The harrod timeline
![Harrod 1954](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-2.jpg)
Ron Harrod makes his first garden nets
Ron Harrod supported the fishing industry buying second hand herring nets, repairing them and turning them into garden nets.
![Harrod 1956](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-3.jpg)
Ron Harrod makes his first football nets
When the supply of fishing nets ran out, the first football nets were made by local beatsters in Lowestoft. At its peak a network of over 100 out workers were employed all making a variety of sports nets by hand.
![Harrod 1958](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-4.jpg)
Ron Harrod sells his first football goals
Using local tradesman, the first wooden football goals were introduced to the range and sold to local clubs.
![Harrod 1962](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-5.jpg)
Ron Harrod makes first batch of football and rugby goal posts at his Horn Hill factory
The goal posts were made from wood and hand painted outside under a tarpaulin cover. These goals were then sold directly to local clubs.
![Harrod 1963](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-6.jpg)
Ron Harrod buys his first net machine
Manufacturing of nets is taken in house and automated with the purchase of a second-hand net making machine from Scotland.
![Harrod 1970](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-8.jpg)
Harrod diversifies from selling direct to clubs and appoints its first national distributor
In order to continue growing a decision was made to diversify from selling via mail order to selling wholesale through a network of distributors.
![Harrod 1972](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-9.jpg)
Harrod achieves first £1 million sales and Ron Harrod's eldest son Chris Harrod joins the business
Chris who was studying for his A levels joined the business earlier than expected to assist with the rapid growth of the company.
![Harrod 1979](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-11.jpg)
Harrod outgrows existing premises and buys land and builds a purpose-built manufacturing facility at Cooke Road
![Harrod 1980](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-70.jpg)
Stephanie Harrod officially joins the business to assist with Marketing and Human Resources.
![Harrod 1980](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-12.jpg)
Harrod diversifies further by introducing a range of home fitness equipment
The mid 80s saw a mini boom in home fitness with the Jane Fonda effect rippling through from the US to the UK.
![Harrod 1985](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-13.jpg)
More land is purchased at Cooke Road and the existing facility is extended due to the growth of the Bodybild home fitness range and the continued growth of sports posts and netting
A desire to produce a better-quality product saw the introduction of new machinery and a powder coating line. In order to cope with the rapidly expanding product ranges and growth, a further 30,000 sq. ft. of factory space is built and automated machinery
![Harrod 1986](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-14.jpg)
Harrod signs up PR guru Kenneth Johnson and sponsors the world’s strongest man Geoff Capes to further promote the Bodybild range
Geoff Capes is paid as a brand ambassador for Harrod range of home fitness equipment.
![Harrod 1989](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-15.jpg)
Ron Harrod co-founds Central European Normalisation Committee
Harrod leads the way to promote a new British and European standard for football goals after a fatality with an unsafe and homemade goal. This standard is then highlighted with Rons input by Ester Ranzen on national television as part of the popular BBC
![Harrod 1990](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-16.jpg)
Sales peak at £5 million, Stephanie introduces a ‘managing change’ initiative to help steer the company forward
The company has expanded rapidly but has also borrowed heavily, interest rates have doubled almost overnight and the company is now exposed to high gearing. Stephanie persuades the board to introduce a government initiative called managing change. Gus Turner, a Business Growth Consultant is brought in to assist and Stephanie heads up the scheme that sees the start of our Business Excellence journey.
![Harrod 1992](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-17.jpg)
Ron, Chris and Stephanie Harrod visit the winners of the Baldridge awards in the USA
In order to learn best practice and with no similar awards in the UK, visits to these companies proved to be invaluable and many new ideas were implemented back at R. Harrod Ltd.
