Bonfire beefs up leadership team with appointments of Sinead Lee and Nicola Wielopolski. September 4, 2026 Bonfire has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Nicola Wielopolski as creative director and Sinéad Lee as growth director as the agency. The appointments come on the back of Ardmore Group's recent strategic investment in Bonfire, establishing the only all-island agency proposition in the Irish market. Wielopolski joins Bonfire with more than 20 years' experience in advertising, having worked with a number of leading agencies in South Africa and Ireland. Her work has been recognised at Cannes Lions, D&AD, the New York Festivals and the Clios, as well as at national awards shows. Career highlights include a Cannes Silver for a campaign for South Africa's Commission for Gender Equality. She was also selected for one of 12 places on the Phyllis Project, a global DDB initiative established to increase the number of female creative leaders across the network. During her career, she has also worked with brands including McDonald's, Honda, Smart Car, KFC, Converse and Skittles. Among the campaigns she cites as a career highlight was work for South African telecommunications company Telkom, which helped reposition the business from one of the country's least-liked brands to one whose advertising was consistently ranked among South Africa's most popular over a three-year period. "There's a real energy at Bonfire right now, and I'm looking forward to bringing my experience and enthusiasm for great ideas to the team," she said. Meanwhile, Sinead Lee joins as Bonfire as growth director and will work with senior clients across Bonfire and the wider Ardmore Group, with a particular focus on business, marketing and growth strategy. She brings more than 25 years' experience in marketing and communications, spanning agency leadership, brand strategy and business development. Her career has included senior roles at BBDO Dublin and, most recently, TBWA\Ireland, where she worked with clients including Diageo, Mars, Lidl, eir, EirGrid, Barry's Tea, Pilgrim's Foods and IDA Ireland. In her new role, Lee will draw on the broader capabilities of the Ardmore Group to bring together specialist expertise around client growth and marketing challenges. "What attracted me to this role is the ambition behind what Bonfire and Ardmore Group are building together," she said. "It brings together the agility and entrepreneurial mindset of an independent group with a distinctive mix of specialist capabilities and talent. "Bonfire is now powered by that wider expertise, allowing us to bring the right people and thinking together around client challenges from the outset. It's a powerful combination, and I think we have a real opportunity to build something significant in the Irish market." Lee will take on the role alongside her independent consultancy, Sinéad Lee Consultancy, through which she will continue to advise her own clients on marketing, brand and growth strategy. The appointments follow Ardmore Group's strategic investment in Bonfire, a move which the companies say has created an all-island agency proposition spanning Northern Ireland and the Republic. The investment gives Ardmore Group a dedicated creative presence in the Republic while adding Bonfire's creative and effectiveness capabilities to its existing Northern Ireland operations.

Bonfire named Small Business of the Year 2026 in Berkshire. 4 August 2026 Bonfire Group is incredibly proud to announce that Bonfire Fireplaces & Stoves has been recognised as Small Business of the Year 2026 for Berkshire. Receiving this award is a fantastic achievement for its entire team and is recognition of the passion, expertise and dedication that goes into every project Bonfire Group undertake. From supplying a single stove to designing and installing bespoke fireplaces in some of the UK's finest homes, every member of its team plays an important part in delivering the level of service its customers have come to expect. Bonfire Group would like to thank Business Awards UK for recognising its business and the work Bonfire Group continue to do throughout Berkshire and beyond. The awards celebrate businesses that demonstrate excellence, innovation and outstanding customer commitment across the UK. Bonfire Group is honoured to be recognised amongst so many excellent businesses. A huge thank you to its customers. This award simply would not be possible without the trust its customers place in Bonfire Group every day. Your continued support allows Bonfire Group to keep investing in its business, its people and the service Bonfire Group provide. This award belongs to its team. Whilst Bonfire may be the name on the award, it represents every member of its team. From its knowledgeable showroom staff and customer service team to its HETAS and Gas Safe installers, surveyors, designers, warehouse staff and office team, everyone works incredibly hard to deliver the highest possible standards. Every enquiry answered, every installation completed and every project delivered contributes towards the reputation Bonfire Group has built over the last two decades. Why this recognition matters. They recognise not only the quality of its products but also its commitment to exceptional customer service, technical knowledge and professional installation. Its goal has always been simple: * Provide honest advice. * Supply premium fireplaces and stoves. * Deliver outstanding installations. * Offer first class aftercare. This recognition reinforces everything Bonfire Group strive for as a business. Serving Berkshire and beyond. Based near Reading, Bonfire supplies and installs premium fireplaces, wood burning stoves, gas fires, electric fires, bioethanol fires and outdoor living products across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, London and the surrounding counties. Its showroom features over 60 live displays from many of Europe's leading manufacturers, allowing customers to experience products in person before making a decision. Whether you're renovating your home, building a new property or creating a bespoke media wall, its experienced team can guide you from initial design through to installation. Looking ahead. Winning Small Business of the Year 2026 is a proud milestone, but it certainly isn't the finish line. Bonfire Group remain committed to continually improving its service, expanding its product range and delivering beautifully designed fireplaces that become the heart of its customers' homes. As technology evolves and heating solutions continue to develop, Bonfire Group'll continue investing in its team, its showroom and its customer experience. Thank you. Your continued support has helped Bonfire Group achieve this award, and Bonfire Group is excited for what the future holds. Here's to many more years of creating beautiful fireplaces and delivering exceptional service. About Bonfire. Bonfire is an award winning fireplace specialist based near Reading, Berkshire, offering premium wood burning stoves, gas fires, electric fires, bioethanol fireplaces, outdoor fireplaces, chimney systems and bespoke fireplace installations. Its experienced in-house team provides design, supply, installation and aftercare across Berkshire and the surrounding counties.