A FAMILY-RUN restoration and maintenance firm has enjoyed a strong start to the year thanks to some capital gains.

Stone Technical Services has carried out a raft of contracts across London to bolster its market position.

The work comes after the Darlington-based company reported its most successful year-to-date, with a 20 per cent increase in year-on-year growth providing bosses with confidence to create new jobs.

Its London projects included work on the Royal Courts of Justice, the Serpentine Bridge, Westminster Central Hall and Southwark Cathedral.

At the Royal Courts of Justice, the business’ conservation division completed a construction and refurbishment programme, which saw it carry out pointing and stonework and surveys to the full structure and decorative chimney stacks.

Over at Westminster Central Hall, London’s largest conference centre, Stone’s maintenance and facilities management operation carried out surveys and winter maintenance repairs, while its restoration arm oversaw the annual upkeep of the Serpentine Bridge, in Hyde Park.

Its capital contracts were completed by work at Southwark Cathedral to erect a new flagpole for the Royal Standard.

Dave Stone, managing director, said: “London is proving to be a very successful area of growth for our business, which we’re very proud of as it is so competitive.

“As well as new contracts, we’re getting repeat business, which is vital in the current marketplace where there are fewer opportunities due to budget restraints.

“Our efficient team means we get projects completed on time without incurring extra costs and our multi-skilled and growing team are our greatest asset as we go forward.”

The company, which also includes a lightning protection operation, has seen turnover increase from around £2m to more than £3m in the last 12 months, with staff numbers now approaching 50.

Its London work follows previous contracts in the city, with a lightning protection deal at Surrey County Cricket Club’s Oval ground complemented by the installation of equipment to repair floodlights at Queens Park Rangers’ Loftus Road football stadium.

It has also supported improvements to Scotland’s Forth Road Bridge, providing safety systems, a boat and ladder repairs for maintenance on the grand Firth of Forth crossing.

Stone was founded in 1998 and, alongside its Darlington headquarters, now runs offices in London and Edinburgh.