Discover the names that define our community through our 'Brand Focus' series - an inside look at the history, passion, and innovations you’ll experience this September.
Abbey England CEO Richard Brown shares insights on the company’s growth and upcoming milestones in our latest interview.
1. How did the business begin, and what problem were you originally trying to solve?
Founded in 1982, Abbey England Ltd is a proud multi-generational business with 11 family members across three generations working together today. We were established to bridge a gap in the market: at the time, suppliers of metal hardware and workshop materials felt remote and stock was hard to find. We stepped in to provide the reliable, hands-on service the saddlery and leather industry needed - a mission we remain dedicated to over 40 years later.
2. How has the sector landscape changed since you started, and how have you adapted?
With the decline of UK-based saddlery and leather goods manufacturers, we’ve expanded our reach to international markets, with exports now accounting for 30% of our business. To counter the loss of local suppliers over the years, we have strategically acquired six different companies. Today, we are proud to be the sole remaining buckle producer for the UK saddlery trade and the only dedicated bit maker left in the UK.
3. Where do you take inspiration from when developing new products or ranges?
We design for demand, not just aesthetics. By analysing real-time data from trade partners and aligning it with our specialised manufacturing capabilities, we turn market needs into crafted products.
4. What does “success” look like for you as a brand?
To us, success is durability. Thriving in today’s market demands more than just endurance; it requires the agility to navigate inflation, shifting consumer habits, and technological disruption - all while staying true to the soul of Abbey England Ltd. Our goal is legacy. True success, for us, means building something larger than ourselves that can be proudly passed down to the next generation.
5. Can you share an example of how your products have made a difference for retailers, consumers or end users?
Choosing British-made goods means investing in world-class craftsmanship and long-term durability. By sourcing locally, you benefit from more reliable availability while directly supporting the UK economy, securing local jobs, and preserving traditional heritage skills.
6. What advice would you give to independent retailers choosing new products or suppliers in the current market?
Try to source locally. Sourcing locally offers more than just community support; it drives operational agility, product uniqueness, and a stronger brand reputation. By bypassing the high costs and frequent disruptions of global shipping, small businesses can build a more resilient supply chain.
7. How long have you been involved with BETA International, and what stands out to you about the show?
We have been involved with BETA International since its inception many years ago when it was a travelling trade fair touring the country to now - a major annual trade-only event for equestrian, pet, and country products.
8. Why is exhibiting at BETA International important for your business specifically?
This is our essential link to the UK trade landscape. It opens doors to new markets and technologies, acting as a core driver for innovation and increased commercial success.
9. What can visitors expect when they meet you at the event this year?
Continuity and an opportunity to get back into having a working saddler in each retail shop. Reintroducing a working saddler brings a vital blend of continuity, trust, and craftsmanship that modern, purely digital retail cannot match. It transforms a shop from a "stockist" into a "service hub," fostering long-term loyalty and strengthening the equestrian community.
10. Who should make a point of visiting your stand, and why?
As a mainstay of BETA International, we partner with the Society of Master Saddlers to showcase the thriving tradition of our craft.
11. Looking ahead, what’s next for the brand beyond BETA International?
Our priority is to maintain the integrity of the Abbey England Ltd brand while leveraging our unique competitive advantages to manage market volatility.