• Swindon & Wiltshire News
• Friday August 12 2022
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Leafield Environmental acquires street furniture firm Amberol

Leafield Environmental, the Corsham-based manufacturer of premium plastic litter and recycling bins, has acquired Amberol, the UK’s leading supplier of self-watering planters and other street furniture.

Amberol works with a range of organisations including local authorities, community gardening groups, businesses and education establishments.

Set up in 1969 by two friends Phil Atkinson and Jack Williamson, the company developed the Aquafeed matting system which is used in their range of self-watering planters, in the 1970s.

The planters need topping up just once or twice a week, saving on water and maintenance.

Amberol also make a range of recycling and non-recycling litter bins, as well as benches and picnic tables. An environmentally responsible manufacturer, all products are made from recycled or recyclable polyethylene.

Leafield said that as one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of rotationally moulded recycling and litter bins, its products perfectly complement Amberol’s range and ethos.

Patience Atkinson-Gregory, managing director of Amberol, said: “As a family business, we have built strong and enduring relationships with our customers.

“The Amberol ethos of providing personal service, value for money and high quality products will remain. However, the support and investment from Leafield Environmental can only help enhance customer service, as well as strengthening the Amberol brand.

“With over 30 years of experience in manufacturing premium plastic products, using similar innovative design and manufacturing expertise, Leafield are a great fit for our business.”

Philip Maddox, managing director at Leafield Environmental said: “We have been working closely with Patience to ensure that we maintain the Amberol ethos to ensure continuity of experience for their customers.

“We are excited to welcome Amberol’s employees to our business and are looking forward to working in collaboration with them. The business will continue to operate as Amberol and will serve their loyal customers as normal.”

Amberol will continue to manufacture the full range of products at their Derbyshire factory as well customer services. The self-watering planter range includes stone effect troughs, wood effect barrels, hanging baskets, tiered planters and large floorstanding planters.

“The company’s litter bins can be found on some of Britain’s busiest streets in Westminster, and as far afield as Australia.

Leafield was represented by Bristol-based law firm Freeths.

Freeths’ transaction team was led by corporate director Ateeq Ahmed, who said: “It’s always interesting and exciting working with a new client, and the vast experience of Leafield’s senior management team and stakeholders was invaluable.

“We knew Amberol’s shareholders were keen to find the right home for their business and that Leafield recognised the potential value that Amberol could add to its existing offering, so this helped to foster a collaborative approach between the parties to get the deal over the line.

“We are very pleased to have advised Leafield on this acquisition and we are looking forward to developing our relationship with the business as it continues to pursue its growth plans.”