As we tip over the halfway point of the year, the AMES Companies team is taking a moment to reflect. 2024 has seen all corners of the business undergo changes, with an evolution taking place that will offer multiple benefits for both retailers and consumers alike. AMES Companies Commercial Director, Nick Jones, shares more about the journey that has shaped the first half of 2024 and how the future roadmap is looking even more enticing.

Empowering Kelkay

As one of the most recognisable brands under the banner of AMES Companies, Kelkay has the eyes of the industry upon it and was an important part of the puzzle for 2024. From meticulous revaluation of manufacturing protocols and strategic logistics partnerships to a comprehensive re-examination of sourcing narratives, every facet of Kelkay has undergone rigorous scrutiny to not only meet but surpass marketplace expectations. As it stands, we have far exceeded the targets we set ourselves, achieving an impressive 97% product availability, firmly secured for the remainder of the season. Furthermore, our commitment to expedited service is underscored by our attainment of 99% on-time delivery within a mere five-day window—a testament to our dedication to facilitating seamless top-up orders, particularly as the peak season unfolds.  

With such significant improvements in place, Kelkay’s position as the leading supplier of paving and decorative aggregates into the garden retail sector has certainly been reaffirmed. 

Building ourselves a new home for a brighter future

The AMES Companies inherited its headquarters in Pollington during its formation here in the UK, and right away we saw the potential. During the last 12 months we have been making our redevelopment plans come to life thanks to the unwavering support and investment from our parent company, Griffon, and an incredible onsite team.

Recent months have witnessed a metamorphosis of the Pollington site. With new warehousing facilities, consolidation of emerging brand portfolios under a unified site, and the appointment of a dedicated Operations Director to spearhead expansion initiatives, new life has been breathed into our headquarters, and provided us with an exciting roadmap for further expansion.   On the horizon is the realisation of much of our hard work, which will see our dry storage spaces increase fivefold to 20,000 pallet spaces – a number that truly illustrates our intentions for growth.

A team to be proud of

The senior leadership team at the AMES Companies is one of our greatest assets. The appointment of David Wright to the role of Operations Director, alongside John Thompson as Finance Director has engendered a team that is now strategically aligned and working together to propel AMES towards a future defined by clarity and purpose. 

This vision and the team’s dedication to making it happen is also filtering down into the wider AMES family. From our warehousing teams to our product experts and channels leads, we’ve been creating an environment where all our staff have ownership over the development of the company, and see their contributions recognised and rewarded accordingly. Exemplifying this ethos are the recent appointments of Patrick Thick as Sales Director of the Garden Centre channel and Dan Charles as Head of Merchandising, whose unwavering dedication and alignment with the AMES ethos are instrumental in nurturing enduring customer relationships.

A leading tool proposition

Launched at Glee 2023 following a two-year period of extensive research and development, AMES Tools was a real turning point for our business. Opening up new opportunities in a competitor space is not always the easiest thing to achieve, especially in year one, but AMES Tools has proven time and time again that the marketplace needed something new. In the time it has been available we have far exceeded our sales targets and the range can now be found in hundreds of retailers across the country. We’re consistently hearing from customers how AMES Tools has reenergised sales of garden tools and cultivated a new sense of confidence within this highly saturated product category. 

For us, AMES Tools has been the starting point of an exciting new product development journey that will see the AMES Companies create some long-term goals to fill gaps, improve product quality and hierarchy and ensure that retailers and consumer alike will always have the right products to make their home outdoors. The first step on this continued journey will be available for all to see at Glee 2024 where we are poised to release hundreds of highly considered new products.

A new chapter for Apta

It isn’t just new brands that get the AMES treatment, as evidenced by the introduction of Apta Lightweight. A completely new departure for the brand, Apta Lightweight has breathed new life into this highly regarded heritage brand, whilst sparking important conversations amongst material usage and consumers engagement. The resounding success of Apta Lightweight in its inaugural season portends a promising future, with prominent retailers such as Blue Diamond embracing its offerings.  Elsewhere, restocking orders already well underway and a dedicated merchandising team on the road to support retailers, together helping the future of Apta Lightweight play a significant role in the development of the AMES Companies.

