Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Sustainable Concrete Blocks for Modern Construction
Established in 1947, Lignacite has been at the forefront of sustainable masonry solutions for over seven decades. Our family-run business specialises in manufacturing high-quality concrete blocks with significant recycled content, serving the construction industry across London, East Anglia, and the Southeast. With two modern production plants in Brandon (Suffolk) and Nazeing (Essex), we combine traditional values with cutting-edge technology to produce over 120,000 blocks daily. Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated through continuous R&D investment, resulting in product ranges like the Lignacite ECO series containing up to 70% recycled materials. We maintain rigorous quality standards through ISO 9001 certification while prioritising environmental responsibility via ISO 14001 and 50001 accreditations.Our FORS Gold-rated transport fleet ensures reliable nationwide deliveries, including challenging London locations. With a legacy of supplying blocks for iconic structures including The Shard and Google's UK headquarters, we combine technical expertise with personalised service. Our team of experienced professionals works closely with architects, builders, and merchants to deliver tailored solutions that meet exacting project requirements. Sustainability remains central to our operations, evidenced by our Suffolk Carbon Charter Gold status and on-site renewable energy generation. This combination of heritage, innovation, and customer focus has made us a trusted partner for major housebuilders and commercial contractors nationwide.
Services
Concrete Blocks
Sustainable Building Materials
Block Delivery
Technical Support
Project Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1947
Highlights and features
- 75 years of specialist concrete block manufacturing experience
- Industry-leading sustainability with up to 70% recycled content blocks
- Family-run business with direct leadership involvement
- ISO-certified quality, environmental, and energy management systems
- Nationwide delivery network with FORS Gold-rated fleet
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- ISO 50001
- ISO 27001
- BES 6001
- FORS Gold
- Suffolk Carbon Charter Gold
What people say
Exceptional support
Fast and efficient
Knowledgeable staff
Timely deliveries
Dependable supplier
Services
Concrete Blocks
We manufacture a comprehensive range of concrete blocks including standard dense, lightweight, and ultra-lightweight variants. Our products meet BS EN 771-3 standards with compressive strengths from 3.6 to 30 N/mm. Blocks are available in paint-grade, fair-face, and textured finishes for diverse construction applications.
Sustainable Building Materials
Our Lignacite ECO range contains 50-70% recycled materials with 70% less embodied carbon. We incorporate locally sourced wood shavings and recycled aggregates while maintaining structural integrity. This line supports modern sustainability goals without compromising performance.
Block Delivery
We operate a FORS Gold-certified fleet with HVO-fuelled vehicles reducing carbon footprint by 90%. Deliveries cover nationwide locations with standard payloads up to 27 tonnes. Our Nazeing site offers urban-friendly 16-pack deliveries for restricted access areas.
Technical Support
Our team provides specification guidance through interactive tools like the Block Selector and Application Locator. We offer CAD libraries, EPDs, and sitework guidance to ensure correct product selection for commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects.
Project Consultation
We collaborate with architects and contractors on complex projects requiring specific block properties. Our expertise includes fire-rated walls, acoustic partitions, and load-bearing structures. We provide technical documentation and on-site support for major developments.
People
Giles de Lotbiniere
Chairman
Fourth-generation leader with 15 years' experience in sustainable construction. Oversees strategic direction while maintaining family business values. Holds engineering degree and actively involved in industry innovation initiatives.
Nick Franks
Chief Operating Officer
Construction industry veteran with 20+ years' experience. Manages daily operations across production and logistics. Specialises in process optimisation and customer service improvement.
Paul Blunderfield
National Sales Manager
Sales professional with 18 years in building materials sector. Leads merchant partnerships across London and Southeast. Focuses on developing long-term trade relationships and market expansion.
Marvyn Candler
SHEQ Manager
Health and safety expert with NEBOSH certification. Implements ISO 45001 standards across operations. Ensures compliance with environmental and quality management systems.
Tessa de Lotbiniere
Office Administrator
Family member with 12 years' experience in business operations. Manages administrative functions and supports sustainability initiatives. Key contact for internal coordination.
Questions
What types of concrete blocks do you manufacture?
We produce dense, medium-dense, lightweight, and ultra-lightweight blocks including Lignacite, Lignacrete, Fibo 850, and Lignacite ECO ranges with compressive strengths from 3.6 to 30 N/mm².
Are your blocks environmentally friendly?
Our Lignacite ECO range contains 50-70% recycled materials with 70% less embodied carbon. We use locally sourced wood shavings and maintain ISO 14001 environmental certification.
Do you deliver nationwide?
Yes, our FORS Gold-certified fleet delivers nationwide with standard payloads up to 27 tonnes. Nazeing site offers HVO-fuelled vehicles for reduced carbon footprint.
Can I collect blocks directly from your sites?
Yes, we offer contact-free collection service from Brandon and Nazeing sites. Orders placed before 4pm can be collected as early as next working day.
What construction projects are your blocks suitable for?
Our blocks suit commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects including walls, partitions, foundations, and fire-rated structures. Used in iconic developments like The Shard and Google HQ.
Do you provide technical support for block selection?
Yes, we offer specification tools, CAD libraries, and expert consultation to help select appropriate blocks for specific applications and performance requirements.
