Aerial view of CORE Landscape Products premises

About us.

A family business, built on hands-on experience.

A lot can happen in two decades.

What began in 2006 with a small shed, a big idea and a belief in better landscapes has grown into a purpose-built site, a dedicated team and a brand trusted across the UK and beyond.

Our family’s landscaping roots stretch back to the 1980s, bringing over 40 years of hands-on industry experience. CORE was incorporated in 2010, but the thinking behind our products started long before that.

Before we became a supplier, we were landscapers ourselves. We have always looked at innovation through the eyes of the people actually using the products. It is why we are so proud to stand behind the idea that everything we make is built for the trade, by the trade.

Twenty years on, we are proud of how far we have come, grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey, and just as focused on what comes next.

The original timber shed surrounded by trees

From practical landscaping experience to nationwide product supply. Explore the milestones that shaped CORE.

1980s

Anthony’s journey begins

Anthony Keates founds AKC, a landscaping and surfacing contractor delivering commercial and residential projects. CORE’s practical industry experience begins on site.

The next generation

Learning the trade

From an early age, Emanuel “Manni” Keates and Harvey Keates work alongside their father, learning landscaping, construction and the challenges faced by installers.

2008

The product operation begins

A specialist product supply operation is created alongside AKC, initially complementing the contracting business while the team builds relationships with manufacturers and distributors.

2010

COREGRAVEL UK Ltd

CORE is incorporated as COREGRAVEL UK Ltd. From a log cabin office and around 1,000 sq ft of yard space at the family home in Burnham, the product business begins its transition into a standalone enterprise.

2013

The first Calves Lane warehouse

CORE leases its first dedicated warehouse at Calves Lane Yard in Iver, creating room for larger stockholding and a more efficient operation.

2015

Manni becomes Managing Director

Emanuel “Manni” Keates is appointed Managing Director. Later that year, the whole operation moves to Calves Lane: 3,500 sq ft of warehouse space and 640 sq ft of offices.

2016

CORE EDGE launches

CORE EDGE is introduced and quickly establishes itself as one of the company’s flagship product ranges, helping to accelerate the growth of the supply business.

2017/18

First £1 million

CORE passes £1 million in annual sales for the first time, marking an important step from a growing family business to a national specialist supplier.

2019

Harvey’s Commercial Strategy

Harvey Keates joins the Senior Leadership Team as Sales & Marketing Director, leading the move towards builders’ merchants, landscaping outlets and national trade partners.

2020 – 2022

Growth through the pandemic

Stock availability, customer service and an established e-commerce platform meet exceptional home-and-garden demand. The operation grows by more than 200% while continuing to invest in people, stock and service.

2022/23

First £5 million

Annual sales exceed £5 million for the first time. CORE emerges from the pandemic as a larger, more diverse and more resilient business.

2023 onwards

Growth that lasts

CORE retains a significant proportion of the customers gained during the pandemic while continuing to expand its wholesale and merchant network, creating a larger and more resilient business.

21 May 2026

First £10 million

CORE officially reaches the £10 million revenue milestone: a defining moment for the family business and the result of years of practical experience, investment and sustained growth.

As at August 2026

A national specialist platform

CORE employs 20 full-time team members and operates from more than 33,000 sq ft of warehouse and yard space, with 1,280 sq ft of offices. Expansion beyond 40,000 sq ft is planned by the end of 2026.

Anthony Keates

Technical Director

Manni Keates

Managing Director

Harvey Keates

Commercial Director

Meet the family.

Get to know the faces behind the team at CORE by browsing through our employee profiles. We’d love to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Meet the team

Landscaped paths through Plotters Forest

Trust CORE for High Quality Landscaping Products.

Our business evolves around outstanding customer service, producing cost-effective yet high-quality landscaping products, and ensuring our products are good for the environment. We are aiming to become entirely carbon neutral by 2030.

We are immensely proud of the Trustpilot reviews from our many satisfied customers.

Find out why our past clients have left such glowing reviews by getting in touch with us today.

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About us.