A vision for the future

As we reflect on six months of resounding success, complacency finds no place within the corridors of AMES Companies. Critical business development plans are incoming for the remainder of 2024, changes that will make our intentions clear whilst providing our customers with notably improved access to our entire product portfolio and customer support tools. On top of this we remain committed to all of our brands, which include Kelkay, Apta, La Hacienda, Easy Fountain as well as AMES Tools and Woodshaw. We’ll continue to assess ranges, growth feasibility and our merchandising solutions to ensure that they continue to perform in a busy and ever developing retail environment.

We have clear action points and a robust plan for the future, and we’d like to offer our gratitude to all our customers for their ongoing support and feedback as they join us on this journey.

Much has been said about the all-new AMES Tools brand since its launch at Glee 2023. With its one-of-a-kind design features, comprehensive range options and a choice of carbon or stainless-steel, this is a tool brand that has been carefully curated for all gardeners and has garnered a positive response from all corners of the garden retail sector. Now, with the season well underway, the AMES Companies merchandising teams are busy installing dedicated product displays in hundreds of garden centres across the country; the first of which was Selby Garden Centre. Here, Merchandising Manager, Brian Cobb, tells us more about this exciting milestone for the tool brand.

AMES Tools delivered direct to store

Arriving in convoy, the AMES Companies merchandising team deliver AMES Tools direct to store. Once there, they work closely with the store’s sales managers and garden centre staff to get to know the space and provide the best solution to, not just fit the space, but to also draw attention from across the retail store.

With dedicated teams in place, most stores will see the same merchandisers several times throughout the season. This means relationships can be forged, whilst the team are able to continually familiarise themselves with the space, often anticipating layout and display needs ahead of time and making expert recommendations.

Revamping the tool space

At Selby Garden Centre, on the day of delivery, the space was made ready and the store’s manager, Claire Turton, joined the team to witness the construction of the new tool display from start to finish.

Prior to stock arriving onsite, a dedicated space was earmarked for the AMES Tools display, allowing the team to get to work straight away. The strength of the AMES team lies in its ability to bring a mix of creativity and construction expertise. This means they don’t just build the display unit there in the store, but using their keen eye, add the right stock combinations and perfect the layout for the best possible shopping experience.

From the four display solutions available – modular back wall, hanging display, freestanding island and promotional FDSU – Selby Garden Centre decided upon the back wall option, which can extend between one or two metres. Featuring sleek black fixtures, built-in spotlights and backlit header panel, the AMES branding stands proud amongst it all, allowing it to really ‘speak’ to shoppers.   

Why do retailers love AMES Tools?

Whilst watching the installation, Brian was able to grab some time with Selby Garden Centre’s Claire Turton to find out more about her initial thoughts regarding the centre’s newest tool offering.

“I was excited when I first saw the AMES Tools offering, as it offered great pre-season deals, but more than this, I also recognised the difference that it was bringing to market, as well as the quality of the product.

“I am really impressed by the display that has been created. It’s extremely eye-catching and clearly explains the products to customers. I also love the QR code that sends customers from the label to the website to learn more. It’s a fantastic idea that I am sure will increase sales and consumer confidence.” 

Standout features and USPs

Claire also mentioned that the AMES Tools range covers everything the garden centre needs to offer customers.  She added: “The carbon range is a great point of difference compared to other ranges currently on the market today.  The quality shines through and there are many different features creating unique selling points.”

Find out more

To stay updated with all things AMES Tools, including accessing the dedicated trade portal where you will find a comprehensive image library, POS guide and Product Database alongside the 2024 catalogue, please visit www.ames-tools.co.uk. Further details about the AMES Companies by visiting www.ames-uk.com

First launched at Glee 2023 to critical acclaim, AMES Tools is fast becoming one of the most exciting launches to hit the garden retail sector for many years. Combining world-class tool expertise, a heritage few others can boast, and a dedicated team passionately advocating for the brand’s multiple ‘market firsts’, quality of construction and breadth of range, AMES Tools is “the one to watch” in the year ahead. Here, AMES Tools Product and Marketing Director, Caroline Elliott, talks us through the AMES Tools difference and how this range has come into being.

Can you introduce us to AMES Tools?

