RSP UK Suction Excavators Ltd celebrates 10 years at The Belfry, marking Nigel Gardener's retirement and thanking Jens Graber
RSP UK Suction Excavators Ltd marked its 10th anniversary on 26 September 2026 with a celebration evening at The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, bringing together around 250 guests from across its customers, suppliers, team and RSP Germany. The evening also honoured two people who have shaped the business since day one: Nigel Gardener, who retires after more than 50 years in the industry, and Jens Graber, who is stepping back from his role on the RSP UK board.
Founded in 2016 as the UK arm of the RSP Group, RSP UK has grown into a leading supplier of premium suction excavators, vacuum excavators and road sweepers across its RSP, Amphitec and Brock brands. Today it operates across machinery sales, service, parts and training, including its own dedicated training centre, which is proud to offer EUSR, CPCS and NVQ training.
The evening was presented and compèred by TV magician and presenter Ben Hanlin, who guided guests through a programme of speeches, films and celebration in The Belfry's Masters Suite.
A night for the Henry Allen Trust
At the heart of the evening was the Henry Allen Trust, a Milton Keynes charity local to RSP UK's Bedfordshire base, and its chosen charity for the anniversary year. Henry loved road sweepers and sadly passed away aged just four. In his memory, RSP UK dedicated a Brock road sweeper to him, carrying his face and the Trust's livery, which welcomed guests outside the venue.
Introduced by Ben Hanlin, the Trust's film was one of the most moving moments of the night. Thanks to the generosity of guests, £15,500 was raised for the charity. RSP UK now plans to offer "Henry's road sweeper" to the industry, with the aim of raising further funds for the Trust.
Celebrating Nigel Gardener
Nigel Gardener joined RSP UK at its formation in 2016 as Business Support Manager, bringing a wealth of experience in heavy plant and trenchless technology. Earlier in his career, he helped introduce trenchless technologies internationally. Known throughout the industry as a true supporter of the customer, Nigel has set the standard for professionalism at RSP UK: immaculate presentation, meticulous attention to detail, and treating every customer with the same care, always there whenever they needed him.
Nigel retires as the recipient of two Lifetime Achievement Awards. In September 2026 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Family Business United, five years to the day after he was honoured with the UKSTT Lifetime Achievement Award.
Thanking Jens Graber
The evening also paid tribute to Jens Graber, a founding member of RSP Germany, who is stepping back from his role on the RSP UK board. Jens has been a guiding figure since the company was founded, and his support and friendship have been central to RSP UK's growth over the past decade.
"Ten years ago, we set out to build something special, and standing in that room with our customers, our team and our RSP family was an incredibly proud moment," said Charlie Gardener, Director. "The machines may be what brought us together, but it is the relationships that have made the last ten years so special. Raising £15,500 for the Henry Allen Trust made the night mean even more, and we would like to thank everyone who gave so generously."
Lloyd Gardener, Director, added: "My Dad, Nigel, has worked in this industry for more than fifty years, and he has given RSP UK his time, experience, advice, patience and support. He helped us build this business into what it is today, and we are incredibly proud of him and deeply grateful for everything he has done. Our relationship with RSP goes back twenty years, and those working relationships have become genuine friendships. As Jens steps back from the board, we thank him for the groundwork he laid in the UK, and for his hard work, fairness and friendship. We admire him enormously."