Celebrating 40 Years of Connected Light: From 1985 to Today

Celebrating 40 Years of Connected Light

On 5 September 1985, Specialist Lighting Services (UK) Limited began its journey in Bristol as a small supplier of lamps and control gear. Forty years later, the business – now known as Connected Light – is proud to mark an anniversary that reflects both its heritage and its future. From those early days supplying components to its current role as a nationwide provider of compliant lighting design and full project delivery, the company has gone from strength to strength.

This milestone is not only about looking back, but also about recognising the passion and dedication of the team who continue to drive Connected Light forward. Every project, whether in heritage, healthcare, industry or education, reflects the same commitment to quality, innovation and client satisfaction that has guided the company since day one.

1985 Beginnings: Specialist Lighting Components

When Connected Light first opened its doors in 1985, the focus was on supplying lamps, control gear and specialist lighting components. It was a time when the industry was rapidly shifting from traditional fluorescent and incandescent technologies towards more efficient solutions, and the company carved out its place as a reliable partner for those who needed dependable products delivered with technical knowledge.

From the outset, the business was more than just a distributor. By offering advice and support alongside components, it built early trust with contractors, maintenance teams and site managers who valued both the quality of the products and the expertise that came with them. These first steps created the foundations for future growth into projects that demanded not only equipment, but also end-to-end lighting design, installation and compliance expertise.

From Supplying Products to Delivering Services

By the early 2000s, the company had outgrown its role as a component supplier and was ready to take on a new identity. The rebrand to Lighting Services reflected a decisive shift from product distribution to service-led expertise. This was the period when in-house lighting design engineers became central to the business, allowing the team to support clients not just with equipment, but with tailored, compliant solutions that could be delivered on site.

The expansion into design and project management opened the door to larger and more complex commissions. Heritage properties, healthcare facilities, commercial offices and public spaces began to feature more prominently in the company’s portfolio. Clients valued the ability to work with a partner who could handle both the technical demands of compliance and the creative aspects of design.

These years were also about laying the groundwork for the future. The skills, processes and reputation established during the Lighting Services era provided the foundation for the business to take the next step: positioning itself as a nationwide provider of complete lighting design and project delivery solutions.

A Connected Approach to Lighting

In 2017, the business entered its next chapter with a new identity: Connected Light. This change was more than just a new name – it captured the company’s commitment to delivering fully integrated solutions, where design, technology and installation work seamlessly together.

This era has been defined by a focus on turnkey project delivery. Clients now benefit from end-to-end support, from concept and design through to commissioning and ongoing service. At the same time, Connected Light has embraced advances in smart controls, wireless systems and sustainable technologies, positioning itself at the forefront of modern lighting practice.

From its Bristol base, the company now works nationwide, trusted to deliver projects across heritage, healthcare, commercial and education sectors. Whether designing sensitive upgrades for historic properties or introducing human-centric lighting into hospitals and workplaces, Connected Light has demonstrated its ability to combine innovation with care – a balance that continues to define its reputation today.

Building Enduring Client Relationships

Across every stage of its journey, one theme has remained constant: the importance of strong client partnerships. From the early days of supplying components to today’s complex design and delivery projects, Connected Light has always prioritised trust, reliability and clear communication. This approach has resulted in long-standing relationships with some of the UK’s most recognisable organisations, including the Royal Automobile Club (RAC), the National Health Service (NHS), the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Skanska UK, CBRE Group, and BAM Construct UK.

These are more than just contracts. They are collaborations built over time, where Connected Light has shown an ability to adapt, listen and deliver against unique challenges. Whether modernising a hospital ward, upgrading lighting in sensitive heritage settings, or delivering large-scale energy-saving solutions, clients know they can rely on consistent quality. Many of these stories are captured in the company’s portfolio of projects, which demonstrate how trusted partnerships have shaped its reputation for excellence.

Projects That Defined the Journey

The evolution of Connected Light is best understood through the projects that have shaped its reputation. Each milestone reflects not only technical achievement but also the ability to adapt to new technologies, industries and client needs.

