Generations of Expertise Fuelling the Future of Chimney Safety

Welcome to H Firkins & Sons Training Centre, the home of industry-leading HETAS accredited training for chimney sweeps and stove installers, proudly delivered by H Firkins & Sons – a name synonymous with chimney expertise for over 160 years.

Based in Milton Keynes, we are the longest-established UK chimney business involved in solid fuel training. Our legacy, built by the Firkins family since 1860 and having serviced over a million chimneys, is a testament to our enduring commitment to safety, quality, and the highest standards of workmanship.

A Passion for Excellence, A Commitment to the Trade

At the heart of H Firkins & Sons Training Centre is Josh Firkins, a fourth-generation chimney professional who has dedicated his life to the craft. With over 30,000 chimney sweeps under his belt and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Josh identified a crucial need to elevate the training available within the industry. He envisioned courses that were not only comprehensive and technically sound but also engaging, accessible, and fostered a sense of community among professionals.

Driven by this vision, we aim to make training better. We believe that learning should be an enjoyable and interactive experience, not a daunting chore. Our courses are designed to be:

• Expert-Led: Drawing on generations of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of current regulations and best practices.
• HETAS Approved: Offering nationally recognised qualifications that underscore your credibility and competence.
• Comprehensive: Covering everything from the foundational theories of chimney sweeping and stove installation to advanced techniques, including specialist areas like chimneys in thatched properties.
• Practical & Engaging: Blending essential theory with hands-on practical elements and encouraging open discussion, the sharing of anecdotes, and a collaborative learning environment. We can also arrange on-site work placements with professional, registered sweeps.
• Accessible: Reasonably priced to ensure that all dedicated individuals have the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Supportive: We strive to create a welcoming atmosphere where candidates feel comfortable asking questions and building valuable connections with fellow professionals.

More Than Just Training – Building a Community

We understand that a career in chimney sweeping and stove installation is more than just a job; it’s a commitment to keeping homes safe, warm, and efficient. We are passionate about empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge to excel in this vital trade. Our goal is to not only help you achieve your professional qualifications but also to foster a community of skilled, knowledgeable, and confident chimney professionals.

This is one of the reasons we incorporated our ‘Rodstation Vs Midtec Sweep Challenge’. We wanted to ensure that not only would people learn, they would have fun and engage with each other.

Why Choose H Firkins & Sons Training Centre?

• Unrivalled Heritage: Learn from a family business with an unmatched history in the UK chimney industry.
• Industry-Recognised Qualifications: Gain HETAS accreditation, the benchmark for quality and safety.
• Passionate & Experienced Instructors: Benefit from the real-world expertise of trainers like Josh Firkins.
• Modern & Engaging Training Methods: Experience courses designed to be informative, enjoyable, and impactful.
• Commitment to Your Success: We are dedicated to providing you with the best possible training and ongoing support.

Forge your future in the solid fuel industry with the experts. Explore our range of HETAS training courses and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities today. We look forward to welcoming you to our specialist training centre in Milton Keynes and helping you become the best in your field.

Meet Josh Firkins: A Foremost UK Chimney Expert & Industry Leader

A Tradition of Excellence, A Commitment to Modern Solutions

Josh Firkins is widely recognised as a preeminent chimney expert in the United Kingdom, bringing unparalleled knowledge, diagnostic skill, and innovative solutions to the most complex chimney and flue system challenges. As the lead consultant and a driving force behind H Firkins & Sons HETAS Training Centre, Josh dedicates his career to advancing safety, compliance, and best practices within the solid fuel industry. His expertise is sought by homeowners, architects, developers, legal professionals, and industry peers alike.

A Foundation Built on Generations of Chimney Mastery

Josh’s profound understanding of chimney systems is not merely learned but inherited and meticulously honed. He represents the 6th generation of the Firkins family, a name intrinsically linked with premier chimney services in London and the South East since 1860. This unique lineage provided him with early and comprehensive exposure to every facet of chimney work, from traditional craftsmanship to the evolving complexities of modern heating technology. He continues to work alongside his father, Graham Firkins, whose own career spans over 40 years, ensuring a rich blend of generational wisdom and cutting-edge technical skill.

