In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Steve Briggs, founder of Briggs and Sons Masonry about conservation led stone masonry and the realities of scaling a heritage business. Steve explains why retaining original fabric matters, how church and listed building work demands restraint and judgement, and why replacement comes last. The conversation covers running a contracting arm alongside a consultancy for listed homes, navigating consent and surveys, training the next generation, and choosing culture and quality over rapid turnover. This episode offers a grounded view of craft led growth in the UK heritage sector.

Key Topics Covered

1. Church restoration and heritage conservation
2. Retaining original fabric in historic buildings
3. Stone masonry brickwork leadwork and roofs
4. Listed building consents surveys and maintenance plans
5. Running contracting and consultancy businesses together
6. Rejecting short term fixes in favour of longevity
7. Training trainees and paying for learning time
8. Scaling from small teams to sustainable growth
9. Protecting company culture during expansion
10. Customer care over chasing turnover
11. Learning craft through family and experience
12. The future of heritage skills in the UK

Enjoying the show?

Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introducing Steve Briggs and conservation masonry

02:10 Keeping original fabric wherever possible

05:40 Church restoration realities

09:15 Running contracting and consultancy work

13:30 Listed building consents and surveys

18:45 Scaling teams and managing growth pain

24:20 Training trainees properly

30:05 Culture over turnover

35:40 Learning craft through family

41:10 Sustainability in heritage businesses

46:30 Attracting the next generation