Ten years ago John Rushworth established his own company, Restore London, with offices in site of St Paul's Cathedral in London.

The location was chosen because the company wanted to work on the historic buildings in the centre of London, and John reasoned that having offices there would help by enabling the company's senior people to respond instantly to clients' needs.

When John welcomed colleagues and guests to a celebration of Restore London's 10th anniversary in Drapers Hall in Throgmorton Avenue, EC2, he recalled how, when he told people he was naming his company Restore London, some had said it sounded like a campaign. And he said in some ways it had been a campaign – a campaign to look after the impressive built heritage of the capital.

The anniversary celebrations were held at Drapers Hall, one of London's Livery Company halls, because it has many examples of Restore London's work, including the cleaning and, where necessary, repair of the Portland stone from which the hall is built. 

Working with Purcell Architects, Restore London has, in its 10-year history, been involved with various projects at Drapers Hall, rebuilt in 1772, repairing and maintaining it.

John praised the team that forms Restore London. He said the word 'team' was often over-used, but it meant a lot to Restore London. "If you take 'team' out of 'teamwork' all you're left with is work," said John.

He is proud of his company's team of stonemasons and other skilled people who enjoy the work they conscientiously carry out on London's built heritage, as he told Natural Stone Specialist magazine earlier this year (you can read that report about Restore London here) and he thanked the clients, customers, colleagues and supply chains Restore London has worked with over the years for their part in the company's success – success that would see its turnover in its tenth year break through the £10million mark. And he thanked his wife and fellow Director, Claire, for her patience, advice and support.

The 10th anniversary celebrations in Drapers Hall took place on the evening of 8 September and during them came the sad announcement that The Queen had died.