AMES Tools is brand new range of tools, introduced to the UK by the AMES Companies, home to well-known brands including Kelkay, Apta and La Hacienda. We’re a global business with 250 years’ collective experience in tool design and manufacture, and the complete range of 50 garden tools launches into retailers starting January 2024. The take up has already been excellent, with garden-centre-exclusive tools now arriving with hundreds of retailers nationwide.

The AMES Tool brand is made up of both carbon steel and stainless-steel collections, can you explain the difference between the two?  

The new AMES Tools range features both carbon (24 tools) and stainless (26 tools) options, with aesthetics and price point key differentiators between carbon steel and stainless steel. 

Stainless steel tools have a natural shine and metallic finish, requiring no further treatment to protect from corrosion because the metal is inherently rust-resistant. This metal boasts less soil adhesion and easy cleaning, which keeps them looking new for years to come when properly maintained. For these reasons, stainless steel tends to be more expensive than carbon and is generally the preferred choice of seasoned gardeners who shop for traditional garden tools. 

Carbon steel tools in the market are available at a cheaper price point than stainless, perfect for the beginner gardener. Carbon steel tools typically require a rust-resistant coating to be added on top of the natural metal – which is why you find green and grey painted tools in other ranges. 

AMES Tools innovation has created a number of market-firsts. Can you outline what these key design features and functional benefits are? 

Our carbon steel spade and fork heads have been stamped from one piece of material using a uniquely designed AMES mould. This cuts out traditional welding, which fixes together multiple pieces of metal, creating a point of weakness at every join prone to failure with misuse or overloading. AMES Tools’ tempered steel and one-piece construction makes them much less likely to deform or snap.

The Comfort Step™ is a distinctive foot tread on AMES Tools spades and shovels, designed to give increased power and leverage while digging. We’ve combined it with FSC-certified ash wood handles to offer improved longevity versus larch wood, which other brands choose. 

Our spade and fork handles also sit further down into the metal shank and double riveted to finish. This gives 45% more strength versus a single rivet, whilst the special arch design of the Extra Wide Leaf Rake allows almost 50% more leaves to be collected for fast and efficient tidying. 

Finally, the designs provide gardeners with tools they can trust, comfortable to use, remain strong under pressure, and are all covered by a market leading 15-year guarantee across both our carbon and stainless ranges. 

Bringing a new range to market is a long and complicated progress. What was the process that enabled you and your team to create AMES Tools?

The most important factor in research and development is listening to the voice of the consumer. We ran focus groups with gardeners to try and understand their pain points when it comes to gardening. One that stood out to us was a lady who gardened in her flip flops! With that knowledge we developed the ‘Comfort Step™’. We knew that designing a larger foot tread would aid in making digging more comfortable for the consumer, whilst also adding the perforated holes to give them added grip, no matter what type of footwear they chose to garden in. 

How has the AMES Tools offering been positioned within the marketplace?  

AMES Tools have been carefully curated to sit mid-range, bringing a level of innovation that’s currently missing from this affordable price point: our Comfort Step™ Spades, Extra-Wide Leaf Rake and Double-Sided Soil Rake offer customer-centric designs that benefit the user. 

It’s important to us to make gardening more accessible and easier for our consumers, whilst giving them the confidence that their tools are built to last. We offer a breadth of choice and excellent guarantee no matter their budget.

Our stainless-steel tools have a slightly higher price point than the carbon steel collection but remain in line with other tool suppliers in the marketplace.

What advice do you have for retailers seeking to stock AMES Tools?

Consumers tend to seek education on knowing what the right tool is for the gardening task they are looking to complete. This is why we have partnered with David Domoney as brand ambassador to help us inspire and educate with free-to-use content. 

We’ve also spent a long time developing our packaging to highlight the features and benefits of each item, so customers can easily find the right tool for the job and learn how to use it most efficiently. Tools are on display with strong branding and sleek hanging systems; all put together by the AMES merchandising team who deliver, unload, and set up for retailers as standard. 

The AMES Tools website and marketing plans are designed to push consumers into store, with all retailers listed on the website for easy location. 

With competitive commercial packages and a nationwide sales team, now is the time for retailers to act – both their orders and deliveries can be linked with those through Kelkay, which is also part of the AMES Companies.

