Celebrating 25 years of Lyco Group

Posted on 7th January 202029th July 2021 by Charles Barnett

Last updated on 29th July 2021

This year, we’re celebrating the 25th birthday of Lyco Group. What started out as just four enthusiastic employees, has grown over the past quarter of a century beyond our wildest imaginations. Many things have changed since then – new websites, offices, colleagues, and even new businesses have joined the Lyco Group since we first started out.

Today we thought we’d take a look back at Lyco Group’s transformation over the past 25 years, and remember some of the changes that have made us who we are today.

Welcomed new colleagues

Out of the four original members of staff, we’re so proud that one of them is still with us today – albeit with slightly less hair than when he first started.

25 years on, we’ve grown to become a team of over 50 wonderful lighting experts, buyers and customer service members – and some of our team now are even younger than Lyco Group itself!

We’ve welcomed new colleagues and said farewell to old ones, but one thing will never change. We are just as committed to providing our customers with the very best service today as we always have been, both online and offline.

Launched new businesses

Back in 2010, we acquired the Lighting Direct website, where we provide quality lighting directly to customers. Since we launched this part of our business, it has grown to become one of our biggest assets to our portfolio.

Recently in 2018, we purchased Online Lighting as well. The site already had a loyal customer base, but they were struggling to take the next step. We have brought it in-house and together, utilising the skills of our talented workforce, we’re growing this new side of the business into what we hope will become the UK’s leading lighting supplier for your home.

Lyco Group has grown considerably since we first started, and it continues to grow all the time. In fact, we already can’t wait to see how much further we can go over the next 25 years.

Moved home

There always comes a time in life when you outgrow your old digs. With two new businesses on board and a great deal more staff, we realised the time had come for us, so we packed up and moved out of our premises in Bletchley.

We found a fantastic new home for Lyco Group in Crownhill Milton Keynes. It has given us scope to continue growing and to increase the number of lights we can stock. This means we can now get products out to our customers the very next day.

Our new office space means we can keep growing over the next decade and continue to increase our range of products while offering the best service possible.

Embraced the latest technology

Over the past 25 years we’ve seen a lighting revolution with the introduction of LED bulbs. Back when we first started, we were selling halogen bulbs that needed constantly replacing every 1,000 hours. The LED bulbs we stock now have a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours – a dramatic step forward creating huge savings for our customers.

But it isn’t just lighting technology that’s changed over the past 25 years. When we first started we were a small mail order company with paper order forms. Now, you can simply place an order on our website in minutes.

As technology continues to progress, so will we. We have big plans for 2020, but we can’t let you in on those secrets just yet.

But some things never change…

Despite all the incredible, challenging and unexpected changes that have occurred over the years – there are some things that will never change.

We are still committed to our mission statement: to provide lighting products of supreme quality, from world-class suppliers, coupled with unbeatable customer service.

Despite the world moving online, we’ve maintained our fantastic in-house support team who are always available at the end of the phone to serve our customers and answer their questions. We also continue to offer an annual printed catalogue with our new and bestselling products. While many companies have forgotten the art of direct mail, we continue to hear powerful stories from our customers who treasure these printed publications. It is our hope that while we continue to improve our online offering, we also continue to offer the best-in-class service to our customers – whether that’s online, over the phone or face-to-face.

It’s certainly been a rollercoaster two and a half decades, and it doesn’t look like we’ll be slowing down any time soon.

Thank you

We’d like to thank you for all your custom and continued loyalty over the past 25 years. We hope we can continue to support your lighting requirements for the next 25 and beyond.

Please don’t hesitate to send us your feedback on our products or the service we provide. We’d love to hear from you – drop us an email at customerservice@lyco.co.uk

Very best wishes,

Charles Barnett, Managing Director.

Charles Barnett Managing Director

Charles started Lyco in 1995 with just 4 enthusiastic employees and has grown it considerably over the past 25 years. Charles is also the Managing Director of Lighting Direct and newly acquired Online Lighting. He now has a team of 50 lighting experts working on growing Lyco Group to be the UK leader in lighting for both businesses and homes. Away from the office he is a keen cyclist and is proud to have cycled 1017 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for a new residential centre for adults with multiple learning difficulties.

