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Category: News

NEWS | Industry-first BBA Certification Achieved for Welded Masonry Support System

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

IG Masonry Support is delighted to announce that our Welded Masonry Support (WMS) system is British Board of Agrément (BBA) certified, becoming the first masonry support manufacturer to receive this certification for a masonry support system. This important third-party endorsement of the product’s performance provides specifiers and contractors with added confidence that our WMS system has been rigorously tested to meet industry standards.

The British Board of Agrément is one of the UK’s leading notified bodies offering approval, certification, and test services to manufacturers of products and systems supplying the construction industry. BBA approval is recognised by building control, government departments, architects, local authorities, specifiers, and industry insurers like the National House Builders Council (NHBC).

Commenting on the BBA certification, Kyle Alexander, General Manager of IG Masonry Support, said: “We are thrilled to achieve this independent certification on our product, which is as important to us as a business as I believe it is for our customers.

“The certification provides that added re-assurance and confidence needed at a time with legislation changes such as Approved Document B and most recently the Building Safety Act. It makes us proud to know that IG Masonry Support continues to raise the bar and be at the forefront of positive change in our industry.”

We’re proud to add this latest BBA certification to our extensive portfolio, which already includes B.O.S.S., B.O.S.S. A1, Brick Slip Lintels, Brick Panel System – further strengthening our position as a leading supplier of masonry support systems. It reinforces our commitment to going above and beyond for its customers, providing peace of mind at every stage of a project.

This dedication lies at the heart of our Sleep Like A Baby campaign, which highlights our focus on Building Safety Act compliance, in-house manufacturing excellence, and the consistent delivery of fully accredited, industry-leading products.

View our BBA certificate.

Paul Graham Celebrates 20 Years with Keystone Group

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

Paul Graham, Director within IG Masonry Support, celebrates an incredible milestone – 20 years with the Keystone Group. To mark the occasion, we sat down with Paul to reflect on his career journey, revisiting standout projects, key achievements, and the memorable moments that have shaped his two decades with the business. 

 

Q. Looking back over your 20 years within the Keystone Group, what has been your proudest achievement within the company?

A. There’s been a lot of great moments, but the last few years, being involved in our expansion into North America, that’s definitely up there. It was a big challenge, but to play a key part in getting IG Masonry Support established over there has been a huge highlight for me. When I think back to where we started, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come.

 

Q. What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you think has been key to your success within the Keystone Group?

A. For me, it’s all about being adaptable. Things change so quickly – new products, new markets, new management or new teams. You’ve got to be willing to learn and adjust. And persistence too – nothing worth doing comes easy, but if you keep at it, you’ll get there

 

Q. How have you seen the company evolve over the past two decades, and what has been your fondest memory?

A. The company has completely transformed. From one site and a small team to multiple sites, loads of new products, and now a presence in different continents – it’s been incredible to watch. My favourite memories are those big milestone moments – like opening new facilities or getting our first order in London or Toronto or New York. Those are the times when you stop and think, “Wow, we’re really doing this.”

 

Q. If you could go back to your first day in the job, what advice would you give your younger self?

A. I’d tell myself to have a bit more confidence and not be afraid to jump in at the deep end. The best learning comes when you push yourself, and looking back, I’d say take those opportunities sooner rather than later. Keystone Group has so many opportunities –  my advice to anyone who wants to develop or progress in the Group – put your hand up and jump in with two feet!

 

Q. What excites you most about the future within IG Masonry Support and the wider Keystone Group?

A. Definitely the opportunities ahead. We’ve got innovation, sustainability, and a real ambition to develop further into Europe and North America with all our Group products. It feels like there’s so much still to come, and being part of a team that’s shaping the industry both here and across the world is really exciting.

 

Owen Coyle, CEO of the Steel Division, Keystone Group, said:  

“Any major milestone or achievement in the Keystone Group was usually carved out by a small group of focused and dedicated people- Paul has been one of those people, on a number or projects and major milestones. A great asset to the team and The Keystone Group.” 

 

Andy Neal, Managing Director of IG Masonry Support, added: “Paul’s dedication and leadership have been central to the growth and success of IG Masonry Support. His commitment to excellence and innovation continues to make a lasting impact, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with him.” 

EVENT | Brick Works Glasgow with IG Masonry Support

Posted on by Claire McCammon

IG Masonry Support is proud to present the next stop in the 2025 Brick Works Series, a national programme of inspiring evening events focused on modern brick architecture and the future of masonry support systems.

Hosted exclusively by IG Masonry Support in partnership with the Brick Development Association (BDA), the Brick Works Series celebrates the design flexibility, performance, and enduring appeal of clay brick in today’s built environment. Each event offers a platform for architects, contractors, and construction professionals to connect, share insights, and earn continuing professional development (CPD) credits.

Attendees can look forward to engaging presentations from leading architectural voices, exploring how innovative brickwork is shaping cities across the UK. The series places a spotlight on real-world projects, technical excellence, and the craftsmanship that drives creative brick solutions.

Brick Works Glasgow will take place on 16th October 2026, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at Boxhub Bridge Gardens. This event will bring together professionals from across the design and construction industries to explore current trends in brick architecture and discuss sustainable approaches using clay brick.

As a proud champion of masonry innovation, IG Masonry Support is excited to host an evening of learning, collaboration, and conversation – all set within the dynamic architectural landscape of Glasgow.

Places are limited. For further details and to reserve your spot, please visit the BDA Brick Works Series website.

NEWS | Marcus Emmerson returns as National Specification Manager

Posted on by Claire McCammon

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

Posted on by Claire McCammon

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

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

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

Posted on by Claire McCammon

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

Posted on by Claire McCammon

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

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

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

Posted on by Claire McCammon

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.