Van Guard Accessories Ltd, a British company acquired by The Bott Group in spring 2025, is celebrating its entry into the European market. Founded in 1976 and based in Exeter, south-west England, the manufacturer is a well-established name in the UK for commercial vehicle accessories. Expanding the subsidiary’s operations into continental Europe marks the logical next step for the globally active Bott Group. As one of the market leaders in vehicle equipment, the Group is now combining its expertise with that of Van Guard to offer even more comprehensive, all-round solutions.
Van Guard Accessories Ltd specialises in high-quality vehicle storage solutions, with van roof bars and roof racks, as well as ladder loading systems, forming the core of its business. The company also manufactures innovative security products designed to protect against tool and vehicle theft.
“Van Guard’s product range embodies values very similar to those of the Bott Group. Its tried-and-tested equipment is built for quality-focused professionals – an ideal addition to our group of companies and partners, providing a one stop shop solution,” says Nick Smith, CEO of the British subsidiary Bott Ltd.
Emlyn Harris, CEO of Van Guard Accessories Ltd, also sees great potential in this new market:
“Our two sites in Exeter have grown significantly in recent years and now employ around 80 highly trained specialists. The Bott Group’s market presence opens up entirely new opportunities for us in direct sales, particularly in reaching large fleet customers. We are confident that we’re well positioned to meet the resulting increase in demand while maintaining our consistently high standards of quality.”
Since 1 September 2025, most Van Guard Accessories products have been available through the Bott Group’s distribution network, setting a new benchmark for roof rack systems used in vehicle conversions.
About the Bott Group:
The Bott Group designs and develops fully integrated vehicle conversions, workspace systems, and lab testing solutions across three European locations. The Group’s vision is to deliver outstanding customer experiences from planning through to implementation. By offering market-leading, integrated solutions and innovative technologies, they empower smart working and maximise their customers’ efficiency.
With 45 years of industry experience in the UK, bott Ltd specialise in seamless end-to-end vehicle conversion solutions, from design to installation. Operating across three UK sites and supported by a network of accredited fitting partners, bott delivers tailored conversions for fleets of all sizes and sectors, ensuring efficiency, safety, and organisation to meet each customer’s unique needs.
About Van Guard Accessories:
Van Guard Accessories is a leading UK manufacturer of innovative commercial van storage and security solutions. Established in 1976, Van Guard is known for its high-quality, reliable products that improve efficiency and security for commercial fleets.
With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, Van Guard offers an extensive range of solutions, from roof bars and aftermarket security to storage and ladder systems.
Operating from its headquarters in Devon, Van Guard’s commitment to continuous improvement, alongside its comprehensive customer support and account management, makes them the trusted choice for fleet operators across various industries, providing superior products that stand the test of time.