How do you want consumers to view the range?

AMES has such a rich history, with 250 years of tools expertise, and I want our customers to trust our knowledge and expertise in bringing them the best quality tools. In addition, we are there to support them with easy to access content, with the help of David Domoney, on how to pick the right tool for the job, in doing so we are aiming to delight our customers.

Find out more

To stay up to date with all things AMES Tools, including accessing the dedicated trade portal where you will find a comprehensive image library, POS guide and Product Database alongside the 2024 catalogue, please visit www.ames-tools.co.uk.

With another busy year ahead, earmarked with significant investment, expanding product portfolios, and improved efficiencies across all its leading garden brands, the AMES Companies must ensure its logistics systems are ready to respond. With Transport Manager, Emily Handley, at the helm, it’s safe to say AMES customers can rest assured that the company is well prepared to fulfil customer deliveries throughout 2024. Here, Emily tells us more about the preparations she and her team have made to ensure industry-leading standards are exceeded with every delivery.

Strong relationships with hauliers

“Being a partner of choice is one of the core goals of AMES Companies, and that hasn’t changed we navigate 2024 the season. Over the last 12 months, we have listened carefully to customer feedback and made positive changes.

 “We’re dedicated to bringing retailers reliable deliveries that arrive on time. My team and I have spent time building great relationships with several local and national haulier companies. In doing so, we have ensured we have enough driver cover throughout the year to fulfil deliveries. Success this year looks like a small number of haulier partners who fulfil daily and weekly deliveries.”

To maintain consistency, AMES Companies drivers deliver to the same retailers each time. This might seem like a small detail, but the consistency enables the drivers and their stores to build meaningful relationships. Emily comments that this supports the AMES Companies’ focus on customer centricity. “We expect our haulier partners to build great rapport with our customers, and we work with them because they’re passionate about their work - they’re committed to providing a first-class service.”

One such haulier is Kevco. Talking about the importance of partnership, Mark Ormondroyd, Operations Director said: “We’ve worked closely with Emily and the team since becoming a direct logistical partner entrusted with AMES customer volumes under the Kevco Logistics banner to ensure that deliveries meet deadlines with the retailers purchasing the products. Our business believes in friendly, professional, and reliable service. This has allowed us to develop a good working relationship with AMES and its customers, which has been imperative to the successful long-standing partnership.”

During peak season, the uplift in demand means that the AMES Companies must also rely on national hauliers to meet every customer delivery within competitive timeframes. “We’ve carefully chosen national partners whose ethos is aligned with us and who can support us with additional volume during peak times,” added Emily.

Campeys of Selby, located just 20 minutes from the AMES Companies headquarters, is one of the hauliers that is part of the team. With a triple-figure fleet size, the team has enough capacity to meet AMES demand during peak season.  Harry Campey, Commercial & Operations Director, said: “Our business is built on customer service, trust, efficiencies, and being cost-effective - core values align with those at AMES and have helped to strengthen our relationship over the years. We believe in technology and transparency; this is why AMES group can access our live online portal and track and trace loads without communicating with our operations team. Finally, to ensure reliability our assets are modern and fitted with the latest technology, including AI, to ensure deliveries are on time and with data that can be extracted should any queries arise post-delivery.”

Emily said, “We know this approach works – 70% of deliveries are delivered within three days, well ahead of the agreed service levels.”

Efficient load planning and routes

The key to success is partly due to AMES Companies’ ability to approach deliveries proactively, including advanced routing schedules for drivers. 

Emily credits a recent recruitment drive for introducing these new processes: “Our Transport team has grown to seven colleagues in the last twelve months, and they are, frankly, a group of superstars! Each colleague has brought a unique skill set and background in different industries, so there’s a real breadth of experience in the team. Together, we work to plan routes and loads with our customers in mind, and we’re in regular communication with our drivers to ensure that the reality matches the concept, with happy customers across the board.” 

Taking this one step further, the AMES Companies haulier partners are also actively involved in critical decisions. In doing so, they can help provide the best service available for customers. An example of this being the successful collaborative loading processes for brand new AMES Tools deliveries. Emily credits those haulier partnerships with playing an integral role in the planning and execution of ongoing AMES Tool deliveries. 

