Natural stone expertise built on 35 years of technical, commercial and global sourcing experience
UK-based independent consultant in natural stone sourcing, technical assessment, supplier evaluation, and supply chain development
Deep Technical Roots
35 Years of Experience
20 Years at Marshalls PLC
Global Supply Chain Expertise
Strategic Expertise
Natural stone, quarrying, sourcing and technical assessment
Senior leadership across natural stone operations and sourcing
Global supplier development and assessment expert
Geology, product quality, supplier capability and business strategy
Natural Stone Sourcing
Identifying the right stone from the right supplier - quality, geology, and supply chain aligned
End-to-End Stone Consultancy
Supplier and Factory Assessment
Reviewing supplier capability, production standards, packaging, quality control and reliability
Technical Product Assessment
Independent evaluation of dimensional stone products for performance and suitability
Quality Control Inspections
Setting and monitoring standards for product consistency, packaging, and delivery
Complaint Investigation
Independent expert review of stone product failures, disputes, and defect claims
Responsible Procurement
Sustainability, ethical sourcing, and compliance guidance for natural stone supply
1987 – 1989
Geotechnical Engineer
British Coal Opencast
1989 – 2001
2001 - 2014
Managing Director, Natural Stone
2014 – 2022
Natural Stone Sourcing Director
2022 – Now
Consultant
2023 – Present
Natural Stone Consultant
A Natural Stone Expert with Technical Depth and Commercial Experience
I started my career in geotechnical engineering - understanding the ground beneath quarries, not just the stone above. That technical foundation has shaped everything since: over a decade at RMC managing quarrying and extraction operations, then more than 20 years at Marshalls PLC, including serving as Managing Director of Marshalls Natural Stone, before moving into a Natural Stone Sourcing Director role to lead international supply chain and sourcing strategy ahead of establishing his own consultancy.
Today I work independently, helping clients across the UK and internationally select, assess, and source natural stone with confidence. I combine geological expertise, hands-on operational experience, and commercial leadership in a way that few consultants can.
Qualifications and Credentials
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BSc Applied Earth Science
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MSc Hydrogeology / Engineering Geology
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Master of Business Administration
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Former Geotechnical Engineer
Career Timeline
ABOUT ME
Let's talk about your project.
Free initial consultation.
Whether you're sourcing natural stone for the first time, dealing with a supplier issue, or need an independent technical view, I'm happy to have an initial conversation.
Contact
rory.kendrick@rkstoneservices.com