Case study

Delivering expertise in enterprise and innovation: Rock solid foundations

24 Mar 2017

Marta Zurakowska, a recent PhD graduate of the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has launched her company UK Stone Doctor Ltd with support from the University’s Enterprise Services.

Marta established UK Stone Doctor Ltd in Paisley due to its outstanding built heritage with the largest number of listed buildings in conservation areas. Most of the buildings in Scotland are made of stone and the majority of them require ongoing facade upkeep. Marta, whose PhD studies focused on buildings conservation, wanted to use her expertise and knowledge gained through studying at UWS to support the construction and architectural sectors. 

The company offers a specialist on site stone consultancy service operating across central Scotland and provides practical technical advice and specialist surveys on preserving stone and rammed earth materials in buildings and structures for architects, historic building specialists, stone suppliers and construction professionals.  

Already Marta has initial contracts with Marischal College in Aberdeen, providing her expertise, passion and knowledge to the successful stone cleaning of the college as well as Greyfriars Church in Aberdeen.  

Marta who is a passionate entrepreneur said: “I can’t thank UWS enough for their support in getting my company up and running. There is a real gap in the market for expert stone consultancy and the response I have already received from prospective clients has been great.

“The continued support I receive from the University’s Enterprise Services is a real help as I get the company firmly established in the marketplace.”

Marta has also recently received a major boost; being successful in her application to Enterprise Campus who support Masters, Postgraduate and Researchers to get their business off the ground. 

Marta has been receiving ongoing support from the University’s Enterprise Services to turn her business plans into reality, developing a limited company and in accessing accelerator programmes such as the Enterprise Campus.

Gillian Fleming, Commercialisation Manager, UWS Enterprise Services, commented: “We are delighted that Marta has now officially launched The UK Stone Doctor and we will continue to help and support her in her entrepreneurial journey.

“Marta has now signed up to our exciting new UWS Enterprise Mentoring Programme were she will be allocated a supportive mentor who will share, guide and encourage her along her journey with Enterprise Campus and in further developing her business.”