Suttle Stone Quarries has announced the appointment of Ben Coles as Quarry Foreman at Swanworth Quarry, marking an important milestone for the business and its future operations.

Ben has been part of the Suttle Stone Quarries team for the past seven years, working as a quarry operative and developing strong practical knowledge of quarrying operations. His promotion reflects both his hands-on experience and his commitment to professional development within the industry. Alongside his new role, Ben is currently completing a 2.5-year remote University Diploma in Mineral Products with the University of Derby. The qualification is strengthening his technical understanding and leadership skills as he takes on greater responsibility at Swanworth Quarry.

Ben’s appointment follows the retirement of Ian Travers, who stepped down at Christmas after many years of service. Ian was already working at Swanworth Quarry when Suttle Stone Quarries acquired the site in 2011 and has since played a key role in its success. His expertise, reliability and leadership have been instrumental in maintaining consistent, high-quality quarrying operations.

Commenting on the transition, Simon Clabburn, Director of Quarrying at Suttle Stone Quarries, said:
“Good quarry personnel like Ian are hard to replace, but I have been impressed with Ben’s enthusiasm and his willingness to learn as he steps into the foreman role. I wish them both well.”

Suttle Stone Quarries continues to place strong emphasis on investing in people and developing talent from within the organisation. Ben’s promotion highlights the company’s commitment to long-term skills development and to maintaining experienced, locally based quarrying teams. Suttles look forward to seeing Ben bring his energy, experience and fresh ideas to the foreman role, while building on the solid foundations established at Swanworth Quarry over many years.