Our History
At Bonfire, our story is built on craftsmanship, service, and evolution. From a small franchise in Newbury to a leading name in fireplaces and stoves across the South of England, we’ve spent over two decades helping people create warm, stylish, and lasting spaces. Take a look at the journey that’s shaped who we are today.
2003
Founded in Newbury
The business was founded in Newbury by Marc and Julia Barlow, as part of a franchise. Their vision was to provide high quality heating solutions and interiors, laying the foundation for a family run business that would grow over the next two decades.
2008
Expansion to Reading
Recognising the need for a larger space to better serve their customers, Bonfire relocated to a 4,000 sq. ft. showroom and warehouse in Silchester, Reading. This move expanded product displays, enhanced services, and established a central hub in the heart of the service area.
2010
Transition to Full In-House Teams
In 2010, Bonfire transitioned from using partly a sub-contracted installation team to establishing two full in-house teams of qualified professionals. This includes designers and project managers to cater for commercial projects. This shift ensured high quality control and a more consistent service across every project.
2016
Expansion to Servicing and Maintenance
Bonfire began focusing on delivering a comprehensive customer experience, maintaining its long standing commitment to exceptional aftercare support. In 2016, they expanded their services to include chimney sweeping, log supply, and servicing for fireplaces and stoves introducing ongoing maintenance as a key part of their offerings.
2020
Going Digital & Stepping Outdoors
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bonfire advanced with online shopping/ bookings. This initiative ensured continued service to customers during lockdowns and marked the company’s foray into the digital marketplace. Around the same time, they expanded their collection to include outdoor living products.
2023
Two Decades. Two Bold Expansions.
Marking two decades in the industry, Bonfire celebrated its 20th anniversary with a significant two floor showroom expansion, enhancing support for both installations and trade customers. This milestone also marked the launch of two dedicated sister companies, specialising in domestic and commercial flue and chimney systems, alongside a focused division for expert fireplace and stove installations.
Fireplace Installations is our specialist installation division focused on the professional fitting of fireplaces, stoves and media walls, delivering fully compliant installations across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, London and Oxfordshire.
Chimney Flue Engineers is our specialist division focused on chimney and flue systems, providing expert installation of chimney liners, twin wall flues and ventilation solutions across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, London and Oxfordshire.
2024
Fleet Growth and Media Wall Launch
To support growing demand and ensure timely deliveries, Bonfire expanded its fleet with new vans. This year also marked the launch of their media wall installations, combining modern design with innovative heating solutions. This investment underscored the company’s commitment to efficient and reliable service.
Now
Established as a Leading UK Specialist
Bonfire is now established as one of the South UK’s leading suppliers and installers, recognised by Grand Designs, House & Garden, and Sarah Beeny’s Renovate and Relocate among others.
With a full in-house team of installers, surveyors, designers, sales personnel, project managers, and over 100 years of combined craftsmanship experience, we deliver projects of any scale with precision.
Working closely with global manufacturers, we create fully bespoke solutions backed by robust infrastructure and unmatched technical expertise.
We have expanded our dedicated trade services to support more partners across the industry including architects, interior designers and house builders.
