In Conversation With John Earl from Stephens Industries
Stephens Industries’ managing director on how the protective textiles company continues to evolve ahead of its 70th anniversary.
How does Stephens Industries set itself apart in the market?
What sets us apart is our ability to offer both supply and installation, backed by deep technical knowledge, in-house manufacturing and a flexible, solution-led approach. As a UK-based manufacturer and distributor, we don’t just ship materials. We work closely with clients to design, fabricate and install tailored lining systems that stand the test of time.
In a market where newer, cheaper EPDMs are starting to emerge, we remain committed to only supplying materials we trust completely. Our clients know that with Stephens Industries, they are investing in reliability, longevity and the expertise of a team who understands every layer, literally, of a successful installation.
So, to answer your question, we like to think that everything we do sets us apart.
How has the company evolved since its inception?
Incorporated in 1956, Stephens Industries will proudly celebrate 70 years in business next year. Originally a family-run textile business specialising in industrial fabrics and coatings, the company has continually adapted to meet the needs of evolving industries, moving into lining products.
An early adopter of both butyl rubber and EPDM, Stephens established itself as a market leader in flexible lining systems. Today, we supply products into all areas of landscaping, agriculture, building and construction for water containment, water movement and water protection.
In 2019, the business entered a new phase of growth with investment from myself and my business partner, Alex Kean.
Together, we have focused on expanding our capabilities, strengthening supplier partnerships and ensuring our team and facilities are equipped to meet the growing demand for high-performance, long-lasting water containment solutions.
Stephens Industries operates from a dedicated manufacturing and distribution facility in Wiltshire, supporting projects across the UK. We offer a complete end-to-end service, from product supply and bespoke liner fabrication to design consultation and on-site installation.
We have embraced the digital shift through our e-commerce platform, AquaLiners Direct. The site was recently updated with a fresh look and new product ranges, along with helpful ‘how-to’ guides aimed at smaller-scale and domestic customers.
Our core business remains rooted in premium products and dependable, high-quality service for trade and commercial clients.
What products do you offer and which has been picking up in popularity in response to market demands?
Stephens prides itself on being the leading distribution partner for Holcim Elevate (formerly Firestone) EPDM liners, with core products being Elevate GeoGard and PondGard.
These premium materials offer unmatched flexibility, UV stability and resistance to weathering. While the product guarantee is 20 years, many installations last well beyond 40, making EPDM the go-to choice for clients seeking a long-term solution.
Stephens also provides site surveys, geo-mapping, technical CAD data, full installation from our experienced teams and full sign-off, warranties and guarantees for complex projects such as swimming ponds, lakes, irrigation systems and agricultural schemes.
We also offer hands-on training at our dedicated technical training centre in Corsham, where landscaping professionals can learn how to install and work with our Elevate products.
Those who complete the course are signed off as trained installers. We run sessions regularly throughout the year, so if you’re interested, just give us a call and we’ll let you know when the next one is running.
In addition, we fabricate bespoke box-welded liners in-house using EPDM and butyl from Sealeco, a European specialist manufacturer. These liners are particularly popular for formal ponds, wildlife features, filtration tanks and confined or awkwardly shaped spaces, where pre-formed liners help reduce time and complexity on site.
What services do you offer and who do you supply?
As I said earlier, we supply quality products and a service to suit each individual customer. No project is too big or too small for Stephens.
Our clients range from someone installing a natural wildlife pond in their garden through to large swimming ponds, agricultural lagoons and even film and television sets. Recent projects include the water entrance for Shiz University and the Munchkinland stream on Wicked, as well as the harbour scene featured in Paddington in Peru. From private gardens to major productions, we take pride in delivering high-quality results whatever the setting.
What does your route to market entail?
We give our customers flexibility in how they choose to buy from Stephens. For domestic and smaller-scale projects, we offer our AquaLiners Direct website, where customers can use our online liner calculators to work out exactly what they need. From there, they can order everything required for their project with direct-to-door delivery.
All products are dispatched from our Wiltshire manufacturing and distribution hub, allowing us to maintain quick lead times and consistent stock availability across the UK and beyond.
What does the next five years look like for Stephens Industries?
The next five years are shaping up to be one of the most exciting periods in our history. With our 70th anniversary on the horizon in 2026, we’re proud of where we’ve come from and ambitious about where we’re going.
We are expanding our fabrication and installation capacity, investing in new technology and strengthening relationships with key partners like Elevate and Sealeco. This ensures our customers continue to benefit from the highest quality materials on the market.
With demand growing for integrated systems, we will continue developing our offering of pumps, filtration and pond electricals, positioning ourselves as a one-stop shop for everything beneath the surface.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We believe the true strength of a water containment project lies in what’s beneath the surface, both in the physical structure and in the relationships behind it. Whether it’s a small ornamental pond or a 10,000 square metre reservoir, we approach each project with the same commitment to detail, quality and longevity.
With nearly seven decades of experience, exclusive manufacturer training approval and a track record of innovation, Stephens Industries continues to lead the way in premium EPDM lining solutions, backed by materials and expertise our customers can trust.
Contact details
01225 810324
info@stephens-industries.co.uk
stephens-industries.co.uk
aqualinesdirect.co.uk