In heritage, a longstanding partnership with the National Trust marked a turning point in 2010 with the major switch to LED lighting across hundreds of properties. Sensitive designs preserved historic character while delivering sustainable savings. At the Reform Club on Pall Mall, discreet LED systems were introduced to enhance the ambiance of one of London’s most prestigious private members’ clubs, balancing heritage integrity with modern performance.

Healthcare has also been central to the Connected Light story. At the Southmead Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), human-centric lighting and wireless controls were installed to support patients, staff and families in one of the most sensitive environments imaginable. At the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, interactive Casambi smart controls brought new life to its iconic external sculpture, transforming it into a local landmark feature. Meanwhile, work with the St Monica Trust delivered energy and maintenance savings that improved both the quality of light and the sustainability of its facilities.

Corporate and industrial projects highlighted the company’s ability to deliver measurable results at scale. At the (RAC) headquarters, a turnkey LED upgrade achieved an 85% reduction in energy use with a two-year payback period. The programme with the McColl’s Retail Group saw more than 1,200 convenience stores upgraded across the UK, while at Integrity Print, a compliance-led redesign reduced costs and improved efficiency in a demanding industrial setting.

The University of the West of England (UWE) has been a long-term partner, with projects across lecture theatres, sports facilities and enterprise spaces. Highlights include the UWE Foundry, where high-efficiency LED and smart controls created an industrial-inspired learning environment; the Centre for Sport, which achieved annual savings of £24,000; and the lecture theatres, where centralised emergency lighting systems delivered £100,000 in annual maintenance savings.

In the world of sport, Ashton Gate Stadium stands out as a landmark project. Connected Light supported both the stadium’s sports retail outlet and its main arena, delivering compliant emergency lighting, reduced maintenance costs and an enhanced atmosphere for fans and visitors.

Finally, the company’s work with Bristol institutions demonstrates its deep local roots. From supporting Diana Porter Contemporary Jewellery with specialist lighting for her very first shop, to delivering a heritage-sensitive LED upgrade at the Clifton Lido, these projects highlight Connected Light’s ability to support both independent businesses and iconic community spaces.

Together, these defining projects capture the company’s journey – from technical problem-solving and compliance expertise to large-scale rollouts and heritage-sensitive design. Each one has contributed to the reputation Connected Light holds today: a trusted partner capable of delivering lighting solutions that combine innovation, efficiency and care.

Our People, Our Passion

Behind every project are the people who make it possible. Connected Light’s team of designers, engineers, project managers and installers bring both expertise and enthusiasm to their work. Many have been with the business for years, helping to shape its culture of collaboration and problem-solving. For them, lighting is more than a technical challenge – it is about creating environments that support people, protect heritage and improve the way spaces are experienced.

The team’s dedication is also reflected in the relationships they build with clients. Whether delivering a complex healthcare installation or advising on sensitive heritage upgrades, their approach is consistent: listen carefully, design thoughtfully and deliver with precision. It is this passion for excellence that continues to drive Connected Light forward, ensuring every project is completed with the same care and commitment that defined the company’s beginnings.

Working Alongside Trusted Partners and Looking Ahead

Part of Connected Light’s strength lies in the partnerships it has built with leading lighting brands such as Casambi, Signify and BEGA. These collaborations keep the company at the forefront of innovation, ensuring every project benefits from the latest in smart controls, wireless systems and sustainable technology. By combining trusted global products with in-house expertise, Connected Light is able to offer solutions that meet both the creative and compliance needs of its clients.

Looking ahead, the company is focused on the future of lighting – from sustainability and energy efficiency to human-centric design and digital connectivity. As projects grow more complex, Connected Light’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and care will remain its guiding principles.

As the business celebrates its 40th anniversary, the focus is as much on the next chapter as it is on the past. With a dedicated team, valued clients and trusted partners, Connected Light is well placed to continue delivering lighting solutions that improve spaces and enrich lives across the UK for many years to come.