Croydon-based Stonewest Group have made a major move into the Midlands by taking over the name and some assets of the much respected Cambridge stone and conservation specialists Rattee & Kett. Stonewest director Nick Wilson, also the managing director of West Country conservation company St Blaise that Stonewest took over in 2003, becomes the managing director of Rattee & Kett with key Rattee & Kett personnel Andy Brown, Ian Tolliday and Steve Ralph becoming associate directors. Rattee & Kett will continue to be run from the Digital Park premises in Longstanton that they have occupied since 1999.

At the same time, Woodkirk Stone Sales Ltd, the York stone quarrying company in Leeds, have taken over Rattee & Kett\'s well-equipped masonry works at Digital Park that will form the foundation of a new company, Cambridge Masonry Ltd. They will trade predominantly as a limestone masonry supplier in Southern and Central England. Phil Hutchins, who lead a take over of the Woodkirk operation in March last year, says: "This acquisition strengthens our position in the South, increases our manufacturing capacity and portfolio of natural stones, and expands our product range into limestone cladding. Together with our renowned Woodkirk sandstone we can now offer customers a wider range of paving, ashlar cladding and carved masonry products."

Rattee & Kett\'s telephone number remains 01954 262600.