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Shane McCormick Appointed LRS National Sales Director

8 May 2025 Tammy Tidmarsh

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 1^st 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.

Natural aggregates and nature – key green trends for 2025

22 April 2025 Tammy Tidmarsh

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.

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 Tammy Tidmarsh

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.

Paul Sheehan joins Long Rake Spar team

13 March 2025 Tammy Tidmarsh

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.”

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

11 March 2025 Tammy Tidmarsh

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!

Exciting New Product Range for 2025

24 February 2025 Tammy Tidmarsh

At Long Rake Spar, we’re always striving to bring our customers the highest quality decorative aggregates and landscaping solutions. As we step into 2025, we are excited to introduce seven brand-new premium products designed to enhance outdoor spaces, landscaping projects and sports surfaces.

Artico White (8-10mm)

Artico White is a creamy white premium marble. It has a lovely rounded finish and looks gorgeous in decorative borders, giving a sleek, polished look.

Azzurro Blue (8-12mm)

Azzurro Blue is a stunning blue/grey, premium rounded marble. The subtle mix of grey shades combine to create arguably the most beautiful aggregate available.

Spanish Gold (12-20mm)

Spanish Gold is a predominantly white and creamy angular marble with bronze and occasional grey stones. Perfect for a variety of uses, such as driveways, footpaths, beds, borders and ornamental ponds.

Mediterranean Pebbles (20-30mm)

Mediterranean Pebbles are a mix of rounded pebbles. These attractive stones are an eye-catching addition to any landscaping project. They are suitable for decorative rockeries, garden borders, raised beds and ornamental water features.

Grano Dust (0-4mm)

This finely crushed aggregate is a must-have for creating solid, level bases for paving, patios, and artificial grass, offering both practicality and performance.

Sports Sand (0.3-1mm)

A washed and graded premium dry sand for use with artificial grass and sports surfaces. Specially chosen for its excellent natural drainage properties.

Schist Tumbled Edging (400x60x80mm)

Schist Tumbled Edging perfectly combines functionality with rustic charm. Crafted from premium-quality schist stone, it blends effortlessly with a variety of garden styles.

BMF Burns Night at Loch Lomond

24 January 2025 Tammy Tidmarsh

The grandeur of Cameron House, Loch Lomond, set the stage for an unforgettable evening as members of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) gathered to celebrate Burns Night in true Scottish style, braving one of the worst storms for numerous years to attend. Among the distinguished attendees was Shane McCormick, National Sales Manager, who looked the part in his traditional kilt alongside his wife, Denise, as they prepared for a night of cultural celebration and valuable industry networking.

Joining them in the festivities was Andy Maxwell, Area Sales Manager for Scotland and the North, accompanied by his wife, adding to the evening’s camaraderie and excitement. The BMF Burns Night Supper provided the perfect setting for professionals in the builders’ merchant industry to come together, exchange insights, and strengthen business relationships while honouring Scotland’s most beloved poet, Robert Burns.

From the iconic Address to a Haggis to the stirring sounds of bagpipes filling the air, the event paid homage to Scottish traditions in spectacular fashion. The evening was a blend of fine dining, engaging conversations, and a shared appreciation for the rich heritage that Burns Night represents.

With a mix of professional networking and cultural festivities, the night at Cameron House was truly one to remember. The BMF Burns Night Supper once again demonstrated the power of bringing industry leaders together in a setting that celebrates both business and tradition.

Christmas Jumper Day

12 December 2024 Tammy Tidmarsh

We’re thrilled to share the success of this year’s Christmas Jumper Day! Our team came together in a joyful display of festive spirit, donning their most colourful and creative Christmas jumpers to support a meaningful cause.

Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we’ve raised an impressive £71 so far—and the donations are still coming in! Every contribution makes a difference, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support from our wonderful participants.

If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet, there’s still time to spread the holiday cheer. You can make your contribution here: https://bit.ly/3Dg0uP2.

Let’s keep the spirit of giving alive this season and continue making a positive impact together. Thank you to everyone who helped make Christmas Jumper Day such a success—we couldn’t have done it without you!

NBG Conference 2024

20 November 2024 Tammy Tidmarsh

We proudly participated in the NBG Conference on the 18th and 19th of November 2024. Held at the prestigious Celtic Manor Resort, the event brought together industry leaders and partners for two days of collaboration, networking, and innovation in the builders’ merchant sector.

Located on Stand S72, our team, comprising Shane McCormick and Cate Kennewell, engaged with attendees, showing our new products and innovations for 2025.

“The NBG Conference is an unmissable opportunity to align with industry peers and showcase what sets us apart in a competitive market,” said Shane McCormick. “This year’s event has been exceptional in terms of the quality of conversations and the enthusiasm shown by visitors to our stand.”

Cate Kennewell added, “The energy at the Celtic Manor was incredible. We had some really productive conversations and received great feedback, which shows how much innovation is driving the industry forward. Events like this are vital for building relationships that drive mutual success.”

This year’s NBG Conference featured a charity football match, a supplier summit, a welcome dinner, the exhibition, followed by the gala dinner – all tailored to enhance the collaborative spirit of independent merchants and suppliers. The event underscored the importance of innovation and partnerships in overcoming challenges within the industry.

As we reflect on a successful two days at the conference, the team is already looking forward to building on the connections made. We thank the organizers, our fellow exhibitors, and all the attendees who visited our stand, and we look forward to continuing the momentum created at the conference.

For more information or to discuss collaborations, please reach out to our team directly.

Welcome Andy Maxwell to the Team

6 November 2024 Tammy Tidmarsh

We are thrilled to announce that Andy Maxwell has joined Long Rake Spar, bringing a wealth of experience in the industry. Andy will be covering Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the North East as an Area Sales Manager and budding up with Sammy Bright in the busy Sales Office. Andy’s extensive background working with builders’ merchants makes him a valuable addition to our team, and we’re excited to see the expertise and fresh perspective he’ll bring to the business.

Please join us in welcoming Andy to Long Rake Spar! We look forward to the contributions he’ll make as we continue to grow and strengthen our partnerships across the industry.

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Shane McCormick Appointed LRS National Sales Director

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