Icon Search Projects Contact Icon Menu
Projects Contact Icon Close
About Icon Arrow
Resources Icon Arrow
News Icon Arrow
CPD Icon Arrow
Contact Icon Search
USA
Icon Close
Search IG Masonry

Popular:

Titan System BOSS BOSS+ Brick Cutting

Tag: ig masonry support

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.

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.

BLOG | The Importance of Sustainability in Masonry Support Manufacturing

Posted on by Claire McCammon

 

On our journey to a more sustainable built environment, building product manufacturers must look at both the now and the future role they play. Specifiers need to think about the materials used in buildings and their environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. From manufacturing processes to material specification, these choices matter. At IG Masonry Support, this challenge has become a driving force in how our company operates and why it is committed to improving efficiencies and driving product innovation which will enable the design and construction of more sustainable buildings.

Our sustainability journey began in 2020 with the goal of delivering our B.O.S.S A1 (Brick on Soffit System) as a Carbon Natural solution. Soon after, we assessed our entire company footprint. Today, it’s not just expected but it’s more important than ever to measure the environmental impact of our manufacturing processes, materials, and supply chain. What started as a series of small operational improvements quickly evolved into a long-term strategy that has reshaped our thinking across all departments.

Our leadership team and employees are fully aware of the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. That’s why we made a collective decision to commit to annual Carbon Footprint reporting and to respond proactively to our findings. In 2021, IG Masonry Support became the first masonry support manufacturer in the UK to achieve Carbon Neutral status. While we recognise that credible carbon credit schemes are not a long-term solution for achieving Net Zero, we are seeing a year-on-year reduction in the emissions we need to offset. For us, this marks significant progress. We’re proud to continue investing in responsible initiatives, including renewable energy technologies, while working to reduce our operational impact.

Reducing our carbon footprint doesn’t happen overnight. It requires sustained commitment, targeted investment, and strategic upgrades, all intentionally aimed at lowering emissions. This has included significant improvements at our manufacturing sites in Swadlincote and Cookstown, such as transitioning to 100% renewable energy tariffs, adopting electric-powered equipment, and enhancing our manufacturing technologies. We’ve replaced diesel forklifts with electric alternatives, expanded our recycling facilities, and ensured that zero waste is sent to landfill, a critical benchmark in sustainable manufacturing.

B.O.S.S A1

One of the defining moments in our sustainability journey was the development of B.O.S.S. A1. Our Brick on Soffit System not only meets but exceeds the latest A1 fire regulations. Designed to deliver superior aesthetics and structural integrity, B.O.S.S. A1 gives the appearance of unsupported brickwork while significantly simplifying installation.

What makes this product truly stand out is its environmental profile. It became the first carbon neutral product of its kind on the market, combining functionality, compliance, and sustainability. Achieving this milestone gave us the confidence and motivation to take our ambitions even further.

The certification of B.O.S.S. A1 was just the beginning. It demonstrated that sustainability can be designed into a product from the outset and that environmental performance doesn’t have to come at the expense of structural or aesthetic quality.

Science Based Targets

To ensure that our sustainability strategy was both robust and achievable, we engaged with Carbon Footprint Ltd. With their guidance we have developed measurable targets to align with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) methodology, a globally recognised framework that helps companies set and achieve ambitious emissions reduction targets.

Through this framework, we identified and analysed our Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, giving us a comprehensive understanding of our carbon footprint. This transparency allowed us to identify immediate actions in areas like energy use and transport, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration with suppliers and partners to drive reductions across the supply chain. We are now on track to meet the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target, joining thousands of companies worldwide in tackling climate change.

None of what we have achieved would be possible without the dedication of our entire team. Sustainability is embedded within the culture at IG Masonry Support. From design to production, every individual plays a role in driving our environmental progress. Backed by ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and BBA certifications, our commitment to excellence is clear.

Looking ahead, our goal is to continue leading the way in sustainable product manufacturing and bringing innovative, responsible solutions to market.

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.

BLOG | In-house Manufacturing Drives Quality and Efficiency

Posted on by Claire McCammon

 

With brick facades as popular today as they have ever been, building designers and specifiers need to be confident the products they specify will achieve the same exceptional finish each and every time. Taking the construction of complex brick features offsite into factory-controlled conditions, how do offsite manufactured solutions fulfil complex and creative requirements in buildings whilst hitting the mark on quality and meeting regulatory compliance?

 At IG Masonry Support, we are committed to delivering the highest quality brick slip and masonry support solutions for our customers. Quality is at the heart of everything we do, from our innovative product design to our rigorous manufacturing processes.  This commitment is backed by internationally recognised certifications for our facilities including ISO 9001, along with BBA product approval, reinforcing our focus on robust quality management and environmental responsibility.

The company goes further by using UKAS-accredited equipment from Queen’s University Belfast and partnering with respected independent testing facilities such as Warrington fire, Lucideon, Efectis, and SGS, rigorously verifying hygrothermal performance, fire resistance, deflection, and adhesion. This comprehensive approach to product validation underpins the confidence that designers, contractors, and regulators place in our solutions.

