Directory
Pages for Companies and Organizations
Crenellated Arts specializes in illustration and digital interpretation services for the arts and heritage sectors in the UK, offering tailored solutions for building conservation professionals, homeowners, and enthusiasts. Their mission is to preserve, celebrate, and reimagine the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the UK through innovative visual storytelling. By blending artistry with historical accuracy, the company supports projects that require engaging, detailed visuals to bring historic structures, sites, and narratives to life.
At the core of Crenellated Arts’ offerings are bespoke illustrations and reconstructions of historic buildings and environments. These creations range from detailed technical drawings and watercolour renderings to immersive digital reconstructions. With a deep understanding of architectural heritage and conservation principles, the company ensures that each illustration is both visually compelling and meticulously accurate. Their work often serves as a key resource for conservation reports, restoration projects, and public education campaigns.
In addition to static illustrations, Crenellated Arts provides digital interpretation services designed to enhance engagement with historic sites and narratives. Using cutting-edge tools such as 3D modeling, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), they create interactive experiences that allow users to explore reconstructed spaces or visualize changes over time. These tools are invaluable for museums, heritage sites, and educational programs, offering audiences a dynamic way to connect with history.
Crenellated Arts also supports private homeowners and enthusiasts by delivering customized illustrations and interpretive materials for historic homes and gardens. Whether documenting the restoration of a Georgian townhouse or illustrating the original layout of a medieval estate, the company helps clients understand and showcase the historical significance of their properties. These services include creating house histories, interpretive signage, and artistic renderings suitable for personal collections or public display.
Ultimately, Crenellated Arts serves as a bridge between the past and present, making history accessible and engaging for a wide range of audiences. Their work celebrates the UK’s architectural heritage while providing practical tools and resources for its preservation. With a commitment to artistry, authenticity, and innovation, Crenellated Arts stands out as a trusted partner for anyone passionate about understanding and preserving historic spaces.
The Centre for Building Conservation Studies (CBCS) is a UK-based institution dedicated to advancing the field of building conservation through comprehensive education and hands-on training. Established in 2019, CBCS aims to become a central hub for learning and discovery in building surveying and conservation. Their mission is to make conservation accessible to everyone by offering specialised courses and training sessions led by established experts, emphasizing practical experience and the application of the latest conservation philosophies and technologies.
CBCS offers a diverse range of courses tailored to various experience levels, from undergraduates and homeowners to industry professionals. Their programs include informative Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions and Level 6 Diplomas in Building Surveying and Building Conservation. These diplomas are designed to provide participants with the skills necessary to conduct surveys of residential, commercial, ecclesiastical, and industrial buildings, as well as to work in property development, heritage sectors, and construction projects. The curriculum covers a wide range of building ages, types, uses, and conditions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the field.
A distinctive feature of CBCS's programs is the inclusion of practical experience through site visits and hands-on tasks. Participants attend the Building Conservation Summer School and engage in international study trips to explore historic sites and contemporary conservation challenges. For instance, in 2025, the Building Surveying Diploma includes a trip to Copenhagen, while the Building Conservation Diploma offers a visit to Bucharest. These experiences are designed to provide real-world insights into the complexities of building conservation on a global scale.
CBCS is also developing a dedicated learning center in a Grade II Listed Building in Gosport, Hampshire. This former Royal Navy property is being transformed into a vibrant community space for heritage skills training, arts, and culture. The facility will offer training in various traditional building skills, including roofing, lime work, carpentry, oak framing, stone masonry, and straw bale construction. This initiative underscores CBCS's commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship and promoting sustainable conservation practices.
For building conservation professionals, homeowners, and enthusiasts, CBCS provides an invaluable resource for gaining practical skills, professional qualifications, and a deeper understanding of historic building conservation. Their flexible approach, combining online learning, classroom instruction, and practical site visits, ensures accessibility and affordability. By fostering a passion for conservation and offering hands-on experience, CBCS equips individuals with the knowledge and confidence to care for and preserve historic buildings effectively.