Andrew Dean, owner of Dean Transport, with whom AMES has a highly established working relationship, said: “As the longest-standing permanent haulier to AMES, we have been able to build a strong working relationship with all AMES departments. Effective communication between everyone is fundamental and enables us to provide a first-class, high-quality service to AMES and their customers. Our diverse fleet enables us to support AMES throughout their production process, from bringing in the raw materials to delivering the finished product to the customer. 

Customer feedback is paramount.

Unlike other companies, AMES dedicates time to hearing from customers on improving delivery services. “It’s important to us that we get every single delivery correct, every time. To do this and to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve, catching any issues or concerns before they occur, we allocate time to receive honest and open feedback from our customers so we can continually improve our delivery service.”

Emily added: “By bringing our transport team in-house, we have enabled them to have complete oversight over our delivery scheduling and routes. This means we can act quickly to avoid disruption to customers and ensure delivery KPIs are met, as well as plan the full routes for our drivers to ensure we are efficient. 

What’s next for the AMES Companies?

Continuous improvement is key. With Emily at the helm, the Transport team will focus on efficient routes and automatically creating loads. 

Emily concluded by saying: “Not ones to rest on our laurels, we’re continuing to assess our protocols and look where we can make new investment to strengthen our offering. We’re currently trialling new software with a suite of analytics, helping us further improve our delivery performance. We’re proud of what we’ve done so far – so you can also look out for AMES Companies branded trailers on the road very soon!

Find out more

To stay up to date with all the latest news from AMES Companies please visit www.ames-uk.com

When launching a new tool brand, one that is full of industry firsts and game-changing design innovations, the marketplace sits up and notices. But when you add in a famous face, one that has adorned our screens for over 20 years and inspired a generation of gardeners, as the brand’s ambassador, it suddenly becomes an even more exciting proposition for retailers and consumers alike. Introducing David Domoney as the AMES Tools’ Brand Ambassador.

David Domoney, Chartered Horticulturist, TV regular, writer and campaigner, has come on board to help demystify gardening and allow shoppers to understand the AMES Tools difference. Recognising that the offering provides something unique whilst arming gardeners with all the know-how they need to triumph with tools in the garden, David will be creating content to educate and inspire shoppers. Here, he tells us more about the ambassador role.

Demystifying tools

Having been immersed in gardening for much of his life, David has used more garden tools than most. He recognises quality, understands why their design and materials play such an important part, and he appreciates that the variety of tools on offer can also be a confusing proposition to many. “I want to use my AMES Tools ambassador role to help gardeners gain new confidence in the tools they are purchasing. By outlining each tool’s particular use, highlighting why the unique design features matter and the difference they will make in the garden, and explaining how these differences make one tool unique against another, I hope that shoppers will have the confidence to build a tool collection that will best suit their needs both now and long into the future, and will get a better overall experience. This isn’t about having a shed full of rarely used tools. Instead, I want gardeners, no matter their experience, to carefully curate a collection that will cater for every task in the garden.”

Making gardening pleasurable 

“With 40 years of experience as a professional horticulturalist, it’s easy for me to talk about the joys of gardening, but I recognise that for many new gardeners, the task at hand can be confusing at first. I firmly believe that much of this confusion can be alleviated with the proper knowledge and the right garden tool for each garden task at your fingertips. 

“Regarding tools, the two biggest issues that impact pleasure are using the wrong tools for the job and ensuring the ones you are using are comfortable. Through the educational content I‘ve created for the AMES Companies, shoppers will be armed with the right info, but it is the AMES Tool team that has tackled the comfort aspect. Throughout the range, you will see solutions to common issues that are designed to increase usability, comfort, and ergonomics. Longer shanks, double rivets, improved head-to-handle ratio, and no weld points are some of the basic design principles that have been implemented to make using the tools an easier, lighter and more enjoyable experience. Then you have innovation exclusive to AMES Tools, including the Comfort Step™ or the Extra-Wide Leaf Rake, which has gone above and beyond to provide new solutions to common problems.”

