Matlock, 1 December 2025 – Ecobat Resources UK Ltd (“ERUK”) is delighted to announce it has completed its transition to independent ownership and will begin operating once again under two of its historic names: HJ Enthoven for its metals recycling and refining activities, and British Lead for its sheet lead manufacturing operations.
The return to these long-established names reflects a shared heritage of responsible material use and recycling, technical craft, and long-term service to UK industry and communities.
HJ Enthoven has been refining and recycling lead in Derbyshire since the 1940s. Today, the business processes up to 150,000 tonnes of scrap lead / used batteries each year, recovering more than 99.7% of the lead content through one of Europe’s most advanced closed-loop systems. Its products support energy storage, automotive, industrial battery manufacturing, cables, renewable energy and construction sectors across the UK and Europe
British Lead, based in Welwyn Garden City, continues its 90-year tradition of producing high-quality rolled sheet lead, made entirely from recycled material. The division’s products are bought by merchants and used widely by builders and roofers, providing durable, dependable materials for construction projects across the country.
The company now enters a new chapter as an independent organisation with the support of its new owner, Splitstone Capital LLP, a specialist investor in corporate carve-outs. We have partnered with Splitstone to continue to build and grow the business.
A £44 million working capital facility, provided by Shawbrook Group plc, will give the company additional financial strength as it continues to invest in its sites, equipment and processes.
John Manning, Managing Director of HJ Enthoven, said:
“Returning to independence is an important step for our colleagues, customers and the communities around our sites. Decisions can now be made closer to the work, accelerating our pace of continuous improvement. The HJ Enthoven and British Lead names are well known in the markets we serve, and customers associate them with reliability and consistent quality. Our focus remains the same: operating safe, efficient plants and supplying the essential materials that help to build and maintain the UK’s infrastructure.”
Peter Foxwood, Managing Partner of Splitstone Capital, said:
“HJ Enthoven and British Lead have been part of the UK’s industrial landscape for generations. Their work shows how recovered materials can be used responsibly to support essential sectors of the economy. We look forward to supporting the team as they continue to invest in capability, strengthen operations and build on the steady, disciplined approach that has defined these businesses for more than 80 years.”
About HJ Enthoven
HJ Enthoven is the UK’s leading recycler of lead-acid batteries and producer of refined lead and alloys. Established as HJ Enthoven & Sons in the 1930s, the operating facility in Matlock, has been supplying customers in automotive, energy storage, industrial manufacturing and construction. HJ Enthoven operates a closed-loop recycling process that recovers more than 99.7% of lead content.
About British Lead
British Lead, originally founded as British Lead Mills, has been producing high-quality rolled sheet lead since 1932. Based in Welwyn Garden City, the division supplies sustainable, durable materials for the UK construction sector, made entirely from recycled lead reclaimed through HJ Enthoven’s processes.
About Splitstone Capital LLP
Splitstone Capital LLP is a London-based private equity firm focused on complex corporate carve-outs of UK and Irish-headquartered businesses in the industrials and business services sectors. Splitstone partners with management teams to provide strategic support and long-term capital. www.splitstonecapital.co.uk