Celebrating 40 years of warming homes.
1986 – 2026
Charlton & Jenrick Celebrates Four Decades of Innovation and Growth
This July, Charlton & Jenrick marks a proud milestone: 40 years in business. What began as a small fireplace retail venture in Shropshire has grown into one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of wood-burning stoves, gas fires and electric fireplaces, supplying products across the UK and exporting to more than 15 countries worldwide.
From a Dining Room to a Global Business
Charlton & Jenrick was founded in 1986 by Barry Charlton and Bill Jenrick, who set out with a simple ambition: to build a business defined by technical expertise, product innovation and outstanding customer service.
The pair brought a powerful combination of skills to the venture. Bill Jenrick was an experienced accountant and former Managing Director of Cannon Industries. Barry Charlton had built a successful career as an engineer and manufacturing plant Managing Director with Imperial Metal Industries (IMI). Together, they paired commercial know-how with engineering excellence.
Like many great businesses, the beginnings were humble, the company started life in a dining room, before expanding into retail through concessions in Do-It-All and Homebase stores. As demand grew, so did the premises, with the business eventually settling in Telford, where it remains headquartered today.
Four Decades of Change
Over the following 40 years, Charlton & Jenrick navigated recessions, tightening legislation, shifting consumer tastes and rapid technological change, while many competitors struggled or disappeared.
A defining moment came in the early 1990s, when the company began manufacturing its own Paragon gas fires, designed by Barry and Bill themselves. This laid the foundation for the multi-fuel manufacturer the business is today.
As the market evolved, so did the product range. Electric fires and wood-burning stoves joined the line-up, allowing the company to serve a broad spectrum of consumers and retailers. Today, Charlton & Jenrick offers one of the most comprehensive ranges in the secondary heating sector, spanning gas, electric and solid fuel appliances.
The fireplace industry looks very different now than it did in 1986. Open coal fires have given way to highly efficient stoves, advanced gas appliances and electric fires with ultra-realistic flame effects and flexible installation options. Rather than betting on a single fuel type, Charlton & Jenrick invested across all three, keeping the business relevant as the market shifted and building a reputation for innovation and quality along the way.
Engineering at the Core
Technical excellence has always been central to the company’s success. Managing Director Peter Mintoft, who designs the company’s stove ranges, plays an active role in shaping the future of the industry. He sits on the Executive Committee of the Stove Industry Association (SIA), the UK’s leading trade body for the sector, and previously chaired its Technical Committee and served on the founding board of clearSkies Mark Ltd. His work reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to raising technical standards and supporting cleaner, lower-emission heating technologies.
A Global Footprint, Rooted in Telford
Since 2017, Charlton & Jenrick has built partnerships across Europe, working with exclusive distributors in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Greece and Spain. More recently, the business has expanded into the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and the United Arab Emirates – with products now sold in more than 15 countries worldwide.
Behind this growth sits a substantial manufacturing and distribution operation: over 230,000 square feet of production and warehousing space, and more than 180 employees globally.
Despite its international reach, the company remains firmly committed to its roots. Around 50 people work directly at the Stafford Park headquarters in Telford, across product design, engineering, manufacturing, procurement, technical support, warehousing, logistics, sales and marketing – supporting a wider network of local suppliers and service providers across the region.
Celebrating the Milestone
As part of its anniversary celebrations, Charlton & Jenrick is launched its “40 Years of Warming Homes” campaign, recognising the people and milestones that have shaped the company since 1986.
Reflecting on the milestone, Peter Mintoft said:
“Reaching 40 years in business is a proud moment for everyone connected with Charlton & Jenrick. We are especially pleased that throughout our growth we have remained based in Telford, continuing to invest in local people, local skills and local employment.
Our founders, Barry Charlton and Bill Jenrick, continue to energise the activities and direction of the company to this day, and have driven its expansion from gas into electric and solid fuel appliances and fireplaces to span the market.
Many members of our team have been with the business for decades, and their loyalty, experience and commitment have played a major role in our success. We are incredibly grateful to our staff, customers, suppliers and partners who have supported us over the years.”
Looking Ahead
The company remains focused on the future, with continued investment in product development, sustainability and emerging technologies set to drive the next phase of growth.
As Peter concludes:
“We have always been motivated by continual progress in developing new heating products that provide a warm and comfortable environment in an efficient and attractive way for our end customers. By continually investing in innovation and embracing change, we have built a business that is ready for the future. Charlton & Jenrick is firmly focused on continuing to grow, innovate and thrive for the next 40 years.”
Four decades after Barry and Bill first established the business, Charlton & Jenrick stands as one of the industry’s most respected manufacturers. From a dining room to an international business serving customers around the world, the company’s story is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience and long-term vision.
“As we celebrate our first 40 years, we remain focused on continuing that journey and building an even stronger future for the next generation.”
