Wood‑burning stoves remain the heart of many British homes, but they are also subject to ever‑closer scrutiny. For that reason, the achievements of the Stove Industry Association (SIA) are significant far beyond the trade itself. In recent weeks the Association has collected two national accolades that underline its influence in Westminster, Holyrood and the wider public conversation on low‑carbon heat. Here’s what happened—and why it matters to every Charnwood customer.
Erica Malkin receives a Powerlist honour
The Women in Trade Associations Powerlist 2025 has named SIA communications director Erica Malkin among the 100 most inspirational women working in UK associations. Judges from the CBI, FSB and Trade Association Forum highlighted her two‑decade contribution to promoting the environmental and economic advantages of modern stoves.
Her presence on the Powerlist ensures that a clear, evidence‑based voice speaks for wood‑burning in the national media—vital when sensationalist headlines risk drowning out facts about Ecodesign technology and responsible fuel use.
Sector representation of the year—a policy win in Scotland
Just a day earlier, the SIA picked up the Trade Association Forum Award for Sector Representation of the Year. The prize recognised the Association’s success in securing an amendment to Scotland’s New Build Heat Standard, guaranteeing that wood‑burning stoves may continue to be installed in new homes.
The award reflects months of detailed engagement with MSPs, ministers and civil servants and the outcome safeguards consumer choice in Scotland and sets a precedent for balanced, technology‑neutral regulation across the UK. This is supported by the Scottish Government’s confirmation that sustainably sourced biomass is net‑zero carbon at point of use.
Why these successes matter to stove owners
The SIA being recognised for excellence, benefits every stove owner. Award‑winning communications ensure that journalists and policymakers hear the latest research on air quality, efficiency and carbon savings—research that counters outdated statistics often quoted against wood‑burning. Meanwhile, the victory in Edinburgh shows the SIA’s ability to defend your right to choose a stove when regulatory change threatens to limit options.
Five reasons to bookmark stoveindustryassociation.org
•Follow news as it happens including policy shifts and scientific findings before they filter into mainstream headlines.
•Learn how to light, refuel and maintain your stove for the cleanest possible burn.
•Use clearSkies search to compare fully certified Ecodesign appliances.
•Locate SIA Retail Group showrooms and HETAS or OFTEC installers near you.
•Stay on top of annual chimney sweeping and Ready to Burn fuel requirements.
Stay informed
If you would like to stay informed, follow the SIA here, or you can follow on their social media. More importantly, pay a visit to your nearest SIA Retail Group showroom where you can experience the latest Charnwood Ecodesign stoves and discover just how clean, efficient and future‑proof modern wood‑burning has become.