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Long Rake Spar Unveils £350K New Mobile Bagging Unit

29 August 2025
Mobile Bagging Unit at LRS

UK-leading decorative aggregate supplier Long Rake Spar has this week unveiled a brand-new, £350K, state-of-the-art mobile bagging unit to help meet increased demand.

The new unit went into service this week at the company’s flagship Rye Harbour production site in East Sussex to help boost production of washed and unwashed aggregates which are currently distributed across the UK.

The new unit, which can be moved and operational within just two days, will be used strategically across the business which has four busy processing and production sites at Rye, Youlgrave in Derbyshire, Garston in Liverpool and Prees in Shropshire, to meet specific demand.

The bagging unit features modern machinery to fill bags and palletise robotically. It will boost capacity of the business by 100,000 tonnes taking the overall stock production capability to up to 850,000 tonnes a year.

Long Rake Spar Owner and Managing Director Trevor Broadhurst, who has been at helm for 40 years, announced the new investment. He said: “Long Rake Spar continues to grow, and this new investment expands our capacity but critically it allows us to be flexible on location. Within just two days the new bagging unit can be deployed at one of our four production sites to allow us to be nimble in responding to customer needs.”

And he added: “We continue to innovate with products, technology and taking a smart approach to the future of the business. I am delighted to see this new mobile bagging unit come online and strengthen the capabilities of Long Rake Spar as a whole.”

Investment in mobile bagging unit at LRS

Long Rake Spar Announced as Official Sponsor of Icklesham Casuals Football Club

27 August 2025
Icklesham football Club

Long Rake Spar, a leading supplier of decorative aggregates in the UK, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Icklesham Casuals Football Club.

The partnership underlines Long Rake Spar’s commitment to supporting local communities and grassroots sport, providing vital backing to a club with a long-standing history in the area.

“We are delighted to be sponsoring Icklesham Casuals FC,” said Shane McCormick, National Sales Director at Long Rake Spar. “Grassroots football is at the heart of so many communities, and we are proud to support a club that brings people together, inspires the next generation and creates a positive impact both on and off the pitch.”

Founded on Saturday, 3rd April 1937, Icklesham Casuals FC plays a key role in the local sporting community. With the support of sponsors such as Long Rake Spar, the club can continue to provide opportunities for players of all ages and abilities, while maintaining its strong community spirit.

Long Rake Spar looks forward to following the team’s progress this season and wishes them every success on the pitch.

For more information about Icklesham Casuals FC and to see the full list of sponsors, visit: website >>

Icklesham football club

Martin Wildgoose marks 25 years’ service at Long Rake Spar

12 August 2025
Martin Wildgoose

A lot can happen in a 25 year long career and for Long Rake Spar’s Site Supervisor Martin Wildgoose who is this month marking a quarter of a century of service, some of the more memorable moments have included a pig, a giant Huntsman spider and some incredible weather.

Based at our Youlgrave production site, Martin first joined the UK’s leading decorative aggregate supplier in the summer of 2000, stepping into a role left open by a friend. What began as a temporary summer job quickly turned into a long and successful career. His first role was braving the elements, working the night shift bagging 50kg product before the site built its large packing shed. Since then, he has worked in various roles and is now the Youlgrave site supervisor responsible for the smooth running of the yard.

Over the years, Martin has watched the company grow and witnessed first-hand how the industry has evolved and says he has really enjoyed his career. He explained: “It’s been motivating to stay busy and know you’re doing a good job but there have been challenges – not least fighting the elements in winter!”

There have been a few funny moments along the way too – including an escaped pig on the yard that refused to be caught, and a huntsman spider that arrived unexpectedly in a container load from overseas.

Martin credits the company’s supportive culture for his long service. He’s been able to move into different areas whenever he wanted to and has always felt encouraged with training along the way. In fact, his proudest achievement is still being part of the Long Rake Spar family firm after 25 years.

Martin Wildgoose

“I’m Fine” Garden: A Powerful Space of Beauty, Struggle and Healing

30 July 2025
sandringham flower show

At Long Rake Spar, we’re proud to have played a meaningful role in the remarkable garden design titled “I’m Fine” by Kelly Rees of Divide and Conker Ltd. Created as a heartfelt exploration of mental health and the unseen reality of anxiety, this garden balances calm aesthetics with a deeper emotional undercurrent — and our aggregates helped bring that vision to life.

A Story Told Through Landscape Design

From the moment you enter, the garden invites serenity. Soft greens and whites are lifted by touches of pink — a colour carrying personal meaning for Kelly, referencing her breast cancer journey. But as you move deeper into the space, there’s a shift — a darker, more introspective atmosphere revealing the often-hidden burden of anxiety.

