Member Article

NE high risers work with well-known names

A County Durham specialist maintenance company has secured thousands of pounds worth of new projects with a global hotel chain and leading tourist attractions.

Stone Technical Services (STS), based on Kellaw Road in Darlington, has won a major renovation contract with Hilton Hotels. The project, at the Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor, involves the conservation and repair of 150 masonry balustrades which surround the hotel’s fascia. STS’s team is using specialist access to carry out the repairs which will limit disruption to the hotel’s daily operations and make the project completion more efficient.

In London, STS has secured two new contracts working with MITIE at the Royal Courts of Justice on the The Strand and at St Paul’s Cathedral’s Chapter House.

Having completed a number of projects at the Royal Courts over the last few years, STS has won a significant contract to carry out maintenance at the Thomas More building and also an inspection of the historic clock tower on the Royal Courts itself.

At St Paul’s Cathedral, where STS is already the appointed lightning conductor contractor, the company is working on the grade II-listed Chapter House, which is currently undergoing a repair programme. STS is installing a new lightning protection system, designed specifically for the needs of the historic building, and also installing discreet lifeline systems to ensure health and safety procedures are up to date.

In February, STS announced that the business was ahead of its financial expectations with a 30% year on year increase, thanks to continued growth across all of its divisions. Turnover is now in excess of £2.5 million and managers expect this to reach £3 million by the end of 2015.

MD of STS, Dave Stone, said: “We work on such a variety of projects- from small maintenance work at private homes to major restoration works on bridges, industrial sites and historic buildings. These three new contract wins are a real boost at an important time of year. Hilton, St Paul’s and the Royal Courts of Justice are incredibly prestigious and known worldwide so it’s great that our team is recognised as being a leader in the field as we continue to grow and secure high profile projects.”

STS is a specialist in historic, high level and specialist maintenance as well as lightning protection and industrial steeplejack services and comprises four divisions: - STS Lightning Protection, STS Restoration, STS Maintenance and Facilities Management and STS Conservation.

In the last year, staff numbers have increased by five, reaching 39, and the business plans to create a further five new roles this year as well as a number of apprenticeship opportunities.

Other clients include Westminster Abbey, English Heritage, the NHS, the National Trust, BSkyB, Sir Robert McAlpine and UK-wide local authorities.

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