We've been delighted by the overwhelming response to our Emerging Talent Awards, receiving nominations from across the industry, with submissions reflecting the contribution of a wide range of entrants.
Emerging Talent Awards Shortlisted Nominees
The Awards are about recognising and rewarding the achievements of those at the beginning of their career in the sector and form part of Industry Day's third seminar session, Emerging Talent Awards: meet the new stars of the stone industry, on Wednesday 7 June. This will be hosted by leading broadcaster and sustainability commentator Susannah Streeter and culminates with the award presentation.
The chosen winners will be presented with their award, along with a voucher to the value of £250, at the 2023 Natural Stone Show, June 6-8 at ExCeL, London. In addition each winner will be featured in the Natural Stone Specialist magazine and on www.stonespecialist.com
Luke Maher
Stonemason -
Historic Environment Scotland
Nominated by Callum Plews, Training Manager at Historic Environment Scotland
Luke is a fully qualified stonemason who has continued to demonstrate his personal and professional development by committing to Historic Environment Scotland’s Emerging Leaders Programme, which aims to develop the leaders of the future. He has proven himself to be a highly accomplished craftsperson by gaining a Gold Medal in the SkillBuild UK national finals last year. It was the second time Luke had qualified for the finals, having previously competed in Birmingham in 2019, the same year he was awarded Apprentice of the Year by staff at the HES Skills Training Centre, Stirling. Luke faced the significant challenge of completing his Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship (with Advanced Craft) during the Covid pandemic, when almost all site work was halted. However, due to the scope and quality of works carried out at sites such as St Andrews Cathedral, Dunkeld Cathedral and Doune Castle, he successfully completed the evidence requirements of the qualification.
