Stone Specialist chats to Edward Smith, Caesarstone’s managing director of the UK and ROI about the company’s products and culture

What made working for Caesarstone so appealing?

Working for Caesarstone was incredibly appealing to me for several reasons. Firstly, Caesarstone’s reputation for producing premium products is unparalleled. Being part of a company that sets the benchmark for quality and innovation in the engineered stone industry is both exciting and inspiring. Having been at the forefront of the premium engineered stone market since 1987, Caesarstone has nearly four decades of industry leadership. This extensive experience enables us to constantly set the standard for design and material innovation within the contemporary interiors sector. Working here means being part of a legacy that consistently strives for excellence and creativity.

Caesarstone is also renowned for continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in surface design. Our latest endeavour, the Time Collection, is a testament to this commitment. This collection introduced a new material offering – Mineral Surfaces – available in three designs, as well as seven new Porcelain surfaces, showcasing our dedication to innovation and our ability to stay ahead of market trends.

I joined not too long after the launch of Caesarstone’s first porcelain range, which marked a crucial development in the industry, offering surfaces that blend beauty and durability, but with the flexibility of a multi-surface solution, not only for countertops but for floors and internal cladding too. This allows customers to create an aesthetic golden thread throughout the home or commercial application. Caesarstone's approach to design ensures that our products not only meet current aesthetic demands but also offer timeless appeal, standing the test of time in both style and functionality.

What do you value above all else?

Humility and humour are what I value most. Every person within an organisation is as important to its success as anyone else. Therefore, treating everyone with respect and understanding is extremely important to me. I believe an organisation reflects its leadership, so it’s crucial to act in a way that you want your organisation to emulate. Additionally, enjoying what you do is essential, and a bit of humour helps to maintain a positive and enjoyable work environment.

What are the benefits of working with Caesarstone?

Working with Caesarstone offers numerous benefits. One of the most significant is the vast array of designs available. We pride ourselves on offering a diverse selection, ensuring that there is something to suit every taste and style.

Caesarstone is also the only manufacturer to offer quartz, porcelain, and mineral products to the market. This unique position allows us to meet a wide range of needs and preferences, giving our clients the luxury of flexibility in their design choices.

Our commitment to using high-quality raw materials, combined with years of expertise and technological innovations, makes Caesarstone the best brand to choose. Our products’ durable nature ensures they cut well and withstand the test of time, making fabricators’ and end customers’ lives easier.

Additionally, our confidence in the quality of our products is reflected in our lifetime warranty. This one-of-a-kind warranty highlights our dedication to providing long-lasting, reliable surfaces that our customers can trust.

What is your approach to work/life balance within your team?

I always try to instil a strong sense of ownership and accountability within my team that encourages individuals to work hard to achieve their work ambitions. As such, ensuring that my team takes the time to recharge and enjoy life outside of work is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. Holidays are there to be enjoyed, so I encourage everyone to use all their annual leave.

What has been the biggest surprise taking on the role?

The biggest surprise in taking on this role has been how quickly I fell in love with the products. I am already busy planning the redevelopment of my kitchen, inspired by the beautiful designs and quality of Caesarstone’s offerings.

What is the brand’s approach to the environment?

Caesarstone is deeply committed to symbiotic sustainability, ensuring that our operations and products positively impact the environment. Our approach to sustainability is comprehensive. We are extremely proud to hold several certifications, including ISO 14001, which ensures systematic environmental management, and ISO 9001, affirming our commitment to consistent quality and customer satisfaction. We also hold a third-party verified Declare label, providing transparency about the materials used within our surfaces and their environmental impact. At the end of last year, we achieved our first certified EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) – a report on the full environmental impact of our products, including their effects on climate change, ozone depletion, land use, and water use. This was a key step in our sustainability journey, helping to further guide Caesarstone and our customers to understand the effects of our products in an even clearer way.

As a business, we believe that part of our commitment to sustainability involves being entirely transparent in our efforts. To that effect, we released our first ESG Progress Report covering the 2021-2022 period, providing a comprehensive overview of Caesarstone’s sustainable evolution since our first ESG Report in 2020. This report detailed our progress and future goals, reflecting our dedication to continuous improvement in sustainability. All these initiatives provide tangible evidence of our dedication to transparency and sustainability, empowering consumers to make eco-conscious choices with confidence.

Furthermore, Caesarstone products are deeply inspired by nature, capturing the essence and beauty of natural stone while promoting a connection to our environment. This inspiration not only drives our aesthetic design but also reinforces our commitment to creating surfaces that are both beautiful and sustainable, helping to bring the tranquillity and elegance of nature into homes and commercial spaces.

Does the risk of silicosis concern you?

The risk of silicosis is a significant concern, particularly because it is entirely preventable. At Caesarstone, we encourage everyone to put the safety of their workers first by putting effective measures in place, such as water suppression and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

We have always emphasised safety messages on our products and since 2019 we have been offering free fabricator training through our Master of Stone program, which provides comprehensive training on safe handling, cutting, and installation practices to ensure the safety of those working with our products.

Additionally, we recently launched a new low-silica offering – Mineral Surfaces. With up to 40% recycled material content and reduced crystalline silica levels, these innovative surfaces offer a safe, durable, and eco-conscious alternative to quartz. Since the launch of our Mineral Surfaces, we have transitioned 27 stocked quartz products to this new low-silica material in our UK portfolio, with the aim to progressively transition more designs.

Do you think we may see a ban on engineered stone in the UK?

No, I do not believe we will see a ban on engineered stone in the UK. We are in regular discussions with the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and they recognise that silicosis is an entirely preventable disease. The HSE does not feel that a ban on engineered stone is necessary, but they are conducting inspections to ensure that businesses are enforcing health and safety regulations in the workplace.

It is important to note that there are no plans or discussions to ban materials like marble, granite, or bricks, which also contain silica. The focus remains on implementing and adhering to safety measures to prevent silicosis, rather than banning the materials outright.

When you’re not working what do you like to do?

When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family. They keep me grounded and help me maintain perspective. I also love to travel and experience new cultures. Everyone has a tale to tell, and I find people are always ready to talk. This passion for meeting new people and learning about different ways of life enriches both my personal and professional life.