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From a Simple Idea to Small Business of the Year: The LED Controls Story So Far...
LED Controls is a factory automation and industrial controls global distributor based in Lancashire. We've just been named Small Business of the Year at the Burnley Business Awards 2026.
It's a great honour, and an amazing milestone to mark 30 years of hard graft, difficult decisions, loyal customers, trusted suppliers and exceptional teamwork. But this is just the latest step on a long and ongoing road. A road that started way back in 1996...
It all started with a simple idea
LED Controls was founded in 1996 by David Allen and Derrick Davis as a specialist offshoot of Derrick's company LED Electrical with a simple, clear focus: distributing motor control and factory automation components, along with providing expert advice and sterling customer service.
The industry has changed pretty dramatically over the last three decades, but these foundational LED Controls values remain the same.
The Relationship Business
Our goal has never been to simply make a quick sale. It's always been to build and maintain long-term partnerships with our customers and suppliers. Anyone can supply components. Customers can order from a catalogue or - nowadays - online. So, as a distributor, we believe we prove our true value in our expertise, responsiveness and genuine commitment to providing bespoke solutions to our customers' needs.
This approach has allowed us to grow into a specialist UK factory automation distributor serving OEMs, panel builders and end users with industrial controls and factory automation equipment from world-leading manufacturers including Danfoss, ABB, Rittal, WAGO, NVent and Finder. Alongside access to a vast range of products, we provide technical support, dedicated account management, bespoke kitting services and on-site consignment stock, tailoring our offerings to the individual requirements of each customer's specific application.
Strong foundations create lasting businesses
When Richard Allen purchased the business from his father David in 2013, he was buying more than just stock, premises and a client list. He was being handed years of knowledge, a wealth of experience and a carefully built network of relationships. LED Controls exponential growth and recent success has only been possible because of the groundwork laid in those early years.
Growing through turbulent times
Keeping a business running for 30 years is a massive achievement. Doing so through multiple recessions, Brexit, a global pandemic (and the subsequent worldwide component shortages) and not only surviving but thriving and continuing to grow is something we're particularly proud of.
Like many businesses in our industry, we faced unprecedented challenges over the years, but those challenges also reinforced something we'd always believed: Relationships matter. Customers stayed with us because they trusted us to deliver. Manufacturers relied on us to keep showing up. And our team went above and beyond to keep the pipeline moving during some of the most difficult periods the industry has experienced - even resorting to in-office haircuts during the pandemic!
Investing in people
A business is built by people from the ground up, so the journey of the company is shared by the employees. Our longest-serving staff member, Sales Director Steve Lamb, celebrated his 20th year with the company this year and our Sales Manager Ainsley Sawicz started as an apprentice in our stores department. In fact, every member of our management team began their career in the warehouse before progressing into the office and working their way up to leadership roles.
We continue to invest in training, development and clear career progression because we want today's recruits to become tomorrow's leaders. Today we're proud to have grown into a team of more than twenty people, with each individual bringing something different to the company. Whether it's technical knowledge, customer service, logistics, purchasing, marketing or engineering support, every role contributes to the LED experience we pass on to our customers.
Continuing to evolve
While our values remain traditional, our business continues to adapt to anticipate upcoming changes in the industry and the world at large. Industrial automation is changing rapidly with the advent of Industry 4.0, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and the growing demand for sustainable manufacturing. LED Controls has embraced these changes by expanding digital resources, investing in technical content, strengthening our online presence and helping promote more energy-efficient and future-proof automation solutions.
A year of milestones
Winning Small Business of the Year in the same year we marked our 30th anniversary makes this a banner year for LED Controls. As we celebrated the 30th in July with colleagues, friends and family, we were reminded again that LED Controls has never really been about just shifting products. It's about people. The customers who trust us. The manufacturers who support us. The employees who come to work every day determined to deliver. The friends and loved ones that surround and encourage us. And the family values that have remained at the heart of the business since 1996.
Winning Small Business of the Year
Receiving the Burnley Business Awards Small Business of the Year award is an honour we share with everyone who has been a part of the LED Controls story over the past 30 years. It's a recognition of three decades spent helping manufacturers solve problems, supporting local industry and continually investing in both people and innovation.
From a small Lancashire business founded in 1996 to an award-winning factory automation distributor serving customers across the world, it's been an incredible journey up to now. And this is far from the finish line.
Here's to the next 30 years!
About LED Controls
LED Controls is a specialist distributor of factory automation and industrial controls, supplying OEMs, machine builders, panel builders and end users throughout the UK and worldwide. As a trusted UK distributor for many of the world's leading automation manufacturers, we provide industrial control products, technical expertise and bespoke automation solutions backed by outstanding customer service. Discover more about LED Controls, our products and our technical resources by exploring our website.