Over Two Decades of Proven Expertise & Problem Solving

With more than 20 years of dedicated, hands-on experience, Josh has distinguished himself as a leading chimney consultant and diagnostic chimney expert. His practical experience encompasses:

• Expert Diagnosis of Complex Chimney Issues: Identifying and resolving persistent problems related to smoke spillage, poor draught, structural defects, and appliance performance where others have struggled.
• Specialist Chimney Surveys & Investigations: Conducting forensic-level assessments for all property types, from historic and listed buildings to modern constructions, ensuring comprehensive understanding of system integrity and safety.
• Design and Specification of Compliant & Efficient Systems: Applying his deep knowledge to the design of new chimney and flue systems and the compliant modification of existing ones.
• Leadership in Specialist Chimney Services: Overseeing intricate projects including heritage chimney repair, expert witness testimony, design reviews, and pre-purchase investigations for prime and complex properties.
• Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities: Josh is a specialist in advanced chimney diagnostics, proficient in the use of state-of-the-art equipment like the Wöhler DP 600 pressure leakage tester. This allows for quantifiable, data-driven assessments of flue integrity to BS EN 1443 standards. His expertise in this area is trusted by Local Authority Building Control (LABC) for compliance testing on new build properties and extends across complex commercial and domestic systems.

Elite Qualifications: The Hallmarks of a True Chimney Expert

Josh’s practical acumen is rigorously supported by some of the most advanced and respected qualifications in the UK solid fuel and chimney industry. These credentials firmly establish him as a certified chimney expert:

• NVQ Level 3 in Design and Inspection of Chimneys and Dry Solid Fuel Appliances: A rare and highly challenging qualification, positioning Josh among an elite group of UK professionals with proven competency in the detailed technical design and inspection of complex chimney and flue systems.
• HETAS Registered Trainer & Assessor: As a leading figure at the H Firkins & Sons HETAS Approved Training Centre, Josh is not only a practitioner of best practice but a respected educator, shaping the skills of future chimney professionals and installers across the industry. His role as a lead instructor includes providing specialist training to other industry professionals on the correct application of advanced diagnostic tools, including the Wöhler DP 600, as part of our Chimney Inspections & Report Writing course.
• CITB Registered Assessor for Chimney Occupations: Further underscoring his authority in evaluating and certifying competency within the trade.
• Owner & Operator, H Firkins & Sons Specialist Chimney & Solid Fuel HETAS Approved Training Centre: Demonstrating leadership and a commitment to elevating industry standards through quality training.

A Respected Voice and Authority in the Chimney Industry

As a leading chimney expert, Josh Firkins is committed to:

• Championing Safety: Prioritising the safety of occupants and the protection of property in all aspects of chimney design, installation, inspection, and maintenance.
• Ensuring Compliance: Providing authoritative guidance on navigating Building Regulations (Approved Document J), British and European Standards, and HETAS requirements.
• Solving Complex Challenges: Applying his diagnostic expertise to offer clear, effective, and often innovative solutions to difficult chimney and flue problems.
• Educating and Informing: Sharing his knowledge through consultancy, training, and providing clear, accessible advice to clients and industry stakeholders.

“My goal has always been to combine the invaluable practical wisdom passed down through my family with the highest levels of certified technical expertise,” says Josh. “Whether I’m on-site surveying a complex historic chimney, designing a flue system, training new installers, or providing expert witness testimony, the aim is to deliver absolute clarity, ensure uncompromising safety, and provide solutions that stand the test of time. Being considered a ‘chimney expert’ is a responsibility I take very seriously, and it drives my commitment to continuous learning and contribution to our industry.”

Connect with a UK Leading Chimney Expert

For expert consultation, specialist chimney services, or authoritative advice on any aspect of chimney design, safety, or compliance, Josh Firkins and the H Firkins & Sons team offer an unmatched level of expertise.