‘A Match made in heaven’

Universal Aqua Systems Ltd (UAL) is strengthening its position in the commercial aquarium-racking market after securing two new fit-out projects for Maidenhead Aquatics, one of the world’s largest aquarium retail chains. The contracts represent an important step for the Sussex-based manufacturer, which has developed a new generation of retail aquarium systems combining a cleaner appearance with practical improvements for store operators. Among the most visible changes is the replacement of traditional plastic trims with powder-coated stainless-steel runners, giving the installations slimmer lines and a more refined, contemporary finish.

The systems are designed both to perform in the demanding environment of a busy aquatic store and to present livestock attractively to customers. UAL believes this combination of engineering, appearance and competitive pricing will make it a serious alternative to established manufacturers serving the international aquatic retail sector.

For UAL director Ben Woodward, winning the Maidenhead Aquatics projects also carries considerable personal significance.‘I have had a very close relationship with Maidenhead Aquatics for many years,’ Woodward said. ‘I was a work-experience student with the company when I was just 15 and still at school, so to be building systems for them around 25 years later is something of which I am extremely proud.’

He particularly enjoyed working with the Maidenhead Aquatics team and especially with David Gilmore, ‘who was instrumental in helping us develop and refine the new systems.’ His understanding of what stores and their teams need on a day-to-day basis has been invaluable throughout the design process, confirms Woodward.

In early 2027, Universal Aqua Systems plans to launch a new range of commercial aquarium systems created specifically for modern aquatic retail. The range will feature soft-close fronts and wider access apertures, making routine husbandry and maintenance easier while improving the experience for store staff and livestock.

‘We believe this will be a game changer for fish health and welfare and for aquatic retail generally,’ Woodward said. ‘Stores will benefit from a lower initial purchase cost, a much shorter manufacturing lead time and lower power consumption than is typical of many older, conventional rack systems.’

The target is to build systems within four to six weeks. ’We have also reached the scale at which we can…