Where it all began…

Back before Foley’s Equestrian Surfaces was even a twinkle in husband-and-wife team, Keith and Lauras’, eye, they’d spent over 20 years in the waste and environmental industry. With having been accredited with accolades in both NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) and levels 4 & 5 in WAMITAB (Waste Management Industry Training & Advisory Board) they were acting as consultants and were working closely with on varying sustainability projects.

In 2019 they were approached by a local company with whom had carpet fibre surplus with nowhere to go. It was here where Keith and Laura did their research and decided to take the plunge into selling the recycled carpet fibre for use as an all-weather riding surface within the equestrian market…and thus Foley’s Equestrian Surfaces was born.

It wasn’t all easy riding though…

When the external company providing the carpet fibre started to drop their standards, Keith and Laura decided it was time to take the reins and ride in another direction, exploring other avenues to maintain their high-quality arena surfacing. After being knocked back by a couple of major automotive companies, they approached an international car company who specialised in automotive interiors, who were happy to supply the entrepreneurs. The couple parted ways with the initial company, doing away with any household carpet, and focused their sights solely on the new recycled automotive arena surfaces that we all know and love today.

Another hurdle came when the Environmental Agency wanted to change its guidance on the use of ‘post-consumer shredded waste carpet’. Having already worked closely with the Environmental Agency, Carpet Recycling UK (a non-profit organisation that prevents carpet going to landfill), approached the couple and asked if they would join the board to help put into place the new governing legislation and conditions that both suppliers and customers have to abide by, under the RPS 248. (More information on the RPS 248 can be found on the gov.uk website at; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/using-shredded-waste-carpet-in-equestrian-surfacing-rps-248 ). Carpet Recycling UK audited Foley’s Equestrian Surfaces and accredited them with a certificate of membership. 

Trotting along nicely… 

Trying to stay aboard through the rodeo of the Covid-19 lockdowns, an expansion opportunity came when a major automotive company that had previously knocked the duo back, approached Foley’s Equestrian Surfaces asking if they’d like to work alongside them. Foley’s now produce their all-weather equestrian surfaces from 4 sites up and down the UK – with another due to open in 2022!