An Introduction to Stone

All who create landscape have a great responsibility, for they form the space in which we live. Our function is to facilitate that task. For over 40 years, CED has developed and extended its range of natural stone products that has become the basis of good design with long-lasting results. We keep extensive stocks in all our depots, but we will arrange the manufacture of almost anything - as long as it is natural. Stone cannot be made - it exists. One designs in accordance with the qualities of a particular material. In CED, we have the responsibility of giving the right advice to assist all to achieve a good long term result. When it is beyond our capability, for we are not consultants, we will suggest where help may be found. Our desire and need is for stone to be used so successfully that good examples abound that can be followed. Looking at past practice, there is much excellent work that has survived in top condition for a hundred years or more. Delightfully for us all, these materials often look better the older they are and there exists still a lively market in reclaimed flags, setts and kerb. However, the same aim at best practice applies just as much to the choice of aggregate for precast concrete or pebbledash, footpath gravel or resin formulations for paths and drives.

Natural Stone paving is beautiful but to make a good choice much needs to be considered - we have to know if it is for private or public use, inside or out, traffic or pedestrians. Before even thinking about the colour, are there disabled requirements, problems of oil, fat, wine, coffee, skid resistance, frost and salt, deliverymen or skateboarders? And that is just a start. (Please ask for our checklist of such matters or see our article considerations in selecting stone.)

How is a stream or a beach to look? To create a natural appearance is an art in itself. We look for the materials to make it possible, bringing them from throughout Britain and from faraway places.

We are now reaping the benefits that come with greater volumes. Many prices are down, often astonishingly. Not only is stone the winner on a whole life comparison, but it is often simply cheaper in the first place. We supply much British and European material but we also have the pleasure of importing from some of the developing countries that have great craft skills. Thus we add to their wealth and aid an improvement in their lives.

It matters not whether our clients are specifiers, contractors or suppliers in the builders merchant, D.I.Y. or garden centre trades, we seek correct and effective use of the products we sell and will assist whenever we can.

We aim to be reliable and honest and have many staff with years of experience. But nothing stays still and the pace gets quicker. We keep adapting to new opportunities and it is most rewarding to see that natural stone is now the first choice.

We hope you enjoy this website and continue to encourage us to break new ground in every area of the business.

Michael Heap Company Chairman

History of CED

Civil Engineering Developments Limited was formed in 1959 to devise applications for calcined flint within resin technology, but it was soon clear that the venture was unfortunately beyond the resources of the family. It was in 1978 that Michael Heap recognised that the company had the basis to become a supplier of specialist aggregate and stone.

The family’s involvement with stone, specifically flint, dates back to the middle of the 19th century, supplying raw flint from France to the ceramic industry by ship and canal boat. When similar flint became available in Essex as a by-product from chalk extractions for cement manufacture, Michael’s grandfather A.L Walley installed a small processing unit at West Thurrock in 1931. When his death soon after was followed almost immediately by both sons, Nora Walley, then a 23 year old budding tennis player, bravely took over the management. Flint supplies from France were cut off by the war and West Thurrock production became vital to the ceramic industry. Many other applications for calcined (cooked) flint were developed in the 1950s and 1960s and the business prospered but after the closure in the late 1970s of the last local cement works, the calcined flint production business was sold.

From very small beginnings, CED has grown by fulfilling market needs within the field of natural materials ranging from technical uses for fine dried aggregates to beautiful pebbles and huge boulders. By making the relatively unusual readily available, CED has enabled landscape architects to effect exciting designs for lakes, rivers and specialist water features. In the field of paving, first by buying and holding in stock large quantities of reclaimed granite setts, kerbs and York flags, these materials became practical for specifiers to consider, and secondly, by actively marketing a whole variety of new stone. CED has prompted, encouraged and led the moves to improve the hard surfacing of public and private areas alike.Now with five depots spread nationwide, together with a broad exciting range of products, CED has the foundation prepared to deal with the growth in demand which it has itself done so much to foster and which is so welcome in the improvements being made to urban paving. At last it is again recognised that stone is not only aesthetically pleasing but it is often cheaper when compared on whole-life costing.

Ethical Trading

The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is a leading alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs that promotes respect for workers’ rights around the globe. Their vision is a world where all workers are free from exploitation and discrimination, and enjoy conditions of freedom, security and equity.

Global supply chains are highly complex and challenging for companies committed to trading ethically. Workers’ rights issues are often deep-rooted and widespread and are best tackled through collaborative action. Through our involvement with ETI we are able to harness the expertise, skills and resources of their alliance members to identify these issues and help develop innovative, long-lasting solutions. Our measure of success is that workers can negotiate effectively for a better working life where their rights are respected.

We insist that all suppliers in our supply chain sign up to the Ethical Base Code of labour practice. This Base Code has been drawn up by The Ethical Trading Initiative and is based on the labour standards set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Some of the main criteria of the Ethical Base Code are as follows:

• There is no forced or bonded labour.
• Workers are free to leave their employers after reasonable notice.
• Workers are able to form and join trade unions and bargain collectively.
• Working conditions must be safe and hygienic.
• Regular and documented health and safety training and procedures.
• There shall be no use or recruitment of “child labour”.
• Living wages are paid.
• Working hours are not excessive.
• No discrimination is practised.
• Regular employment is provided.
• No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed.

