How Forum Lighting Solutions is continuing to thrive in a volatile market.

The UK lighting industry is at a crossroads. Soaring energy prices, rising labour costs and ongoing supply chain disruptions have created one of the toughest operating environments manufacturers have seen in years. Add to this the lingering impact of Brexit on trade, volatile raw material costs and a construction market slowed by high interest rates, and it’s clear why many businesses are feeling the squeeze.

Put into the mix that margins are under pressure; global competition is intensifying, and regulation is tightening with energy efficiency targets, sustainability standards, and product compliance requirements and you would think UK lighting manufacturers may as well call it a day!

But there is a success story amongst this doom and gloom. Forum Lighting Solutions has seen a substantial growth in the lighting controls market over the past 12 months.

Their mission has always been simple: to deliver lighting products that combine innovation, usability, and reliability, backed by the service levels wholesalers and installers can trust. Over the past year, the business has taken some bold steps forward, from expanding their smart lighting portfolio, to strengthening their team and picking up an award for outstanding customer service along the way from the industry.

Innovating for the smart home

The smart home is no longer a niche concept; it’s a fast-moving mainstream expectation. Forum has listened carefully to the challenges electricians face when installing connected lighting – from complex wiring to compatibility issues. Earlier this year the team launched ikonects smart home by Forum, their first dedicated smart-home product.

The ikonects smart switch is designed to make upgrading to a smart home effortless. It retrofits onto existing wiring, requires no extensive rewiring, and integrates seamlessly into a control unit. With customisable backlighting, proximity sensors, and timers, ikonects not only provides convenience but also elevates the end-user experience. For installers, it’s a game-changer: faster to fit, easier to upsell and more reliable in performance.

Alongside ikonects, Forum has continued to enhance their Kinetic wireless switch range. With increased receiver wattage, push-fit connectors and integrated cable clamps, the latest generation makes installations even smoother. These upgrades reflect our ongoing commitment to producing products that save time for contractors without compromising on functionality or design.

Extended product portfolio

Lighting isn’t just about illumination — it’s about creating spaces that work beautifully and efficiently. Forum’s latest catalogue (Edition 11.) – which launched in September – showcases a host of new ranges, from decorative bathroom downlights to beautiful and stylish pendant lights to plug-and-play outdoor kits.

It evolved to support wholesalers and contractors with clearer layouts, improved sizing guides, cross-referencing, and QR codes linking to demo videos. By making product selection easier, the business is helping customers make the right choice, faster.

Within outdoor lighting, there is a wide range of new products which boast style and durability and come in different finishes to appeal to all. Electricians can find popular Forum designs in different sizes with the ability to change the level of brightness and colour temperature; trendsetting ribbed glass shades; new guide lights and downlights.

The catalogue has a large and comprehensive range of new 24V professional LED tape. This commercial quality LED tape is multi-functional for both domestic and commercial situations. The LED tape comes in different colour temperatures, is dimmable, with a range of drivers and can be paired with smart homes systems so you get the best functionality out of the tape.

The catalogue also shows off beautifully the wide range of new, stylish pendant lights – ideal in kitchens or above dining tables. Stunning lifestyle photography brings the range to life from single ceiling pendants to multiple light diner pendants.

Strengthening the team

Growth isn’t just about product development; it’s about people. Last autumn, the leading lighting manufacturer welcomed Steve Kaye as their new Sales & Marketing Manager. With more than 30 years’ experience in building brands, Steve has already brought fresh energy to the business, focusing on driving brand awareness and ensuring Forum’s offering reaches a wider audience of wholesalers and electricians.

As Commercial Director, Lawrence Benjamin, explains; “We have ambitious plans for Forum over the coming years. Strengthening our team with seasoned professionals ensures we can continue to support wholesalers and installers with innovative products, fast delivery, and the kind of customer service that sets us apart.”

Customer peace of mind

Forum’s headquarters are in Oldham, Greater Manchester, where the team operates from a large purpose-built facility that combines warehouse space, offices, and a state-of-the-art showroom. With robust stockholding and next-day delivery available, all employees focus on delivering excellent customer service – understanding the importance of keeping wholesalers supplied and installers working without delays.

Quality is central to everything Forum does. The business is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, demonstrating commitment to both consistent standards and environmental responsibility. For wholesalers, that means peace of mind: the Forum products on their shelves are designed and tested to the highest standards.

Looking ahead

A final word from Sales & Marketing Manager Steve: “The lighting industry is changing fast, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead. Smarter controls, sustainable design and simplified installation are driving demand across residential, commercial, and outdoor sectors.

“At Forum, we’re committed to helping wholesalers and installers capitalise on these trends with products that are reliable, forward-thinking, and stylish.”

While many UK manufacturers are grappling with cost pressures and market uncertainty, Forum Lighting Solutions is proving that a clear strategy, continuous innovation, and investment in people can buck the trend.

By focusing on smart, installer-friendly products, strengthening the team, and maintaining the service levels that wholesalers and electricians rely on, Forum is not only weathering the storm, but is carving out a stronger position in the market.

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