What is the Hallmarque Scheme?

The Hallmarque Scheme is both new and unique in the natural stone industry. It brings together the entire industry supply chain, from producers, through to developers, fixers and contractors within a certification scheme which will provide clients with a stone project which will combine high standard of materials, design and workmanship and uphold the credibility of the natural stone industry.

The Scheme will give a high level of quality assurance demanded by the clients, and confidence that they will be dealing with companies who have reached the high standards demanded by the scheme and this has been verified by an independently accredited certification organisation and in the unlikely event of any difficulties arising they have a single point means of rectification through the Stone Industry Alliance.

Any client who requires a company to either supply, design, fix, restore, or construct in natural stone can benefit from the services of a hallmarqued company. It is recommend that all organisations, whether professional, commercial or government bodies, specify Hallmarqued Certification as a condition on their tenders. Also, organisations such as insurers can assist their own clients by recommending they use only Stone Federation hallmarqued contractors for their natural stone work.

Benefits of the scheme

More and more clients will be encouraged to specify the Hallmarque Scheme for their projects. For them, it is a way of ensuring that the design, products and workmanship on their contracts meet the required standards and are independently assessed.

What kind of natural stone projects are covered?

The Scheme sets the criteria for the supplying and fixing of natural stone, taking into account relevant British and European Standards and certifying the suppliers of materials. The Scheme encompasses not only the supply but also service providers such as fixing, façade repair, maintenance and cleaning of natural stone.

The Scheme covers any size and type of project

• From a single-site commercial contract to a major multi-site construction project.
• From new build to the repair and restoration of existing buildings.

When you use the services of a Stone Federation hallmarqued company you will be sure that the company/firm

• Abides by industry-endorsed rigorous hallmarque standards using hallmarqued materials.
• Is fully certified and is regularly monitored by the BRE [the assessing body].
• Employs a trained workforce which meets the hallmarque standards.
• Meets high standards of health and safety.
• Carries the correct insurance required for the project.

Stone Federation developed and runs the scheme and will provide you with a list of fully accredited companies who are registered under the Hallmarque Scheme.

• Ensure that you specify the use of Hallmarque Scheme members on your tenders.
• Ensure that you specify hallmarqued stone materials from registered companies.

Having the Hallmarque means that a stone can be specified without having to undergo a rigorous testing regime and that the specialist contractor is covered by the Hallmarque Scheme.

How much will this cost?

There is no charge to the client for using the Hallmarque Scheme.

Does the Hallmarque Scheme work?

Yes – it is supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, RIBA, RICC, English Heritage, Stone Federation and BRE.

Only properly certified companies will be authorised to use the Hallmarque logo following assessment to rigorous criteria by the BRE and the scheme is constantly monitored to ensure that standards are maintained.

Hallmarquing will also help in the partnering process, both between hallmarqued designers, contractors and suppliers and should create more partnering opportunities, saving both parties a lot of time and effort.

What happens if I need to make a claim?

You have the confidence of knowing that the scheme is overseen by the Stone Industry Alliance, a completely independent body comprised of professionals who are able to deal with complaints which have not been satisfactorily dealt with by participating companies.

The Hallmarque Sscheme aims to create the climate for virtuous circles to operate. This enables designers, manufacturers and contractors to be all drawn together into a streamlined system of quality assessment and provision. The result is increased client satisfaction through reduced whole-life costs.

The Stone Industry Alliance

The overseeing body, the Stone Industry Alliance is a formal alliance of client, professionals, producers and contractors with an interest in the natural stone industry. It was formed to improve standards of quality, to raise levels of client confidence and to uphold the credibility of the natural stone industry. Its scope covers designers, suppliers, producers and contractors as well as insurance issues. It is recognised by the Government and the construction industry.

The organisations that have collaborated in the development of the Hallmarque Scheme have been identified to provide balance representing the following sections of the industry:

Material suppliers

Training establishments

Suppliers research bodies

Specialist contractors

Professional institutions

Clients

Construction industry umbrella organisations

How do you join the scheme?

Contact the Stone Federation GB for details and an application form. We will then put you in touch with the BRE, who are the assessors for the scheme. They are an independent organisation who have been accredited by UKAS (The UK Accreditation Service)

In essence, the BRE will require you to demonstrate that

• Your company works in accordance with Hallmarque standards and codes of practice
• Your workforce meets the training, skills and experience of the Scheme
• Your company uses products and materials made, or tested, to Hallmarque approved standards
• Your company is financially sound
• Your company operates a recognised quality management system and provides clients with clear, unambiguous paperwork.

The Stone Industry Alliance

The Stone Industry Alliance is a formal alliance of client, professionals, producers and contractors with an interest in the natural stone industry.  It was formed to improve standards of quality, to raise levels of client confidence and to uphold the credibility of the natural stone industry. Its scope covers designers, suppliers, producers and contractors.  It is recognised by the Government and the construction industry.