Applelec Lighting Enters Exciting New Chapter as an Employee-Owned Business

We’re delighted to share that Applelec has joined the growing number of UK businesses operating under employee ownership.

Founded by Ian Drinkwater and Paul Stothers, Applelec has grown into one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of bespoke architectural lighting and trade signage solutions. With this new structure, Applelec is now owned by its employees through a newly formed Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), providing a platform for continued innovation and long-term stability.

Employee ownership offers a host of benefits, from improved staff engagement and motivation to stronger business performance and ensures that the company’s values and culture are preserved as we move into the next phase of growth.

Carl Eastwood has been appointed Managing Director as Ian and Paul take a step back from day-to-day operations. While they remain closely connected to the company through ownership of the site, they are now investing in an ambitious expansion of our facility. This development will provide Applelec with enhanced manufacturing and office space, supporting our growing team and customer base.

Reflecting on the transition, Paul Stothers shared:

“We’re proud of everything the team has achieved and are excited to support the infrastructure that will power the next stage of Applelec’s journey.”

Ian Drinkwater added:

“Applelec is built on the dedication and creativity of its employees. It’s only right that they now shape its future, with the security and recognition that comes from employee ownership.”

From our early days as a four-person team in a small Bradford office to our current 65-strong workforce operating across 6.3 acres, Applelec has always embraced change. Today, our in-house designers, engineers, manufacturers and specialist consultants deliver an award-winning range of architectural lighting solutions to clients across the UK and beyond.

We look forward to this next chapter, powered by the people who know Applelec best.