Education is important

David’s ambassador role will also see him offer monthly gardening tips, including showcasing the perfect tool to get the job done. Featuring short- and long-content videos plus regular blog content, David and AMES Tools is set to become a vital resource for gardeners wanting to make 2024 their best gardening year yet. 

“With the right information and the best tools at hand, we hope to help many more gardeners to have great success in the garden throughout 2024, and that we can give a new generation of gardeners the confidence to get there and start their gardening journey with ease.”

AMES Tools – the journey begins

Launched at Glee 2023, AMES Tools has already garnered a strong response from all corners of the garden retail sector. Stock is already finding its home in UK garden centres, supported by a brand-new state-of-the-art warehouse and logistics system to ensure optimum stock availability throughout the season.

Find out more

To stay updated with all things AMES Tools, including accessing the dedicated trade portal where you will find a comprehensive image library, POS guide and Product Database alongside the 2024 catalogue, please visit www.ames-tools.co.uk. Further details about the AMES Companies by visiting www.ames-uk.com

Since landing in stores nationwide in January, AMES Tools have made their mark – not least at Burston Garden Centre where sales have since increased 17% since switching out a previous supplier. Sam Stickland, Garden Care Manager at Burston Garden Centre shares the retailers experience so far this season since they made the switch: the centre has seen increased sales, thanks to high quality tools that are expertly merchandised by the AMES Tools team. 

Want to get in on the action? Contact your usual Sales Manager to place your order. New to AMES Tools? Contact us here to get started.

Increased sales

AMES Tools is a proven hit with shoppers - great news for retailers looking to increase consumer spend instore. Burston Garden Centre have seen the benefits of AMES Tools first hand, as told by Sam: “Since transitioning to using AMES gardening tools from our previous supplier, our sales have experienced a significant uptake of 17%”. 

“This remarkable increase can be attributed to the unrivalled quality and value for money that AMES Tools’ offer”.

High quality products

Shoppers are looking for quality tools - crafted from carbon and stainless steel and with added features like Comfort Step, AMES Tools prioritises high-quality tools that are built to last. “Customers have recognised the superior craftsmanship and durability of Ames products, leading to higher satisfaction levels and repeat purchases”. Said Sam.

“The decision to switch suppliers has proven to be a strategic move that not only boosted our sales but also enhanced our brand reputation in the gardening tools market”.

Expert merchandising support

All AMES Tools customers will receive setup, restocking, and ongoing support from a dedicated merchandiser team, something that the teams at Burston have benefitted from. “I get regular visits from the merchandising team who always make sure the stands are looking 100% with signage present and correct”. 

“AMES offer both exceptional merchandising support and point of sale. With wage bills increasing, it is vital that we receive the support we need from our suppliers and AMES excel in this regard”.

Don’t forget, you can stay up to date with news and offers by signing up below to the newsletter and connecting with AMES Tools on LinkedIn.

Are you a garden lover looking to buy AMES Tools? Find your nearest stockist today.

Adorned with the many recognisable logos that make up the AMES Companies family of brands, including Kelkay, La Hacienda, Apta and Easy Fountain, the new fleet of AMES merchandising vehicles is set to be a regular sight on the roads of the UK.

Replacing the previous fleet, this new set of vehicles will offer significant cost and environmental benefits – including a 450-tonne reduction in CO₂ emissions over the course of the lease period – whilst also offering practical advantages for the AMES Companies merchandising team, thanks to a larger load area and improved accessibility.

Dan Charles, Head of Merchandising said: “At the AMES Companies we are consistently looking at ways to improve our efficiencies, and our fleet of vehicles was one area where we have been able to make quick and easy improvements across the board. With 10 vehicles on the road, which together cover in excess of one million miles a year, it was essential that we had vans that could withstand the needs of being on the road, whilst also ensuring that our environmental impact was being responsibility managed. There is no question that we have achieved this now.

“These new vans, already traveling the length and breadth of the country, are set to be just as recognisable as our previous fleet and will continue to bring our dedicated merchandisers to stores across the country to create eye-catching, thought-provoking and unique merchandising design solutions.”

Find out more

Further details about the AMES Companies and its family of brands, including Kelkay, La Hacienda, and Apta, can be found at  www.ames-uk.com

Brought to market based on more than 250 years of tool expertise, the all-new portfolio of garden and lawn tools from AMES Tools offers something a little different. In this new series, we take a closer look at the unique innovations that set the AMES Tools offering apart from what is currently available in the market, whilst building brand loyalty.