Triskele Heritage is a UK-based organization dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and celebration of historic buildings and landscapes. With a mission to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern conservation practices, Triskele Heritage provides tailored services that empower building conservation professionals, homeowners, and heritage enthusiasts. The company’s work reflects a profound respect for cultural heritage, emphasizing sustainable approaches that honor the authenticity and integrity of historic sites.
At the heart of Triskele Heritage’s mission is the belief that historic buildings are not just structures but living legacies that tell the story of communities, craftsmanship, and culture. The company offers a diverse range of services, including specialist consultancy, condition assessments, and bespoke conservation training. These services are designed to equip professionals and enthusiasts with the knowledge and tools needed to preserve historic structures while maintaining compliance with national heritage standards.
For building conservation professionals, Triskele Heritage provides expert guidance on project planning, materials selection, and traditional techniques. The company’s hands-on training workshops are particularly valued, offering opportunities to learn time-honored methods such as lime plastering, stone masonry, and timber conservation. These sessions not only enhance technical expertise but also foster a deeper appreciation of the skills required to maintain historic buildings.
Homeowners with historic properties benefit from Triskele Heritage’s personalized approach to conservation and restoration. Whether addressing specific issues such as damp management or guiding long-term maintenance planning, the team offers practical, sustainable solutions that respect the character and history of the home. Their advice is grounded in a thorough understanding of traditional building materials and methods, ensuring that interventions are both effective and sympathetic to the property’s heritage.
Triskele Heritage also serves as an invaluable resource for heritage enthusiasts, hosting lectures, community engagement programs, and curated site visits that bring the stories of historic buildings to life. Through these initiatives, the company aims to inspire a wider audience to value and engage with the UK’s rich architectural legacy. In everything they do, Triskele Heritage combines technical expertise with a genuine passion for heritage, making them a trusted partner for anyone invested in preserving the past.
The Victorian Society in the UK is a leading authority dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of Victorian and Edwardian architecture and design. Founded in 1958, its mission is to protect the rich architectural and cultural heritage from the 1837–1914 period, which saw some of the most innovative and iconic building styles in British history. By raising awareness of the historical and aesthetic significance of these structures, the Society plays a pivotal role in ensuring their survival for future generations.
For building conservation professionals, the Victorian Society offers an invaluable resource, providing expert advice and access to comprehensive research and case studies. Through its work with local authorities, heritage bodies, and property developers, the Society influences planning decisions, ensuring that listed buildings and conservation areas are safeguarded. Its publications, such as The Victorian magazine, and detailed reports on architectural conservation issues, are essential tools for professionals in the field.
Homeowners of Victorian and Edwardian properties benefit significantly from the Society's expertise. The organization provides guidance on sympathetic restoration and maintenance practices, ensuring that the architectural integrity and original features of these homes are preserved. Through workshops, seminars, and a network of specialist contacts, the Society empowers owners to make informed decisions about their properties while enhancing their understanding of their historical value.
Enthusiasts of Victorian and Edwardian design can engage with the Society’s vibrant program of events and activities. These include guided tours, lectures by leading historians, and exclusive access to buildings of interest. The Society’s advocacy campaigns also provide opportunities for individuals to actively contribute to the preservation of endangered sites. Membership offers enthusiasts a deeper connection to the rich history of this period, fostering a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for architectural heritage.
The Victorian Society is more than just a conservation body; it is a movement that celebrates the beauty and significance of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. By combining advocacy, education, and expert advice, it provides a comprehensive platform for conservation professionals, homeowners, and enthusiasts alike. Through its tireless efforts, the Society ensures that the architectural treasures of the 19th and early 20th centuries remain a source of inspiration and pride for all.
The Council of Small Industries in Rural Areas (CoSIRA) didn’t want the identity of the County Associations to disappear so put together and funded a ‘Working Party’ with a representative from each County. After a couple of years this Working Party became the National Council of Master Thatchers Association (NCMTA). The NCMTA became moribund in 2002 although the county associations are still active.
