A traditional Cumbrian slate company is celebrating 12 months since it was bought out of administration – by taking on another apprentice. Coniston Stonecraft has secured a big new order to create exclusive lounge lamps from Lake District slate for export to America. Now, in the week of its first anniversary, it is looking for an apprentice to help cope with the extra demand and help the business grow. Owner Brendan Donnelly said: “The country may be in lockdown but an Essex lighting company has fallen in love with our Westmorland Green slate and asked us to help craft designer lamps for them.