At London Stone Paving Ltd we always try and embrace new technology for use in our bespoke stone production, and ideally we would like to source our machinery in the UK to support the UK economy.  The fact of the matter is that we don’t produce the required machinery in the UK.  We have automated bridge saws (Spanish) Stone crushing machinery(Swedish) CNC saw (Italy) Wire saw (Italy) and HGV’s (Germany).  It is a bit of a dour situation that government after government has failed to support, encourage and ensure manufacturing’s future here in the UK.  We are a fast growing company and are investing heavily in plant and machinery, but all the money generated is simply going abroad.  It’s not even as though the equipment is low quality Far East imports.  This is high tech, modern machinery which should be designed and produced in the UK.  We are continually being told the SME’s will help boost the UK recovery, but how this is supposed to happen is beyond me, when all the big investments being made are going to bolster the UK trade deficit.

London Stone Paving Ltd is on the lookout for some new staff to help support our fast growing business.  We currently have 20 employees and are looking for some additional people with specific experience of the industry to bolster our workforce, and deal with increasing demand.  The following positions are available to begin work in late March.

Sales Advisor:  The candidate should have a proven track record in Hard Landscaping, with extensive experience of installation of natural stone paving.  We believe it essential for all employees to have the knowledge to answer any questions our customers may have.   This helps to maintain high customer service levels and certainly adds a great deal of value to the service we provide.

Estimator:  The main role of the estimator will be the management of large projects featuring bespoke stone for our prestigious clients.  In depth knowledge of both interior and exterior stones will be required, along with a high level of technical and installation experience.

Stone Mason/fabricator:  To join our busy masonry department, experience with bridge saws, edge polishers and CNC machinery would be advantageous.  Main duties will be cutting paving stones, bespoke step treads and risers along with producing a variety of coping stones and pier caps.

Outgoing Sales:  To drive new business, create and manage leads and manage existing leads.  Correct candidate will have appropriate industry experience and contacts and also be highly motivated and target driven.  Will need to be able to work under own initiative.

If you are interested in any of the above positions please contact gavin@londonstone.com and include a CV and covering letter, clearly stating which position you are interested in applying for.

Over time as tastes change fashions come and go.  This is also true of exterior design style and paving choice.  I remember the concrete flags, commonly known as council flags.  Big grey heavy things, which were back breakers, I should know as I have laid a few in my time; though my back survived.  Then there was the imitation natural stone paving made from concrete moulds.  What people really wanted was the natural stone paving the slabs were based on, however high costs ensured these products were the preserve of the wealthy.  As globalisation reduced the cost of the imported natural sandstone paving, the popularity of these products grew from strength to strength, and reigned supreme for a good ten years.  The must have products of the moment, which have come on strongly in the last five years are sawn paving products, which perfectly complement the clean contemporary designs which are popular at the moment.   One product which has seen all these styles come and go is Yorkstone Paving.  Available in both natural split and sawn finishes, the strong demand we experience for these products is testament to their staying power.  Reclaimed Yorkstone Paving is also a great seller.  This can be very tricky to lay, due to the varying thickness of the stones, but a great finish can be achieved by using a good contractor.

Here at London Stone we are concerned with the environment, and our impact on the environment.  As part of our latest commitment to operating in a responsible manner we have recently purchased a concrete crushing machine.  The Bespoke Stone aspect of our business is rapidly expanding and creates a large amount of off cuts and stone waste.  Until now this has been removed from site in skips, potentially ending up in landfill sites.  In future all of our waste stone will be crushed to create sub base material which we will supply to customers for use in building up levels, patio bases and back fill.

Other measures used by London Stone to keep use of resources as low as possible are the recycling of all cutting water used in our stone masonry department, recycling of all office waste, email invoicing, and also high levels of good quality insulation in our office and showroom.

Soon to be implemented will be hand held devices for all staff, to vastly reduce paper printed such as pick notes and advice notes, rain water collection and re-use at our depot and the use of modern energy efficient machines and delivery vehicles.  London Stone are fiercely committed to the future of the environment.

Other measures used by London Stone to keep use of resources as low as possible are the recyling of all cutting water used in our stone masonry department, recycling of all office waste, email invoicing, and also high levels of good quality insulation in our office and showroom.

Soon to be implemented will be hand held devices for all staff, to vastly reduce paper printed such as pick notes and advice notes, rain water collection and re-use at our depot and the use of modern energy efficient machines and delivery vehicles.  London Stone are fiercly commited to the future of the environment.