Last week (7 July) saw the launch of a re-formed Stone Heritage Group of Stone Fedreation Great Britain. Next (on 26 July) comes the launch of the Interiors & Surface Materials Group. The Federation already has an established Quarries Group.

The concentration on different aspects of the stone industry recognises that companies with different specialities have particular interests, concerns and requirements from their trade association.

The Stone Heritage Group launch was at the Royal College of Surgeons in London. This was just for Members. Stone Federation describes the re-launch of the Group as an "exciting new initiative within the heritage sector". Chairman of the Group is Bernard Burns from Szerelmey, who spoke about the plans.

They include the creating of a Stone Heritage Register where Stone Federation member companies can be listed. The aim of the Register will be to provide a resource for heritage industry professionals to identify which Federation member firm is best suited to their project, whatever its size or budget.

Ian Major, of the Federation's training arm, StoneTrain, provided an insight into the results of a questionnaire that the Federation had sent to its members. This would help form the basis of the Register, he said. Ian also looked at training within the heritage sector and told members what courses were available and the grants available to offset the costs.

Dr Tim Yates of BRE spoke about the relationship between the heritage sector and technical aspects of the natural stone industry, especially the importance of the correct identification and sourcing of stone on heritage projects.

Stone Federation says it was encouraged by the positive feedback from members who attended the launch event. The general consensus of opinion was that the Stone Heritage Group and Register will place members at the forefront of the market when tendering for heritage work in the future. One of those who attended Tweeted: “Heritage Register is sounding like a great proposition. If you’re in the industry and you practice what you preach, get on it.”  

Next, then, the Interiors & Surface Materials (ISM) Focus Group. If you are involved in the supply of stone for interiors, this is the section for you, although, again, the launch event is for Federation members only.

The ISM Focus Group is both to champion the use of Federation members and to examine some of the main issues affecting member companies in this sector of the industry.

The launch will be at Marshalls Design Space in Clerkenwell, London, on Tuesday 26 July at 11:00am. The meeting will be followed by a networking lunch and a chance to take a look at the Design Space.

If you are a Federation member firm involved in the interiors and surface materials sector and would like to attend, you are requested to book your free place by emailing matt@stonefed.org.uk