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Tag: ig masonry support

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.

EVENT | Exhibiting at CABE Built Environment Conferences 2023

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

The Keystone Group is pleased to announce that its companies IG Masonry Support, Keystone Lintels, IG Lintels and Keyfix are exhibiting at the CABE Built Environment series of regional conferences for 2023.

The Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) is redefining its conference season, and is introducing six new events as part of its new Built Environme

nt Series. The CABE event programme consists of four major regional events across the UK, taking place in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Each event will showcase the expertise of both regional and national professionals, providing attendees with a valuable experience. Distinguished guest speakers from various disciplines will share their insights, engaging in topical discussions and interactive Q&A sessions. Moreover, participants will have the chance to network with industry professionals and suppliers during the trade exhibition, facilitating connections and collaboration.

The first event in the series will be Built Environment England, which will take place at the University of Salford on Tuesday 20th June, followed by Built Environment Wales at Cardiff Metropolitan University on 22nd June.

The Built Environment England Technical Conference will focus on themes of performance, compliance and safety. The discussion will look at key areas of the built environment sector, including the challenges presented by the journey to net zero carbon and the new duty holder regime. The event not only offers the opportunity to learn from a variety of speakers, attendees have the opportunity to explore the trade exhibition and network with other professionals. The event will conclude with the opportunity to tour the Energy House 2.0 facility developed by the University of Manchester. Energy House 2.0 is currently the largest test and research facility focusing on fuel-efficient technologies in Europe.

In support of the Group’s mission to create smart construction solutions beyond equal, Keystone’s companies will be exhibiting at the conferences. The Keystone Group comprises eight brands located across four regions, boasting a workforce of over 1,000 dedicated employees. Their collective commitment to innovation and providing outstanding customer service unites them. By consistently challenging the status quo and embracing innovations, the Keystone Group has emerged as the largest manufacturer of steel lintels in the UK and Ireland, as well as the fastest-growing manufacturer of roof windows in Europe.

Sean Og Coyle, Commercial Director of Keystone Group commented: “I am excited to announce that the Keystone Group companies, Keyfix, Keystone Lintels, IG Lintels, and IG Masonry Support, will be exhibiting at the CABE Built Environment conferences for 2023. These regional events provide a valuable experience, featuring guest speakers, topical discussions, and networking opportunities. We are looking forward to connecting with our peers, sharing knowledge and contributing to the advancement of the industry.”

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NEWS | Gold Series Volume 2: Available Now

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

IG Masonry Support, dedicated to delivering intelligent engineering with offsite craftsmanship, has launched it’s Gold Series Volume 2’, highlighting its most prestigious and award-winning projects.

The ‘Gold Series’ celebrates IG’s ability to push the boundaries of design, delivering innovative masonry support including solutions that create the illusion of floating soffits of brickwork hidden under steel. Following the success of Volume 1 launched in December 2018, Volume 2 has been published to showcase up-to-date projects from 2019 to 2023.

The range of bespoke masonry support solutions offered by IG Masonry Support delivers design versatility, helping architects and brickwork contractors to achieve intricate brick detailing and complex bond patterns using offsite technology.

IG’s product range is manufactured within a strict quality-controlled environment, using a consignment of the brick being used onsite to guarantee the product blends seamlessly with the surrounding brickwork. It is then delivered to site ready for installation helping to speed up the pace of construction and reducing the need for onsite labour.

The ‘Gold Series’ explores a range of projects demonstrating IG’s ability to develop offsite solutions for a wide variety of applications including schools, large residential and commercial developments, and private luxury residences.

Scott Denham, Sales Director at IG Masonry Support, commented: “We are delighted to launch Volume 2 of our ‘Gold Series’, showcasing the incredible projects and finite architectural details which have been made possible with IG’s technical expertise.

“IG Masonry Support strives to deliver high-quality products using offsite craftsmanship. Our team works very closely with architects and contractors to deliver innovative masonry support solutions for the projects featured in the ‘Gold Series’ and acknowledges the people involved in all these projects.”

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