The light bulb phase out schedule

Posted on 17th April 201629th July 2021 by Charles Barnett

Last updated on 29th July 2021

In 2009, the EU began phasing out of inefficient bulbs in favour of energy-efficient alternatives. The incandescent light bulb has existed for 130 years, but a global need to reduce carbon emissions has made it obsolete. Incandescent bulbs are inefficient because they waste most of their energy creating heat.

New bulbs on the block

The natural successors to the incandescent bulb are CFLs and LED bulbs. These use 60-90% less energy than incandescent lighting and offer a much longer lifespan.

EU phase-out timetable

On 18th March 2009, a timetable was created by EU states outlining the gradual withdrawal of incandescent bulbs from production. Most of the phase-out has taken place, but latter stages of the schedule have been reviewed. The current chronology (May 2016) is as follows:

1st September 2009	Phase-out of clear 100W and above incandescent bulbs. Non-clear (frosted/pearl) bulbs require an ‘A’ energy rating (effectively meaning they must be CFL or LED).
1st September 2010	Phase-out of 75W clear incandescent bulbs.
1st September 2011	Phase-out of 60W clear incandescent bulbs.
1st September 2012	Phase-out of all remaining clear incandescent bulbs (i.e. 40W and 25W).
24th February 2016	Phase-out of some bulbs previously defined as special purpose, including incandescent rough service bulbs, high/low temperature bulbs and clear glass decorative filament bulbs (tinted glass models still permitted).
1st September 2016	Phase-out of directional mains-voltage halogen bulbs (i.e. GU10, PAR, R-type).
1st September 2018	Phase-out of non-directional halogen bulbs (i.e. candle, GLS, globe, golf ball).

Special-purpose items such as fridge and oven lamps, halogen capsules and linear R7s bulbs are untouched by these bans, as they cannot be adequately replaced by other technologies.
Low voltage halogen lamps (e.g. MR16) remain available in the EU. Unlike 240V equivalents, these can achieve a ‘B’ energy rating by using an IR coating in their design. This ensures the long-term survival of some 12V halogen products.

About energy ratings…

On the 1st September 2013, EU Regulation 874/2012 came into force. Among other things, this introduced A+ and A++ energy classes to cater for LED improvements and deleted defunct F and G classes. From the 1st March 2014, all light fittings entering the market and sold directly to end-users must be labelled with the energy rating of compatible or supplied bulbs (see this article). Fittings installed with non-replaceable light sources must be identified at the point of sale.

For more lighting news and information, please take a look at our Lighting Advice section.

Charles Barnett Managing Director

Part L Building Regulations: LENI introduced – April 6th 2014

Posted on 6th August 20142nd September 2022 by Andrew Evangelidis

Last updated on 2nd September 2022

The building regulations that govern the introduction of lighting into new homes / premises have been updated. Back in 2013, changes to Part L Building Regulations (Conservation of Fuel and Power) were announced. Originally due to come into force in October of that year, the new measures were finally introduced on April 6^th 2014, after a six-month delay.

Part L 2013 Building Regulations relate to England only and are no longer applicable to Wales. They apply to most new buildings and alterations and are a legal requirement. The new regulations affect any work started after 6^th April 2014, unless an initial notice, building notice, or full plans application was made before that date. So, what’s new in terms of lighting?

Part L1 (Building regulations for domestic dwellings)

On the domestic front, Part L1 2013 Building Regulations further reduce carbon emissions over the 2010 edition, but lighting requirements are unchanged. They remain as follows:

Internal lighting

At least 75% of all light fittings in main dwelling spaces should be low energy (this excludes infrequently accessed storage spaces such as cupboards and wardrobes).
Low energy light fittings must have a luminous efficacy greater than 45 lm/W and a total output exceeding 400 lumens.
Light fittings consuming less than 5 watts are excluded from the overall count of the total number of light fittings.

External lighting

Either of two sets of criteria is possible: a 100W maximum lamp capacity with occupancy sensor and photocell (light must stay off when daylight is sufficient) or minimum lamp efficacy of 45 lm/W with a photocell and manual on/off switching.

