It’s All Systems Glow!
A £40k investment in a stunning, new showroom at the flagship Blackburn store of Canterbury Fireplaces will certainly turn up the heat on the competition, writes Paul Agnew. Photography: Robin Lyndon
With around 100 live working displays – the very latest in contemporary and traditional gas fires, electric fires, wood-burning stoves and all associated surrounds – Canterbury Fireplaces’ 3,000 sq ft showroom is now open for business.
Expect the warmest of welcomes as this proud, family-run firm takes fire and fireplace choice to a whole new level.
But Canterbury Fireplaces offers far more than just a new fire – you will also find bespoke design, expert installation, leading brands and an eye for detail from specialists who truly know their business inside out.
“We believe we can give customers the best of everything,” said director Lucas Everett. “I don’t wish that to sound boastful, but we have based our operation on providing top quality across all areas. We never cut corners and the new showroom illustrates what we are all about.”
Figures indicate that the policy, focused on high levels of standards and service, is working well – in a competitive marketplace, Canterbury Fireplaces has increased turnover by 20 per cent in 18 months.
The opening of the impressive first floor showroom should help to further increase that trend.
“People will be pleasantly surprised when they visit – maybe the size and scope may even exceed their expectations,” said Lucas. “To be able to see 100 displays fully functioning is rare in this region, but we want customers to be able to view all available options before they make what is usually a very big decision.”
But it is not only about the range of fireplace solutions certain to beautify and heat any home where Canterbury Fireplaces leads the way. The store’s bespoke design and installation service is also key to its continuing success.
Lucas continued: “Our showroom is supervised by knowledgeable, experienced staff that can give the best advice and deliver it in a friendly way. There is no pressure selling and this is not a commission-led environment either; it’s all about finding the fire solution best suited to individual requirements.
“Our gas fire fitters are Gas Safe registered and our solid fuel stove and boiler installation team members all ‘HETAS’ registered. The aim is to make it as easy as we can for customers – to provide choice, assistance and a complete one-stop shop right through from initial design to final fitting.”
Lucas is himself a shining example of the company ethos.
He joined Canterbury Fireplaces – originally set up and established on the same site by his parents, Stephen and Jacqueline, back in the late 80s, straight from school.
“The business was in steady growth stage when I came on board at 16, some 14 years ago. Dad was a bricklayer by trade and mum looked after the store and the admin. The main premises were here (Canterbury Street) and we had an external workshop.”
Lucas started off as an apprentice before going on to achieve full gas engineer status. Despite now being the man at the helm, he still turns his hands to surveying and fitting when necessary.
“I have been fortunate to get a good grounding across all aspects of the business, although I must say I now prefer the day-to-day running of things rather than climbing onto rooftops to deal with flues etc!”
“Mum and dad still take an active interest, but it is basically down to me to sort the job and keep things moving forward.”
And it would appear that Lucas is making quite a fist of things. Customers are now flocking from across the North West as Canterbury Fireplaces’ reputation spreads far and wide.
“We have certainly noticed an increase in our geographic heartland with Preston and the Ribble Valley being emerging markets for us.”
“Having the right fire and surround is very important to any living space, whether you live in a huge detached house, a terraced property or an apartment. It is often the focal point of the main room and while the main function is obviously to provide warmth, the aesthetics are very important too.”
Top brands Charlton and Jenrick, Dimplex, Elgin and Hall, Evonic, Gazco, Legend and Stovax stand side by side, with fire surrounds available in all sorts of materials including wood, marble and limestone.
The possibilities are truly endless for every taste and budget at Canterbury Fireplaces.
Canterbury Fireplaces
Canterbury Street
Blackburn BB2 2HP
01254 682574
www.canterburyfireplaces.com