The NSMT changed its name to its current form, The National Society of Master Thatchers Limited, in 1998 when the Society became incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
The National Society of Master Thatchers Ltd. represents about 350 thatchers or 30% of the industry and is the lead body in thatching today in the UK. The memberships of the National Society and the MTAs overlap, and their members also join them through peer assessment.
In 2010 NSMT held a meeting with thatching societies from across the world to share information about techniques, materials and thatching in general. This has resulted in the formation of the International Thatching Society (ITS) and we have seven country members.
The term ‘Master Thatcher’ is in real terms the same as ‘thatcher’ in that there is no formal test to pass. However, the term has become associated with a thatcher who is able and competent and has served an apprenticeship to the satisfaction of their teacher.
The National Piers Society is a non-profit making registered charity which was founded in 1979 under Sir John Betjeman, at a time when some of the finest piers were threatened with demolition. Over the years the National Piers Society has grown steadily and has become well established as the leading authority on seaside piers. Through the Society’s efforts several piers, that would otherwise have vanished, remain for the enjoyment of everyone.
The Society’s aim is to promote and sustain interest in the preservation, building and continued enjoyment of seaside piers.
The National Piers Society advises heritage bodies, local authorities, pier owners, national government, and the media on pier-related matters. The Society maintains links with the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (representing pier owners) and the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, whose vessels operate excursions from pier landing stages.
National Piers Society members (see the Membership page for further details) receive the quarterly journal ‘PIERS’ which is published by the Society and features all the latest pier news and events, historical features and richly illustrated articles which are of interest to pier lovers everywhere. The Society’s members choose a Pier Of The Year every spring and a triennial award for engineering achievement in pier restoration (The Peter Mason Award) is made by an advisory panel of experts. The Society also organises visits and talks and holds its Annual General Meeting in a different pier resort each year. In the longer term the Society wishes to establish a network of regional branches and a National Piers Museum.
The National Piers Society is run by a small number of volunteers. For more information about the Executive Committee members please see below. If you would like to contribute to the Society or join the Executive Committee then please do get in touch.
We’d like to receive any feedback you may have about the website or our society, please contact us.
- As The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we distribute National Lottery grants from £3,000 to £5million and over, funding projects that sustain and transform the UK's heritage.
- As The Heritage Fund, we distribute non-Lottery funding, including grant-in-aid/government funding and loans, to heritage organisations. We provide leadership and support across the heritage sector, and advocate for the value of heritage.
Heritage can be anything from the past that you value and want to pass on to future generations. Understanding, valuing and sharing our heritage brings people together, inspires pride in communities and boosts investment in local economies. We’re supporting the heritage sector to strengthen its recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and build back for positive change.
As a fund of last resort, NHMF provides financial assistance towards the acquisition, preservation and maintenance of some of the UK’s finest objects and landscapes. These range from historic houses and works of art to trains and boats and ancient landscapes. NHMF creates a world-class collection that will belong to the people of the United Kingdom forever.
NHMF receives annual grant-in-aid of £5million from the UK government to help save some of our most-loved treasures from being lost forever.
History of NHMF
The National Heritage Memorial Fund’s predecessor, The National Land Fund, was set up in 1946 to purchase land and buildings as a ‘thank-offering for victory, and a war memorial’.
However, the fund remained largely unused and in 1977 there was public outcry over the sale of the historic Mentmore Towers and its contents. On the death of the 6th Earl of Rosebery, the government had declined to buy the Grade I listed country house and its contents in lieu of death duties. As a result, the precious art and objects were sold through a public auction.
The loss sparked the passing of a new National Heritage Act in 1980, which launched the National Heritage Memorial Fund as a ‘memorial to those who have died for the UK’.
It was given an independent board of Trustees and allocated the money remaining in the National Land Fund as well as an allowance of grant-in-aid.
This new fund was to build on, and expand, the legacy of its predecessor by making available grants to help acquire, maintain or preserve any land, building or structure, or any object or collection of outstanding scenic, historic, aesthetic, architectural, scientific or artistic interest to the nation.
The word ‘memorial’ remains in the title as a reminder that this fund remains true to the original vision of creating the finest of memorials to those who have given their lives for the UK.
