Stephen Ainsworth has joined Lovell Stone Group as the new Mine Manager for Hartham Park Bath stone underground quarry, where Lovell is taking over production from Hanson Bath & Portland in February.

Stephen brings with him a wealth of industry experience, having worked at various mining operations throughout the world, including Hartham Park itself. His experience should minimise the break in production as a result of the changeover.

Stephen will be instrumental in developing the mine and mitigating any production downtime once Lovell Stone Group has taken over the lease.

Lovell Stone Group has also appointed Amanda Woollaston as Marketing Manager, based at the company’s head office in Swanage, Dorset.

Amanda will be focusing on brand development and all aspects of the marketing function for the Group. She has many years’ commercial property and architectural marketing experience and will be supporting the longer term strategy of the business.

Lovell currently operates four quarries and major masonry works in the South West. The addition of Hartham Park Bath stone to its stable next year is a major coup representing a significant expansion of the Group’s dimensional stone interests.

Simon Hart, Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome both Stephen and Amanda to the Lovell Stone team. Both appointments support our long term business goals, providing us with an opportunity to successfully take over and manage our new venture at Hartham Park and also cement and develop our reputation throughout the UK.

“Stephen’s and Amanda’s experience and insight is invaluable to the company and with their appointments we have been able to strengthen our management team, enabling the business to go from strength to strength.”

Once Hartham Park has been officially handed over on 1 February, Lovell Stone Group will be investing in the mine.

Sales Director James Hart: “Our priority now is to assure our customers we will do all we can to minimise the break in supply.” He says Stephen Ainsworth will be instrumental in creating a seamless transition to mitigate any disruption.