Announcement of new leadership team
From 1 February 2025, the board of directors of Stone Initiatives is comprised of Thomas Baggs, Mark Milevski and Kate Tonkin. Each brings a wealth of knowledge and experience,
Snapshot: Kate Tonkin, Co-Director
From netball courts to luxury hotels, Kate Tonkin has evaluated all types of flooring and surfaces right around Australia. Get to know Kate, Co-Director and Materials Testing Spe
Snapshot: Thomas Baggs, Co-Director
With specialisations in failure investigation and mineralogical testing services, Thomas Baggs is a keen problem solver who enjoys a challenge. Get to know Tom, Co-Director and Sci
A new chapter: Founder Jim Mann retires
Jim Mann, founder of Stone Initiatives and one of Australasia’s foremost experts in stone, has made the decision to retire. Since 2003 Jim has been a driving force behind the com
What is Slip Testing?
From a rubber slider on a pendulum arm to, a pair of bare feet on a platform, there are various standardised methods of slip testing in Australia. Each is designed to measure the s
Quick guide: When should slip testing be conducted?
This quick guide looks at when and how often slip testing should be conducted, and why regular professional testing of public flooring surfaces is so important. How often a floorin
Quick guide: What is a good slip rating?
Are you wondering what achieving a ‘good’ slip rating means for your project? This quick guide explains the basics of slip resistance Standards in Australia, what constitutes a
Slip testing for different industries
Are slip resistance requirements distinct for different industries and workplace types? And are slip testing methods the same for all types of flooring surfaces? This article explo
Architect Greg Holman: natural stone in design
Natural stone is a striking and inventive feature across many architectural projects by renowned firm Harry Seidler & Associates. Project architect Greg Holman shares why natur
20 years on: A conversation with Jim Mann
Principal and founder Jim Mann reflects on 20 years of Stone Initiatives, including the influence of fashion on testing regimes, and how the stone industry is becoming more sustain