A FAMILY-RUN restoration and maintenance firm says process sector shutdown programmes have bolstered one of its divisions.

Stone Technical Services has reported better-than-anticipated clamour for its industrial services arm in the first half of 2017, with demand up 30 per cent on a year ago. Bosses say the company’s Rope Spec division has worked on new projects across the North- East and Scotland.

On Teesside, the operator completed the annual shutdown and maintenance of flare stacks at Ineos Nitriles, based in Seal Sands, near Billingham, and carried out preservation work at Chemoxy International’s Middlesbrough oil refinery.

In Scotland, the division has inspected flare stacks at BP Kinneil, in Grangemouth.

Dave Stone, managing director, said: “Over the past year there’s been a slightly negative perception of the UK’s industrial sector, with many believing opportunities to be dwindling.

“However, there are many and varied vibrant industrial operations, which are enjoying a slight upturn in fortunes.”

Rope Spec is one of five divisions across Stone, which also include a lightning protection operation, a restoration arm, a maintenance and facilities management team and a conservation unit.

The increase in Rope Spec work comes after the Darlington-based company, which employs about 50 staff, reported its most successful year-to-date, with a 20 per cent increase in year-on-year growth augmenting a rise in turnover to more than £3m.

The business has vast experience of carrying out work on high-profile buildings, including St Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Courts of Justice, as well as sporting venues such as Surrey County Cricket Club’s Oval ground.

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