This journey is echoed in the materials and textures chosen throughout the design, including the aggregates we were proud to supply:

  • Charcoal Slate 40mm: Used in the slate utility area, these dark, jagged shards reflect fragmentation — symbolic of not feeling whole. Their rich, broken texture adds emotional depth and visual drama to the rear of the garden.
  • Flamingo Pebbles 20–50mm: With soft pinks, whites and greys, these decorative pebbles echo the outward calmness of the space. Placed subtly, they bring visual lightness and a tactile softness to contrast the garden’s more intense areas.
  • Flamingo 14–20mm: This smaller sized decorative gravel adds cohesion and continuity to the palette. Its muted colours blend harmoniously with the rest of the garden, symbolising how appearances can mask what lies beneath.

Design with Meaning

From a mirror that invites self-reflection to a twisted hazel tree representing emotional tension, every element of “I’m Fine” carries symbolism. And while materials like slate and Flamingo Chippings and Flamingo Pebbles are often chosen for their aesthetics, in this garden, they carry emotional weight- helping to visualise internal struggles many live with, but few speak of.

A Garden That Gives Back

This garden isn’t just a design statement- it’s also a fundraiser for Mind, the mental health charity. Kelly’s work brings visibility to an invisible condition, and we’re honoured to support a project with such a powerful message at its heart.

At Long Rake Spar, we believe aggregates can do more than serve a function and that they can help tell a story. In “I’m Fine”, that story is one of strength, honesty, and hope.

Garden Designer: Kelly Rees, Divide and Conker Ltd.

Shown left: The garden won the Gold Medal—an incredible achievement.

Long Rake Spar Aggregates Used:
Charcoal Slate
Charcoal Slate 40mm
Flamingo Pebbles
Flamingo Pebbles 20-50mm
Flamingo Chippings
Flamingo Chippings 14-20mm

Long Rake Spar Announced as Finalist at the BMJ Industry Awards 2025

3 June 2025
BMJ Awards Long Rake Spar Sales Team

Long Rake Spar is delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for Landscaping Supplier of the Year at the BMJ Industry Awards 2025 – a recognition that highlights our continued commitment to quality, innovation and outstanding service within the landscaping sector. This nomination reflects our dedication to delivering market-leading decorative aggregates and exceptional customer support across the landscaping industry.

Adding to the excitement, our National Sales Director, Shane McCormick, has been named a finalist for Industry Personality of the Year. This prestigious nomination is a testament to Shane’s exceptional leadership, deep industry knowledge and unwavering dedication to both our business and the wider building materials sector. Shane has played a pivotal role in driving Long Rake Spar’s success, fostering strong industry relationships and championing customer-focused strategies that set us apart in a competitive market. We are incredibly proud to see his efforts recognised on such a respected platform.

Voting is now open, and we would be honoured to have your support. Whether you’re a customer, partner, or industry peer, your vote truly matters.

Cast your vote here- bmjindustryawards.co.uk/vote/

Thank you to all our clients, colleagues, and supporters – this recognition reflects the collective efforts of our incredible team.

Sales Team

Shane McCormick Appointed LRS National Sales Director

8 May 2025
Shane McCormick

Shane McCormick Appointed LRS National Sales Director to Drive Strategic Growth and Customer Engagement

Long Rake Spar has announced the appointment of Shane McCormick as National Sales Director.

Shane has held the post of National Sales Manager at LRS since joining the organisation in 2023 and on the 1st of May 2025, he was appointed Director of the UK-leading decorative aggregate supplier.

In his new role, Shane will lead the company’s sales strategy, set key business objectives and build strong, collaborative relationships with both new and existing customers. His appointment marks a strategic step forward in strengthening the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and market leadership.

With this leadership addition, Long Rake Spar aims to provide enhanced support to both the external and internal sales teams, as well as to the Board of Directors. Shane’s leadership will play a pivotal role in reinforcing the company’s focus on three core pillars: strategic development, people growth, and employee engagement.

“We are delighted to welcome Shane to the senior leadership team,” said Trevor Broadhurst, LRS Owner/Managing Director. “His expertise and vision will be instrumental in laying the groundwork for continued success and innovation in our business.”

This appointment underscores Long Rake Spar’s commitment to investing in leadership that drives not only commercial performance but also a culture of continuous improvement and engagement across the organisation.

Shane McCormick Director

Natural aggregates and nature – key green trends for 2025

22 April 2025
Garden trends

As we move further into 2025, we see that landscape design is ever evolving towards sustainability, practicality, and environmental awareness. At Long Rake Spar, we’re proud to be part of a movement that’s reshaping how builders’ merchants and their customers approach outdoor spaces.

