NEWS | Innovating Times Issue Four Now Available

Issue four of Keystone Group’s inspiring architect magazine, Innovating Times, is now available online.

The Keystone Group is the UK’s largest steel lintel manufacturer and Europe’s fastest-growing roof window manufacturer. Comprising 13 market-leading brands, the company has grown to its present position in the marketplace by establishing a reputation for the reliable supply of quality specialist products and its continuous focus on innovation.

The architect-aimed magazine Innovating Times, first published in 2017, features interviews, blogs, insights, and case study examples of Keystone Group’s brand innovations, and fulfils its usual remit to inform, educate and entertain.

Sean Og Coyle, Commercial Director at Keystone Group, said: “We’re delighted to publish our latest issue of Innovating Times. From interviews with architects to explorations of how our brand’s products are meeting the demands of today’s architecture, the magazine features some fantastic content we hope you will enjoy reading.”

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NEWS | Supporting rising construction stars with sponsorship of Skillbuild 2023

The Keystone Group has been announced as the main sponsor of SkillBuild 2023, the largest and longest-running construction skills competition in the UK.

The contest has support from four companies within the Keystone Group: IG Masonry Support, Keyfix, IG Lintels, and Keystone Lintels. Each brand will not only be lending their name to the competition, they will provide their industry-leading products to ensure entrants are well-equipped to showcase their skills.

Owen Coyle, Divisional CEO, Keystone Group said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s SkillBuild event. It’s a fantastic contest featuring talented apprentices and trainees of all ages. The construction industry is in real need of new, skilled recruits. SkillBuild provides an excellent platform to showcase new construction talent, as well as act as a catalyst to inspire others to take up tools and join the industry.”

Organised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild pits entrants against each other in a contest involving 13 regional qualifying heats. The one-day events will test competitors on their technical abilities, time management, problem-solving and skills working under pressure. Winners from each qualifier will be invited to take part in the SkillBuild National Finals, taking place in November 2023.

Ten trade categories will be contested in SkillBuild: bricklaying, carpentry, joinery, painting and decorating, plastering, plastering and drywall systems, roof slating and tiling, stonemasonry, wall and floor tiling and furniture and cabinet making. Level 1 competitions are also available in wall and floor tiling and bricklaying.

A recent CITB  ‘Construction Skills Network’ (CSN) report states that nearly 225,000 additional workers will be required to meet UK construction demand by 2027. Despite the current economic challenges, the report states that demand for new recruits in the building industry will remain high.

The Keystone Group’s commitment to addressing the building industry skills shortfall includes the launch of ‘Keyskills’, a brand-new education initiative providing support to skill-up a new generation of bricklayers in UK and Ireland. The initiative, also involving Keystone Group’s IG Masonry Support, Keyfix, Keystone Lintels, and IG Lintels, showcases a wide range of construction methods through free training support and materials. It’s a generous offering that is designed to focus on relieving financial pressures on education establishments to allow extra funding for the development and recruitment of bricklaying training courses.

Owen Coyle continued: “We see it as our duty to help inspire young people and show them that traditional trades offer a career that is fulfilling and rewarding. It is vital that we continually bring generation after generation into the fold for construction; it brings fresh new ideas and adds energy to our industry. The flipside, an aging workforce that will never be able to keep up with demand. That is why we whole heartedly believe in Keyskills. Every ‘brickie’ counts!”

To take advantage of the new Keyskills programme, visit our Keyskills page to find out more.

EVENT | Exhibiting at CABE Built Environment Conferences 2023

The Keystone Group is pleased to announce that its companies IG Masonry Support, Keystone Lintels, IG Lintels and Keyfix are exhibiting at the CABE Built Environment series of regional conferences for 2023.

The Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) is redefining its conference season, and is introducing six new events as part of its new Built Environme

nt Series. The CABE event programme consists of four major regional events across the UK, taking place in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Each event will showcase the expertise of both regional and national professionals, providing attendees with a valuable experience. Distinguished guest speakers from various disciplines will share their insights, engaging in topical discussions and interactive Q&A sessions. Moreover, participants will have the chance to network with industry professionals and suppliers during the trade exhibition, facilitating connections and collaboration.

The first event in the series will be Built Environment England, which will take place at the University of Salford on Tuesday 20th June, followed by Built Environment Wales at Cardiff Metropolitan University on 22nd June.

The Built Environment England Technical Conference will focus on themes of performance, compliance and safety. The discussion will look at key areas of the built environment sector, including the challenges presented by the journey to net zero carbon and the new duty holder regime. The event not only offers the opportunity to learn from a variety of speakers, attendees have the opportunity to explore the trade exhibition and network with other professionals. The event will conclude with the opportunity to tour the Energy House 2.0 facility developed by the University of Manchester. Energy House 2.0 is currently the largest test and research facility focusing on fuel-efficient technologies in Europe.

In support of the Group’s mission to create smart construction solutions beyond equal, Keystone’s companies will be exhibiting at the conferences. The Keystone Group comprises eight brands located across four regions, boasting a workforce of over 1,000 dedicated employees. Their collective commitment to innovation and providing outstanding customer service unites them. By consistently challenging the status quo and embracing innovations, the Keystone Group has emerged as the largest manufacturer of steel lintels in the UK and Ireland, as well as the fastest-growing manufacturer of roof windows in Europe.

Sean Og Coyle, Commercial Director of Keystone Group commented: “I am excited to announce that the Keystone Group companies, Keyfix, Keystone Lintels, IG Lintels, and IG Masonry Support, will be exhibiting at the CABE Built Environment conferences for 2023. These regional events provide a valuable experience, featuring guest speakers, topical discussions, and networking opportunities. We are looking forward to connecting with our peers, sharing knowledge and contributing to the advancement of the industry.”

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