Grenfell United and architect George Clarke are urging businesses and homeowners to boycott companies implicated in the Grenfell inquiry, which criticized their practices as “systematic dishonesty.” Clarke, known for the show “George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces,” has chosen not to use products from Arconic, Kingspan, and Celotex—companies identified in the inquiry’s findings as engaged in misleading behavior regarding fire safety.
Clarke emphasized the importance of making a moral decision, stating, “I’ve also reached out to all the consultants and companies I work with… Please don’t use them.” He noted that while criminal proceedings are ongoing, the inquiry itself indicated that these companies were dishonest, prompting consumers to consider their choices carefully.
The inquiry highlighted serious issues related to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, where 72 individuals lost their lives due to cladding and insulation that violated safety regulations. Companies like Arconic were found to have misrepresented the fire safety capability of their products, while Kingspan and Celotex were similarly criticized for manipulating testing processes and misrepresenting their materials.
Despite the adverse findings, all three companies continue to deny any wrongdoing. They could face debarment from public contracts, a process currently paused to avoid interfering with ongoing criminal investigations. The Metropolitan Police have stated that any charges resulting from their investigation may not be announced until late 2026.
Clarke expressed concern about the continued use of these companies in the construction industry, remarking on the surprising lack of awareness among professionals regarding their involvement in the Grenfell tragedy. Kingspan has reported substantial profits even after the disaster, while the other companies have also maintained significant earnings. Each company has engaged with the public inquiry but emphasizes addressing historical failings and improving safety practices.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/nov/23/architect-george-clarke-calls-for-boycott-of-firms-criticised-by-grenfell-inquiry