21/08/2026
As some of you will already be aware, we sadly lost Ray on 30th July.
His passing was incredibly sudden and has left our family completely devastated. Ray was not only a much loved dad, grandad and friend, but the heart of Fireplace City, a business he built and dedicated so many years of his life to.
Over the past few weeks, while coming to terms with such an enormous loss, we have also been thinking carefully about the future of Fireplace City. One thing we know for certain is that the last thing Ray would have wanted was to see the business he worked so hard to build close its doors.
We are therefore very pleased to share that Ray’s daughter Laura and her husband Ash will be taking over Fireplace City and continuing his legacy.
Ash actually worked alongside Ray many years ago and knows the business and industry well. Laura and Ash also bring extensive experience in retail, design and running showrooms, having spent many years building and operating their own award winning kitchen and bathroom showroom.
There is plenty happening behind the scenes at the moment. We are meeting with Ray’s existing suppliers and fitters, getting everything organised and putting the pieces back into place, with the aim of having Fireplace City fully up and running again from 1st September.
We feel incredibly honoured to be entrusted with something that meant so much to Ray. Fireplace City has been built over many years through his hard work, knowledge, personality and the relationships he developed with customers, suppliers and tradespeople.
Our aim isn't to replace what Ray created, but to protect it, build upon it and make him proud.
We look forward to welcoming back all of Fireplace City's existing customers, as well as meeting many new ones, and beginning the next chapter of the business while keeping Ray's legacy firmly at its heart.
Laura & Ash