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Author: Siobhan Martin

BLOG | Keystone Group Celebrates 35th Anniversary

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

Keystone Group officially opens new Cookstown HQ as it brings 400 leading figures from UK and Ireland’s construction sector to Northern Ireland for 35th-anniversary gala hosted by Patrick Kielty

The Keystone Group, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading manufacturers of construction products, has on the 9th of May, officially opened its new headquarters in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, ahead of welcoming 400 guests to Northern Ireland for a 35th-anniversary gala event in Titanic Belfast this evening, hosted by popular broadcaster, Patrick Kielty.

With an annual turnover of over £300m, the Keystone Group has evolved from a solo steel lintel manufacturing operation started by former building control officer, Sean Coyle, in 1989, into a leading and innovative manufacturer of construction products.

The Group’s newly expanded headquarters at Ballyreagh Industrial Estate in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, has been designed with staff wellbeing as a key focus. It also offers purpose-built space designed to encourage greater collaboration and innovation. The opening also marks another significant milestone for the Keystone Group with the recent appointment of its 2,000th member of staff.

Attendees at the official opening included many of the 400 leading figures from the UK and Ireland’s construction and manufacturing sectors who have been brought to Northern Ireland today by the Keystone Group. They were given a behind-the-scenes look at Keystone’s innovative factory premises in Cookstown, where cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices have propelled the company to the forefront of the construction manufacturing sector. Later this evening, they will enjoy a celebratory 35th anniversary gala event in Titanic Belfast, hosted by popular broadcaster, Patrick Kielty.

Speaking at the official opening of the new headquarters, Sean Coyle, founder of the Keystone Group, said:

“Thirty-five years on from its beginning, the Keystone Group now operates from 27 locations across the UK, Ireland, Poland, and the Netherlands. We have chosen to make this investment in our Cookstown headquarters, however, as a signal of our continuing commitment to the people of Mid-Ulster and to ensuring economic growth and prosperity for the region and Northern Ireland as a whole.

We are also delighted today to be bringing 400 of the UK and Ireland’s leading construction industry figures to Belfast and Cookstown to celebrate our 35th anniversary with us. As well as being an occasion to thank our customers and partners, it will be a tremendous opportunity to network, share insights, and foster further growth and collaborations.

From 1989 to today our focus has always been on providing customers with innovative products to meet their needs, along with unrivalled customer service, and we will continue to emphasise those aspects of our business in the decades ahead. We may be a bigger company now, but we are still a family business and we’d like to keep it like that.”

The Keystone Group also showcased its newest acquisition, Showersave Ltd as part of the official opening. Part of the Group’s continued drive to deliver innovation and sustainability in the construction and manufacturing sectors, the innovative waste water heat recovery system was recently awarded “Best Services Product” at The Housebuilder Products Awards.

Speaking about the Group’s commitment to innovation, Owen Coyle, Divisional Chief Executive, said:

“To date, we have over 110 patents across the Keystone Group, and our commitment to innovation means we will continue to deliver the products our customers need before they know they need them. Whether it’s thatched roofs in the Netherlands, homes in Tyrone, or the skylines of New York, we’re confident Keystone Group products will continue to be used to enhance the performance and aesthetics of buildings around the world across the next four decades and beyond.”

Thanking Keystone’s staff and customers, Sean Og Coyle, Chief Commercial Officer for Keystone Group, added:

“Our journey to becoming an international company with 2,000 staff, and over 1,500,000 sq ft of manufacturing and warehouse space, is down to the hard work and dedication of our team as well as the support of our partners and customers. As we officially open our new headquarters, we remain committed to investing in the future workforce through our Keyskills initiative which enables our Further Education Colleges to offer apprenticeships, traineeships, and welding programmes, and to support our staff so they continue to enjoy their work at Keystone and are equipped to reach their full potential.”

Further information on the Keystone Group is available online at keystonegroup.co.uk

EVENT | Clerkenwell Design Week 2024

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

Join IG Masonry Support as we host the hottest party of Clerkenwell Design Week 2024, Ministry of Masonry.

Clerkenwell Design Week is the UK’s leading design festival and go-to event for architects and interior designers in London. Hosted over three days (21 – 23 May 2024), visitors can explore the world’s leading design brands, undiscovered talent, specially commissioned installations, and brand activations as well as hundreds of design-led events, workshops, talks, parties, showroom presentations, and more.

‘Ministry of Masonry’, hosted by IG Masonry Support – designers and manufacturers of the most practical and advanced range of stainless steel masonry support products and revolutionary brick slip soffit systems – will take place on Thursday 23rd May from 6pm till late at EH Smith Design Centre on St John Street. The party will invite visitors of Clerkenwell Design Week to relax and enjoy the surrounding design excellence with DJs, saxophonists, and free food and drinks.

