Vitax

Vitax is a third generation family-owned business with roots which go back long before the gardening industry as it is known today even existed. Our origins can be traced back to G H Richards Limited, established in 1880 and based in Bermondsey, London. Richards was a pioneer manufacturer of insecticides and supplier of horticultural sundries.

During the second World War, my grandfather, Frank Henry Gooding, a tomato grower on Guernsey, was evacuated to London. After the war he became involved with, and later took control of, Synchemicals Limited, a company formed in this period of austerity and rationing to promote the use of growth hormone products to growers and nurseries. Synchemicals originally sold products to G H Richards Limited but later acquired the business and adopted its Bermondsey base as the company headquarters.