Celebrating 55 Years Of Craftsmanship, Creativity, And Community With The People Behind Haddonstone’s Success

From its beginnings in founder Bob Barrow’s garage nearly 55 years ago to the elevated position today as an international leader in architectural and garden stonework, Haddonstone has grown through innovation, craftsmanship and unwavering family values. And, above all, it has grown through its people.

Haddonstone's founder, Bob Barrow

Across the manufactory, studios, gardens and offices, generations of skilled makers, designers, and specialists have shaped the Haddonstone story. As the company enters a new chapter, with Managing Director David Barrow becoming Chairman and Finance Director Nick Lantsbery stepping into the MD role, there is no better moment to celebrate the people at the heart of this remarkable business.

A team shaped by experience, passion and craft

Here we meet just a selection of the many people who have made Haddonstone the world-respected cast stone manufacturer it is today – a total of 200 years of stories! 

Toby Marlow - Building & Construction Director

Toby’s journey, which started in 1997, has taken him from Assistant Contracts Estimator to Director, with an unforgettable stint leading operations in California. The legendary “cut out the brochure pages” task defined his first day; today, his proudest achievements include his 25 year-long service award and leading design and build projects such as the Sweetingham Steps at the Chelsea Flower Show. Toby says it's "the people, the product, the projects, and the family values” that have kept him at Haddonstone for the past 29 years.

Callum Jensen - Senior Commercial Manager 

Callum arrived on a one-year apprenticeship back in 2012, intending to go to university. Instead, he stayed and rose through six roles. Callum's career highlight was representing the UK in Dubai as part of a trade mission for the design and construction industry after a surprise call from the British Embassy in the UAE. Driven by variety and international collaboration, Callum champions innovation and sustainability, working closely with Europe-wide distributors and supporting projects such as the Royal College of Music.

Tim Baines - Building & Construction Manager

Tim joined in 1997 with construction fixings experience and has become central to project execution. What drives him is seeing prestigious projects evolve from the first drawings to the completed build, something he hasn't tired of over nearly 30 years

.

Frank Manning – Senior Project Manager

Frank moved from a conveyor design office 28 years ago to Haddonstone, progressing through estimation and transport scheduling before finding his home in project management. He’s known for building strong client relationships and bringing architectural visions into reality.

Simon Helm - Design Studio Manager

Simon’s artistry and technical mastery have shaped Haddonstone’s most intricate and bespoke work for 36 years. Beginning on the factory floor in 1988, he moved into the design studio and has managed it for over 25 years. Simon remains committed to traditional sculpting methods: “No AI or 3D printer sculpting here!” He brings clay, wood and plaster to life - whether crafting delicate ornamentation or scaling a 30-inch lion finial into a seven-foot statue for a Middle Eastern estate. Simon's favourite part of the job is "realising the 3D design and knowing it’ll be around long after I’m gone.”

Nicola Clements - Marketing & Communications Manager

Since joining the marketing department in 2018, working with Marketing and Ornamental Sales Director Will Haxby, Nicola has been busy shaping Haddonstone’s modern identity. She led the transformative launch of Haddonstone’s new website and secured three consecutive features in Country & Town House’s Great British Brands publication. She values the company’s warmth, craftsmanship and countryside setting, and finds pride in visiting prestigious installations such as the Royal College of Music courtyard.

Roshan Thakkar - Marketing Executive

Moving from London to the Northamptonshire countryside to join the company in 2022, and working alongside Nicola, Roshan quickly became a key digital voice for Haddonstone. His first instructional video earned over 4,000 YouTube views, and he now drives social media strategy, influencer partnerships, US market support and video production. Visiting projects such as Cottonwood in Ascot and Highwall House remains among his standout early experiences.

Laura Benz - Finance Manager

One of the newest of the Haddonstone team, having joined in 2025, Laura’s proudest moment came just two months into her role when she independently delivered payroll for more than 80 staff. What could have been daunting became a defining success and marked her as a steady pair of hands at a crucial time.

Nita Attwood - Sales Office Manager

Nita’s Haddonstone career, which began in 1980, spans a remarkable list of roles - from reception to marketing, show garden support, exhibitions and field sales. She has worked with everyone from royalty to film companies to private homeowners. Nita remembers her first day as a secretary getting used to a new typewriter and producing letter dictated by Bob Barrow, the Founder. She has witnessed Haddonstone grow from a team of six to the major operation it is today, and says it is "the variety, the environment, and the family feel” that have kept her working for the same company for the past 46 years.

Welcoming new talent: the next generation

In 2025, Haddonstone strengthened its project and design teams with three new recruits: Joe Blatchly, Projects Administrator. Joe says he was "drawn by the warm, welcoming atmosphere and eager to grow in a client facing role"; Ben Hughes, Project Manager. Transitioning from sheet metal estimating to large-scale CAD and complex project management, Ben has ambitions to master 3D CAD; and Marco Van De Water, CAD Technician. Marco, once a specifier of Haddonstone, has returned to classical design after working as a technical manager in development.

Investing in future craftspeople

Haddonstone’s success has always been grounded in the skill of its craftspeople. today, 80% of products are made locally and by hand at the Northamptonshire manufactory, supported by a commitment to apprenticeships. Production Director Katherine Kates explains: “Investing in young, local talent is vital. Apprenticeships develop skilled, motivated staff we can retain for the future.”

A new chapter, rooted in heritage

As Haddonstone celebrates 55 years, the company enters a new era. With Nick Lantsbery's recent move into the MD role, the company is ready for its next stage of growth. But while leadership evolves and markets shift, one constant remains: Haddonstone’s people - past, present and future - are the foundation of its success. Their stories, skills and dedication continue to shape an extraordinary company built not just in stone, but in craftsmanship, character and community. For further information visit www.haddonstone.com or call 01604 770 711