NEWS | Marcus Emmerson returns as National Specification Manager

IG Masonry Support and Keyfix are delighted to announce the return of Marcus Emmerson, who rejoins the business as National Specification Manager.

Marcus has a long-standing history with IG Masonry Support, having first joined the company in 2014 as a Technical Engineer. Over the next nine years, he progressed through roles as Technical Sales Manager and Estimating Manager, before broadening his career with leadership and specification positions elsewhere in the construction industry.

Most recently, Marcus worked as a Technical Sales Executive for EH Smith Architectural Solutions, where he applied over a decade of experience to deliver innovative and bespoke façade solutions for a wide range of projects. In that role, he collaborated closely with architects, clients, and contractors to balance design vision, budget, and technical requirements, while ensuring the best possible product and service solutions.

His return to IG Masonry Support and Keyfix marks an exciting step as he takes on responsibility for national specification development and support, working with architects and specifiers to ensure the right masonry support solutions are integrated at the earliest design stages.

Marcus commented: “It’s great to be back and see so many familiar faces as well as plenty of new ones! I’m excited to get started and drive the specification team forward.”

With a proven track record in technical sales, estimating, and specification, combined with his passion for enhancing both the aesthetics and performance of buildings, Marcus brings valuable expertise and industry insight back to IG Masonry Support and Keyfix.

NEWS | IG Masonry Support Sponsors Craftsmanship Category at Brick Awards 2025

The annual Brick Development Association Brick Awards shortlist has been announced, and IG Masonry Support is proud to once again be part of this prestigious celebration of brick architecture in the UK.

This year, we’re delighted to sponsor the Craftsmanship category, which recognises exceptional examples of skilled brickwork that demonstrate attention to detail, quality, and artistry on site. This aligns closely with our values as a business focused on delivering precision-engineered solutions that support the highest standards of construction.

As one of the most respected accolades in the built environment, the Brick Awards highlight the creative and technical possibilities of clay brick across 17 categories. These span sectors such as housing, education, innovation, and specialist brickwork – showcasing standout contributions from architects, contractors, developers, and housebuilders.

IG Masonry Support is also proud to have supplied products and support services to two of this year’s shortlisted projects:

Worldwide

Public

 

This project exemplifies the design excellence and skilled brickwork celebrated by the Brick Awards, and we are pleased to have contributed to its success through our bespoke masonry support solutions.

Scott Denham, Sales Director at IG Masonry Support, said:

“The Craftsmanship category holds particular significance for us this year. As a company built on precision, innovation, and offsite expertise, we’re proud to sponsor an award that champions the hands-on skill and dedication of brickwork specialists across the UK.

We’re equally pleased to see IG Masonry Support products featured in several shortlisted projects once again. We wish all the finalists the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating with them later this year.”

The Brick Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 5th November 2025 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London. To view the full shortlist and find out more, visit www.brick.org.uk/brick-awards.

NEWS | Independent ISO 14001 Accreditation Achieved

IG Masonry Support is delighted to announce that we have secured ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System certification, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to reducing our environmental footprint.

ISO 14001 is the internationally recognised standard for environmental management, providing a framework for organisations to improve performance through more efficient resource use and waste reduction. This achievement underscores our dedication to embedding sustainable practices across our operations.

Previously covered under the wider Keystone Group’s ISO 14001 certification, we sought our own accreditation to ensure the standard reflected the environmental performance of all our sites directly.

“We are incredibly proud to have achieved our own ISO 14001 certification,” said Judith Mitchell, Environmental, Health and Safety Officer at IG Masonry Support. “Sustainability is not just a corporate responsibility for us – it’s a core part of how we operate. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to protecting the environment while continuing to deliver the highest quality products and services to our customers.”

The certification follows a rigorous independent audit by the British Board of Agrément (BBA), confirming that our company has robust environmental management systems in place – from waste reduction and energy efficiency initiatives to sustainable sourcing and continuous performance monitoring.

This milestone supports our company’s broader ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) objectives and its mission to lead the construction sector in environmental innovation. We continue to invest in eco-conscious technologies, materials, and processes that contribute to a greener built environment.

For more information about our certifications and accreditations, visit our resources hub.

EVENT | Proud Sponsor of Super Trowel 2025

IG Masonry Support, together with our sister brands Keyfix, Keystone Lintels, all a part of the Keystone Group, is proud to sponsor Super Trowel 2025, the UK’s largest and most exciting bricklaying competition. This event brings together the very best in the trade, with the Pro, Master, and Junior Series, plus the fast-paced Hoodie Race, offering cash prizes, national recognition, and valuable career opportunities.

Taking place on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th August 2025 at Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Super Trowel attracts over 100 trade stands and top suppliers, making it an unmissable event for anyone in the masonry industry. Competitors face intense challenges that test their technical skill, speed, and accuracy, all vying for prestigious titles and industry acclaim.

As a leader in advanced construction products, Keystone Group is committed to celebrating craftsmanship, innovation, and the future of the trade. At Stand 77, IG Masonry Support, Keyfix, and Keystone Lintels will exhibit together, showcasing the latest advancements in masonry support, cavity tray solutions, and lintel technology. Visitors can engage directly with our expert teams and enjoy a mini golf competition at the stand – a fun way to test your skills and win prizes while connecting with industry leaders.

