CORE Civil SystemsPractical products.
Practical products.
Expert support.
CORE Civil Systems is part of CORE COMPANIES LTD, the family-owned group behind CORE Landscape Products. We help project teams choose, specify and source the right systems for ground, water and finished landscapes.
Our roleAt the CORE
At the CORE
of every project.
We help project teams select, quantify and procure practical product systems for landscaping, public realm, ground reinforcement, permeable surfacing, tree protection, drainage and commercial construction.
Our job is to review the whole build-up, from formation to finish, and help bring the right components together. That may include geotextiles, geogrids, geocells, drainage, permeable surfaces and edging.
We provide product and system-selection support. Site-specific structural, geotechnical, hydraulic, arboricultural, roofing and accessibility design remains with the relevant project professionals, and we make those referral points clear.
How project support works
Useful answers start with the right information.
Send the plans, sections, reports, proposed finish, loading information and site photographs you already have. We review the intended application, identify missing inputs and explain the most appropriate product route.
Where the information supports it, the project response can include a coordinated product schedule, indicative quantities, relevant accessories, current technical documents, typical installation guidance, assumptions and exclusions.
A typical detail is not a substitute for the project designer’s approved construction detail. The contractor remains responsible for checking site conditions, safe installation, inspection records and handover.
Send project informationCORE COMPANIES LTD
Built for the Trade, by the Trade.
CORE Civil Systems is part of CORE COMPANIES LTD: a family-owned group shaped by more than four decades of practical landscaping, construction and product experience.
The groupFrom contracting
From contracting
to a national product group.
The story begins in the 1980s, when Anthony Keates founded AKC as a landscaping and surfacing contractor. Working on real projects gave the family first-hand insight into the challenges faced by contractors, installers and landscape professionals.
That experience shaped a product business built around solving practical problems. Today, CORE COMPANIES LTD brings together CORE Landscape Products, The Ideal Garden and CORE Civil Systems.
Team and premises figures shown as at August 2026. The 2008 milestone marks the start of the product supply operation; 2010 marks the incorporation of COREGRAVEL UK Ltd.
Our story
A business built one practical step at a time.
Scroll through the timeline to see how contracting experience became a nationwide product supply and distribution group.
1980s Anthony’s journey begins
Anthony Keates founds AKC, a landscaping and surfacing contractor delivering commercial and residential projects. CORE’s practical industry experience begins on site.
The next generation Learning the trade
From an early age, Emanuel “Manni” Keates and Harvey Keates work alongside their father, learning landscaping, construction and the challenges faced by installers.
2008 The product operation begins
A specialist product supply operation is created alongside AKC, initially complementing the contracting business while the team builds relationships with manufacturers and distributors.
2010 COREGRAVEL UK Ltd
CORE is incorporated as COREGRAVEL UK Ltd. From a log cabin office and around 1,000 sq ft of yard space at the family home in Burnham, the product business begins its transition into a standalone enterprise.
2013 The first Calves Lane warehouse
CORE leases its first dedicated warehouse at Calves Lane Yard in Iver, creating room for larger stockholding and a more efficient operation.
2015 Manni becomes Managing Director
Emanuel “Manni” Keates is appointed Managing Director. Later that year, the whole operation moves to Calves Lane: 3,500 sq ft of warehouse space and 640 sq ft of offices.
2016 CORE EDGE launches
CORE EDGE is introduced and quickly establishes itself as one of the company’s flagship product ranges, helping to accelerate the growth of the supply business.
2017/18 First £1 million
CORE passes £1 million in annual sales for the first time, marking an important step from a growing family business to a national specialist supplier.
2018 The Ideal Garden launches
A standalone consumer e-commerce platform gives homeowners direct access to the growing range while CORE remains focused on trade distribution.
2019 Harvey’s Commercial Strategy
Harvey Keates joins the Senior Leadership Team as Sales & Marketing Director, leading the move towards builders’ merchants, landscaping outlets and national trade partners.
2020 — 2022 Growth through the pandemic
Stock availability, customer service and an established e-commerce platform meet exceptional home-and-garden demand. The operation grows by more than 200% while continuing to invest in people, stock and service.
2022/23 First £5 million
Annual sales exceed £5 million for the first time. CORE emerges from the pandemic as a larger, more diverse and more resilient business.
2023 onwards Growth that lasts
CORE retains a significant proportion of the customers gained during the pandemic while continuing to expand its wholesale and merchant network, creating a larger and more resilient business.
21 May 2026 First £10 million
CORE officially reaches the £10 million revenue milestone: a defining moment for the family business and the result of years of practical experience, investment and sustained growth.
As at August 2026 A national specialist platform
CORE employs 20 full-time team members and operates from more than 33,000 sq ft of warehouse and yard space, with 1,280 sq ft of offices. Expansion beyond 40,000 sq ft is planned by the end of 2026.
Planned for September 2026 CORE Civil Systems launch
The technical service and website are live in development ahead of the planned formal brand launch: a dedicated destination for landscape infrastructure, ground reinforcement, water management and professional project support.
The group todayThree focused destinations.
Three focused destinations.
One practical foundation.
01
CORE Landscape Products
The specialist supplier and distributor serving professional landscape customers through merchants, stockists and directly to the trade.
Visit CORE Landscape Products02The Ideal Garden
The consumer e-commerce platform launched in 2018, giving homeowners direct access to high-quality garden and landscaping products.
Visit The Ideal Garden03CORE Civil Systems
The technical service and website are live in development, with the formal CORE Civil Systems brand launch planned for September 2026.
Explore CORE Civil SystemsWork with CORE
Start with what you have.
Use CORE Civil Systems for technical support, project enquiries and professional purchasing. Trade customers can apply directly through this website and our team will confirm the most suitable supply route.