiful setting.

“The new showroom has been a massive investment for us, but it has brought the business to where it needs to be. Now we have the infrastcuture, we can focus on growing and moving forward.”

Wendron Stoves is at Unit 4 Water-Ma-Trout Industrial Estate, Helston, Cornwall. The showroom is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday