Sudbury building supplies firm Anglia Lime Company launches new workshop to train people to restore their homes

A Sudbury company, which specialises in lime-based building supplies, is launching a new workshop to equip people with key skills to restore their homes.

Established in 1992, Anglia Lime Company offers a wide range of materials for conservation work.

After receiving a large number of requests for tips on how to restore buildings, the firm was inspired to set up its own training sessions to provide specialist knowledge about the craft.

“We had a lot of inquiries from people about how to maintain buildings, so we decided to set up our own course to help them with their work and teach them how to look after their properties,” said Damian Williams, a heritage skilled craftsman, who will be running the workshops at the company’s base in Windham Road.

“There’s real demand as it’s a specialist skill.”

During the workshops, participants will gain a range of restoration skills, including how to master lime plastering, lime pointing, lime washing and flint masonry.

Following a trial session, Mr Williams said the firm received positive feedback from attendees.

“The skills are something that can be learnt and people said they had enjoyed the course and felt confident enough to focus on their own projects,” he said.

During lockdown, a large portion of the team were put on furlough.

After the company resumed trading, it saw a 10 per cent rise in sales of building supplies.

Mr Williams, who is currently studying for a masters degree in heritage building conservation, attributed the spike to tradespeople and homeowners keen to continue projects that had been put on hold.

“A lot of people wanted to catch up on their work,” he said.

• To find out more about the workshops, call 01787 313974 or go online to www.anglialime.com.