Extra-wide Leaf Rake

• Extra wide head features 24 tines for the ultimate in time efficiencies – up to 45% more efficient than traditional fan-shaped rakes - AND increases single pass action to reduce repetitive motions.
• Contoured head allows space for leaves and grass to collect whilst raking – with more leaves collected in one go, garden tidying is quicker than ever!
• Extended FSC® certified ash wood handle has been ergonomically designed to reduce back strain and minimises bending during use. The wood has also been sourced from FSC-certified forests that are managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers, while ensuring it sustains economic viability.
• Cushioned handle provides extra comfort and grip for optimum usability.
• Ideal for use on lawn or turf areas, with tines designed to glide over the surface without penetrating the ground.
• 15-year guarantee and on-tool batch stamping, demonstrative of AMES’ assurance in what it is bringing to market and the most extended guarantee in the industry today. 

CONTACT DETAILS

www.ames-tools.co.uk

Brought to market based on more than 250 years of tool expertise, the all-new portfolio of garden and lawn tools from AMES Tools offers something a little different. In this new series, we take a closer look at the unique innovations that set the AMES Tools offering apart from what is currently available in the market, whilst building brand loyalty.

Carbon Steel Digging Spade

• Tempered Steel creates a new generation of high-quality spade heads. After undergoing an intensive heat treatment, these heads are designed to last. Tempering creates optimum wear resistance and strength, whilst enabling flexibility when it’s needed most.
• Comfort Step® is a UK industry-first that will see consumers fall in love with their spade again! This extra-large, textured foot tread allows for increased power and leverage.
• Double rivets provide up to 45% additional strength, making this a tool to use season after season.
• Stamped and forged from a single solid piece of carbon steel, which means no weld points or weak points. AMES is one of the only manufacturers to do this.
• Connection strength is increased with the deeper set wooden handle. Sitting further into the shaft, this simple design works to increase strength and make bends and breaks a thing of the past.
• D-shaped ergonomic handle provides increased comfort and grip, so that time spent gardening can be a more enjoyable experience for all.
• Ethically sourced FSC® certified ash wood is used to create the handles on all Carbon Steel tools.
• Ideal for digging, soil turning and general garden maintenance. This is the perfect all-rounder.
• 15-year guarantee and on-tool batch stamping, demonstrative of AMES’ assurance in what it is bringing to market and the most extended guarantee in the industry today. 

CONTACT DETAILS

www.ames-tools.co.uk

Brought to market based on more than 250 years of tool expertise, the all-new portfolio of garden and lawn tools from AMES Tools offers something a little different. In this new series, we take a closer look at the unique innovations that set the AMES Tools offering apart from what is currently available in the market, whilst building brand loyalty.

Carbon Steel Double-Sided Soil Rake 

• Double-sided tines offer multiple functionalities. Use the longer tines for heavy-duty jobs such as loosening soil, levelling gravel or collecting weeds and debris from winter weather and garden maintenance. The shorter, finer tines are perfect for preparing seed beds or scarifying lawns.
• 16 carbon steel tines provide increased efficiency, with every rake movement efficiently loosening the top layer of soil to help prep the ground for seeds and seedling planting. The 16 tines also provide greater strength, making this a rake that can be trusted to do the job right, time after time.  
• With a rake head manufactured from high-quality, tempered carbon steel, this garden tool is built to last and is capable of withstanding whatever the garden throws at it. The utilisation of tempered steel says goodbye to weak points and increases rigidity, flexibility and longevity - think wear resistance and ultimate strength.  
• Extended FSC® certified ash wood handle has been ergonomically designed to reduce back strain and minimises bending during use. The wood has also been sourced from FSC-certified forests, which are managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers, while ensuring it sustains economic viability.
• Cushioned rubber handle provides extra comfort and grip for optimum usability.
• 15-year guarantee and on-tool batch stamping are demonstrative of AMES’ assurance in what it is bringing to market and the most extended guarantee in the industry today. 

CONTACT DETAILS

www.ames-tools.co.uk