About Phoenix Fireworks

Joseph Wells, originally an explosives lighterman on the River Thames in London, founded the Joseph Wells & Sons Firework Company in 1837.

The company established a reputation for the manufacture and display of the finest quality fireworks.

Ian Craig who worked as Director and General Manager of Joseph Wells & Sons for 3 years (and formerly for Schermuly Rocket Co for 7 years) started Phoenix Fireworks in 1972, continuing the display side after Wells decided to discontinue their display activities.

An Early Phoenix Lancework of Queen Elisabeth II from a Joseph Wells pattern

Since then the company has gone from strength to strength. The company operates mainly through the UK and Ireland as well as internationally from Norway to India to UAE.

Although cutting edge computer systems are used today to extend the art of the display designer, Phoenix have retained the traditional firework skills of many centuries and use combinations of the two to craft simply outstanding and innovative displays.

Phoenix Fireworks has moved to a larger set of premises at Wrotham, Sevenoaks. The move has meant that the business now operates from a purpose built and converted unit. Since moving, the company has expanded office space by four times, workshop space by double and has invested considerable time and money into the fireworks business.

The merger with the operation already in existence at Wrotham means the combined workforce has increased and the casual operator base has doubled. Ian Craig retired from the business and is now retained in a consultative role.

The company directors are: Martin Coffin (Managing Director), Ken Fifield (Sales & Marketing Director) and Gillian Walton (Financial Director).

All the staff has taken all the relevant BPA examinations, and all drivers hold the correct ADR vocational certificate.

Phoenix has made a very real commitment to its future in fireworks, in terms of money, staff and enthusiasm.

As well as the storage of equipment extending to some 9000 square feet, Phoenix are licensed to store many, many tonnes of fireworks. These storage facilities are dotted around South UK

This allows Phoenix to be very competitive in fireworks displays and reactive to customer's requirements, Phoenix does not have to rely on intermediate suppliers and owns the supply chain.

Phoenix Fireworks is insured to £5M on public liability and products liability. With employers liability of £10M.

Phoenix is licensed to securely store over 50 Tonnes Gross explosive content across eight explosive stores with the following grades of storage licence: Division E, MSER, Mode A and HSE.

For explosives transport, ADR rules are followed, and IMDG rules are followed on ferries. Drivers are ADR certified for explosives transport. Lorries are appropriately placarded and carry a current TREM card.

Phoenix customers are in their thousands, some of the better-known clients include:

Asda, BBC, BA, Bass, Citibank, English Heritage, Eurotunnel, Honda, JVC, Leeds Castle, The National Trust, The Ritz Hotel, The Stock Exchange, Thorpe Park, US Airforce and more.

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