When lighting design company, LEDRetail Lighting Solutions were commissioned to undertake a lighting refurbishment at Webbs, an established garden centre in Cheltenham, they knew it was going to be a challenge. The building design, coupled with Brexit-born import issues and a raging pandemic all added to the complexity of delivery. To help deliver a solution they turned to UK-based lighting components supplier Prime Light, as Graham Smith, Managing Director at LEDRetail Lighting Solutions explains.
Having previously undertaken lighting refurbishments with Webbs at their Hagley branch and Bents Garden Centre in Warrington, we were fully aware of the challenges these types of sites can throw up. Generally, garden centres are APEX frame buildings, so you have to use track-mounted light fittings. But these are still retail spaces, so you also need to ensure that any lighting solutions are as aesthetically pleasing as possible, whilst remaining competitively priced.
For this project, we were initially commissioned to replace the lighting in the 350sqm house plants and gift space at Webbs Cheltenham branch. However, in February 2021 we were further commissioned to undertake a time-sensitive lighting refurbishment of the 240sqm restaurant area. The restaurant was closed due to lockdown restrictions, but the owner required a full refurbishment of the space ahead of its reopening in May when COVID restrictions were due to be eased.
From experience we knew the type of lighting solutions we wanted for these spaces to optimise the aesthetics. We were looking for “slimline track emergency lighting” that could blend seamlessly into the tracks. However, when we approached a supplier we had previously used, it proved that their solution would not be economically viable for this project.
I’d worked with Ben Williams, Business Development Manager at Prime Light in a ‘previous life’ and so I approached him about a potential solution. Ben was able to source my fittings with the required specification at virtually half the price of the competitor's product. Prime Light’s solutions were discreet, slimline, professional and the fittings blended in perfectly to the surrounding environment, we were delighted.
The other challenge for us with the timing of particularly the restaurant project was the impact that Brexit was having on supplies. We were experiencing all sorts of issues from EU suppliers, with unexpected import duty bills that we hadn’t costed into projects, up to nine-week lead times, and delays at ports. Whereas with Prime Light I can order and know I’ll have a delivery between one and two days later, which was invaluable when we were working to such challenging deadlines.
Both the client and I are really happy with the outcome of the Webbs Cheltenham Project. It was delivered on time, within budget and the result looks fantastic. Prime Light was integral to this success. Not only are they competitively priced with fast, easy delivery; but the exceptional service and knowledge you get from people like Ben, as well as their ability to source solutions that meet your specification, is invaluable.
If you have a lighting project or you’re struggling to source lighting components and would like to discuss your options, please don’t hesitate to visit www.primelight.co.uk/products or email Ben Williams at bw@primelight.co.uk / Lighting Projects - email Graham Smith at gsmith@ledretail.co.uk