Prior to the party, we will be joined by MATT Architecture to deliver a design-led presentation from 5-6 pm exploring the vision for Ilona Rose House and the influence of our masonry support and brick slip systems on the build.

Siobhan Martin, Senior Brand Executive of IG Masonry Support said: “Clerkenwell Design Week is always a fantastic opportunity to explore and discover products that contribute to the architectural excellence we see in buildings throughout the UK.

“We are delighted to invited back this year and to be hosting these two exciting events supported by our longstanding partners, EH Smith Architectural Solutions. We hope visitors will enjoy exploring the EH Smith showroom, learning about our offsite solutions, and relaxing with some food and drink in hand.”

Clerkenwell Design Week is free to attend and anyone planning to attend should check out a full programme of events and register for their free visitor badge at clerkenwelldesignweek.com

 

EVENT | CPD Webinar Series 2024

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

We’re excited to announce the dates for our CPD Webinar Series for 2024. This series includes both our current CPDs: Specifying Sustainability and Achieving Intricate Brick Features.

The first CPD of the series, Specifying Sustainability, will be hosted on Thursday 14th March (12-12:30 pm) by our Specification Executive, Jemma Ison. Jemma will explore how offsite construction and conscious material selection can promote a circular economy. During the 30-minute webinar, she will delve deep into the global challenge and the need to decarbonise our sector, awareness of the sustainable benefits of offsite construction solutions, sustainable material selection to promote a circular economy, and how the Keystone Group is proactively delivering Net Zero applications.

The second CPD of the series, Achieving Intricate Brick Features, will be launching on Thursday 22nd March (12-1pm). The 60-minute webinar will explore topics such as bespoke brick slip solutions that comply with Document B: Fire Safety, traditional methods of forming brick soffits versus new technologies, why material selection is limited to stainless steel for masonry support systems, and levels of adjustability in the different masonry support systems to accommodate site tolerances.

These two CPD topics will be available monthly throughout 2024.

Our Specification Executive and Keystone Group Sustainability Manager Jemma Ison commented: “IG Masonry Support understands how important it is for architects, specifiers, and engineers to stay up-to-date on the latest construction trends and how they can help to enhance future projects. We understand that work time is precious and so is continuous professional development therefore we feel that short, concise webinar sessions will support this development in the most effective and time-conscious way.”

To find out more or book a CPD session throughout 2024, visit our CPD page.

BLOG | International Women’s Day 2024 – Interviews

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

It’s International Women’s Day 2024 and to celebrate we are pleased to present a series of interviews featuring the incredible voices of our female employees. From sharing their experiences, motivations, and perspectives, these interviews shed light on the diverse talents and strengths of the women who drive innovation and success within our company.

 

Interview – Siobhan Martin, Senior Brand Executive

 

 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

As a woman in a male-dominated industry and also competing in a male-dominated sport, I think it’s truly important to highlight and encourage the limitless possibilities we have as females. Equality and empowerment are vital.

What motivated you to pursue a career in the construction industry?

After spending the first half of my career in Local Government, I moved location and fancied a challenge in a brand-new industry. Keystone Group stood out for me as a leading construction product manufacturer and I was keen to become part of something big and make an impact on the future of construction.

How do you think the construction industry can become more inclusive and diverse?

I think we are slowly but surely moving in the right direction however as an industry, we need to do more by targeting and advising young females from school age to highlight the career possibilities. This will also allow construction companies to access a broader range of skills and experience.

What’s your personal International Women’s Day message?

Go for it and don’t be worried! No matter which job you are interested in, your gender plays no role. We are all capable. We, as women, can accomplish anything. We just need to be brave enough to stand up and do so!

 

Interview – Judith Mitchell, Health & Safety Coordinator 

 

 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

To me IWD is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the progress that has been made in empowering women in the workplace and to recognise some of the amazing talented female colleagues I work with.

What motivated you to pursue a career in the construction industry?

Choosing a Health and Safety role  in the construction industry offers a chance to make a significant difference to employee safety and the satisfaction of seeing tangible results from safe working practices being implemented across sites.

How do you think the construction industry can become more inclusive and diverse?

To be more inclusive the construction industry needs to ensure the same opportunities, recognition and rewards are given to women in the workplace as are given to men.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in construction?

Never doubt your knowledge, don’t be afraid to speak up and express your concerns. It can be quite intimidating being a young women in what’s has always been considered a male environment but your  input is just as important and valuable as anyone else on the team.

What’s your personal International Women’s Day message?

