Specialist service sparks business growth for Darlington company

Stone, whose HQ are on Kellaw Road in the town, provides specialist lightning protection installation to help prevent damage to buildings caused by lightning strikes and the costly repairs associated with them and also to ensure that systems are compliant for insurance purposes.

The family-run business has clinched a number of contracts around the North East working on projects for the University of Sunderland, Grey’s Monument in Newcastle, Hexham Abbey, Gentoo and local councils.

In addition, Stone works around the UK designing, installing and testing bespoke systems for large organisations – such as Swan Housing Association across the south east of England – and is the officially-appointed contractor responsible lightning protection at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

To cope with the growth in the area, Stone has appointed two new members of staff to add to its specialist team which works out of the Darlington HQ as well as offices at Piccadilly in London, Pinner in Middlesex and near Stockport in Cheshire.

Stone Technical Services has become one of the UK’s most accredited lightning protection specialists highly regarded for the design, installation, certification, maintenance and annual testing of lightning protection systems.

The company is a member of the Association of Technical Lightning and Access Specialists (ATLAS), Lightning Conductor Engineers and also of the Steeplejack Training Group Association, operating to the highest compliance standards for lightning protection, BS EN 62305.

As well as lightning protection, Stone Technical Services specialises in all aspects of high level maintenance, steeplejack services and restoration and masonry refurbishment projects on churches, museums, clock towers, castles, spires and historic buildings.

Managing director Dave Stone said: “We’re seeing a real growth in the demand for lightning protection services thanks to our reputation for offering a full service that is cost-effective and efficient. In these more austere times, organisations are planning a lot more carefully and realise that a small investment in important safety systems could save them thousands in the future. Laws regarding lightning protection are much stricter these days and businesses need to comply with insurance policies or face harsh consequences.”