County Durham restoration experts, Stone Technical Services (STS), have seen a growth in the number of new contracts in their restoration division thanks to their relationship with a number of high profile organisations.
STS Restoration has recently secured new projects with Lumley Castle, Sir Robert McAlpine, MITIE and Newcastle City Council to complete a range of renovation and improvement works.
At Lumley Castle, owned by the House of Scarborough, STS will be returning to carry out front terrace paving works on the hotel, which dates back to the 14th century. STS has worked closely with the Scarborough family over many years on a range of restoration projects.
In Bishop Auckland, STS is working for Sir Robert McAlpine at King James’ Academy, famous for being Stan Laurel’s school. The Grade II-listed building is currently undergoing a £10.5 million improvement project and, as part of that, STS is carrying out the refurbishment and preservation of high level masonry and woodwork.
In Newcastle, STS is again working for Newcastle City Council at Blackfriars, where it has carried out a variety of restoration projects at the 13thcentury friary and is now working on its York Stone paving preservation. In addition, the company is carrying out restoration works at Newcastle Civic Centre.
And, in London, STS has been working for MITIE at the Royal Courts of Justice on the clock tower refurbishment, lead and steel works and repairs to the upper decorative flagpole and also on the Thomas More building. STS is familiar with the building having worked on series of refurbishment works, including the preservation of the famous gold leafing, over the last five years.
MD of STS, Dave Stone, said: “Restoring and preserving such historic buildings as these is vital for our heritage and it’s a privilege to be part of these vital projects. We have worked with these organisations and at these buildings in the past so it is always good to secure further contracts and this is testament to the craftsmanship of our team which is some of the best in the sector.”
STS is a leader in the field of historic, high level and specialist maintenance as well as lightning protection and industrial steeplejack services and comprises four divisions: – STS Lightning Protection, STS Restoration, STS Maintenance and Facilities Management and STS Conservation.
At the start of the year, STS announced that the business was ahead of its financial expectations with a 30% year on year increase, thanks to continued growth across all of its divisions. Turnover is now in excess of £2.5 million and managers expect this to reach £3 million by the end of 2015. In the last year, staff numbers have increased by five, reaching 39, and the business plans to create a further five new roles this year as well as a number of apprenticeship opportunities.
Other clients include Westminster Abbey, English Heritage, the NHS, the National Trust, BskyB and UK-wide local authorities. STS is also the appointed lightning conductor contractor at St Paul’s Cathedral and, in addition, recently completed the installation of a new lightning protection system on the grade II-listed Chapter House at the site, which is currently undergoing a repair programme.