Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Sustainable Concrete Blocks for Construction
Established in 1947, Lignacite has been at the forefront of sustainable masonry for over seven decades. As a family-run business rooted in Suffolk and Essex, we specialise in manufacturing high-quality concrete blocks with a commitment to environmental responsibility. Our product range, including dense, medium-dense, and lightweight blocks, contains significant recycled content and has contributed to iconic structures like The Shard and Canary Wharf.With two modern production plants and a fleet of FORS Gold-accredited vehicles, we deliver nationwide while maintaining rigorous quality standards through ISO certifications. Our team combines generational expertise with continuous innovation, ensuring technical excellence and customer-centric service for architects, builders, and merchants across the UK.
Services
Concrete Blocks
Dense Blocks
Lightweight Blocks
Eco Range Blocks
Coursing Blocks
Paint Grade Blocks
Fair Face Blocks
Ultra Lightweight Blocks
Details
- Year established: 1947
Highlights and features
- 75 years of expertise in concrete block manufacturing
- Sustainable products with up to 70% recycled content
- Nationwide delivery with FORS Gold-accredited fleet
- ISO-certified quality and environmental management systems
- Family-run business with technical expertise in construction
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- ISO 45001
- ISO 50001
- ISO 27001
- BES 6001
- FORS Gold
- Suffolk Carbon Charter
What people say
Excellent service
Quick response
Great company
Dependable supplier
Top-tier products
Services
Concrete Blocks
Our concrete blocks combine technical performance with sustainability. Available in dense, medium-dense, and lightweight variants, they meet diverse construction needs while containing recycled materials. The blocks offer durability for above and below-ground applications, supporting structural integrity in residential and commercial projects. Their composition ensures compliance with modern building regulations and environmental standards.
Eco Range Blocks
The ECO Range features blocks with 50-70% recycled content and 70% less embodied carbon. Designed for environmentally conscious construction, these blocks maintain structural performance while reducing environmental impact. They align with BREEAM Outstanding-rated projects and support low-carbon building initiatives across the UK construction sector.
Lightweight Blocks
Fibo 850 ultra-lightweight blocks reduce manual handling risks while maintaining structural integrity. Ideal for non-loadbearing walls and partitions, they offer thermal efficiency and ease of installation. Their lightweight design supports faster construction timelines without compromising on durability or performance standards.
Paint Grade Blocks
Fine-textured paint-grade blocks provide optimal surfaces for direct decoration. Suitable for internal and external walls, they ensure smooth finishes while maintaining structural strength. These blocks eliminate the need for additional surface preparation, reducing labour costs and project timelines for commercial developments.
Coursing Blocks
Coursing blocks ensure uniform wall performance through precise dimensional accuracy. They minimise on-site cutting requirements, reducing waste and installation time. Recommended for both loadbearing and non-loadbearing applications, these blocks maintain structural consistency while improving construction efficiency across residential and commercial projects.
People
Giles de Lotbiniere
Chairman
Fourth-generation leader of Lignacite, Giles de Lotbiniere oversees strategic direction while maintaining family commitment to sustainable innovation. With over 20 years in the business, he champions technical excellence and customer partnerships.
Nick Franks
Chief Operating Officer
Nick Franks leads sales and operational strategy, combining technical expertise with 15 years in construction materials. He focuses on delivering tailored solutions for architects and contractors while maintaining quality standards.
Tessa de Lotbiniere
Office Administrator
Tessa de Lotbiniere manages office operations, ensuring seamless administrative support across Lignacite's operations. Her role maintains the family business ethos through client relationship coordination and internal process optimisation.
Tom de Lotbiniere
Business Development
Tom de Lotbiniere drives innovation initiatives, leveraging construction industry insights to expand product applications. His focus on sustainable development aligns with Lignacite's environmental commitments and technical leadership.
Johnny de Lotbiniere
Operations Manager
Johnny de Lotbiniere oversees production efficiency across both manufacturing sites. With technical expertise in block formulation, he ensures consistent product quality while implementing process improvements for sustainable manufacturing.
Questions
What types of concrete blocks do you manufacture?
We produce dense, medium-dense, lightweight, and eco-friendly blocks with recycled content. Our range includes Lignacite GP, Lignacrete, Fibo 850, and ECO Range blocks for various construction applications.
Are your products environmentally sustainable?
Yes. Our ECO Range contains up to 70% recycled materials and 70% less embodied carbon. We maintain ISO 14001 certification and BES 6001 responsible sourcing standards for sustainable production.
Do you deliver nationwide?
Yes. Our FORS Gold-accredited fleet delivers blocks across the UK, including London and hard-to-reach locations, with HVO-fuelled options available at our Nazeing site.
What accreditations do you hold?
We maintain ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, ISO 27001, BES 6001, and FORS Gold certifications, demonstrating quality, safety, and environmental management excellence.
Can I collect blocks directly from your sites?
Yes. Our Brandon and Nazeing sites offer contact-free collection service with next-day availability when orders are placed before 4pm.
What construction sectors do you support?
We supply residential, commercial, educational, healthcare, and infrastructure projects. Our blocks feature in iconic developments like The Shard and London Olympic Stadium.
