Flue accessories specialist Wilkins Chimney Sweep and its partner Good Taste Business are extending their operations, it has been revealed.
The two companies saw turnover jump as the industry as a whole recorded revenue of £11.8 billion throughout the economic downturn, which means that Wilkins is now considering an expansion into the Swindon area, according to Insider Media.
Louise Harris, franchise director of Wilkins Chimney Sweep, told the website: "It's a great time, because of the recession and with fuel prices massively increasing, people are opening up fire places and installing wood burners. In West Berkshire alone we swept over 3,000 chimneys."
Meanwhile, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) advised residents to ensure that their chimneys are swept earlier this week.
HWFRS reported five fires between Friday and Saturday evening (February 18th and 19th) and stressed that there has been an unusually high number of call-outs for chimney blazes this winter.