Member Article

Striking growth for NE lightning firm

A County Durham specialist building repair company has strengthened its team of lightning protection engineers after winning more contracts.

Darlington based Stone Technical Services Group (STS) are aiming to become the leading lightning protection installation and design company in the North East and have recruited another specialist to add to its division’s 15-strong team.

Mark Sherwood has over 25 years experience in all types of lightning protection and design having previously worked at Harrison Lightning and Earthing in Middleton-St-George. Mark has been recruited as a senior lightning protection and specialist earthing manager and will be responsible for heading up a range of projects on structures such as St Paul’s Cathedral, the Royal Courts of Justice, English Heritage properties and industrial works.

Since the start of 2014, STS Lightning Protection division has secured a number of new contracts including designing and installing systems for York Park and Ride, on the outskirts of the city, and for the Bonding Warehouse development in York, which has undergone a multi-million re-development to turn the 19th century listed building into executive apartments.

In addition, following the completion of a range of restoration works at Todmorden Town Hall for Calderdale Council, STS is returning to the grade I-listed building to install a suitable lightning protection network.

STS has seen an ongoing, increasing demand for its lightning protection services in the last year and, as well as recruiting Mark, is also training apprentices in this very specialist field.

MD, Dave Stone, said: “Lightning protection installation is so niche and the industry is desperate for not only new recruits but also highly-skilled experts. Mark Sherwood is very well respected in this sector and brings with him vast experience. Our team has a combined experience of more than 100 years in this field and it’s great to be able to train new apprentices whilst attracting such incredible experience.”

Mark Sherwood added: “Joining STS is a fantastic career opportunity for me as the company is entrusted with iconic structures all over the UK. I’m also really excited to be able to share my experience with enthusiastic youngsters who are keen to join our sector- we really do need more and I’m delighted that STS works so hard to train them to exceptional levels.”

STS is a leader in the specialist field of lightning protection and is one of the most highly accredited in the industry as a member of the Association of Technical Lightning and Access Specialists (ATLAS), Lightning Conductor Engineers and also of the Steeplejack Training Group Association, operating to the highest compliance standards for lightning protection, BS EN 62305.

The company, whose HQ are on Kellaw Road in Darlington, provides specialist lightning protection installation to help prevent damage to buildings caused by lightning strikes and the costly repairs associated with them and also to ensure that systems are compliant for insurance purposes.

Stone is the approved contractor managing lightning protection on St Paul’s Cathedral and works with a variety of organisations such as local authorities and housing associations and on historic structures, churches, war memorials, schools, offices and car parks.

The company employs a team of 40 and has offices in Edinburgh, Middlesex, central London and Cheshire as well as its HQ in Darlington

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Addison Associates .