Super Trowel is more than just a competition. It’s a celebration of the dedication and innovation that drive the UK bricklaying industry forward. Whether you’re competing, spectating, or exploring the exhibitor stands, the event promises two days full of inspiration, learning, and camaraderie.

Tickets for the competition are available on the Super Trowel website.

NEWS | IG Masonry Support shapes landmark Lambeth Mission with Brick Slip Arches

IG Masonry Support played a key role in the successful delivery of Lambeth Mission, a striking mixed-use development in the heart of London, featuring a complex arrangement of bespoke Brick Slip Arches that were designed and manufactured to achieve a seamless hand-laid appearance.

Located opposite the Grade II-listed Imperial War Museum, this high-profile scheme includes a 12-storey, 137-bedroom hotel, modern community facilities, and two residential apartments for the Methodist Church. Working in close collaboration with Aros Architects, HG Construction, and brickwork specialists Bishop Ltd, IG Masonry Support designed and manufactured 105 bespoke Brick Slip Arches and more than 120 metres of Welded Masonry Support to meet the project’s structural and aesthetic demands.

One of the most technically challenging aspects of the build was achieving perfect alignment between multiple intersecting arches, especially around the terrace area, which featured 10 interconnected arches, including five internal and one external corner. Each element had to connect precisely while accommodating structural movement joints. IG’s design team developed custom templates and a series of test arches to ensure brick placement remained accurate and visually seamless across every elevation.

 

The handmade bricks chosen for the project presented another hurdle. With their natural bowing, irregular sizes and rough edges, they were difficult to cut and align but were essential to achieving the architect’s vision of a traditional hand-laid finish. Using bricks sourced directly from site, IG’s team embraced these imperfections, crafting units in a factory-controlled setting that replicated the authenticity of onsite masonry while saving time and labour.

The Brick Slip Arches and Welded Masonry Support were engineered to bolt directly to the steel structure, accommodating varying cavity widths and complex junctions. Deep soffit units were fabricated in two parts to work around the steel perimeter, with joints carefully pointed onsite to create an uninterrupted appearance.

“We approached IG in the first instance because of their known expertise in delivering high-quality masonry support solutions, said Natasha Coutts, Associate at Aros Architects. “They were the first people that we approached, and the only people that we approached. From the very first meeting, it was clear they would be the right fit.”

Antony Dixon, Site Manager at Bishop Ltd, added:
“Their engineers were onsite for the installation of the first arch. Whenever I needed support, a quick phone call was all it took. They helped us keep the project moving forward.”

By combining design expertise with off-site precision, IG Masonry Support helped bring Lambeth Mission’s bold architectural vision to life, successfully delivering complex masonry solutions that look as if they were crafted entirely by hand. The result is a standout project that blends modern construction with traditional detailing, and once again highlights IG’s commitment to quality, collaboration, and innovation.

EVENT | Brick Works Belfast with IG Masonry Support and Brick & Stone

IG Masonry Support is pleased to collaborate with Brick & Stone and the Brick Development Association (BDA) for the 2025 Brick Works Series – a nationwide programme aimed at fostering dialogue around modern brick architecture and masonry support systems.

The Brick Works Series comprises a number of lively and educational evening events designed to highlight the adaptability and creativity of contemporary brick design. These gatherings also offer professionals a valuable chance to connect with industry peers and earn continuing professional development (CPD) credits.

Each event in the series will include presentations by some of the UK’s leading architectural voices, sharing insights on innovative brick applications in today’s built environment. Attendees can expect to explore the latest trends in brickwork and celebrate the craftsmanship behind cutting-edge design.

With the support of IG Masonry Support and Brick & Stone, the 2025 series will, for the first time, include a stop in Belfast. This event will spotlight inventive brick architecture, honour expert craftsmanship, and explore the environmental advantages of clay brick.

The Belfast edition of Brick Works will take place on Thursday 7th August, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at the Titanic Distillery. It is open to architects, specifiers, contractors, and anyone with a passion for brick design.

The Brick Works Series offers an exclusive forum for thought leadership, learning, and professional networking. Participants will gain valuable insights into how clay brick continues to shape both the visual and sustainable future of UK architecture.

For further details and to reserve your place, please visit the BDA Brick Works Series website.

 

NEWS | Prestigious BIM ISO 19650 Certification Achieved

IG Masonry Support has officially been awarded a Certificate of Conformity to BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018, recognising our company’s excellence in Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes and information management.

The internationally recognised certification, awarded by the British Standards Institution (BSI), confirms that we meet the highest standards for managing information over the lifecycle of a built asset using BIM – from project inception through to completion.

This achievement reflects our long-standing commitment to digital transformation, precision design, and collaborative construction. By adopting and integrating structured BIM methodologies into our operations, we continue to drive innovation and deliver enhanced value to clients across the construction industry.

