LEDVANCE highlights some of its initiatives that are helping to create a lasting impact beyond the product.

In the electrical and lighting sector, it’s easy to focus purely on performance metrics – efficiency, output, controls and compliance. These are, of course, critical. But increasingly, the industry is recognising that its role stretches far beyond specification sheets and installations. The most forward-thinking companies are those finding ways to connect with communities, inspire future generations and demonstrate real social value.

A standout example of this in action comes from LEDVANCE and its recent player escort initiative with SV Werder Bremen. While the campaign itself has now concluded, it serves as a powerful example of how a lighting manufacturer can step outside its traditional remit to create something genuinely memorable.

The concept centred around one of football’s most iconic moments: walking onto the pitch alongside professional players. For the February 2026 Bundesliga fixture between Werder Bremen and FC Bayern Munich, LEDVANCE offered 11 children the chance to experience exactly that – but with a creative twist that tied directly back to its core business.

Rather than running a standard prize draw, the company invited children aged six to nine to design and create their own football-themed lamps. Whether painted, crafted or drawn, each entry was a reflection of imagination, individuality and the connection between light and sport. It was a simple idea, but an effective one: encouraging creativity while subtly introducing younger audiences to the concept of lighting design.

Stepping into the spotlight

A panel of judges, including members of the LEDVANCE marketing and sales teams, selected the most imaginative entries. The winners were then given the opportunity to step into the spotlight in a way few could ever forget.

On matchday, those selected walked hand in hand with professional players onto the pitch, in front of thousands of fans. Each child received a full player escort kit to keep, along with tickets for an accompanying adult – ensuring the experience could be shared with family. The entire day was captured on film, creating a lasting reminder of what, for many, will be a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

While the experience itself is extraordinary, what makes this initiative particularly compelling is the thinking behind it. LEDVANCE didn’t simply attach its name to a sporting event; it created a meaningful engagement that links brand, creativity and community.

Importantly, this was not an isolated effort. The company has a track record of using its partnerships in football to deliver wider social value. Previous initiatives have included working with children from the Caritas Youth Care Center St. Vinzenz in Landshut, offering similar matchday experiences to those who may not otherwise have access to them. By continuing this approach, LEDVANCE is demonstrating a long-term commitment rather than a one-off campaign.

At the same time, the initiative reinforces the company’s technical credentials. As the official lighting partner for Werder Bremen, LEDVANCE has played a key role in delivering modern, energy-efficient lighting at the club’s home ground, the Weserstadion. Beyond this, it has contributed to major projects such as the BayArena, home of Bayer Leverkusen, as well as a wide range of smaller-scale sports facilities.

This dual focus – combining engineering expertise with community engagement – is increasingly relevant across the electrical wholesale sector. Customers and partners are no longer looking solely at product performance. They are also asking what companies stand for, how they contribute to society, and whether they are investing in the future.

For wholesalers and contractors alike, there is a clear takeaway. Lighting is not just functional; it shapes experiences. From grassroots sports pitches to elite stadiums, the environments we help create have a direct impact on how people feel, interact and remember moments.

Creativity in outreach

Initiatives like the LEDVANCE player escort competition also highlight the value of creativity in outreach. By asking children to design their own lamps, the company moved beyond passive participation and encouraged active engagement. In doing so, it planted a seed – introducing the idea that lighting can be imaginative, expressive, and even fun.

There’s also a broader message here about accessibility. While large stadium projects often dominate headlines, LEDVANCE’s portfolio spans facilities of all sizes, ensuring that local clubs and community venues can benefit from the same level of innovation and efficiency. This inclusive approach mirrors the ethos behind the competition itself: opening doors and creating opportunities.

Ultimately, what sets this initiative apart is its balance. It celebrates technical excellence in sports lighting while simultaneously delivering a human story – one centred on excitement, creativity and inspiration.

For an industry sometimes perceived as purely technical, that’s an important reminder. Behind every installation is an opportunity to make a difference, whether that’s improving sustainability, enhancing wellbeing, or simply creating moments people will never forget.

And in this case, that moment was simple but powerful: a child stepping onto a football pitch, under world-class lighting, hand in hand with a hero.

Read more about the projects here

Catch up on previous ‘Soapbox’ articles here

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Ian Green
PROOFVISION

To support its strategic growth plans, ProofVision has appointed Ian Green as Head of Sales and Business Development.

Ian Green joins with over 20 years’ experience in the DIY and merchant sectors working with many major retailers. Ian also spent 12 years at Yale UK, leading the DIY sales team as National Account Controller.

Bringing business development, negotiation and relationship building skills to his new role, Ian will spearhead the sales strategies, working alongside the Head of Marketing. In addition to managing a team of agents, Ian is tasked with increasing availability of the TBCharge in-wall toothbrush chargers with major retailers. Ian will manage distributor and national account relationships, while supporting the sales agents on the road visiting independent bathroom retailers and electrical wholesalers.

Ian said: “I am delighted to join ProofVision and support the company reach its ambitious goals, providing structured and sustainable growth to the business.”

“Will Uttley, Managing Director, ProofVision, added: “We are pleased to welcome Ian to the ProofVision team and wish him the very best success in his new role.”

Tom Wardle
LUCECO

Luceco has appointed Tom Wardle as Area Sales Manager – LED.

Bringing a wealth of practical experience in the electrical sector, sales specialist Tom originally trained as an electrician before working for a wide range of lighting and electrical companies, including Whitecroft Lighting, NVC Lighting, Rexel and B&Q. Tom will now be bringing his lighting expertise to Luceco Group’s respected range of LED lighting products as Area Sales Manager for the North-West.

Ben Swift, National Sales Manager for LED at Luceco Group plc said: “Tom’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to Luceco’s LED lighting portfolio, and we are sure that with his knowledge, enthusiasm and significant experience in the sector, he will make a positive contribution to our business.”

Tom said: “I have a practical approach to overcoming challenges and a focus to see things through to completion. I look forward to the exciting challenge of the role!”

Tom is also a major Man City fan, ex-rugby player and competitive board game player.

Kevin Durkin & Andrew Macdonald
OVIA

Ovia has announced two new appointments to the sales team as the company continues to grow.

Kevin Durkin has been promoted from his former position as Area Sales Manager with Click Scolmore to take up the role of Regional Sales Manager for Ovia, covering Scotland and Northern England. Also joining the Ovia team as Regional Sales Manager for the south of England is Andrew Macdonald.

In their new roles, Kevin and Andrew will be responsible for managing the activity of the Area Sales Managers in their respective regions against the strategic requirements of the business. They will help develop and maintain strong working relationships with key personnel in the relevant customer groups to ensure that all sales opportunities are maximised and that the breadth of the growing range of Ovia lighting solutions is promoted.

Kevin comes to his new role having spent 12 years in the industry working in a sales role for some of the sector’s brands. Over the past eight years, he has worked with Scolmore Group across Click, ESP and Unicrimp. Having started as a Business Development Manager for Scotland, he then took up the position of Areas Sales Manager before his move to Ovia.

Andrew joins the Ovia team with more than 16 years of experience within a sales environment, including almost 10 years with several key operators in the lighting sector.

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