“It took me a long time to find my voice and know my own strength but now I have it, I’m never going to be quiet or rely on anyone but myself, if I make mistakes along the way at least I’ll know they were mine to make”

 

Interview – Beverly Whiting, Area Sales Manager

 

 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It’s the chance to celebrate and recognise the achievements of all women. For me personally to reflect on inspirational women in my life. Along side celebrating achievements it important to recognise the gender inequality that still exists and look at opportunities to overcome these.

What motivated you to pursue a career in the construction industry?

I fell into the construction industry after working in finance and found that I absolutely loved the industry so continued to pursue a career in it.

How do you think the construction industry can become more inclusive and diverse?

It has been great to see the rise in numbers of women in the construction industry workforce, however the percentage is still very low at around 16%. The diverse range of jobs need to be promoted through college’s, universities and apprenticeships to women.

Companies breaking down gender stereotypical roles by hiring women for positions previously perceived and a male role and supporting diversity.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in construction?

Absolutely go for it. It’s an amazing industry to be part of. It’s incredibly interesting, challenging and there’s so much scope for career development.

What’s your personal International Women’s Day message?

Pursue your ambitions, be the author of your own destiny, smash through the barriers and be the most successful and happiest version of yourself.

BLOG | National Engineers Week 2024 – Maruf Khan Interview

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

National Engineers Week 2024 is drawing to a close so we’ve caught up with our final interviewee Maruf Khan to share his thoughts and experiences working in the industry as a Structural Engineer:

 

What made you want to get into engineering?

I was always fascinated by how things work and enjoyed solving mathematical physics problems in school / college. This curiosity naturally led me towards engineering. The idea of creating innovative solutions and contributing to the advancement of society appealed to me. I wanted a career that allowed me to apply mathematical and scientific principles to real-world challenges, and engineering offered the perfect blend of creativity and analytical thinking.

 

What does a typical working day look like for you?

A typical day in my role involves a mix of collaborative teamwork and individual tasks. I spend time analysing project requirements, designing solutions, and often working closely with cross-functional teams. Meetings, whether with colleagues or clients, are a crucial part of ensuring everyone is aligned. Additionally, problem-solving is a daily occurrence, and adaptability is key as priorities may shift.

 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The most enjoyable aspect of my job is the opportunity to bring ideas to life and witness the tangible impact of our work. I find satisfaction in overcoming challenges and seeing projects evolve from concept to reality. Collaborating with diverse teams and learning from each other’s expertise is also rewarding. Moreover, the continuous learning environment in engineering keeps me engaged and excited about the ever-evolving technologies and methodologies.

 

Any advice for aspiring engineers?

My advice to aspiring engineers is to foster a strong foundation in mathematics and science. Cultivate a passion for problem-solving and embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Seek internships or projects that provide hands-on experience, as practical knowledge is invaluable. Communication skills are equally important, so practice expressing complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. Stay curious, be adaptable, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges – they often lead to the most significant growth in your career. Finally, build a professional network and learn from mentors who can guide you on your journey.

For more information on our career opportunities, visit our careers page.

BLOG | National Engineers Week 2024 – Mathew Cooper Interview

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

National Engineers Week 2024 (18 – 24) rolls on so we caught up with our Graduate Design Engineer Mathew Cooper to get the perspective of graduates who are getting started in the industry:

 

What made you want to get into engineering?

My interest in Mathematics combined with my love for Architecture is what propelled me to pursue a career in the engineering industry. The fact that Engineering is considered one of the most valuable degrees currently played a big role in my decision-making.

What does a typical working day look like for you?

A typical working day for me usually consists of looking over architectural and structural drawings and dealing with customer emails and calls regarding information or queries addressing our products.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The most enjoyable aspect of my job would be the team I work with, there’s always a great atmosphere in the office. Also having the ability to create a bespoke design and having to back it up with structural understanding is always a rewarding challenge.

Any advice for aspiring engineers?

My advice to any aspiring engineers would be to take each and every opportunity that comes your way as you might find it of interest for a future career!

For more information on our career opportunities, visit our careers page.

BLOG | National Engineers Week 2024 – Fausto Braccio Interview

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

National Engineers Week 2024 continues and up next we have our Senior Project Engineer Fausto Braccio who believes aspiring engineers should continuously seek opportunities to learn and expand their skill set:

 

What made you want to get into engineering?

I was drawn to civil engineering because I have always been fascinated by the idea of being part of the process of designing and building structures that benefit society and improve people’s lives.

 What does a typical working day look like for you?

A typical day for me starts with planning the day and organising tasks based on priority. It also involves coordinating and attending internal and external meetings, answering to customer’s queries, helping them with their request for additional products, checking and processing product packs before they go into manufacture, among others. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I enjoy the most of my job is the possibility of working in diverse projects from small residential houses to large building complexes, resulting in learning something new every day and having the chance to work with many professionals along the way. I also find satisfaction in witnessing the tangible results of our efforts when doing site visits or looking at our customer’s site photos, which is particularly rewarding.