![Harrod 1994](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-18.jpg)
Harrod puts in new quality systems to achieve the BSI quality standard
![Harrod 1996](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-20.jpg)
The whole company moves to Cooke Road
Harrod UK achieves Investors in People
To reflect a new international feel the company name is changed to Harrod UK Limited
![Harrod 1996](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-72.jpg)
Harrod UK supplies their first major tournament ‘Euro 96 European Football Championships’
Goal posts are installed at eight of the top football venues in England including the iconic Wembley Stadium. As part of this process a new style of net is designed along with a free hanging net support which is still used throughout the world today. Harrod UK exemplified the highest levels of customer service supervising every venue during the tournament and putting the company on the map of world class tournaments.
![Harrod 1999](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-22.jpg)
Harrod UK restructures its board of directors
David Bowling is promoted to Manufacturing Director. Stephanie Harrod takes over as Managing Director and Chris Harrod becomes Chief Executive.
![Harrod 1999](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-23.jpg)
Harrod UK secures the Rugby World Cup in Wales
Harrod UK designs, supplies and delivers superior rugby posts for the top rugby clubs in Wales.
![Harrod 2001](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-74.jpg)
Harrod UK diversifies into the domestic mail order gardening market
To capitalise on spare capacity in both manufacturing and netting and to enhance the seasonality of the business Harrod Horticultural is established.
![Harrod 2001](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-24.jpg)
Stephanie Harrod launches Harrod Horticultural
Using her passion for organic gardening, Stephanie develops the horticultural range with a dedicated grow your own focus.
![Harrod 2002](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-26.jpg)
Harrod UK secures the XVII Commonwealth Games – Manchester
![Harrod 2002](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-25.jpg)
Harrod Horticultural acquires Ashbourne Greenhouse Staging
![Harrod 2003](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-27.jpg)
Harrod Horticultural launches its first on line shopping site
![Harrod 2004](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-28.jpg)
Harrod UK celebrates its 50th Anniversary
Harrod Horticultural acquires Link-Stakes a UK manufacturer of plant supports and moves the company to Lowestoft
![Harrod 2004](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-29.jpg)
Harrod makes its debut at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
![Harrod 2005](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-30.jpg)
Harrod Horticultural achieves £1 million turnover
![Harrod 2005](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-32.jpg)
Stephanie's Kitchen Garden is created to test new products
![Harrod 2005](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-31.jpg)
Harrod Horticultural acquires Rockefinch
![Harrod 2006](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-33.jpg)
Harrod UK is recognised for excellence by the EFQM and achieves a 3-star award
![Harrod 2007](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-34.jpg)
Harrod UK supplies goals for the first NFL International series game at Wembley Stadium
![Harrod 2011](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-35.jpg)
Harrod UK signs the London 2012 Olympic sole supplier agreement
Harrod UK is very proud to sign the contract to become the sole supplier of football and hockey goals to the London 2012 Olympics.
![Harrod 2012](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-36.jpg)
Harrod UK is sole supplier to the London 2012 Olympic Games for goals, nets and shelters for football, hockey and wheelchair rugby
![Harrod 2012](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-37.jpg)
Harrod UK supplies Euro championships Poland & Ukraine
![Harrod 2012](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-38.jpg)
Harrod Horticultural wins RHS Chelsea Flower Show product of the year for their patented slot & lock framework system
![Harrod 2013](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-39.jpg)
Harrod UK supplies goals for the Champions League final at Wembley Harrod Horticultural launch trade and export departments Harrod UK supplies the Rugby 7's World Cup in Moscow
![Harrod 2014](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-73.jpg)
Harrod UK achieves Investors in People Gold in its 60th year
![Harrod 2014](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-41.jpg)
Harrod UK supplies XX Commonwealth Games - Glasgow
![Harrod 2014](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-42.jpg)
Harrod Horticultural wins RHS Chelsea Flower Show product of the year for the second time for their patented storm proof crop protection cage
![Harrod 2014](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-40.jpg)
Harrod UK celebrates its 60th Anniversary
![Harrod 2015](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-46.jpg)
Harrod UK supplies Euro Hockey Championship
![Harrod 2015](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-45.jpg)
Official suppliers of posts to the Rugby World Cup
![Harrod 2015](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-44.jpg)
