County Durham firm’s Royal appointment

Darlington-based Stone Technical Services is carrying out emergency work on the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen.

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world with a history spanning over 1000 years and Stone has been engaged to complete a full survey of the masonry on the castle’s terrace.

Due to the sensitivity of the project, Stone’s experts must use specialist rope access to limit any disturbance and to ensure the work is completed quickly and without the need for extensive scaffolding.

Thanks to its reputation as one of the leaders in its field in the UK, Stone was approached by PAYE Stonework and Restoration, a London-based company that carries out specialist projects on several Royal buildings.

Stone is one of the most highly-accredited businesses in its sector which has helped with its growth especially in the London region. The company’s London office, close to Piccadilly Circus, has seen an increase in contracts so far in 2012 following the successful completion of projects on high profile buildings such as the Royal Courts of Justice and Westminster Abbey.

Graham Stone who runs Stone Technical Services with his brother, Dave Stone, said:
“Windsor Castle is of immense historical significance and is recognised worldwide. It attracts thousands of visitors ever year so it is vital that detailed works are regularly completed. This is such a prestigious project for us but we clinched it thanks to our methods of working and our ability to get the job done quickly and with no disturbance to the daily workings of the castle itself.”

Stone Technical Services, which recently opened its Edinburgh office, is one of the UK’s most accredited specialists and works with high profile organisations such as English Heritage, the National Trust, the NHS, British Waterways and Network Rail to carry out a range of maintenance, safety and conservation projects.

In addition, the family-run business is the approved contractor managing lightning protection on St Paul’s Cathedral and works with housing associations, historic structures, churches, war memorials, schools, offices, car parks and councils,

Darlington brothers, Dave and Grahame Stone, established Stone Technical Services in 1998 and now have offices in Edinburgh city centre, near Stockport in Cheshire, close to Piccadilly Circus in central London and Pinner in Middlesex, as well as their HQ on Kellaw Road in Darlington.

Thanks to its growth, the company is planning to create a number of jobs to add to its 30 strong workforce.

• For more information on Stone Technical Services please visit http://www.stoneservicesuk.com/