The stonelocator.co.uk website set up to create a market on which to trade stone offcuts rather than throwing them in the skip (see the March 2011 issue of NSS), has begun to establish itself.

Use of the site is increasing as each week goes by, says Neil Collinson, its founder. “Thank you to all the registered users, both buyers and sellers, and also to all those who have expressed an interest in it.”

He says there are currently far more buyers than sellers and would encourage more stone companies to put their offcuts on the site. “Come on all you sellers, where are you? Get your offcuts and part slabs listed, loaded and out of your yards.“

To cope with the success so far, Neil has appointed George Gifford as administrator to help locate pieces of stone and to keep on improving the service and the website.

Creating a market in offcuts is good for the Industry and the environment – rather than whole new slabs being cut down when only a small piece of stone is required, best use can be made of all the left over part slabs around the country.

“Your offcuts or part slabs are another fabricator’s vanity top, shelf or table top,” says Neil. “This is joining up the stone industry through collaboration. Buyers and sellers both benefit. By working together it makes the whole industry more attractive and more sustainable.”

You can register as a buyer or seller on the website. And feedback is welcomed. You can contact George Gifford at george@stonelocator.co.uk or by ‘phone on 01845 522523.