A Legacy Forged by Family, Craftsmanship, and Italian Heritage
Category Blog
Stamford Contracts: A Legacy Forged by Family, Craftsmanship, and Italian Heritage
At Stamford Contracts, our identity is inseparable from the storied tradition of Italian asphalt families that helped shape London’s infrastructure. For generations, the Mari family has been at the heart of this legacy, combining time-honoured Italian craftsmanship with an unwavering dedication to excellence. Our roots trace back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, when Italian migrants, including families from regions such as Lazio (notably the town of Bardi), Campania, and Tuscany, brought their expertise in stonemasonry, terrazzo, and road-building to the UK. This heritage forms the bedrock of who we are today.


Like many families from “Little Italy” in Clerkenwell, the Maris inherited a deep understanding of asphalt laying and road construction, a craft refined over generations. What began as manual labour for these communities evolved into family-run enterprises renowned for precision and durability. At Stamford Contracts, we carry forward this ethos, blending traditional techniques with modern innovation to meet London’s evolving infrastructure needs.
The Mari Family: Generations of Leadership
Founded in 1951 by Andrew Mari, Stamford Contracts builds upon a lineage of expertise that began with his father, Raffaele Mari, who worked in the trade as early as 1945. From its origins as an asphalt and roadworks specialist, the company has grown into a trusted, multi-disciplinary construction firm, yet remains steadfastly family-run. Under the leadership of John Mari, today’s Stamford Contracts honours the values instilled by its founders: integrity, teamwork, and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Each generation has expanded our capabilities while preserving the artisan standards that define our Italian heritage.
Contributions to London’s Landscape
Just as the pioneering Italian families laid the foundations for London’s roads, squares, and public spaces, Stamford Contracts has left an indelible mark on the city’s infrastructure. Our projects reflect the same meticulous craftsmanship that distinguished early Italian asphalt firms, now applied to complex construction challenges. Whether resurfacing historic thoroughfares or delivering contemporary urban developments, we uphold the high standards synonymous with our heritage.
A Living Legacy
While many Italian asphalt families have diversified over time, Stamford Contracts remains rooted in its founding principles. Our team, guided by decades of inherited knowledge, embodies the resilience and ingenuity of those early migrants. The Mari family’s story is one of adaptation and continuity: we embrace cutting-edge methods without forgetting the artisan skills that built our reputation.
Proudly Family-Run, Proudly London
From Clerkenwell’s “Little Italy” to the heart of modern London, Stamford Contracts bridges past and present. Our enduring success lies in our ability to honour tradition while innovating for the future, a balance struck through three generations of family leadership. As we continue to shape the city, we remain custodians of a legacy defined by Italian craftsmanship, community, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.
Explore our history, services, and the values that drive us at www.stamfordcontracts.co.uk/history
