As the cost of gas and electricity continues to soar, the traditional woodburner is proving ever more popular in Welsh homes.

And ex-steel man Stephen Hobbs has launched a business installing the stoves, and plans to expand into selling them in the near future.

Stephen, now 49, worked in the Welsh steel industry for 26 years, starting out at Orb Works in Newport as a graduate project engineer in 1986, finally finishing his career in steel with a role on the project team which recently delivered the rebuild of Number 4 Blast Furnace at the Port Talbot Steel Works.

Stephen said: “Over the years I gained a huge range of experience and skills as a mechanical project engineer with British Steel and more recently Tata. I took advantage of their redundancy programme in early 2013 and thought it would be a great opportunity to realise a life long ambition to start my own business.”

Hobbs Fire and Flue, based in Rogerstone near Newport, has a strengthening order book and has built good links with suppliers of woodburners and flue systems. The firm was launched with support from Tata subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise, which provided a £16,000 loan to cover the majority of the start-up costs.

Stephen said: “I could not have done it without the loan. I used the money to buy my van, ladders, power tools, chimney sweeping equipment, workwear and safety equipment, all of which has enabled me to get the business up and running.”

He is also accredited with Hetas, the government recognised body which promotes and regulates the use of Solid Fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services, which covers the installation of woodburners and other related heating equipment.

“Achieving the Hetas qualification is extremely important,” said Stephen.

“It demonstrates to clients that I have the credentials to carry out the work safely to the appropriate standards and government regulations and that I am a fully trustworthy person to engage.”

As well as installing virtually any type of woodburner the client may require, Stephen also offers a chimney sweeping service.

"It is very important for efficiency and from a safety point of view that all flues and appliances are kept in good order,” he said.

Woodburners are increasingly popular for two reasons – they add life and a focal point to a room and have the potential to be cheaper than conventional heating, depending on how you source your fuel.

“Recent newspaper claims suggest the typical running cost of a woodburner can be as low as 4p per KWH, with gas estimated to be about 6p per KWH and oil and electricity substantially more, although it is important to stress that there are always many variables to consider in making a comparison," said Stephen.

Andy Morris Area Manager for Wales UK Steel Enterprise,” said:”We are delighted to have helped Stephen get into self employment and to get his business off the ground, especially as he is an ex-Tata employee. We wish him all the best in his new venture.”

The business also received help from Centre for Business based in Newport, who provided business mentoring and helped to secure a REACT training grant.