Any advice for aspiring engineers?

For aspiring engineers I recommend a strong foundation in project management and continuously seek opportunities to learn and expand their skill set.

For more information on our career opportunities, visit our careers page

BLOG | National Engineers Week 2024 – Grace Miller Interview

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

It’s National Engineers Week (18 – 24) and we’re celebrating. To mark the occasion, we asked our Engineers to share what they’ve learned about their careers in the construction industry, as well as some tips for aspiring engineers looking to enter the field. Check out what our Technical Engineer Grace Miller had to say:

 

What made you want to get into engineering?

Growing up on a farm, I saw first-hand how buildings were constructed and this ignited my passion to understand how they were designed. At secondary school, my aptitude for STEM subjects, especially Mathematics and Physics, taught me to structure my approach to practical problem solving – an important skill for a Structural Engineer.

What does a typical working day look like for you?

As a Technical Engineer, I’m involved in estimating, structural engineering, and project engineering, working on both English and Irish projects. I thrive on the challenges of preparing accurate and competitive quotations, checking the structural integrity of my solutions, and managing my live projects. Being able to turn to an experienced and approachable team makes my job more pleasurable!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy liaising with customers and industry professionals during design team meetings and on the telephone, as well as collaborating with the IG team, designing and delivering practical solutions. I particularly enjoy the journey of working on a project from the initial enquiry stage right through to the manufacture and delivery of product.

 Any advice for aspiring engineers?

My advice would be to relish every project, design team meeting, site visit, and conversation in the workplace – there is something new to learn every single day!

For more information on our career opportunities, visit our careers page.

 

NEWS | Sponsorship continues for The Association of Brickwork Contractors Awards 2024

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

IG Masonry Support is delighted to announce its continuous sponsorship of the Association of Brickwork Contractors Awards. 

The annual event, which celebrates the very best of the bricklaying industry, will be hosted at the St. Pancras Hotel in London on Friday 23rd February.

The finalists have been carefully selected by an esteemed panel of judges overseeing this year’s nominations those being Ian Wilson, Michael Driver, Mick Heir, and Gerard Lynch. The five award categories up for grabs are Supplier of the Year, Commitment to Training & Development, Project of the Year, Craftsperson of the Year, and Bricklaying Apprentice of the Year.

Scott Denham, Sales Director for IG Masonry Support, commented: “We are delighted to be continuing our sponsorship of the annual ABC Awards. We look forward to celebrating the exceptional talent and dedicated professionals within the bricklaying community who are continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation and high craftsmanship.

“The Association of Brickwork Contractors serves as a hub of learning excellence with their continuous training and development opportunities aimed at advancing the careers of current and future bricklayers. We are pleased to be part of that journey.”

The distinguished panel of judges will reconvene in January to determine the deserving winners. The award ceremony promises to be a night of recognition, inspiration, and celebration of craftsmanship.

View the full Award Shortlist.

NEWS | Hailing Brick Awards Success of ‘Highly Articulated’ Mixed-Use Development

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

We are proud to announce that Kindred House, a 25-storey mixed-use development in Croydon, benefitted from our innovative masonry support and brick slip systems, and was judged winner of the ‘Large Housing Development’ category at the 2023 Brick Development Association (BDA) Brick Awards.

Our bespoke products were deemed integral to the building’s high-quality brickwork finish to create a façade described as ‘highly articulated’ by judges.

Scott Denham, our Sales Director, said: “As a proud sponsor of the Large Housing Development category at the 2023 BDA Brick Awards, we’re delighted at Kindred House’s success. The project is an outstanding example of the striking, imaginative designs that can be fulfilled with brick, thanks in part to the evolution of evermore innovative masonry support. Congratulations to all involved.”

Kindred House, designed by Pitman Tozer Architects, is built on the site of a former car park adjacent to a flyover in Central Croydon. It comprises 128 apartments, 60 of which are affordable accommodation. Retail and public space, and 10,000sqft of office accommodation also form part of the development, which was constructed using more than half a million Zircon bricks manufactured by Wienerberger.

The building’s standout stepped form was instrumental in breaking up the building’s mass and creating an attractive composition of adjoining slender proportions. The building’s distinctive silhouette heralds a gateway to south Croydon’s Old Town.

Scott Denham continued: “We’re proud of our involvement with this outstanding project. It’s a credit to the ingenuity and collaborative efforts of each stakeholder that its execution earned the plaudits of the BDA Brick Awards esteemed judges.”

To read about our full product package for this project, view our case study.