Firm foundations Boshers, Oxfordshire

An award-winning firm of master builders that is nearly 190 years old. It says that ‘at the heart of our success is our commitment to marrying traditional values of craftsmanship, attention to detail, personal service, a sustainable approach and the latest construction methods and project management systems’ (www.boshersltd.com)

R. W. Armstrong, Hampshire

Provides services for most of southeast England. ‘Armstrong has consistently translated our designs into finished work of very high quality,’ advises Nigel Anderson of ADAM Architecture (www.rwarmstrong.co.uk)

R. Durtnell & Sons, Kent

Founded more than 400 years ago, R. Durtnell & Sons is by far the oldest building contractor in Britain, handed down as a private company, father to son, for 13 generations. It boasts ‘an ability to change with the times and a willingness to adopt new technologies’ (www.durtnell.co.uk)

Janine Stone, London SW11

As well as designing and furnishing buildings, the company also has its own in-house construction team that renovates, remodels and constructs buildings to the highest standards. Projects range from listed country houses to new-builds (www.janinestone.com)

Ken Biggs, Bristol

A local family company that has been going for three generations, it employs its own workforce of joiners, carpenters, bricklayers, masons, plasterers, plumbers and decorators, in projects of up to £6 million (www.ken-biggs.co.uk)

C. Tavener & Son Ltd, London NW6

Established in 1846, the company is at the pinnacle of the London building trade that works on luxury assignments of every scope and scale, from Belgravia and Holland Park to Paris and Provence (www.tavenerandson.co.uk)

R. Moulding & Co, Wiltshire

A family business employing a large number of craftsmen. As well as having built or restored many country houses, it is responsible for the works at Stonehenge (www.rmoulding.co.uk)