Colin Keevil, who, with a backer, took over Doulting Quarry from ARC (now Hanson Quarry Products) six years ago, has taken over the whole of the operation as sole owner of the Somerset quarry on his family farm.

He is optimistic about the future of his stone business. "We have over 200 years of reserve in the quarry and a captive market with regard to historical renovations and new builds as planners opt for the use of more natural stone.

"It makes good business sense to develop the quarry and maintain its contribution not only to the regional economy but also to the rich heritage of British building as a whole."We would have found it difficult to achieve our success without the help of Armada Finance, who have supported us with the purchase of essential equipment to quarry and process the stone. We did approach the banks, but the security of an industry that has thrived since Roman times did not seem enough for them!"

In its long history, Doulting stone has been used for such historic buildings as Wells Cathedral, Guildford Cathedral, the weir at Pulteney Bridge in Bath and many others.

It is currently being used on the completion of Bury St Edmunds Cathedral and has been used extensively on Duchy of Cornwall housing developments around Shepton Mallet, where the quarry is.

When ARC operated the quarry they sold large blocks of the stone to masonry companies around the country. However, because of the nature of the stone some of it was returned with so-called \'shakes\' in it, discovered only when masons started to work it. Keevil has overcome the problem by processing the blocks himself, preserving the reputation of this significant building stone.