Part L2 (Building regulations for non-domestic / commercial premises)

This update of the Part L Building Regulations brought profound change to non-domestic lighting requirements. In complying with these regulations, specifiers are now faced with two options:

The previous luminaire efficacy calculation method, which takes lighting control into account
The long-awaited LENI system that performs a complex equation to calculate actual energy usage

We’ll outline the features of both systems here:

Luminaire Efficacy Calculation Method

The main advantage of this mode of calculation is that it’s relatively easy to understand. For that reason, it may be favoured for simpler projects. Its two key points are:

For general office and industrial lighting, the basic Part L luminous efficacy requirement has been increased from 55 to 60 lumens per watt.
Display lighting requirements remain unchanged, with a 22 lm/W average needed for compliance.

The table below illustrates the allowances made for lighting controls, including dimmer switches and occupancy sensors. An increase in these allowances is introduced, with a new 0.7 control factor and minimum 42 lm/W luminous efficacy.

2013 Control Factors for the Luminaire Efficacy Calculation Method (non-controlled = 60 lm/W)

	Controls	Control Factor	Reduced lm/W efficacy requirement
A	Daylit space with photo-switching with or without override	0.90	54
B	Daylit space with photo-switching with or without override + dimming	0.85	51
C	Unoccupied space with automatic on & off occupancy	0.90	54
D	Unoccupied space with manual on & off occupancy	0.85	51
E	Space not daylit, dimmed for constant illuminance	0.90	54
A + C		0.80	48
A + D		0.75	45
B + C		0.75	45
B + D		0.70	42
E + C		0.80	48
E + D		0.75	45

LENI (Light Energy Numeric Indicator): the new metric

LENI is the second approach to calculating lighting efficiency, which runs alongside the existing “efficacy method” as an alternative option. Its aim is to predict accurately the actual energy used by a lighting system, taking into account daylight hours, when and how installations are used, parasitic energy consumption, and control factors (occupancy, dimming in response to daylight, and constant illuminance – a calibrated and maintained lux level for each area of a building).

Using a complex formula, LENI measures lighting performance in terms of energy per square metre per year (kWh/m²/year). It allows for a more flexible lighting scheme, where the whole installation is evaluated rather than being anchored by the performance of individual lamps and luminaires. It places a greater emphasis on good lighting design and moves away from a pure numbers game.

Ideal for larger projects

Because of its complexity, the LENI system is likely to be used more for larger lighting projects, where specialist designers will often be employed. It’s worth considering, however, that lighting installations created by specialist designers typically consume 30% less energy than those devised by non-experts.

The LENI index is a core part of the BS EN 15193 Standard (Energy Requirements for Lighting). It is outlined in full detail on Page 70 of the HM Government Non-Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide (PDF).

Don’t worry – help is at hand

If this looks a little complicated, don’t worry. You don’t have to be a mathematical genius to get to grips with LENI. There are various free lighting design programs that incorporate a LENI calculator. Two examples are: DIALux and RELUX. Also, if you have no fear of spreadsheets, Thorn Lighting provides a LENI formulae template.

Easy Part L compliance with Lyco

Whether you’re a builder, specifier, or designer, Lyco stocks a wide range of products to help you meet Part L lighting requirements.

Many products deliver a performance that exceeds basic Part L efficacy requirements while also offering elements of control.

Lyco also stocks a selection of Varilight dimmer switches, which are revered in the lighting industry for their reliable LED dimming performance.

However simple or sophisticated your needs, we’ll help you find the right product(s) for a satisfying lighting solution. Feel free to give us a call if you need any further guidance.

Why not take a look at our Lighting for New Build series of articles?

Alternatively, for more inspiration and advice try our Lighting Advice section.

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

Andrew is an experienced buying professional who takes an entrepreneurial approach to identify new lighting solutions and ensure Lyco have first-to-market ranges for our customers. Having previously worked for well known brands such as Wickes, Carphone Warehouse and Toys R Us, Andrew has now turned his hand to sourcing commercial lighting and ensure our customers receive top brand quality products at marketing leading prices. He manages a team of commercial and decorative buyers who travel the world finding new products that our customers don’t even know they need yet.

Adding helpful energy labelling information, the EU way…

Posted on 17th March 201429th July 2021 by Charles Barnett

Last updated on 29th July 2021

Adding Helpful Energy Labelling Information, The EU Way…

As you may be aware the latest batch of EU regulations 874/2012, specific to the labelling of electrical lamps and luminaires, have now come into force.

