A leading Somerset electrical company has boosted the services it offers customers through the acquisition of a firm in the county specialising in installing and maintaining renewable and sustainable energy systems.

Bridgwater-based John Marchant Electrical, which has been in business for 40 years this year, has acquired Lightwork Energy Systems for an undisclosed six figure sum.

Andrew Lawson-Blake, Managing Director at John Marchant Electrical, says:

“This acquisition represents enormous value for us and our customers alike.

“With an in-house solar business, we’re now able to offer a fully bespoke service for renewables; ensuring that our customers can embrace a more environmentally friendly way of living that also offers economic benefits too.

“The two businesses have perfect synergy. In fact, we’ve worked alongside Patrick Criddle, the founder of Lightwork Energy Systems, for several years now. So, when Patrick decided to begin the process of retirement, John Marchant Electrical was the obvious choice to take the company forward.

“Patrick, who started Lightwork Energy Systems more than 11 years ago, will continue to work for the company as an employee for the next 18 months, ensuring a smooth transition and assisting us with successfully blending our firms, while also generously passing on all his years of experience and knowledge.”

John Marchant Electrical delivers contracting services tailored to meet clients’ individual needs and handles both commercial and domestic work. It was established in 1984 by electrician John Marchant and has a family-run, community-based ethos.

It’s well-known in the south west for providing a reliable and efficient electrician service, regardless of a clients’ project size or complexity, and for offering high quality workmanship.

It already helps customers with their sustainable energy solutions including assisting with the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, battery storage systems, solar iBoost hot water generation systems and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. 

Lightwork Energy Systems is also a family-run business working on both residential and commercial properties specialising in the installation of solar and other renewable energy systems. It also advises on the benefits and the financial grants available.

Andrew adds:

“By acquiring Lightwork Energy Systems we’ll be able to offer a customer in pursuit of a Solar PV installation the full package. Currently many people find that a generic solar company is unable to complete the necessary connections without sub-contracting to an electrician.

“As our primary business is electrical contracting, we can offer a seamless experience, customised to the client’s requirements. Lightwork Energy Systemsis also MCS (Micro generation Certification Scheme) accredited, which means it adheres to the highest possible standards of quality.

“We currently have no plans to merge our two companies, but will continue to run them separately, while also offering our customers expertise from either one should they need it.

“John Marchant Electrical and Lightwork Energy Systems are very relevant to each other. Every aspect of a solar installation requires an electrician’s input and the installation can only be certified by someone with the relevant qualification. So, we’re a perfect match.

“No jobs were lost in the acquisition and in fact we’ve boosted our numbers to gear up for the potential extra business we expect from joining together. Plus, our team members at John Marchant Electrical will benefit from the solar side because it will give them an opportunity to expand their training and develop their expertise with something new.

“We’ve already provided training to four members of staff and plan to increase this number. We’ve also already recruited an extra member of staff to cope with demand and we’re planning to employ more in the future.

“We’re working on making Lightwork Energy Systems the go-to provider for solar in the county in the short term. Further ahead, we’d like to expand regionally. Both companies already carry out works in neighbouring counties and will continue to do this while also increasing their geographical reach.”

For more information about John Marchant Electrical, which is based at King Alfred Business Centre, Bridgwater, please call 01278 663659 or visit www.johnmarchantelectrical.com.

For Lightwork Energy Systems, please call 01460 234 930 or visit www.lightworkenergy.co.uk.