Harrod UK supplies the Under 20's FIFA World Cup in New Zealand with posts and nets
![Harrod 2015](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-43.jpg)
Harrod Horticultural wins BALI Affiliate award for best customer service
![Harrod 2016](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-47.jpg)
Harrod UK is the official supplier of Hockey posts and equipment to the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics Games
![Harrod 2016](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-48.jpg)
Harrod UK supplies the first ever NFL posts to Twickenham
![Harrod 2016](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-49.jpg)
Harrod UK supplies posts and nets to FIH Champions trophy
![Harrod 2016](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-50.jpg)
Harrod Horticultural secures bespoke product designs from top garden designers Andy Sturgeon and James Basson
![Harrod 2016](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-51.jpg)
Harrod Horticultural wins BALI Affiliate award for best customer service for the second year in a row
![Harrod 2016](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-52.jpg)
Centre of Innovation is opened
![Harrod 2017](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-53.jpg)
Supplier of Hockey equipment to the Hockey World League 2017 at Lee Valley in Stratford, London
![Harrod 2017](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-54.jpg)
Began supplying UK garden centres with our RHS endorsed steel wire range of obelisks and plant supports
![Harrod 2018](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-56.jpg)
Supplier of Hockey Goals and equipment to the Vitality Women’s Hockey World Cup at Lee Valley
![Harrod 2018](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-79.jpg)
Harrod UK wins BALI award for Employee Excellence
![Harrod 2018](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-57.jpg)
Awarded our first 5 Star Trade Stand Award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show – the highest commendation for a truly inspirational display of products and plants
![Harrod 2019](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-81.jpg)
New Look Harrod Horticultural Website Launched
Launch of the new look Harrod Horticultural website with a fresh and contemporary look.
![Harrod 2019](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-80.jpg)
Rugby World Cup in Japan
Exclusive supplier of Rugby Posts to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
![Harrod 2020](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-76.jpg)
New Southwold Furniture Range Launched
Our exclusive furniture range is designed and manufactured in our Suffolk factory, high quality garden furniture taking influence from traditional design but utilising modern manufacturing techniques.
![Harrod 2021](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-78.jpg)
Proud to supply Southwold Furniture to Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk
This exclusive estate features a number of holiday properties and have chosen the Southwold Furniture for their outside entertaining spaces.
![Harrod 2021](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-82.jpg)
Euro 2020
Supplier of Football Goals across Europe for Euro 2020.
![Harrod 2021](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-83.jpg)
Tokyo Olympics 2020
Supplier of Hockey Goals and Shelters for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
![Harrod 2022](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-84.jpg)
World's First FIFA Quality Certified Goal
Harrod Sport Stadium Pro Goal approved as the Worlds First FIFA Quality Certified Goal.
![Harrod 2022](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-85.jpg)
Southwold Furniture at RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Southwold Furniture shown at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show for the first time achieving record sales.
![Harrod 2022](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-86.jpg)
2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham
Official Suppliers of Hockey Goals and Netball Posts to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
![Harrod 2022](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-87.jpg)
UEFA Women's Euros 2022
Proud supplier of Football Goals to the UEFA Womens Euros across select stadiums in England.
![Harrod 2022](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-88.jpg)
FIFA World Cup - Qatar 2022
Sole Supplier Football Goals across all 8 stadiums in Qatar for our first ever World Cup.
![Harrod 2023](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-89.jpg)
Southwold Casual Furniture Collection at Chelsea
The New Southwold Furniture Casual Collection launched at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023.
![Harrod 2023](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-90.jpg)
FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
Supplier of Football Goals to our first ever FIFA Womens World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
![Harrod 2023](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-91.jpg)
FIFA Club World Cup - Saudi Arabia
Our largest ever on-off order as a business to supply Football Goals and Equipment to the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
![Harrod 2023](/uploads/images/timeline/timeline-92.jpg)
Paris Saint Germain Training Campus
Supplied Football Goals and team Shelters to the new Paris Saint germain multi-million trainign campus.