Business Details
27 Years
experience
Expert Restoration Services for Historical and Contemporary Structures
Skill Stone was established in 1999 and has operated as a limited company since 2006, specialising in conservation and restoration of historical and contemporary structures. Under the leadership of founder Chris Williamson, who brings 30 years of expertise in skilled trades, we deliver high-quality services to clients across Leicestershire and beyond. Our team combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, offering services such as grade-listed building restoration, brick replacement, DOFF & TORC cleaning systems, concrete testing, and graffiti removal. We prioritise ethical practices, using salvaged and reclaimed materials to preserve architectural integrity while meeting modern standards.Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through detailed survey reports, certifications, and collaborations with clients to ensure satisfaction. With a portfolio spanning heritage sites like Beaumanor Hall and Leicester station clock tower, we maintain a reputation as industry leaders in conservation and restoration. Our dedication to continuous improvement ensures we remain at the forefront of academic and scientific advancements in the field.
Services
Concrete Testing
Helibar Stitching
Re-pointing
DOFF Cleaning
Graffiti Removal
Stone Repair
Concrete Repairs
Acid Etching
Anti-slip Flooring
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We have 30 years of expertise in conservation and restoration under founder Chris Williamson.
- Our ethical approach prioritises reclaimed materials and historical accuracy in every project.
- We utilise cutting-edge technology like DOFF & TORC cleaning systems for superior results.
- Our team holds industry-recognised accreditations including SafeContractor and SafePQQ.
- We have completed award-nominated projects for heritage sites like Leicester station clock tower.
Associations and certifications
- SafeContractor
- SafePQQ
- Construction Online Bronze Member
- Construction Online Silver Member
What people say
Standout provider
Industry leaders
Best in the country
Unparalleled quality
Trusted partner
Services
Concrete Testing
Our concrete testing services ensure structural integrity through methods like the Schmidt Hammer Test. We provide detailed survey reports and certifications, verifying concrete strength for critical activities such as de-propping or opening to traffic. Our expertise guarantees compliance with industry standards.
Helibar Stitching
Helibar Stitching stabilises cracked masonry walls using stainless steel helical bars bonded into horizontal joints. This technique restores structural strength while maintaining aesthetic continuity, ideal for historic buildings requiring discreet reinforcement solutions without compromising original materials.
DOFF Cleaning
The DOFF System uses superheated steam to remove paint, grime, and biological matter from stone and brick surfaces. This gentle yet effective method preserves delicate materials while achieving thorough cleaning, suitable for heritage sites and modern structures alike.
Re-pointing
Our re-pointing services restore structural integrity by replacing degraded mortar in stone and brickwork. Using traditional techniques and materials, we ensure long-term durability while maintaining the original aesthetic of historic and contemporary buildings.
Stone Repair
We specialise in repairing stone surfaces affected by weathering or damage. Using reclaimed materials and traditional methods, our team reinstates original textures and features, ensuring seamless integration with existing structures while extending their lifespan.
People
Chris Williamson
Founder & Managing Director
With 30 years of expertise in skilled trades, Chris leads Skill Stone's conservation and restoration projects, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver high-quality results.
James Vernon
Director
As Director of JJ Scaffolding, James recognises Skill Stone's industry-leading expertise in historical restoration and commitment to ethical practices using reclaimed materials.
John Zayya
Director - MA Rail / Viking Group
John highlights Skill Stone's unparalleled quality in conservation, praising their precision in historic building restoration and cutting-edge cleaning solutions from their Leicestershire base.
Mark Simpson
J Murphy
Mark commends Skill Stone's highly skilled workforce, noting their reliability, safety focus, and ability to deliver complex restoration projects on time and to exacting standards.
Philp Clarke
Leicester City Council Building Inspector
Philp endorses Skill Stone's exceptional work on Leicester station clock tower, crediting their craftsmanship with Railway Heritage award nominations and ongoing trust for rail projects.
Questions
What types of restoration services do you offer?
We specialise in historical and contemporary conservation, including grade-listed building restoration, brick replacement, DOFF & TORC cleaning, concrete testing, and graffiti removal.
Are your services accredited?
Yes, we hold accreditations including SafeContractor, SafePQQ, and Construction Online memberships, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Do you work outside Leicestershire?
While based in Leicestershire, we undertake projects nationwide, including heritage sites like Leicester station clock tower and Beaumanor Hall.
How do you ensure historical accuracy in restoration?
We use salvaged materials, replicate historical mortars, and match original features to preserve architectural integrity during restoration.
What is Helibar Stitching?
Helibar Stitching is a structural repair method using stainless steel helical bars to stabilise cracked masonry walls, ensuring long-term durability.