Meet Our Team

The Beginning: Addressing a Critical Need

In 1986, Ian Brown founded the company after identifying the need for a mailbox that could be fitted behind a front door letterflap to protect against unwanted items, arson threats, and intimidation. The idea came after visiting an elderly couple in a tower block, living in fear with no means of escape.

The First Product: Homeguard

As an engineer and business owner, Ian designed the Homeguard – a box with an intumescent extinguisher – and personally installed it free of charge. The couple’s peace of mind inspired Ian to bring the product to market.

Expanding the Range

When demonstrating Homeguard to architects and developers, Ian was asked for solutions that could go on, in, and through the wall. This led to the creation of the company’s first full range of mailboxes.

Innovation and Growth

Fast forward 39 years, and the range now includes over 180 models. The Safety Letterbox Company leads in innovation and design, offering parcel boxes, Secured by Design solutions, and a 2-hour Fire Rated mailbox range. We also developed Flaplock™, a lockable retro-fit letterflap created in response to UK Arson Task Force demand.

Prestigious Projects Worldwide

Our bespoke solutions feature in some of the world’s most iconic developments, from the Burj Khalifa in Dubai to projects in Mexico, Gibraltar, the US, Qatar, and Australia, as well as multiple weekly installations across the UK. Working alongside designers, architects, and developers, we turn vision into reality through technical expertise and striking aesthetics.

Recognition and Legacy

In 2011, Ian Brown received an MBE for services to industry in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. After retiring in 2012, he continued as a consultant, with The Safety Letterbox Company becoming part of the Renz Group.

CURRENT

Leadership and Vision

The Safety Letterbox Company, the UK’s leading mailbox and parcel box manufacturer, is run by Ian Brown’s daughter, Alison Orrells, who joined the business in 1999. Alison established many key departments, introduced new processes, and became Managing Director & CEO in 2007. Over the years, she has earned multiple accolades, including South Wales Business Woman of the Year 2016 and Female Managing Director of the Year. Under her leadership, the business has also received national recognition for innovation, growth, expansion, and international trade.

Partnership with the Renz Group

In 2012, SLB joined the Renz Group in a mutually beneficial partnership. This provided the strength of a global brand with nearly 100 years of European experience, while allowing SLB to maintain its family values, strong UK market knowledge, and independence in day-to-day operations.

A Growing Local Employer

Today, SLB employs more than 60 local people, each playing a vital role in the business. Departments span Sales & Estimating, Accounts, R&D, Marketing, E-commerce, Continuous Improvement, Production Control, Installation, Service & Maintenance, and Despatch. Every product is manufactured in-house, with expertise across sheet metal, welding, fabrication, powder coating, assembly, and engraving.

Innovation and Customer Focus

With full control over R&D, SLB collaborates closely with customers to deliver the best possible solutions. Our experienced team thrives in a culture of openness, accountability, and continuous improvement. As an Investors in People and ISO 9001-certified company, we operate with a proactive, quality-driven mindset, keeping customers at the heart of everything we do.

Industry Leadership and Advocacy

SLB is recognised as a trusted voice in the industry, with involvement in organisations such as Made in Britain, the Chamber of Trade, and the CBI. Alison sits on the boards of Swansea Bay Business Club, Manufacturing Wales, and the CBI Council for Wales, as well as nationally representing SMEs and manufacturing.

Corporate Social Responsibility

We remain firmly committed to our CSR roadmap, ensuring we consistently deliver value for customers, protect the environment, and support our community.

Renz Group Global Strength

As Europe’s market leader, the Renz Group employs more than 820 people across factories in Germany, Poland, France, and the UK. With extensive expertise and an award-winning product range – including the intelligent myRENZbox system – it continues to drive innovation in mail and parcel delivery, meeting the growing demands of e-commerce and intralogistics.