Hamnett named MD at A1 Flues

John Hamnett has been appointed the new Managing Director of A1 Flue Systems.

He succeeds Colin Moir, who founded the company in 1973, as Managing Director with overall responsibility for running the business.

Speaking about his appointment, John said he is immensely proud to take the helm of the company he joined as a schoolboy 33 years ago.

“I started working at A1 Flues straight after leaving school, and I could never have dreamt that I would one day ascend to become Managing Director of a business that has grown to become what I believe to be the best flue firm in the UK,” said John.

“I really did start at the bottom, making flues in our factory and then working on sites across the UK installing them – and this grounding has been fundamental in understanding every aspect of the business and industry.

“I’m very grateful to Colin Moir for giving me a job all those years ago and now for the opportunity to become Managing Director. I appreciate this isn’t an easy decision for Colin to make because A1 Flues has been his life’s work, and it’s a privilege that he has entrusted it to me to drive the business forward.

“I’ve been a director for eight years and have played a key part in developing the business in that time – which has included securing some landmark projects, such as The Shard in London – and I’m very excited about the new chapter for A1 Flues.”

Most recently, A1 Flues has secured a multi-million pound contract to manufacture nine British-made 100-metre tall chimney systems to be installed inside two of the four iconic chimneys at Battersea Power Station in London. As part of the redevelopment of the site of the Grade II* listed building, the company has been working on-site at the main energy centre (MEC), installingthe flue modules for the South West and North East Wash Towers. Work is due to be completed by October.

The springboard for A1 Flues’ success over the past few years has been its commitment to driving up standards for itself – and the rest of the industry. 

In 2013, it became the first – and remains the only – UK company to achieve the CE Mark for a complete flue system. It is mandatory for manufacturers to apply CE Marking to products such as flues, stoves, radiators, fans and other HVAC products, and Mr Hamnett has been vocal within the flue industry about the standards of flue manufacture.

“I’m very proud to have played a key role in getting the company to the position it is in today, and I’m very excited about what the future holds for A1 Flue Systems.”