The NHMF continues to act as the fund of last resort, supporting some of our nation’s greatest treasures when it matters most.
NHMF and The National Lottery Heritage Fund
In 1994, the NHMF and its trustees were appointed distributor of the heritage share of the National Lottery’s funds for Good Causes, which it now operates through The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Heritage Fund is the largest dedicated funder of heritage in the UK. It offers opportunities for conserving the nation’s heritage with emphasis on placing people and communities at the heart of projects.
- Guidelines on specification of restoration work
- Accreditation for blacksmith conservator/restorers
- Resource centre for ironwork information
- Courses studying historic ironwork
In other conservation disciplines practitioners are expected to prove themselves by achieving some kind of accreditation. The field of heritage ironwork deserves no less.
NFRC actively ensures that all members offer high standards of workmanship and sound business practice through a strict code of practice and vetting procedure, including site inspections and adhering to the Government endorsed standards. The Federation also offers technical advice, guidance to facilitate your training requirements and represents member interests to the wider construction industry and government.
Our mission statement - To provide standards and guidance to our members, which raises confidence among businesses and householders, and promotes roofing as a skilled, professional sector within the wider construction industry.
James Talman, Chief Executive of NFRC
Roy Lancaster, renowned plantsman and keen supporter of Plant Heritage
Plant Heritage aims:
- To conserve our horticultural heritage by keeping living examples of all garden-worthy plants in National Plant Collections® or with Plant Guardians®
- To identify cultivars at the highest risk of extinction, with the ambition that these can be conserved. We do this through our Threatened Plants Programme™
- To document and record collections of rare plants. This is done by our National Collection holders and in our publications such as the Directory, The Journal, and through our online plant recording database Persephone
- To document on Persephone, the details and location of the rare plants held by our Plant Guardians®
- To increase the variety of garden plants available for gardens in the UK through supporting and undertaking group propagation activities and plant sales
- To share rare plants with gardeners across the UK, though our annual Plant Exchange™
- To ensure rare plants and collections are supported in perpetuity (for future generations)
- To support Plant Guardians and National Collection holders in their conservation work
- To educate the public in the importance of our work
- To work in partnership with organisations that can support our objectives
- To raise funds to support this work
Our work is dedicated to supporting places of worship of historic, architectural and community value used by Christian denominations throughout the UK.
We do this by:
- Providing grants for urgent repairs and community facilities.
- Helping places of worship keep their buildings in good repair through our MaintenanceBooker service.
- On our ExploreChurches website making it easy for everyone to discover the wonder of the UK’s sacred heritage.
The Trust is the successor to two older charities, the Historic Churches Preservation Trust, founded in 1953 and the Incorporated Church Building Society, founded in 1818.
Why are church buildings important?
For many reasons. There are around 41,000 churches, chapels and meeting houses in the UK. Many of these are some of the UK's most important historic buildings; we want to make sure that they are there for future generations to enjoy. In addition to being used for worship, church buildings are also vitally important community buildings, used for children's nursery classes, lunch clubs for older people and as venues for concerts and exhibitions.
Technology has changed the way businesses now operate with the development of equipment such as computers and machinery to assist the memorial mason produce their wares, and although memorials are now generally smaller and less ornate than those produced by our predecessors the essential craft skills and standards of service still remain and are paramount to NAMM membership.
Our Evolution - The promotion of the memorial masonry craft and the raising of standards of workmanship and service has been the constant aim of the National Association of Memorial Masons since its formation in 1907. As the organisation representing the craft memorial mason the association has over the years taken on new roles in addition to its main function as a trade association. NAMM is nationally recognised as the trusted consultative body on memorial masonry matters, is an overseer of the voluntary regulation of memorial masons and one of the major training providers to both the trade and burial authority personnel.
Standards such as the NAMM Code of Working Practice and memorial fixings test data have been accepted as the National Industry Standard since 1996 and incorporated into BS8415 since its conception 2005.
Our Mission
- To ensure high standards and trusted service to the bereaved.
- To assist and support our member companies and promote their interests.
