As the UK paving and natural stone market enters 2026, Westone is implementing a strategic adjustment to our supply and distribution structure. This change reflects a move toward a more integrated business model, aligned with the evolving demands of the modern logistics and construction landscape.
Effective immediately, Westone has ceased all supply of products to Stone Paving Direct. This decision marks the conclusion of our previous distribution arrangement and is the result of a broader reassessment of how value and service are delivered in today’s outdoor paving market.
The Evolution of the Supply Model
Historically, the stone industry often utilized third-party distributors to reach end customers. In that model, the importer managed overseas production, international shipping, and UK warehousing, while the distributor focused on sales.
However, the global supply chain environment has changed. Volatile shipping costs, port congestion, and the need for real-time inventory accuracy have made the traditional "split" model—where sales are separated from supply—increasingly inefficient.
Specifically, the traditional model can create financial friction. In an industry requiring heavy upfront investment in production and VAT, delayed payment cycles at the distribution level create unsustainable pressure on the importer. For a robust supply chain, financial discipline and predictable cash flow are essential to maintaining consistent UK stock levels.
Westone’s Transition to Direct Control
Westone’s strategic response is a transition to Direct-to-Market Distribution. By streamlining our operations and supplying directly through our own platforms, we maintain full accountability over the entire journey of the stone—from the quarry to the customer’s site.
This transition allows us to optimize three core areas:
- Inventory Reliability: We align import volumes directly with real-time customer demand, ensuring better stock availability.
- Quality Assurance: Market feedback now flows directly back to our production facilities without third-party distortion.
- Structural Stability: Direct trading relationships ensure transparent settlement terms, allowing Westone to reinvest in future shipments and long-term supply stability.
Ending the supply relationship with external distributors is not a withdrawal from the market; rather, it is a commitment to a Fully Integrated Model. By managing sourcing, stocking, and sales within a single organization, we ensure that performance is measurable and responsibility is clear.
What This Means for Customers
For customers and contractors, this update ensures greater certainty. Direct supply means clearer stock visibility, more accurate lead times, and a more responsive service.
In a market where project timelines are critical, our focus is on ensuring that the products ordered are the products delivered, supported by the financial health and logistical strength of the original importer.
Looking Ahead
The UK stone industry is moving toward a period of consolidation. Businesses that control their own supply chains and manage operational risks directly are best positioned to provide long-term value.
This New Year adjustment defines Westone’s direction for 2026 and beyond. We are concentrating our resources on a model that prioritizes transparency, logistical excellence, and direct engagement with our customers.
We remain the UK’s primary source for high-quality natural stone, now delivered through a simpler, stronger, and more accountable distribution model.
