SME News Q4 2025/ 56 The story of Eley Hawk began in London in 1828, established by the legendary Eley brothers on a foundation of quality, trust, innovation, and respect for the shooting community. These values have shaped every decision since its inception, from product development to customer service. Today, the company boasts nearly two centuries of success in delivering accuracy, consistency, and performance for game and clay shooters alike, having grown into a globally recognised brand that is now synonymous with excellence in the manufacturing of premium shotgun cartridges. The UK’s oldest shotgun cartridge manufacturer, Eley Hawk stands out for combining a rich heritage and unwavering commitment to quality with advanced technology – creating a legacy of groundbreaking advancements in cartridge design and component innovation, many of which have become today’s industry standards. From pioneering percussion cap production to manufacturing more modern, eco-friendly solutions, the company has continually evolved its operations in alignment with the shifting needs of its shooters. Ultimately, Eley Hawk believes in safeguarding the traditions of the shooting sport whilst simultaneously preparing its clients for the future. Serving as a trusted partner to individual shooters, retailers, and wholesale distributors – both in the UK and internationally – the company is committed to achieving this mission by combining blending traditional craftsmanship with unrivalled innovation, resulting in forward-thinking product developments such as biodegradable shotgun wads and highperformance steel loads. “Eley Hawk is more than a cartridge manufacturer; we are ambassadors for our sport. Our goal is to inspire confidence in every shooter, from the first cartridge they fire to the peak of their competitive career.” The company’s frontrunning market position has been made possible by an internal culture built on heritage, innovation, and collaboration. Whilst the Eley Hawk team values its extensive expertise, it embraces evolution equally – especially with the recent move towards sustainable ammunition – working closely across departments to promote knowledge sharing and adaptability in the face of market shifts. When expanding the team, the company prioritises candidates with a passion for shooting, attention to quality, and the ability to work as a close-knit team. “A willingness to learn, adapt, and respect both tradition and environmental responsibility is key to thriving here,” Rodrigo Crespo From medieval hunting to modern competitive sports, shooting sports have long played a vital role in the UK’s culture and countryside. Eley Hawk, the oldest manufacturer of shotgun cartridges in the UK, has played an integral role in upholding this longstanding tradition, pioneering the use of innovative and environmentally friendly shotgun cartridges to ensure that tradition adapts to modern practices whilst preserving the essence of the past. The company is headed by Managing Director Rodrigo Crespo, a business development professional with a demonstrated history of success in the sporting goods and ammunition industry. We learned more from Rodrigo below, following his recent recognition in the Managing Director of the Year Awards 2025. Shooting Sports Ammunition MD of the Year 2025: Rodrigo Crespo & Business Leadership & Dedication Excellence Award 2025 Eley Hawk Ltd
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