Tony Kay, Business Development Director at Classic Masonry
Can you tell us about Classic Masonry and your role?
Classic Masonry is one of the country’s leading specialist stonemasonry contractors and we continue to be involved in many exciting and significant construction, maintenance, restoration and conservation projects.
My role involves internal training and development and external outreach and customer relationships.
When was the company established?
The company was set up in 1991 so next year is our 35th anniversary.
What projects is the company currently undertaking?
We are currently undertaking the design and build of stonemasonry for an extension to Rockliffe Hall Hotel, building stone walls as part of the landscaping at Sunderland Riverside and carrying out stone cleaning and restoration of properties in North Shields and Darlington. We are also working on a private house in Northumberland and completing stone conservation work on Cosin’s Almshouses, which were constructed in 1666 and are adjacent to Durham Cathedral.
Other projects include the design and installation of precast concrete cladding for retail units in Islington and carrying out landscaping to the rear of the Royal Festival Hall in London.
Which areas of the UK does your company operate within?
The work we undertake is predominantly in northern England but we almost always have a job or two in London and have worked all over the UK for certain specialisms.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the construction sector?
As a specialist contractor, we suffer from the transfer of risk down the supply chain from client to subcontractor. However, the current contractual and procurement models don’t value this with corresponding influence and reward.
In terms of opportunities, you may be surprised to hear that even though we are a stonemasonry company with skills the same as when the pyramids were built, we continue to be excited by technology and are already using AI in suggesting design solutions.
What can be done to bridge the skills gap in the construction sector?
We have a maturing workforce and need to draw new people into the sector by showing them the exciting opportunities available. To do this, it is essential we receive strong support from the education system to recognise that vocational work can be just as interesting, varied and rewarding as traditional ‘white collar’ careers. Young people need to be encouraged that learning a trade is no less attractive than a career that requires a university education.
You are a member of Northern Counties Builders Federation. How does being aligned to a sector body support Classic Masonry?
We are a relatively small SME and being part of a group of like-minded companies with shared values gives us quicker access to information, advice and lobbying support. It’s often reassuring to know that we are not alone in facing some of the challenges we encounter.
What’s your proudest business achievement?
The company consistently makes a significant contribution to the construction of new buildings and the restoration of historically important ones.
We have won several awards throughout our history. Of these, being named the overall winner of the 2024 Natural Stone Awards for the Faith Museum at Auckland Castle was particularly special.
