The Keystone Group has won the ‘Commercial Innovation of the Year’ award at the recent Construction News Awards for its IG Brick Slip Masonry Support System.
The award was presented by TV personality Gabby Logan to IG Masonry Support Systems general manager, Owen Coyle, at the awards ceremony, which took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 30 June.
Mr Coyle stated that the awards process included a grueling face-to-face finalist’s interview with members of the judging panel, including senior figures from the government, contractors, consultants and major clients to discuss the Brick Slip Masonry Support System in more depth.
The Keystone Group was particularly pleased by the judges response who said: “The winner demonstrated an exceptional innovation culture developing a product that provided a step-change in the approach to tackling a particular challenge.”
The new product provides simple on-site installation of complex brick detailing, offering up to a 90% reduction of on-site labour and a 70% weight saving against alternative traditional methods. The product is highly flexible, with architects already designing new shapes for brick soffits not possible under old installation methods.
Setup in 2013, the company operates from both Derbyshire and Cookstown in Northern Ireland and has grown rapidly with sales already exceeding £4m.
Commenting on the company’s recent achievement, Mr Coyle said: “Our Brick Slip Masonry Support System offers a simple and practical solution to what has historically been a problematic area for installers and designers. IG’s extensive experience in structural products combined with our eagerness to push the boundaries of new designs and service for the customer has resulted in a truly unique product. We are thrilled to be recognised for this commitment to innovation and service within the industry.”
Picture caption: L-r: Gabby Logan, Andy Sharlot, design manager - IG Masonry Support Systems, Owen Coyle, general manager – IG Masonry Support Systems, Chris Baldwin, national sales manager – IG Masonry Support Systems, Rebecca Evans, Construction News, and Adrian Murphy, CEO of Hewden who sponsored the category.
