Back in 1986 two friends (Bill Jenrick & Barry Charlton) going through a mid life career crisis decided to start their own business in the fireplace industry. Both experienced in running multinational companies and extensive experience in the gas industry they set about the daunting task of starting a new business.

With the help of Telford & Wrekin council (then the Telford Development Corporation) they got their first premises, a 150sqft room in the Telford Business Development center on Stafford Park and Charlton & Jenrick Ltd was born.

Twenty four years later the Charlton & Jenrick Group returns to Stafford Park, once again with the assistance of Telford & Wrekin council. The new premises, although just a stones throw from the original premises, are very substantially larger at 42,000sqft. It will be home to the group's gas fire manufacturing and product development operations, which employs 43 people.

The group is now a major player in the fireplace market employing over 120 staff across 3 sites in the UK and sales in excess of £12m. With it's 4 main brands, Katell, Paragon, Fireline & Matchless they are involved in almost all product groups including gas and electric fires, timber, marble & stone fireplaces and suites plus wood burning stoves.

Their customer base includes around 500 independent retail shops, local authorities, major national house builders and contractors.

The new premises on Stafford Park 2 offer increased efficiencies and the room for planned growth.