Vitax is a fourth generation, family-owned business with roots which go back long before the gardening industry as it is known today even existed.
Our origins can be traced back to G H Richards Limited, established in 1880 and based in Bermondsey, London. Richards was a pioneer manufacturer and supplier of horticultural sundries.
“At Vitax, we are passionate about producing quality products and solutions which meet the high standards of our customers. We are proud of our heritage and reputation for creating bespoke products to meet today’s gardening and groundskeeping needs.”
Anja Gooding, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Vitax Limited
Through our knowledge and expertise, we are proud to offer unique products and solutions that respond to changing market demands. Our in-house manufacturing capabilities allow us to adapt quickly to new trends and ensures innovation is at the heart of the Vitax range of products. We are proud to have developed many market firsts.
Our ongoing research and development of professional products guides the development of our retail gardening range.
Manufacturing sites in Leicestershire and Lancashire.
We are proud to offer a wide range of unique solutions to help everyone from novice gardeners to skilled groundspeople achieve outstanding results.
Quality control technicians constantly test and monitor production in accordance with strict product specifications and formulas. Both facilities have achieved full certification of ISO 9001 (Quality Systems) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems).
We recognise the importance of preserving the environment and the need to work with nature for a sustainable future. That is why we are continually innovating and expanding existing brands to include more organic and environmentally friendly products for future generations of gardeners.
Sustainability and minimising our environmental impact forms an integral part of our business strategy, and we are committed to delivering innovative, sustainable solutions across all our operations and supply chain.
With roots dating back to 1880, when it all began as G H Richards Limited, the following 140 years has seen the business expand through acquisition and grown its product range to encompass specialist fertilisers, highly effective weedkillers, pest control solutions, organic and easy choice options to meet every gardening need.
1880 – G H Richards Limited is established, a pioneer and supplier of horticultural sundries based in Bermondsey, South London.
1941 – Frank Henry Gooding becomes involved with and later takes on Synchemicals Limited. A company formed to promote the use of growth hormone products to growers and nurseries.
1947 – Synchemicals Limited acquires G H Richards and adopts its Bermondsey base on Borough High Street as the company headquarters.
1950s – Brian and Douglas Gooding, along with Valerie and Suzette Gooding, join Synchemicals Limited, to become a second-generation business. As the gardening market burgeoned in line with improved living standards, the business developed a portfolio of garden and professional products throughout the 50s, 60s and 70s.
1965 – The pest control brand Nippon is launched. The name is derived from the markings on the outside of the wooden packaging crates in which it was delivered to the company from Japan in the 1960s.
1980 – Paul Gooding joins Synchemicals, becoming a third-generation business.
1988 – Synchemicals relocates from London to purpose-built premises in Coalville, Leicestershire.
1988 - Synchemicals acquires Vitax Limited, holder of a highly valued Royal Warrant Appointment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. At the same time the decision was made to trade all the Synchemicals products under the Vitax name.
1993 - Fertiliser production moved to a new facility in Skelmersdale. Vitax secure the quality production standard BS5750/ISO 9002.
2005 – Acquisition of Supaturf Products Limited.
2014 - Both Coalville and Skelmersdale sites achieve ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification.
2014 - Acquisition of Organico Limited and the 6X brand.
2023 – Anja Gooding appointed Chairman, becoming a fourth-generation business.
2024 - Vitax granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III.
Vitax Limited have held the prestigious Royal Warrant for 60 years. First granted under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1965, we are delighted to continue our long standing relationship with the Royal Household under the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III.
The Royal Warrant of Appointment is a hugely prestigious accolade and granted as a mark of recognition to people or companies who have regularly supplied goods or services to the Royal Household, and who have demonstrated the very highest standards in excellence.
The warrant is granted directly to Vitax’s Chairman, Anja Gooding, who will oversee the use of the Warrant.
We are passionate about supporting charitable organisations and local community projects that have horticulture at their heart and the therapeutic benefits gardening can bring.
Our recent partnerships include working alongside national charities Thrive, Greenfingers Charity and HighGround, as well as local organisations Loros and The Secret Garden Project.