The Team

“The importance of a well-trained, professional sweep cannot be overstated. The safety of our customers, their families and their property can be greatly increased by using a Guild member for chimney sweeping, solid fuel servicing and advice on best practice for cleaner burning. It’s a privilege to be part of a great team of directors and help to shape the future of our industry for the benefit of all.”

Lawson entered the chimney sweeping profession in 2000. He joined the Guild as he felt the organisation had the most expert members and these were the people he wished to associate with.

By 2007 he had built a busy sweeping business. Lawson realised that both the Guild and the industry required real change, which could only be achieved by taking a more active role. This led to his appointment to the Guild’s Education Committee, and in 2009 he became Public Relations Director.

In 2018 Lawson was elected to the position of Chair. Alongside all the strategic and oversight work, he concentrates his efforts on promoting the professionalism of members to consumers and communicating with the wider solid fuel industry. He assumes responsibility for marketing and advertising, working alongside design and IT professionals to produce consumer focused tools and resources for sweeps to use in their everyday business. He also works closely with industry bodies and regulatory / official groups to ensure the interests of chimney sweeps and their customers are a primary consideration with regard to policy and legislation in the solid fuel industry.

There is a great deal of work to do to educate consumers on the many aspects of efficient solid fuel use. Individual chimney sweeps are the only group that can realistically influence and educate consumers on the things that make a difference to what comes out the top of their chimneys. Lawson added: “I continue to put the interests of the individual sweep at the forefront of every decision and action. The Guild is a real industry leader with strategic plans for the ongoing professionalisation of our trade.”

“I started chimney sweeping in 2000 after being asked to help a large company on some contract work locally, after this I swept for friends and family, in 2008 I joined the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps and I’ve never looked back. After rapidly growing my sweep business I joined the Guild training team, firstly as an onsite trainer and then helping and now leading the classroom training.

In 2020 I was honoured to be voted on to the Board of directors and I’ve enjoyed doing my bit to help the whole industry move forward. When I’m not sweeping I’m likely to be found on an indoor or outdoor bowling green, it’s been my sporting hobby for over 40 years, I’ve been lucky enough to qualify for national finals and represent Norfolk both indoors and out.

My other passion is Norwich City FC as they say my blood runs Green and Yellow”.

“The public are becoming more and more aware of the importance of using competent and assessed chimney sweeps. The Guild ensures that the very best chimney sweeping service is provided by each and every one of our members.

“The future for the Guild is looking great – we are entering a time where Guild sweeps are being recognised for the professionals they are.”

David picked up his first rod and brush in 1993 when he established Chimney Services, providing chimney sweeping and appliance repair services to residents of South Yorkshire.

By 1997 David realised that joining a chimney sweep organisation could only be of benefit. After researching the options available he felt the Guild, as a forward-thinking group of professionals, was the best fit for him.

Within 18 months he decided he had more to give to the Guild, and in 1998 was appointed as Guild Assessor.

Over the years the Guild’s training programme has evolved and David has been at the forefront, ensuring that all Guild trainees are of the highest standard. This enables them to stand out from their unqualified competitors and being a Guild member also provides them with the support of a national network of sweeps, all happy to help each other with problems they may encounter in the course of their work.

Today, not only is David still the Guild Assessor, but he also holds the role of Treasurer.

After leaving school in 1980, I began my career in farming, building a strong foundation of practical skills while working across Wales, Hampshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, and Devon. Along the way, I developed experience in a variety of trades, gaining adaptability and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

A short period in Vancouver, Canada, saw me working as a leather tailor’s apprentice and house mover, before returning to Devon. I later worked in Surrey and Sussex as an irrigation engineer and fabricator for a fencing company, continuing to expand my technical skills.

I moved to Scotland in 1996, where I entered the chimney industry, installing cast-in-situ chimney lining systems with a colleague. When my children were born in 2001 and 2004, I became a stay-at-home father, balancing family life with occasional work until they started school full-time in 2010.

Seeking a role that fit around school hours, I trained as a chimney sweep in 2011. This marked the start of a focused and rewarding career. By 2015, I had become a trainer, and in 2016 I achieved Master Sweep status. That same year, I was invited to serve as a director for the guild representing Scotland.

I went on to qualify as an assessor in 2017 and completed my trainer qualification in 2021. My career reflects a commitment to continuous learning, practical expertise, and supporting others within the industry.

Lang may Yer Lum Reek!

Tony Lavin is a Director of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps. He was asked to join the Guild board of Directors in June 2025 and was flattered and delighted to do so. He brings with him extensive practical experience and a strong commitment to raising standards across the chimney sweeping industry.

With a background as a working chimney sweep since 2012, Tony has developed a deep understanding of both the technical and regulatory aspects of the trade, including Building Regulations and best practice for solid fuel installations. He is particularly passionate about ensuring consistency in training and assessment, helping to maintain the high standards expected of Guild members.

Tony undertook qualifications to become an accredited assessor; initially to assess candidates undertaking the chimney sweeping NVQ and latterly to assess candidates wishing to join the Guild. He also undertook a formal teaching qualification and has assisted in teaching on the Guild training courses for the last few years.

Tony plays an active role in the development of Guild initiatives, including training programmes and industry events. He has been closely involved in organising the Guild’s annual trade show in 2026 and 2027 and supporting wider engagement with members and stakeholders.

He is also committed to promoting clear, accurate information to the public, supporting initiatives that help customers better understand safe and efficient wood burning, and working with partner organisations to improve awareness of health and environmental considerations.

Through his work with the Guild, Tony continues to support both new and experienced sweeps in achieving and maintaining professional excellence.

Tony recently sold his chimney sweeping business but has maintained a close allegiance to the Guild as a Director, Assessor and Teacher. He assists a local farmer/equestrian centre two days a week as the farm handyman and thoroughly enjoys driving and operating the farm machinery.