MMA Yearbook 2007 47 “The vast majority of the British public – 79% – prefer properties detailed in cast stone.” new built property. They were identical, except that one had cast stone details around the doors and windows. Asked for their preference, 79% picked the property with the cast stone. The respondents were then asked to imagine that if they were to buy one of the properties in these styles, to state the maximum extra they would be prepared to pay to secure their preferred property. In this case, 71% said they’d be willing to pay an average 4.9% extra to secure it. That’s a massive £9,221 when factored up to the national average house price. At an average cost of just £500, it leaves a clear profit. The survey is a first but it backs up what many housebuilders already know: cast stone adds kerb appeal and that’s worth thousands. High standards As with any building material, however, it’s important you can trust the manufacturer and choose a product that meets the relevant standards. There are around 160 cast stone manufacturers in Britain. Most of them operate without adequate quality assurance or testing regimes and may not be working to proper standards. Specify or use cast stone from one of these manufacturers and you could be asking for trouble. When it comes to cast stone, the UKCSA is the guardian of quality: the association sets high performance standards and members must go through a strict vetting procedure. Their levels of quality controlled manufacture ensure the strongest cast stone available – at least 40% stronger than the basic British Standard. This means outstanding durability, better site handling and buildability. UKCSA members also take service seriously, with design and technical advice, proper packaging and reliable delivery. The association’s free Buyers Guide to Cast Stone comprises a technical manual and information about the UKCSA and its members – the UK’s leading cast stone manufacturers. . Reader enquiries to: Neil Sparrow, UKCSA, 15 Stonehill Court, The Arbours, Northampton NN3 3RA; e-mail: info@ukcsa.co.uk

48 MMA Yearbook 2007 The Stone Federation provides members with a wide range of services – from quality assurance and product information to technical guidance and specifying. Rock school Two of the most important developments in the natural stone market in 2006 were the introduction of a Hallmarque quality assured scheme by Stone Federation Great Britain and the introduction of new European legislation requiring a much clearer identification of the type and origin of natural stone. The Stone Federation is a one-stop shop for quality assurance, product information, technical guidance and advice on all aspects of specifying and working with stone. Members range from quarry operators to stone workers, restoration and cleaning contractors and flooring, conservation and cladding specialists, among many others. Quality is implicit in all of the Federation’s activities and that’s why it introduced the Hallmarque quality assurance scheme. It is unique within the natural stone industry, bringing together the full industry supply chain from producers, through to developers, fixers and contractors, all within one quality guaranteed certification process. Dealing with a company that possesses the Hallmarque certificate now gives customers an assurance that they will receive a high standard of material, design and workmanship. The first Stone Federation members to register under the scheme received their certificates in the summer of 2006 from Stone Federation President Colin Goble. “Having the Hallmarque logo means that a stone can be specified without undergoing a rigorous testing regime,” says Goble. “It will give the high level of quality assurance demanded by a client and the confidence that they are dealing with companies that have achieved the high standards required by the scheme. “It is important to point out that the scheme has been verified by the Building Research Establishment, an independent certification organisation.” Government bodies In fact the Stone Federation recommends that professional, commercial and government bodies specify Hallmarque certification as a condition before accepting tenders. The scheme sets the criteria for the supplying and fixing of natural stone and applies to interiors just as much as it applies to construction. It takes into account the relevant European and British standards and certifies the supplier of the materials as well as fixers and the repair and maintenance. August 2006 was an important date in the maintenance of those standards, particularly for those who specify, order and use natural stone in all its forms, because that’s when changes in European standards came into effect. These require, among other things, a much clearer identification of the type and origin of natural stone. It will no longer be sufficient to simply “make up” name for a stone product. The Federation’s Peter Harrison explains: “The new labelling standard requires some very specific information to be provided and this is an important safeguard for both the specifier and purchaser.” Mr Harrison, who is Deputy Chairman of Stone Federation’s technical committee and with Harrison Goldman Design Consultants, points out: “There are three new standards for various natural stone products. They became harmonised throughout Europe last year and carry the full legal force of the Construction Products Directive. “Ignorance of these changes could lead to the drafting of an inappropriate specification or purchase of natural stone that is at greater risk of being unsuitable for its intended purpose. That is of major significance to all housebuilders and developers and they really must take note of the legislation.” Member benefits Other services include advice on health and safety, employment affairs and taxation and members-only technical seminars. The Federation has also published definitive codes of practice for the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of natural stone kitchen worktops and for the design and installation of natural stone internal flooring. Natural Stone Awards Both the show and the awards next take place in 2008. Last year’s show, the seventh, was held in London’s ExCel Centre and featured a central “stone village”, showcasing Stone Federation member companies. “The Stone Federation recommends that professional, commercial and government bodies specify Hallmarque certification as a condition before accepting tenders.”