NEWS | Training commitment expands to Caxton Academy

IG Masonry Support is delighted to announce the expansion of its apprenticeship support programme through a new partnership with Caxton Academy, reinforcing its dedication to addressing the skills shortage by offering free training support and materials.

Through this new collaboration with Caxton Academy in Birmingham, IG Masonry Support  is taking proactive steps to ensure the next generation of bricklayers are equipped with the skills needed to meet industry demands. As part of this collaboration, IG Masonry Support is providing high quality training resources and equipment including tool bags and tools, uniforms, and training demonstration days.

The initiative reflects IG Masonry Support’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and dedication to giving back to its customers and the wider industry. By investing in the training and development of apprentices, IG Masonry Support aims to contribute to a well-equipped, skilled workforce for the future of masonry and construction.

“We are delighted to be able to support Caxton Academy as they ‘skill-up’ a new generation of bricklayers and façade installers,” said Siobhan Martin, Marketing Manager at IG Masonry Support. “The ongoing skills shortage in the construction industry is a well-known, long-standing issue. We are not just providing tools, training and resources, we are helping to build careers and support construction’s future.”

The partnership with Caxton Academy comes at a critical time, with the sector facing significant workforce challenges. According to the National House Building Council (NHBC), there are still 33,000 more bricklayers needed in the housebuilding sector to meet government targets.

“The support from IG Masonry Support through their donations of tools, equipment and training will help develop students’ skills and prepare them for a career in the sector,” said Ivan Sharpe, Caxton Group Apprenticeship Development Manager. “It is vitally important that the student trainees receive this level of support from manufacturers like IG Masonry Support. We thank them for their generosity.”

For more information about Caxton Academy or to enquire about apprenticeship courses and training, visit the Caxton Academy website.

For more information about IG Masonry Support’s apprentice support opportunities visit igmasonrysupport.com/resources/keyskills.

 

NEWS | Constructionline Gold Accreditation Secured

We are delighted to announce that we have achieved Constructionline Gold Member status, reflecting our commitment and dedication to maintaining the highest industry standards across all our operations.

Securing Constructionline Gold accreditation demonstrates that we have complied with rigorous management and equality standards. The gold status streamlines the procurement process and provides contractors with confidence that our company has been subjected to increased scrutiny around governance and risk management.

Going above and beyond PAS91 requirements, this accreditation includes enhanced validation checks across critical areas including environmental management, quality management, equal opportunities and diversity, compliance with the Modern Slavery Act, as well as robust anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies.

The accreditation also signifies that our company meets Build UK’s Common Assessment Standard, saving customers time and money during the prequalification process.

In addition to these credentials, our Gold membership includes Acclaim’s SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) Certificate of Health and Safety. This certification highlights our dedication to fulfilling our health and safety responsibilities to the highest possible standards.

“We are thrilled to have secured Constructionline Gold Member accreditation. This accreditation demonstrates our steadfast commitment to best practices in governance, environmental stewardship, and health and safety,” said Andy Neal, Managing Director at IG Masonry Support. “This also reflects the hard work and dedication of our team and reinforces our position as a trusted partner in the construction industry. We look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional masonry support solutions and supporting our clients in achieving their goals.”

The Constructionline Gold accreditation joins our extensive list of certifications and accreditations. Our company invests in rigorous manufacturing processes and certifications to ensure our product meets and exceeds industry standards, giving our customers complete peace of mind.

For more information on our range of certifications and accreditations, visit our resources page.

NEWS | IG Masonry Support champions brickwork excellence at 2025 ABC Awards

IG Masonry Support is delighted to once again sponsor the Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC) Awards 2025, reinforcing its commitment to advancing skills and excellence across the brickwork sector. 

The annual awards are a celebration of ‘outstanding quality in the brickwork contracting sector’, with the judges evaluating nominees across five categories: Supplier of the Year, Commitment to Training & Development, Project of the Year, Craftsperson of the Year and Bricklaying Apprentice of the Year.  IG Masonry Support will be sponsoring the Commitment to Training and Development category, helping to encourage the builders of the future and assist in the brickwork sector’s continued growth.   

Emphasising the company’s commitment, Scott Denham, Sales Director for IG Masonry Support said: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of these awards and partner with ABC who reflect our belief in nurturing talent and driving industry excellence. The type of training they provide is essential to ensuring products innovated by ourselves and other masonry-based companies are implemented using the highest workmanship. By supporting these awards, we are investing in the future of brickwork excellence.” 

The winners of each category will be announced at a gala night being held at London’s St Pancras Hotel on 28th February 2025. It will mark the third time the awards have been held since their inception in 2021. 

For more information on the ABC Awards visit: aofbc.co.uk 

EVENT | Join us at Specifi 2025 ‘spec-talk’ events

Specifi’s ‘spec-talk’ events are returning in 2025, and we are looking forward to attending 10 locations across the UK and Ireland.

Gain valuable insights and connect with leading brands at these interactive events.

Architects and industry experts will have the opportunity to enjoy 10-minute face-to-face meetings with industry experts, learning more about innovative products and services.

IG Masonry Support’s sister brands, Keystone Lintels and Keyfix, will also attend various events throughout the year.

Location

Date Address Keystone Group
London Monday 27th January St. James’s Church, Crypt on the Green, Clerkenwell Close, EC1R 0EA Keystone Lintels and Keyfix
Edinburgh Wednesday 12th February Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2LR IG Masonry Support and Keystone Lintels
Leeds Wednesday 12th March Hilton Leeds City, Neville St, Leeds LS1 4BX IG Masonry Support and Keyfix
Bristol Tuesday 29th April The Bristol Hotel, Prince St, Bristol BS1 4QF IG Masonry Support
Sheffield Thursday 8th May Cutlers’ Hall Hospitality, 7-15 Church St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 1HG IG Masonry Support
Newcastle Wednesday 21st May St James’ Park, Barrack Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE14ST IG Masonry Support
Glasgow Wednesday 4th June Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3NY Keystone Lintels
Dublin Monday 23rd June Camden Court Hotel, Camden Street, Dublin 2, D02 W086 IG Masonry Support, Keyfix and Keystone Lintels
Belfast Wednesday 25th June Clayton Hotel Belfast, 22 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast, BT2 8HS IG Masonry Support, Keyfix and Keystone Lintels
London Wednesday 20th August St. James’s Church, Crypt on the Green, Clerkenwell Close, EC1R 0EA IG Masonry Support
Birmingham Wednesday 17th September Birmingham – Fazeley Studios, 191 Fazeley Street, Digbeth, B5 5SE Keystone Lintels
Manchester Wednesday 22nd October Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ IG Masonry Support and Keyfix
Liverpool Tuesday 11th November Delta Hotels Liverpool City Centre, Queen Square, Liverpool L1 1RH

IG Masonry Support and Keyfix

 

Register now on the Specifi website to secure your place at these events. Spaces are limited.