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.”

MMA Yearbook 2007 49 Winning projects in the Natural Stone Awards are chosen for the exemplary design and execution of stonework. Awards are made in six different categories and recognise the combined contribution to a project of clients, architects, main contractors, specialist stone contractors and stone suppliers. The Federation regularly organises seminars in different parts of the country at which leading architects and engineers discuss the use of stone in a range of different projects. The seminars also have CPD status for professionals. The Donovan Purcell Lecture is another important industry event. It is organised by the standing joint committee on natural stone and Stone Federation and is sponsored by the BRE. This annual lecture is staged to promote and provide a greater understanding of the use of natural stone. Speakers are drawn from prominent members of the industry and the audience comprises architects, specifiers, clients and others with an interest in natural stone. Topics cover a wide range of subjects such as lime mortars, castles, cathedrals, flint, geology and “key developments within the industry”. The Federation produces a wide range of data sheets on various subjects, such as stone characteristics, civil engineering, mortars and pointing, granite setts, fixings, sealants, care and maintenance, staining and similar matters. Free technical advice is also offered to federation members. Stone Specifiers Guide An annual Stone Specifiers Guide provides a unique reference document for anyone seeking sources of natural stone or wishing to employ a specialist natural stone contractor. It contains a comprehensive list of the services and materials supplied by Federation members as well as articles and information. Natural stone has never been more popular. Once the preserve of historic buildings and stately mansions, it is now spreading its influence deeper into people’s everyday domestic lives. The growth in popularity of granite worktops in the kitchen or York stone on the floors of conservatories and extensions is proof of that. It means that demand for natural stone is increasing, but the good news is that, in general terms, sufficient is available within the UK to meet this growth – although some of the more historic stone is now becoming harder to find. Stone Federation Director Jane Buxey summed up the mood of Britain’s natural stone industry in these words. “The Hallmarque scheme combined with our highly professional training programmes and the new European legislation can only benefit those who work in any way with natural stone. So whatever the size or nature of your natural stone project, whether it be a fountain or church, new building or restoration, a Stone Federation member company can assist and advise you at every stage of the project.” . Reader enquiries to: jane.buxey@stone-federationgb.org.uk Winners of the Natural Stone Awards 2004 include: (top) Tusmore House, Oxfordshire, in the new build (traditional) category, and; (above) work on the Lady Chapel at Ely Cathedral, in the interiors category.