Celebrating 70 Years of Harrod!

Celebrating 70 Years of Harrod UK 

2024 marks a remarkable milestone for Harrod UK - 70 years of innovation, craftsmanship, and dedication. From our humble beginnings in 1954 to becoming the proud parent company of Harrod Horticultural and Harrod Sport, we’ve spent seven decades perfecting our craft, providing high-quality products, and staying true to our roots as a family-run British business.

From its inception in 1954, Harrod UK has maintained a steadfast dedication to two distinct yet equally successful divisions: Harrod Horticultural and Harrod Sport. Stephanie Harrod, Managing Director at Harrod Horticultural, adds...

"Our success over the past seven decades is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team members, as well as the enduring support of our valued customers. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our roots of UK manufacturing, designing and selling of high-quality products across both our sports and horticultural divisions."

A Family Business with a Vision

Our founder Ron Harrod began the business supporting the local fishing industry in Lowestoft, taking second hand herring nets, repairing them and turning them into garden nets. Ron continued to use the netting skills of ‘beatsters’ (fishing net menders) to make football nets and with the help of local tradesman, the first wooden football goals were made and sold to local clubs.

In 1962 the first batch of rugby and goal posts were manufactured at Harrod factory. These posts were made of wood and hand painted under a tarpaulin, a far cry from the precision-made reinforced aluminium posts required for premier league clubs today!

After buying his first netting machine, in 1970 the decision was made to diversify from selling direct and use distributors and by 1972 Harrod achieved its first £1 Million in sales. It was the same year that Ron’s eldest son Chris joined the business earlier than expected to help with the rapid company growth.

The rapid growth led to a premises move in 1979 and a purpose-built manufacturing facility was built and remains the Harrod home to this day, although there has been many extensions and buildings added over the years.

Stephanie Harrod, Ron’s daughter joins the business in 1980, the same year the business launched a range of home fitness equipment which saw a boom in the mid-80’s in the UK.

The 1990’s saw a decade of company improvements, implementing new quality standards and also achieving the investors in people award. In 1996, another major milestone was achieved, supplying the Euro ‘96 European Football Championships, our first major tournament.

In the early 2000’s Harrod Horticultural was born. Stephanie Harrod’s passion for gardening led to her developing the range with an organic ethos and focus on Grow Your Own. The new website was launched in 2003 to support the catalogue.

In 2004, Harrod Horticultural made its debut at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show which we continue to exhibit at every year. It remains a fantastic way to showcase our products, speak to customers and gather invaluable feedback on our products.

Another first came in 2007 when Harrod supplied NFL goals to Wembley Stadium for the first ever international series game.

In 2012, Harrod was the sole supplier to the London 2012 Olympics for goals, nets and shelters for Football, Hockey and Wheelchair rugby – such a privilege to contribute to this prestigious event in our own country.

In both 2012 and 2014 Harrod Horticultural won the RHS Chelsea Flower Show product of the year for the innovative 'Slot and Lock' framework system and the stormproof crop cage respectively.

2014 Also saw another great achievement winning Investors in People gold award, a fantastic testament to the company ethos and the perfect way to celebrate our 60th anniversary.

The last 10 years have been a whirlwind with Harrod Sport supplying goals, nets and sports equipment to a number of world class supporting events around the world, including:

Olympics

• Rio 2016
• Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021)
• Paris 2024

Commonwealth Games

• Glasgow 2014
• Birmingham 2022

Football

• FIFA World Cup - Qatar 2022
• FIFA Women’s World Cup - Australia and New Zealand 2023
• FIFA Club World Cup - UAE 2021 & Saudi Arabia 2023
• UEFA European Football Championships – Euro 2020 & Women’s Euros 2022

Rugby

• Rugby World Cup - England 2015
• Rugby World Cup - Japan 2019
• Rugby League World - England 2021

Hockey

• Women’s Hockey World Cup - London 2018
• Men’s Hockey World Cup - India 2018
• Hockey World League – London 2017
• FIH Champions Trophy – 2016
• Hockey Champions Trophy – India 2014

Netball

• Vitality Netball Super League 2016
• Vitality Netball World Cup 2019

In 2016 we also opened up our new purpose built Innovation Centre - this new creative hub is the home to our Research and Development, with a much bigger workshop and open plan offices to encourage creative ideas to flourish. 

The Horticultural side of the business also flourished over the last 10 years with a number of notable achievements:

• BALI (Affiliate Award Winner) – 2015 & 2016
• Secured bespoke product designs from top garden designers Andy Sturgeon and James Basson
• Start supplying garden centres with our obelisks and plant supports
• BALI award for Employee Excellence
• Awarded 5 Star Trade Stand Award at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018
• Launched Southwold Furniture Range 2020
• Supplied Southwold Furniture to Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk
• Launched new Casual Furniture Collection as part of the Southwold Furniture Range

Throughout our journey, UK manufacturing has been the cornerstone of Harrod UK. By designing and producing our products in Suffolk, we ensure the highest standards of quality and durability. This approach also reduces our environmental footprint and supports the British economy. From the meticulous craftsmanship of the Southwold Collection to the precision engineering of our sports equipment, every product reflects our dedication to excellence.

Built to Last

At Harrod UK, we believe in creating products that stand the test of time. Whether it’s a Harrod Horticultural plant support with a 10-year guarantee or a Harrod Sport football goal trusted by professionals, durability is at the heart of what we do. Our extended guarantees are a testament to the confidence we have in our craftsmanship.

The Next Chapter

As we celebrate 70 years of success, we’re looking ahead with excitement. Innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to our customers will continue to guide us as we strive to deliver exceptional products and service.

Thank You for 70 Incredible Years

To all our customers, partners, and employees – thank you for being part of our story. Whether you’ve used our products to create a thriving garden or to support your sporting ambitions, you’ve helped make Harrod UK what it is today.
Have a story or memory of Harrod UK products? Share it with us in the comments – we’d love to hear how we’ve been part of your journey!

Here’s to the next chapter of Harrod UK – proudly British, family-run, and built to last.

You can find out even more about the Harrod story here...