A Leeds based success story for a local entrepreneur.
Where it all began…
In 2006, a new lighting distribution business was established in Leeds, offering distribution of lamps, control gear, and manufactured bespoke lighting solutions. Having worked in the industry for over 10 years previously, from starting out in local markets and various electrical companies, the Managing Director, Adrian Lee, started Northgate Lighting Ltd.
How the industry has changed since then! No LED fittings were sold by Northgate Lighting until 2009, and now its approximately 90% of the business. Now their biggest sellers include LED panels, downlights, corn lamps plus there’s a further 12,000+ lighting product lines available.
From just 2 people in the beginning growing to 50 team members, rapid expansion meant constantly adapting to keep up with demand. Being adaptable, innovative, open to opportunities and offering a wide product range has been instrumental in consistent growth within the business.
Northgate Lighting now
With this impressive business growth, by 2014, Northgate Lighting was spread across 4 different buildings on an industrial estate in Bramley, Leeds. With various challenges with regards to orders and stock control, the need to move was becoming increasingly clear.
In 2015, the business was moved not too far to Edison Business Centre, Bramley. Home to a 50,000 ft² packed warehouse, 8 departments, 50 employees, and over 12,000 lighting product lines, the business is very different from its early days. However, the core values and even some of the team members remain the same. Steve Mills is the longest employee, as one of the originals. Now the Sales Manager, he manages the team of internal Account Managers, sharing his 45-year knowledge of the industry.
Although the lighting industry continues to change radically, Northgate MD, Adrian, suggests some things remain the same.
“Since we first started in 2006, our focus has always been about the widest choice of high-quality products, supported by expert advice and a fast delivery. We want to make it easy for our customers to sell lighting, plus maximise their profitability and customer satisfaction.”
What makes Northgate Lighting different?
Innovation and flexibility are at the core of Northgate Lighting’s success, with a consistent approach to improving service for the customer.
Speed is crucial in the wholesale business so Northgate Lighting focuses on making their processes as efficient as possible. Over the years, new processes and teams have been introduced to support the business growth and customer offering, including an in-house manufacturing department that can retro-fit fluorescent to LED fittings, upgrade products to emergency and sensor, and create bespoke lighting solutions.
Customers are also supported by the breadth of knowledge within the team, with all employees given full training on products, learning from training consultants and brand visits, plus opportunities for self-development.
Northgate Lighting is also the leading distributor of Bright Source LED products in the UK. Bright Source offers customers a reliable performance with many innovative features, keeping the end user in mind.
What’s next?
The partnership with Bright Source has expanded with new products introduced throughout the year, including the new All In One Switch (plus Tilt version), with a front-facing switch to change Wattage between 8W-10W – the first of its kind! There will be plenty mroe products on the way, as Northgate Lighting plans to vary its range even more.
This year, online ordering has been introduced for the first time at Northgate Lighting! Branches are now able to order, quickly re-order, check invoices and more via the online ordering portal.
The Northgate Lighting family is excited to be celebrating 15 years and looking forward to more to come!
Look out for our Q&As in the next few weeks to hear more from Adrian and one of our team members.
