Mon to Fri - 8:30am to 5pm
Our History and Where it all began for AEL
AEL Outdoor Solutions is the trading name for A&E Leisure Limited, 100% privately owned by professionals with over thirty years of experience in the hospitality & leisure industry. Our knowledge and Our History, built up over all those years, enables us to better understand what is required by our customers, and then we endeavour to ensure we deliver.
2016
2022
The rest is Our History. AEL look forward to another great year. We invest in electric cars and will install solar panels to power our factory & warehouses. Also, we continue to develop our range of furniture made from recycled materials and offer our customers more sustainable products. We replaced our first purchased CNC machine with a new one twice the size. Now with a total of three CNC machines (powered by solar energy) in situ, we strive to make our factory as efficient as possible.
2016
2021
AEL celebrate 20 years from inception. We have a record year with hospitality recovering from the restraints of lockdown. Customers appreciate the valuable space they have outdoors and turn to AEL for our portfolio of products.
2016
2020
Covid year does not stop AEL giving great customer service and even more outdoor solutions. We add marquees, gazebos and stretch tents to our portfolio giving our customers even more outdoor solutions.
2016
2018
AEL doubles the size of the showroom, allowing us to install fully working roof structures complete with all side closure options and glazing. Four different roof systems combined with the glass options allow customers to see everything available for pergolas to be constructed for 365 days use.
2016
2016
AEL now employ 78 staff and celebrate 15 years creating outdoor solutions. Investment continues and focussed around technology with EPOD devices for our delivery teams, biometric staff logins and new ERP system upgrade at the core.
2015
2015
The mezzanine showroom is doubled in size to 10,000 sq ft and now includes a dedicated Glatz training centre and product showcase. Factory facilities are further enhanced with the addition of a new spray booth and a second CNC machine, together with upgraded roofing, lighting, flooring and ventilation system.
2014
2014
Factory production levels increase, with manufactured goods now accounting for 30% of AEL’s total product sales.
2013
2013
The first CNC router is purchased for the factory at 9 Cradock Road to enable even more bespoke build and branding solutions. This further enhances the fundamental AEL principle of working closely with our customers brand and our unique ability to customise elements for maximum impact.
2012
2012
Further growth enables the purchase Unit G, a significantly larger premise of 30,000 sq ft at 15 Cradock Road thus creating the platform for future development. In addition to new offices and warehousing, a stunning 5,000 sq ft mezzanine showroom is built.
2009
2009
AEL now employ 38 employees and open a division in Killamarsh near Sheffield enabling customers in the north of the UK to receive a more dedicated service, with fully independent sales, warehousing, installation team and showroom facilities in operation.
2008
2008
Proudly appointed as the sole UK partner for Glatz umbrellas and Stobag awnings. A new Homes & Gardens division was set up to offer a range of luxury outdoor solutions and ideas for garden centres and department stores retailing to the public.
2007
2007
With a UK smoking ban introduced for enclosed public places, turnover reaches record levels as AEL provide customers with a range of solutions that allow them to accommodate smokers through outdoor areas. Under the legislation AEL install over 1,000 giant umbrella alone during the year.
2004 - 2006
2004 – 2006
AEL continue to experience year on year growth, taking advantage of the UK’s growing love of alfresco dining and burgeoning café culture.
2002
2002
Commercial outdoor furniture starts to be sourced from factories around the world, with many of the those visited during this time still supplying goods to this present day.
2001
2001
Our History began when AEL was founded by Richard Smith and Jenny Green, their vision being to provide high-quality products at good value, enabling customers to make the most of their outdoor space. Trading begins at 9 Cradock Road, Reading.
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