This week, I’m speaking to Giles Heap, Managing Director of CED Stone. CED has a long history of supplying natural stone paving and facilitating the use of stone throughout the landscape and construction industries. Giles took over as the Managing Director of CED in 2013. We discuss: - Sourcing stone ethically, including mention of the Ethical Trading Initiative - Using materials appropriate to the job and the location - Options for those looking to source local stone in the UK - The production process and the environmental impacts of this - Issues with permeability and drainage surrounding hard surfaces and how to overcome these - The future of stone products About Giles “I have been working for CED for over twenty years, on and off in many different roles. My specialities lean towards design specification and consultation using natural stone in both the Urban Realm and Landscaping arenas. With hands on experience in quarrying, production and remedial masonry work I tend to have a slightly more practical and straightforward view on stone, its capabilities and uses. I regularly lecture (preach) on the use of natural stone, both in Urban Design and Garden Design to Landscape, Urban and garden designers, students and contractors and I am more than happy to write and present bespoke lectures on the subject. Before working full time for CED, I have previously been a Publican, Bodyguard, Chauffeur, Night-club manager, doorman, and a whole host of other unusual careers! With a slight addiction to Scuba diving, martial arts (although not so much now I'm a Dad!) and extreme sports, especially climbing, I am quite happy to "say it as I see it" and I am always willing to face a challenge! As a member of the family that owns CED and the current Managing Director, my professional goal is to make us the best supplier of natural stone and hard landscaping products in the UK, by ensuring that the right advice and materials are used in our cities, parks and gardens, indeed wherever and whenever it is right and correct to do so.”   Links CED Stone - www.cedstone.co.uk 728 London Road, West Thurrock, Grays, Essex, RM20 3LU Tel: 01708 867237   Blog by Giles on Using British Stone https://www.cedstone.co.uk/news/using-british-stone-by-ced-stone-group-managing-director-giles-heap   CED and the Ethical Trading Initiative https://www.cedstone.co.uk/about#3   More info: www.ethicaltrade.org    Ethical Stone Register - www.ethicalstoneregister.co.uk   Steintec - StoneBed Permeable Bedding Mortar https://www.cedstone.co.uk/products/stonebed-permeable-bedding-mortar-pbm    Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk  Website www.rootsandall.co.uk  Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod   Patreon Link; Help us keep the podcast free & independent! Donate as much or as little as you like at https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall