B&V Masonry, which uses the trading name stoneCIRCLE, has now been in existence for 50 years since Bernard Vanhinsbergh founded the company in 1968.

Bernard was a self-taught stone carver and letter cutter, who was committed to his craft and believed that his customers deserved superb quality and peerless service; a philosophy and ethos that has been preserved by his two sons, Jeff and Steve, who took over the company from him on his retirement.
 
The firm has gone from strength to strength and now employs around 40 people with a £6million turnover and one of the largest and most advanced factories in England, since the completion of a 20,000ft² extension in 2015.  The new building is equipped with a brand new OMAG 5 axis machine, as well as CNC controlled saws and polishing machines and a water jet cutter.

The balance of the business has changed since the early days, with a shift towards supplying the commercial stone market, both as a sub-contractor to major stone contracting firms such as Paye, Szerelmey and EDM, and directly to main contractors, builders, interior designers and architects.  In recent years, the company has received a number of commissions to manufacture artworks for artists including Susanna Heron and Julian Opie.  Notwithstanding their success in the contract market, kitchen and bathroom showrooms are still an important part of the firm’s clientele giving the business a broad spread.

To celebrate its 50th birthday, stoneCIRCLE has produced a cookbook with recipes based on the countries where it sources its stone.  A copy will be given to all of its customers and to everyone who buys a kitchen worktop during the anniversary year.

The company is also holding various competitions and promotions, and will be throwing a party for staff and friends.

www.stone-circle.com