Among the key trends, hardcore gardening is gaining significant traction, with aggregates becoming ever more popular due to their low-maintenance, low-cost appeal. Aggregates provide structural stability, enhance drainage and contribute to the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces. Proper water management is a critical aspect of sustainable landscaping, where aggregates allow water to infiltrate the ground, reducing runoff. This is especially important in urban areas where impermeable surfaces contribute to flooding. Hardcore gardening also minimises water usage with the top layer of aggregate/mulch preventing water evaporation from the soil in hot weather and keeping soil temperatures cooler.

Another major trend for 2025 is the emphasis on wildlife-friendly landscapes. More homeowners and contractors are seeking ways to develop outdoor spaces that support pollinators, birds, insects and other wildlife. Natural aggregates used in gravel paths, in gabion baskets and for stone walling, for instance, provides both aesthetic appeal and crucial habitats for small creatures, enhancing biodiversity while maintaining beautiful, structured, and functional landscapes.

Cotswold Chippings Garden Trends
Oyster pebbles garden trends

In 2025, outdoor spaces are about more than aesthetics, they are about resilience, biodiversity, and sustainability. As a Planet Mark certified business, Long Rake Spar is proud to supply aggregates that are sourced meticulously considering factors such as sustainable supply, processing standards and material consistency. It is this attention to detail that help builders’ merchants provide customers with aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly aggregates that align with today’s landscaping trends.

“As sustainability continues to shape customer demand in 2025, we’re seeing a real shift in how outdoor spaces are approached,” says Shane McCormick, National Sales Manager at Long Rake Spar. “Natural aggregates are no longer just a design choice, they’re a solution for water management, biodiversity, and long-term resilience. Builders’ merchants are recognising the importance of offering products that are not only beautiful but environmentally responsible, and we’re proud to support that transition.”

See our full range of aggregates online at www.longrakespar.co.uk.

New Grantex Oyster Quartz

22 April 2025
Oyster Quartz
Oyster Quartz Grantex

Oyster Quartz is the latest innovation in Long Rake Spar’s specialist dried aggregate collection, proudly joining our renowned Grantex range. Designed for use in both resin bound and resin bonded systems, this high-performance aggregate offers outstanding aesthetics and functionality.

Oyster Quartz features an elegant blend of ivory, beige, and grey tones, bringing a sophisticated finish to any resin bound surface. It’s ideal for a wide range of applications, including residential driveways and commercial pathways.

Available in two popular sizes, 1-3mm and 2-5mm. This versatile aggregate is supplied in convenient 25kg poly bags to meet the needs of both stockists and contractors. As with all Grantex products, Oyster Quartz is washed, dried, and carefully screened to ensure consistent, premium quality.

Processed at our Youlgrave and Rye facilities, this product is readily available for nationwide distribution, ensuring fast and reliable supply wherever you are in the UK.

At Long Rake Spar, we are committed to expanding your product choice with high-quality, visually striking aggregates that perform as well as they look.

To order or learn more, contact our team on 01629 636210 – option 2, or email us at grantex@longrakespar.co.uk.

Oyster Quartz resin bound
Oyster Quartz resin bound

Paul Sheehan joins Long Rake Spar team

13 March 2025
Paul Sheehan

Long Rake Spar has boosted its sales team with the appointment of Paul Sheehan as Area Sales Manager for the Southeast region.

Paul brings a wealth of experience of the building merchant and landscaping sectors and described his new post as an exciting new challenge.

Paul lives in Kent with his partner and three children AND will be covering the Southeast of the UK.

In his first week at the company, Paul said: “Long Rake Spar is a clear leader in the decorative aggregates market, and I’m delighted to be joining the sales team serving the builders merchants and businesses in the southeast of the country.

“I am looking forward to visiting all my customers and supporting them as we prepare for what we expect to be a busy and buoyant 2025 season.”

And Shane McCormick, Long Rake Spar’s National Sales Manager said of Paul’s appointment: “The Southeast region has always been a strong trading area for Long Rake Spar with excellent relationships and customers who have a keen understanding of market and the importance of good product and customer service.

“I’m very pleased to welcome Paul to the team and feel confident he is the right person to service this important part of our business.”

Paul Sheehan

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

11 March 2025
Pro Landscaper Business Awards

We’re thrilled to share that we have been shortlisted for the Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2025 in the Supplier and Service Provider category. Being recognised among the industry’s best is a true honour and a testament to our team’s dedication.

A huge thank you to Pro Landscaper, our hardworking team, and everyone who supports us. We can’t wait for the awards ceremony on the 25th of April, and we wish all the finalists the best of luck!

Pro Landscaper Business Awards
Long Rake Spar
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