NINE things you 'never knew' about sir john

n He began working as a stonemason in the family business at 14.

n He systematically gauged productivity in a famous notebook.

n Results were used for the first formal system of tendering in the industry.

n His building tenderers became the precursor to the modern QS.

n He gave the Treasury a personal indemnity to enable the launch of the NHBC warranty scheme.

n He pioneered holidays with pay in the industry.

n He was first to pay operatives when bad weather set in and introduce bonuses.

n Through research, he made Laing an expert in early concrete technology.

n He took packed lunches on business trips.