Andy Neal, Managing Director of IG Masonry Support, commented:

“We’re extremely proud to have our BIM processes officially recognised by BSI. Having delivered digitally enabled construction solutions for several years, this certification reinforces our commitment to managing project information with precision and integrity from concept through to completion. It demonstrates our continued focus on adding tangible value to design, quality, and efficiency across every project as part of our standard approach.

“BIM represents a significant opportunity for the construction sector to evolve and innovate. At IG Masonry Support, we believe collaboration is key to unlocking the full potential of digital construction and driving positive change across the industry.”

The BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018 standard is a globally adopted framework that defines best practices for information management using BIM within the context of the built environment. By achieving this certification, we not only enhance our competitive advantage but also support the broader construction industry’s shift towards more collaborative, data-driven delivery models.

 

NEWS | CCPI Assessed Mark Achieved for Folded Angle

IG Masonry Support has earned the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark for our Folded Angle product.

The CCPI, developed by the Construction Product Association (CPA) following Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, establishes an 11-clause set of requirements designed to raise standards in product information management and marketing within the construction manufacturing sector.

Achieving CCPI conformance enhances customer trust and helps to give greater confidence that product information is conforming with the CCPI. This is increasingly vital for specifiers and buyers seeking reliable product performance information and supporting some of their needs in relation to compliance with the Building Safety Act.

The CCPI Assessed Status for Folded Angle product information is valid for two years, demonstrating our commitment to ongoing improvement and proactive advancement of production information and marketing standards.

Securing the CCPI Assessed Mark for all of our masonry support solutions reaffirms our commitment to providing reliable, transparent, and assessed product information to the industry, said Kyle Alexander, General Manager of IG Masonry Support. “This recognition reflects our ongoing drive to empower specifiers with trusted data and reinforces our role in pushing the boundaries of best practice across construction. It’s more than an achievement—it’s a long-term pledge to integrity and innovation. We are continuing to work on achieving the CCPI Assessed Mark for the product information for the remainder of our product ranges, using the latest assessment process.”

The CCPI mark for Folded Angle adds to our extensive portfolio of manufacturing and product certifications, further solidifying our company’s compliance and reputation as a trusted partner in the construction industry.

NEWS | CCPI Assessed Mark Achieved for TITAN

IG Masonry Support has earned the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark for our TITAN product.

The CCPI, developed by the Construction Product Association (CPA) following Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, establishes an 11-clause set of requirements designed to raise standards in product information management and marketing within the construction manufacturing sector.

Achieving CCPI conformance enhances customer trust and helps to give greater confidence that product information is conforming with the CCPI. This is increasingly vital for specifiers and buyers seeking reliable product performance information and supporting some of their needs in relation to compliance with the Building Safety Act.

The CCPI Assessed Status for TITAN product information is valid for two years, demonstrating our commitment to ongoing improvement and proactive advancement of production information and marketing standards.

“Securing the CCPI mark for our TITAN solution reaffirms our commitment to providing reliable, transparent, and assessed product information to the industry,” said Kyle Alexander, General Manager of IG Masonry Support. “This recognition reflects our ongoing drive to empower specifiers with trusted data and reinforces our role in pushing the boundaries of best practice across construction. It’s more than an achievement—it’s a long-term pledge to integrity and innovation.”

“We are continuing to work on achieving the CCPI Assessed mark for the product information for the remainder of our product ranges, using the latest assessment process.”

The CCPI mark for TITAN adds to our extensive portfolio of manufacturing and product certifications, further solidifying our company’s compliance and reputation as a trusted partner in the construction industry.

NEWS | CCPI Mark achieved for Welded Masonry Support

IG Masonry Support is delighted to have earned the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark for our Welded Masonry Support product.

The CCPI, initiated by the Construction Product Association (CPA) following Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, establishes an 11-clause set of requirements designed to improve product information management and marketing within the construction manufacturing and supply sector. The CCPI is working to move the industry to a place where product information and marketing is clear, accessible, accurate, up-to-date and unambiguous.

Achieving CCPI conformance provides greater confidence for customers using the product information carrying the CCPI Assessed Status mark.  This is increasingly vital for specifiers and buyers seeking reliable product performance guarantees and compliance with the Building Safety Act.

The CCPI Assessed Status for Welded Masonry Support is valid for two years, demonstrating IG Masonry Support’s commitment to ongoing improvement and proactive advancement of production information and marketing standards.

“Achieving the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark for our Welded Masonry Support underscores IG Masonry Support’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accuracy in product information,” said Kyle Alexander, General Manager of IG Masonry Support. “We’re proud to demonstrate our dedication to clear, accessible, and up-to-date information, giving specifiers and buyers the confidence they deserve. This two-year assessed status is not just a milestone, but a continuous commitment to raising industry standards and driving positive change.

“A lot of hard work has gone into this process, and we are continuing to work on achieving the CCPI mark for the remainder of our product ranges, using the latest assessment process.”

The CCPI mark for Welded Masonry Support adds to our extensive portfolio of manufacturing and product certifications, further solidifying our compliance and reputation as a trusted partner in the construction industry.

Find out more about our Welded Masonry Support (WMS) product.