LDC Top 50 2024
Trevor and Ralph Grote
Managing Directors
BELL Lighting
When Trevor Grote joined BELL Lighting 23 years ago, the business was struggling. “My great grandfather started the company in 1920 and it remained in the family but was on the brink of collapse, and I wanted to help,” he says.
By selling the original factory in Wimbledon and outsourcing production to China, Trevor turned the business around with the support of brother Ralph. Today it employs 95 people in Yorkshire and sells around 7.6 million light bulbs a year to electrical wholesalers across the UK. The duo is driving an industry shift towards sustainable products: “Regulation will force the sector to change and we want to lead the way.”
Regulation will force the lighting industry to change and we want to lead the way.”
Q&A
What made you join the family business?
Trevor: As a teen, I would spend my summer holidays at BELL Lighting doing jobs like cleaning the toilets and painting the factory. I have vivid memories of all the machinery and noise. There was never any pressure to join the family business but when BELL Lighting was about to close down and dad asked if I could help, I said yes and quit my job as a sales manager. It was an awful time for the family.
What sets your business apart?
Ralph: We’ve designed, patented and developed a fully-circular product called the Firestay Geo LED Sustainable Modular Downlight: the housing remains in the ceiling for life, while the module can be re-used and remanufactured. Last year, it won Lighting Product of the Year and Sustainability Product of the Year at the Electrical Contracting News Awards, alongside a Build Back Better Green Award.
How do you motivate your team?
Trevor: When we relocated to our 100,000 sq. ft HQ in Normanton two years ago, we wanted to create an environment to be proud of. We have a gym with free classes, and regular wellness and health seminars. The office also has state-of-the-art smart lighting that replicates natural daylight with circadian rhythms. I love seeing employees rising up the ranks. I get the biggest buzz from their achievements and successes.