 At the heart of this is IG’s B.O.S.S. A1 (Brick on Soffit System), the first brick soffit system on the market to comply with and exceed the new A1 fire regulations. By combining adhesives with mechanical fixing, B.O.S.S. A1 delivers the exacting performance and safety standards demanded, while being the first product of its kind to be carbon neutral. Its impressive credentials, all of which are BBA certified, offer a technically advanced solution that meets the required aesthetics by hiding structural steelwork to give the illusion of unsupported brickwork.

 

Precision brick matching

Ensuring a seamless, authentic look is crucial for our brick slip solutions. That’s why we manufacture all our products, including B.O.S.S. systems, in our in-house Brick Fabrication Facility in Overseal, Derbyshire. Our design engineers work closely with customers to identify the exact brick type, shape, and bond pattern required, using free-issue bricks from the live site. This meticulous process allows us to achieve a perfect match and integration with the surrounding brickwork.

To support our dedication to quality, we have invested heavily in our Swadlincote and Overseal production facilities. These state-of-the-art factories utilise the global 5S system to optimise productivity and reduce waste, while being home to cutting-edge machinery, including robotic lasers, press brakes, and stacking machines.

Brick remains a timeless material that future generations will continue to rediscover, ensuring its enduring place across our built environment. Moving the construction of complex brick features offsite into factory-controlled settings means, we can achieve the level of quality and consistency that excellence demands. This is due in part to companies such as ours and a commitment to developing solutions that enable brick, a cornerstone of construction, to be used in ways that inspire the imagination of architects and builders alike.

 

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.

 

BLOG | A safer future: unravelling the Golden Thread

Posted on by Claire McCammon

In 2018, Dame Judith Hackett championed the concept of the ‘Golden Thread’ of information to preserve a building’s original design intent as part of her review: Building a Safer Future. Now enshrined in the Building Safety Act, this Golden Thread of information is about transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. With product information having gained increased significance, Kyle Alexander, Project and Engineering Manager of IG Masonry Support explores the implications for masonry support solutions and how this concept applies to various stages of construction, from initial design and product specification to construction methods and regulatory compliance.

The Building Safety Act has far-reaching implications across all stages and elements of a project. It covers design, product specification, construction methods, regulatory compliance, environmental considerations, quality control and safety measures.  As part of this is a crucial new compliance element: the “Golden Thread” which was devised as a way of ensuring that anyone involved on a project has the right information, or ‘single source of truth’, in order to understand the building and the steps needed to keep both the building and the occupants safe both now and in the future.

Specific to a building, the Golden Thread will hold the information that those responsible and accountable for the building require, and prove that the completed building and later work meets the requirements of the relevant Building Regulations. Having the Golden Thread means that the people responsible for the building and other relevant parties such as contractors will have reliable, accurate and easily accessible up to date information.

By bringing all the information together in one place, this core record-keeping process tracks a building’s design, construction, and operation. It requires managing, documenting, and making information about the building accessible to ensure understanding and safety. This information management ensures accuracy, currency, security, clarity, and availability to those who need it.  This will help drive improved accountability.

 

Commitment to the Golden Thread

With growing scrutiny on product information, manufacturers like IG Masonry Support are increasingly focused on helping stakeholders maintain a reliable and accessible Golden Thread of information. Duty holders, including consultants and contractors, need reliable information about the products they specify and install.

To help those accountable deliver the Golden Thread of information, IG Masonry Support has implemented a multi-faceted approach to meet and exceed the Golden Thread expectations. The company maintains rigorous ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems accreditation through continual assessment of the company’s internal information management system to ensure its robustness.

It also provides comprehensive product information which includes detailed specifications, performance and accreditation data, installation instructions, and maintenance guidelines – all of which are easily accessible on its website and specification platforms. This information is currently under review by the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI).

Furthermore, the manufacturer meticulously maintains accurate records and documentation, systematically preserving precise technical data, comprehensive certifications, and detailed test reports to support duty holders in establishing and maintaining essential product information throughout a building’s lifecycle.

The company also provides extensive training and educational resources, offering in-depth guidance to specifiers and contractors on the comprehensive installation, appropriate use, and ongoing maintenance of its products. Its robust technical support includes assisting contractors and helping them navigate complex compliance requirements, selecting the right products and integrating them into projects, interpreting intricate technical data, and providing responsive support for any queries or challenges encountered during the construction process.

 

Culture change

The Golden Thread is about having the right information to ensure safer buildings and more accountable construction practices. By creating a seamless flow of information from design through to construction and operation, it ensures that all stakeholders—from architects to contractors—have access to accurate, up-to-date data that is critical for maintaining safety and compliance.

As the Building Safety Act continues to shape industry standards, product manufacturers such as IG Masonry Support will play a crucial role in supporting this shift. Through its commitment to rigorous information management practices, transparency, and ongoing product support and education, it is helping stakeholders navigate the complexities of building safety and regulatory compliance.