- To further the memorial masonry industry, maintain craft skills and provide training to that effect.
- To work in close partnership with Burial Ground operators for the welfare of the bereaved through the active promotion of high standards, freedom of choice, increased memorialisation awareness, and the provision of trusted guidance in all matters relating to the manufacture, supply, installation and safety inspection and assessment of natural stone memorials.
The National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) formed in 1982 as a professional Trade Association, promoting high standards for the sweeping, inspection and maintenance of chimneys.
With 700 Members, the NACS is recommended by all major fuel organisations, including the Solid Fuel Association, HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing & Approval Scheme), and OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association).
NACS Members work strictly to the NACS Code of Practice © 1982 and Code of Conduct for the cleaning of chimneys. On completion of work, NACS Sweeps issue a Certificate of Chimney Sweeping and recommend when future cleaning is necessary.
NACS Sweeps stock a comprehensive range of different brushes and tools to tackle the vast variety of chimneys, flues and appliances they meet.
Many Members also carry sophisticated equipment such as Power Sweeping Equipment, and CCTV cameras for the testing and surveying of chimneys, and for diagnosing chimney faults on new and existing flue installations.
Here are some of the chimney sweeping and flue cleaning services that we provide:
- Chimney sweeping of flues for open fires (gas and solid fuel)
- Sweeping of chimney liners installed to solid fuel stoves and log burners
- Chimney cleaning for flue systems connected to Arga solid fuel kitchen appliances
- Issuing certificates of chimney sweeping to Gas safe Engineers prior to gas appliance installation
- Bird nest removal by use of chimney sweeping rods
- Chimney flue smoke testing and inspection of flues
- Supply and install of chimney rain caps, cowls, chimney bird guards and cappings
- Chimney sweeping and testing certificates issues prior to chimney lining and stove installations
If you have any more questions about our chimney sweeps or chimney sweeping services contact us now
NACE is the foremost authority with regard to compliant chimney lining, flue and chimney construction, and the NACE cast in-situ concrete lining system, as well as providing guidance and direction for the use of chimney components throughout the industry.
For technical guidance and help, call 08437136223. (Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.)
NACE has developed a Specialist Applied-skills Programme (SAP) for Chimney Engineering, in partnership with CITB. This SAP is the most comprehensive training programme the chimney engineering industry has ever seen and in some cases can be fully funded by grants available through CITB.
NACE works closely with a number of governmental bodies and is recognised by HETAS as an “influential organisation” within the solid fuel industry.
NACE offers the general public direct access to their technical data base for chimney engineers located within the UK and Ireland.
NACE is the only professional chimney engineering association within the UK committed to raising installation and administration standards and to maintain, as well as to develop, the growing science of pure chimney engineering.
NACE maintains a register of competent chimney engineers who are able to provide installation services as well as mechanical inspections and surveys within known domestic and commercial environments.
NACE installer members are able to carry out the testing of flue systems, comprehensive flue system surveys, solid fuel appliance rectifications as well as re-lining, remedial structural repairs, commissioning and appropriate safety guidance.
NACE is dedicated to the needs of the professional chimney engineer who may be involved in various methods of chimney lining as well as remedial repairs and reconstruction. Design and system installation methods, as well as understanding compliance and liability, are just a few of the support systems available to our members.
NACE can assist and guide experienced chimney engineers to reach an obtainable level of expertise within the chimney industry, working towards the only formal qualifications currently available within our industry, the L2 NVQ Diploma in Chimney Occupations – Chimney Engineering or the L2 NVQ Certificate in Chimney Sweeping.
NACE welcomes new members who can demonstrate the necessary mechanical and administrative skills necessary to meet today’s increasing demand for competent installation personnel as well as high quality, high-end workmanship
The National Archives (formerly the Public Record Office) works in selecting public records for preservation. Preserving those records for future generations, making them accessible to the public and promoting their value as a national and educational resource. Access to records at Kew is free.
