Cornerstone Projects Ltd

Cornerstone Projects Ltd: underground utility searches in the UK

Cornerstone Projects Ltd is a UK-based company that presents itself as a leading provider of desktop underground utility searches. Its activity focuses on the provision of utility plans and a utility location service covering pipes, cables and telephone ducts. The company operates throughout the UK and serves a wide variety of clients in the construction and engineering sector.

Search and location services

Cornerstone Projects' service catalogue includes a full utility search, instant access plans, CAD packs and smart PDF drawings. It also offers coal field search, Scottish Water plans, the Dial Before You Dig service and underground cable location. In addition, the company provides other services related to asset management, pre-development capacity checks, new connections, disconnections and diversions, Section 50 licences, GS6 and overhead height requests.

Reports are delivered in professional PDF format and the company states that its searches are carried out in accordance with PAS 128 survey level D. The website mentions that prices start from £58 plus VAT and that free no-obligation instant quotes are offered 24/7, as well as online ordering also available 24/7. 30-day payment on account is offered for account customers.

Client profile and sectors served

Cornerstone Projects works with consulting engineers, designers and architects, general contractors, highways contractors, land and environmental surveyors, legal conveyancers, as well as the renewable energy sector, telecomms designers and contractors, utility contractors and other utility search providers. This diversity of clients reflects the cross-cutting nature of its services within the construction and infrastructure sector.

Track record and operational capacity

The company was founded in 2004 by Duncan Phillips, who conceived the idea of offering underground utility searches while managing a small engineering design team. According to information on its website, Cornerstone Projects has over 21 years of experience, has completed more than 105,000 searches and has over 8,500 registered businesses. The company is registered in England with company number 5132353 and states that it holds ISO 9001 certification.

Resources and materials for the sector

The Cornerstone Projects website makes a series of informative resources available to professionals, including utility company performance statistics, a free sample report, a guide to saving money in construction, tips for underground utility searches, tips for obtaining a Section 50 licence, a glossary of construction terms, the HSE's HSG47 report and case studies. It also publishes a blog with articles on causes of construction delays, industry misconceptions and the importance of outsourcing underground utility searches.

Featured case studies

Among the case studies the company publishes are that of BM3, which highlights satisfaction with the cost and service received, and that of Sumo Survey Services, which emphasises the speed and low cost of outsourced statutory searches. Galliford Try Infrastructure is also mentioned as a client.

Location and contact

91 Market Street, Hoylake, Wirral, CH47 5AA · Phone: 0151 632 5142 · Email: enquiries@cornerstoneprojects.co.uk