Lyon

Where did Lyon come from?

Way back in 1965, Ben Lyon, aided by engineer brother Graham, started making caving ladders. The name 'Lyon Ladders' was registered in 1973. In the same year Ben, with Mike Meredith, took a party of cavers to France, and called in on Fernand Petzl's 3-man workshop. Mike started imports to the UK, handing on to Ben's business in 1974, making 'Lyon' the first overseas Petzl distributor. The next move was to change our name to Lyon Equipment.

More leading Brands have been added to our portfolio.
"Adding staff of exceptional quality has allowed us to develop an unrivalled range of gear and techniques for tackling every type of play, work, and rescue at height. (And other places too!)"

Today, with even wider scope to our activities, you may find yourself talking, under the banner of Lyon Equipment Limited, to Lyon (Manufacturing), Lyon (Outdoors), Lyon (Work & Rescue), Lyon (Training) or the Petzl UK Agency – a division of Lyon Equipment set up solely to manage the supply of Petzl product in the UK and Ireland...... .... and after all this time we still make caving ladders!

What is Lyon Equipment Limited today?

The Company is still led by Ben Lyon acting as Chairman along with a team of Directors; Tina Benson - Financial Director, Carol Nicholls Managing Director - Commercial, Frank Bennett - Sales & Marketing Director and Jonathan Capper Managing Director – Technical. We have a talented staff of over 80 with a wide range of skills and talents and an annual turnover in excess of £17 million.

We are the leading distributor of quality climbing, mountaineering, caving and general "outdoor" equipment to outdoor retailers throughout the UK and Ireland. We are specialist suppliers of safety equipment for access and all kinds of work (and rescue) at height, in enclosed spaces and in the dark.. Providers of training and certification for Work at Height. The experts in the manufacture of flexible sided ladders. Manufacturers of lanyards, slings, tackle bags and Lyon Work & Rescue bespoke sewn goods. A provider of warehousing and logistics support to other companies.