TheRootMark is a curated directory of family-owned, heritage trade businesses committed to ethical employment, sustainable practice, and passing their craft to the next generation.
The RootMark standard
Every business listed is assessed against six criteria before it may carry the mark. A listing is earned, not bought.
Majority ownership held within a family, not institutional investors or corporate groups.
The business spans generations — or holds active, credible plans for succession and passing on the craft.
Rooted in a traditional craft or trade with a documented history and a recognised skill base.
Materials sourced responsibly, with transparency about provenance and supplier relationships.
Living wage as a minimum, fair contracts, and demonstrated investment in people and their development.
Active steps to reduce environmental impact — beyond compliance with minimum standards.
A founding-standard business. The benchmark others are measured against.
Meets the RootMark standard across all six criteria.
Strong, with one or two areas to develop before full verification.
The directory
Every business below has been independently verified against all six criteria.
Led by Nicolas Goudard · French master stonemason · South Devon
Dry stone walling, monument restoration, water features and natural paving — combining Burgundian heritage craft with ecological design, for private gardens, heritage estates and listed properties across the UK and France.
View verified listing →
Verification
There is no fee to apply. Listing fees apply only once a business is verified and accepted.
Tell us how your business meets each of the six criteria, with evidence. Honesty over polish.
We review your work, references and public record. For trades within our expertise, this is a hands-on assessment by someone who knows the craft.
Accepted or not, we talk it through. If something is borderline, we would rather discuss than reject outright.
Your mark goes live with your full profile — and you may display the RootMark badge on your own site.
If you have built something worth passing on, we want to know about it.
Applications are reviewed within 10 working days.