Northgate prioritises flexibility and innovation

Somewhere just on the outskirts of Leeds is a quiet success story . Although their business is lighting, this company has been hidden in the shade – but recent investments and the ambition of their Managing Director, Adrian Lee, means this company is preparing to take centre stage.

You might not know, but Northgate Lighting supplies one of the widest range of lighting products – from LED and fluorescent lamps through to control gear and spares, supporting over 1400 customers throughout the UK.

Over the last five years the company has focused on expanding its product range, and working with premium international suppliers such as Philips, Ledvance and Tridonic. With over 9000+product lines in its Leeds based warehouse, the company works with every major multiple wholesaler, plus many of the UK’s independent lighting specialists.

Although the lighting industry continues to change radically, according to Northgate MD Adrian, 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, maximise their profitability and customer satisfaction. We recognise that customers still want products from the traditional and LED range, however there is also a need to deliver older products throughout the lighting range, as well as the latest in LED.” Northgate is also the largest distributor of Bright Source products in the UK. Bright Source offers customers a reliable performance with many innovative features such as the LED Slim Wall Pack which is the only colour changeable wall pack currently on the market.

Speed and flexibility

Adrian continues, “Change is also exciting for us, and helps us connect to customers old and new. I remember when a three day delivery was standard. Now, we’re open from 7.30am to 5.30pm and deliver next day free of charge, with no minimum order value.”

“Speed is crucial to the wholesale business. Many of our customers expect a quote request within 2 hours, and want to know that they’re dealing with a person that has in-depth knowledge. We can quote, pick the order on-site and pack for collection within the hour.” Although a significant amount of lighting is purchased online, Adrian insists that there is still a place for customer visits and a phone call. “Simple queries can often be answered with a quick phone call. However, customers often like our sales team to visit, showing them different products. It’s also a good chance for us to hear about ideas for new products, and get feedback on specific lighting issues.”

Adrian does concede that other things in the lighting industry are changing too. “Flexibility and innovation are absolutely key to both Northgate and our customers. This might mean innovation with an existing product, leading to improved performance or simply making it easier to install.”

Northgate Lighting has used customer feedback to work with Bright Source, helping to develop LED products such as the All in One Downlight, the first on the market to have a frontfacing colour changing switch which allows the light colour to be changed after installation. Their LED Non-Corrosive Fitting design was also adapted to include strong stainless steel mounting and cover clips, keeping all parts connected and more resistant to all environments, as well as making installation much easier.

“We invest in things that our competitors aren’t able to provide, including the flexibility of our own on-site factory and testing lab. Customers can request for Emergency and dimmable conversions to any quantity with no minimum order. Flexibility is adapting products to the needs of our customers. We are seeing massive interest with the new Plug’n’Play Emergency Packs which allow contractors to convert an LED product such as a panel to Emergency within three minutes.”

Looking ahead

“2020 is going to be very exciting, as the company improves employee satisfaction and we continue with our CSR activity, thinking about the impact of our business on the environment, local charities and good causes,” Adrian comments. “We’ve also recognised that sometimes our customers need to place a quick order online. Those customers who aren’t looking for product advice can order through our new 24/7 online portal which is being rolled out to customers from early 2020.”

So, what does the future hold? Northgate is stepping into the light and is committed to making customers’ buying experience the best it can be, by leading innovation and change throughout the industry.

Speak to one of the team about getting your copy of the new 2020 product guide, containing all of the key products you need. Call 0113 467 0000 or email catriona@northgatelighting.com