These regulations are aimed specifically at offline lighting businesses. However, in the interest of providing our customers with as much useful information as possible to allow them to make an informed choice, Lyco will be displaying these labels online alongside relevant products where available.

Energy efficiency labels

The labels themselves are a guide to show you what type of bulb is suitable to be used in a particular fitting, allowing you to choose the efficiency rating to suit your preference / requirement.

These labels are already used on white and brown goods (kitchen appliances, TVs, etc) and are only relevant to domestic light fittings. Commercial fittings such as emergency lighting and fluorescents are currently excluded from this labelling requirement.

Commitment to quality

The requirement for this labelling is only on new products on sale from the 1^st March 2014 but we will endeavour to add an labels available to any products which were on sale prior to this legislation as part of our on-going commitment to providing the best quality of information available to our customers.

If you have any further queries about this labelling please do not hesitate to contact our customer services, who will be happy to help.

Looking for more news, information and inspiration? Try our Lighting Advice section.

Charles Barnett Managing Director

T12 Fluorescent Tubes – Production Stops April 2012

Posted on 7th November 201129th July 2021 by Charles Barnett

Last updated on 29th July 2021

From 13th April 2012, T12 fluorescent tubes will cease production. Final stocks are starting to be delivered and we are already seeing an increase in demand as users of the older tubes start to stock up. Inevitably as stocks fall and demand continues prices will increase.

Not sure which tubes you have? T12 fluorescent tubes are 1.5” (38mm) in diameter and have unique wattages compared to other fluorescent tubes: 20W, 40W, 65/80W and 75/85W.

One option is that you could stock up on T12 tubes now and make sure you don’t have to pay the higher price later. Alternatively, you could replace your T12 tubes with the more energy efficient T8 fluorescent tube without a visible output in light reduction. However the third, and far more energy efficient, forward-thinking option is to start using T5 tubes and fittings.

So what’s the difference between the T12, T8 and T5 tubes and how can you change from one to another? The “T” number is the diameter of the tube, measured in eights of an inch e.g. a T8 tube is 1” in diameter, while a T5 is 0.6”. The narrower the fluorescent tube, the more energy efficient it is.

An important point to note is that due to the different sizes of the fluorescent tubes, the lumen outputs are different. Lumens indicate how much visible light is produced by a light source – the higher the lumen output, the brighter the light will appear to the human eye. T12 tubes have a higher lumen output than T8 and T5 tubes, meaning that in some cases it may be required to feature more T8 and T5 tubes in an area to get the same light levels that your T12s were providing. The stated lumen output of a T12 tube is rather deceptive however, as it doesn’t take long for the light to deteriorate.

*Measurements shown are estimates.

T8 Fluorescent Tubes

T8 tubes are designed to fit into most T12 light fixtures. They are more energy efficient than T12 tubes, have a longer life and the lumen output deteriorates at a slower rate.

Browse our range of T8 fluorescent tubes.

T5 Fluorescent Tubes

T5 tubes are the latest and by far the most efficient. They will save you up to 60% off your lighting costs compared with T12s and provide higher lumen-per-watt efficiency than T8 tubes too. They last up to 30,000 hours – three times as long as T12 tubes and twice as long as T8 tubes – saving on maintenance costs. An additional benefit is that they generate less heat, reducing the need for air-conditioning in warm environments.

Replacing your existing fittings for T5 tubes now means you will be prepared for the future. It also allows you the opportunity to make sure your light levels are of the same or a better standard.

Browse our range of T5 fluorescent tubes.

Whatever your decision, our team of experts is on hand to advise you on how to make the switch… just give us a call on 0843 317 7820.

For more news about Lyco Direct try our Lighting News section, alternatively try our Lighting Advice section for some great lighting ideas and guidance.

Charles Barnett Managing Director

Category: Lighting News

Celebrating 25 years of Lyco Group

Welcomed new colleagues

Launched new businesses

Moved home

Embraced the latest technology

But some things never change…

Thank you

The light bulb phase out schedule

Part L Building Regulations: LENI introduced – April 6th 2014