A permanent exhibition of public records is open to everyone at the Education and Visitors' Centre: contact the NA Interpretation Department for details: 020 8392 5323
I am currently spending much of my time working with Atkins Global providing support on Phase 1 of HS2 between London and Birmingham, although I'm still available for a limited amount of other commissions.
Before becoming an independent consultant I was a Director at CgMs, the UKs leading planning and heritage consultancy (now part of RPS), where I led the team in Cheltenham providing heritage planning advice to commercial clients.
Prior to this I acted as a freelance consultant to global engineering consultants Atkins, working on the environmental impact assessment for HS2 Rail, and held senior management positions within the UK's largest commercial heritage provider, Oxford Archaeology. I have managed heritage input on a range of projects from small domestic development to large scale and complex engineering schemes including London Crossrail, Stansted Airport (for BAA), the Baku to Cayhen pipeline (for BP) and London Gateway Port (for Dubai Ports World). I have experience of development in sectors including infrastructure, housing, urban regeneration and utilities/renewables and have provided consultancy advice to a range of private and public sector clients.
After studying archaeology at the University of Birmingham I have undertaken post-graduate study in law and business administration. I am a Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (having previously served as Vice Chair), and an Associate of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment. I recently acted as Chief Executive for the Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers.
Specialties: heritage planning advice, desk-based assessment and heritage statements, environmental impact assessment, project management, heritage marketing and business development.
I combine an enthusiasm for seeing the best possible heritage solutions with a practical and pragmatic approach focussed on understanding what my clients are trying to achieve.
If you think I may be able to help you, please get in touch
Our research, programming and partnerships - We are a place to explore and debate what home means. We do this by creating exhibitions, events, collaborations, research and debates that shine a light on important issues and fulfil our mission to reveal and rethink ideas on home.
Collaborative research - We work with partners throughout the world and have collaborations across the UK to support ground-breaking research into the meaning of home, past, present and future.
Originally from London and now based in Northamptonshire in the Midlands, they carry out mosaic restoration and new mosaic works throughout the UK and Europe, including many prestigious projects in Central London.
The Mosaic Restoration Company is a family run business headed up by leading expert Gary Bricknell with over 30 years experience working with mosaics. Gary’s passion for mosaics began as a child during visits to his Uncle Trevor’s workshop in South London, and at the age of 18 he began working with Trevor Caley the well known established mosaic artist and designer.
Gary moved The Mosaic Restoration Company from London to Northamptonshire in 1999 with his family. The central location of the business was better positioned to work on projects throughout the UK including Scotland and the north of England. The company gradually expanded and over the last 20 years has established an excellent reputation in all areas of mosaic design, restoration and conservation.
At their purpose built workshop in Daventry in Northamptonshire, they are able to conserve and restore existing or fabricate new mosaics to order. The large workshop and studio enables clients to see works in progress and view their comprehensive range of salvaged mosaics kept in stock including very rare marble mosaics, glass mosaic and venetian glass mosaics.
Although much of the works is generated by recommendation, the website has been very important to reach potential new commercial and residential clients with the facility of a quick and easy quote request system. For large commercial projects we will provide detailed mosaic reports following a comprehensive mosaic survey carried out on site.
The company is unique with a fresh and friendly approach to running its business. All staff are directly employed and trained to a high standard and have pride in the work they carry out. Be it a small private job, or a large public commission each project receives the same great attention to detail.
The company has received numerous awards over the years including ‘excellence in Contract Tiling’ from the TTA and in 2018 the Sussex Heritage Award for mosaic works to Hastings Library. In the same year Gary received ‘Master Craftsman Wall and Floor Tiler’ award from ‘The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers’.
Please visit the Services section for more information about the work they do or view the gallery of images shown here.
Our portfolio of work is extremely varied from large scale new build or refurbishment developments, to the careful repair of small historic buildings and extensions, to undertaking full design for multi-million projects to some the most important buildings in the country.
We pride ourselves on providing a personal service, working collaboratively with clients and other professional colleagues, and taking great pleasure in producing high quality, economic designs.
An overview of the services is provided on our services page, but we offer much more besides. To discuss your individual requirements, please feel free to contact us.