To find out more about the work of the ETI and to view a copy of the Base Code please visit their website – www.ethicaltrade.org

Ethical Policy

CED Stone Group are one of the leading suppliers of Natural Stone and hard landscaping products in the UK. Operating in the industry for 40 years, we employ over 100 people at six sites and import materials from source Countries across the globe. Through our trading relationships and collaboration with independent bodies, we have formed a deep understanding of the many ethical and social issues occurring in these countries and how they can impact on workers in our supply chains. As an organisation we are highly committed to trading in a responsible manner. It is our intention to constantly address the social concerns connected to our industry and continue to implement changes to ensure that we are fulfilling our obligations as an accountable and conscientious business. This policy identifies the criteria and general practices that we adopt and comply with in order to deliver ethical services and products that our customers can trust.

• CED Stone Group initially joined the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) in April 2012 and we are currently one of the very few UK Natural Stone companies who are full and active members. Through our involvement with the ETI, we are able to harness the expertise, knowledge and resources of all the affiliate members to understand and identify Ethical issues and concerns in our supply chain; helping us to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. You can find out more about our work with the ETI here.
• We build strong long-term relationships with our overseas trading partners, giving us a strong base to overcome any cultural barriers and forming partnerships built on mutual trust and respect. This builds a progressive platform for us to hold open Ethical discussions. Increasing our ability to influence change when identifying potential issues with working conditions and allowing us to work in close conjunction with factories when implementing improvements. Supplier collaboration is key to establishing long-term sustainable Ethical solutions.
• Ethical Trade is at the core of our business practice and is a cornerstone of our Corporate Social Responsibility activities. We conduct a strong internal Ethical training regime across all our departments, with regular meetings up to Board level, discussing our Ethical strategy and practices. We ensure that all our staff are equipped to combine good business decisions with full and proper consideration for Ethical impacts. We generate staff awareness so that fair pricing and manageable production times are always considered, ensuring that our orders will benefit and enrich rather than hinder and harm.
• It is pre-requisite that all our Tier 1 suppliers commit fully to the ETI Base-Code of labour standards and sign up to say they will adopt the Code in full. They must also confirm that they will abide by local and national labour laws in their work place. We recognise that suppliers in some countries face significant, often deeply entrenched, challenges to meet all the standards. We support our suppliers to comply and collaborate on several projects; such as financing the distribution of good quality protection equipment and work-wear to factories in China and arranging training programmes on H&S and HR practices to production centres in India.
• We respect labour rights in our supply chain and encourage the formation of Working Groups, at factories where there is no formal grievance procedure in place. We arrange Worker interviews to “hear their voice”; giving us the necessary knowledge to focus on targeted improvements that align directly with their specific priority concerns and needs.
• We have a structured programme of SMETA based audits which we carry-out at factories in our supply chain. These inspections are audited on both the ETI Base-Code of labour standards and relevant local and Country specific employment laws.
• We encourage transparency right down through our supply chain and conduct regular, (CED staff), factory inspections to assess working conditions first hand. On occasion these factory visits are client accompanied, allowing them, first-hand knowledge of the working conditions, Health and Safety practices and Human Resource standards in place at these sites.
• We include Ethical topics in the CPD presentations that we run for Stone Industry professionals such as Architects, Garden Designers, landscapers, Contractors and Commercial bodies. These are used to inform and build awareness; keeping Ethics at the forefront of all we do.
• All information regarding our Ethical requirements from our trading partners and our commitment to responsible sourcing are communicated to supplier factories regularly by means of Buyers Guide documents, tagged information with orders, leaflets, posters as well as on this Ethical Policy statement.
• We are committed to following a Due Diligence process in our Ethical Trade activities as well as in our engagement with workers, their representatives and any connected NGO bodies.
• We adopt a strict and detailed New Supplier Policy - “Crossing the Ethical Road”. This involves sharing the Ethical Standards that we expect and require if trading is to begin. We assess their abilities and the risk factors involved, taking action to fix any serious unethical practice. If we are unable to resolve then no Commercial relationship will be established.
• Our approach when dealing with and discussing issues that impact Ethical Trade within our supply chain is always to be open, honest and to act with integrity. Experience has taught us that this is the best way to affect positive change.

CED Stone Group and Ethical Trade Projects

Rajasthan Sandstone Working Group (RSWG): In collaboration with the Ethical Trading Initiative, other Commercial bodies, NGOs and Trade Unions, we are actively working on a long standing project in the Kota region of Rajasthan in India. The main aims of the project are to improve the lives, livelihoods and health of workers in sandstone quarries, stocking units and factories in the region. Concentrating initially on H&S and HR issues we are now starting to advance the programme to look at the prevalence of Silicosis amongst quarry workers and ways to improve dialogue with the workers in the supply chain.

Iberian complete compliance: A series of audits and follow up audits within our complete supply chain in Portugal and Spain. This is an ongoing project which will mean continuous reassessment over the coming months and years. This project has already led to several improvements in working conditions for the workers in our Iberian supply chain.

Indian school charity sponsorship: Together with our key Indian supplier we are the largest contributors to a charity run by K. N. Maheshwari, which funds a school set up for poor Indian Children living in slums in Jaipur. Children aged from 5 to 16 who would otherwise be just wandering the streets or collecting rubbish are educated in an interactive, fun and safe environment. Teaching eventually to graduation level the volunteer teachers there do a fantastic job and personally collect and then take home the children each day. Without charities such as this one; The Shri Radhey Sewa Trust: these children would face a very bleak future.

Dust mask distribution – Shandong province, North China: We are undertaking a regular distribution of dust masks to the 4 main factory / production centres that we use in this region. Inhaling dust when cutting and working stone over sustained periods can lead to serious lung conditions such as silicosis. We intend to move forward soon with training initiatives to help educate the workers on the importance of wearing these masks whenever stone dust is present.

Quality Policy