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Our family business: offering quality self-watering planters and more since 1969
At the heart of all that Amberol does is a desire to make a difference. A difference to that which is visible. So, stunning floral arrangements, tidy towns and villages, calm peaceful communities. But these are only outward signs of something deeper, something true.
Because, what is invisible matters too. How we work. What our products, seen and unseen, do. How what we offer fits into a much, much bigger picture about what is good for us all.
What is the point of a business that benefits only a few? We live in a culture where, yes, money matters – of course it does! But, everything in our world – social, political, economic, environmental – is now pointing to the realisation that sustainability at every level depends on businesses and communities and third sector agencies working together for the benefit of everyone – indeed, for the benefit of the planet.
How do we know this? Because at the heart of our business is conversation. And through conversation, collaboration. Working together to respond to needs and challenges. Conversation and collaboration are the raw materials of innovation – and it is through innovation that real differences are made.
You can read more of our story by clicking on the milestones below. But, actually, what matters is your story. How between us we can work together to find solutions to what matters to you, how that matters to your community, and how in turn that matters to the world.
Join us! For the good of everyone.
1969
An idea is born
Amberol is launched by founding fathers Jack Williamson and Phil Atkinson, selling fluid absorbent matting across the UK. Intriguing….
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1979
A seed is planted
Using the absorbent matting concept, Amberol developed their unique ‘Aquafeed’ self-watering system and launched the first of their highly successful Hanging Baskets.
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1989
From acorn to…
Such was the success of the concept, demand for self-watering planters grew rapidly. Amberol moved to larger premises, employing more efficient production techniques and pioneering new recyclable plastics.
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1990
A bin is born!
Attentive as always to customer needs, Amberol diversified into the production of waste and recycling solutions, with a clear focus on practicality and affordability. The elegantly designed Westminster Bin was launched this year, an understated success across the nation.
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2000
A bird is born!
A new millennium and another new idea! An immediate success, Percy the talking penguin was a sensation in playgrounds and parks across the land, encouraging and affirming good behaviour and good manners. Well done, Percy!
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2010
Amberol spreads its wings
With the acquisition of Planterware and expansion into European, Asian and American markets, Amberol takes its message of ‘Made in Britain’ quality and sustainability world-wide.
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2015
One world. One planet. One message
Life is fragile. People are precious. Eco-systems need protecting and caring for. It’s time to change what we do and how we do it. By working together we can rise to the challenge. By working together we can make a real and visible difference. For the good of everyone.
Amberol self-watering planters help racecourse win award
Ripon Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing venue in North Yorkshire. The venue holds regular flat racing events throughout the season and has a reputation as ‘Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’.
How Amberol helped to make Ripon the 'Garden Racecourse'
The very first meeting at the current Ripon Racecourse site took place over 100 years ago, on 6th August 1900. Known as Yorkshire’s ‘Garden Racecourse’, Ripon has been named ‘Best Small Racecourse in the North’ by the Racegoers Club several times over the last few years.
How our self-watering planters have helped our customers
The location, surroundings and size of projects may vary, but one thing unites all of the councils, Britain in Bloom groups and businesses that we supply self-watering containers to: their desire to improve the visual appearance of their area.