Mike Winterbotham has been managing director at Clearcraft since he founded the company 25 years ago. In that time he has been responsible for all the design and oil candle product development, as well as drinking a lot of wine! He pioneered the introduction of glass candles into the UK, which really didn’t exist in Britain before 1990.

Initially, Clearcraft imported the candles, but soon realized that local manufacturing was the best way to proceed. In the 1990’s, retail outlets were the main destination for the candles, but in 2005 he turned his attention to the restaurant market and now concentrates on nothing else.

In terms of product knowledge, Mike probably knows more than anyone else in the world. Having said that, there is always something to learn about the seemingly simple but endlessly fascinating subject of oil candles and the natural flame, and he continues to experiment with new designs and burn patterns. Recently, he has developed a spill resistant wick for small candles, mainly for use in the home and is constantly listening to restaurateurs to bring the perfect oil candle to the table.