timeline

Our business was created in 1998. It all began with us supplying Halogen and Fluorescent lighting to small kitchen outlets throughout the UK, and all our products were originally sold within the UK.

In 2001, Sycamore relocated to larger premises in Leeds following rapid growth and securing larger customers. We also began to source products from Italy and Germany. LED Lighting was introduced into our range in this year, by means of a small cabinet light, making Sycamore the first to offer LED lighting within the UK.

Over the next few years, the business continued to grow, and we started to source our products via the far east, initially through agents. We then built-up relationships with our own suppliers in the far east, many of which we still do business with to this day.

Further business growth by 2005 necessitated another relocation to larger premises. The move was to our current warehouse, offices, and showroom in Swillington, on the outskirts of Leeds. All our product sourcing was now direct from manufacturers in the far east and Europe.

In 2008, the recession hit, which led us to expand into other market sectors. We also introduced new lighting ranges that were cost effective and energy efficient compared to traditional halogen and fluorescent light sources.

As the business continued to be successful, we invested heavily in a testing laboratory and technical design centre in 2012. New state of the art testing machinery enabled us to be the first company of our size to offer accurate and reliable test data for all our products in-house. We also upgraded our showroom to show our new and innovative lighting solutions for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

In 2013, we became members of the Lighting Industry Association (LIA). To achieve membership we had to demonstrate the highest degree if professionalism, expertise and ethical standards.

In 2014 new qualified personnel were brought in to oversee the technical and design department. We then had the capability to offer lighting advice for projects of any size.

In 2015 we achieved ISO9001 certification. This internationally recognised quality management certification helps to demonstrate the high standards of quality that we offer with our services as well as improving our internal processes and efficiency.

2017 saw us working towards a 100% LED range, along with embracing new technologies such as smart lighting and controls.

2018 marked 20 years of trading for Sycamore. The celebrations started at our 9th KBB Exhibition in succession, where we launched three brand new catalogues, featuring new LED Lighting and Smart lighting controls.

2020 marked our tenth KBB exhibition. Our stand at the show focused on innovative new smart lighting controls which made controlling lighting wirelessly cost effective, and very simple to install. We also launched our initial collection of LED Mirrors and Bathroom Lighting.

In 2019, we decided to change our logo for a brand new one! We also launched our new website enabling customers to order online.

In 2021, due to high demand, we expanded our bathroom lighting offering to include a new collection of Tunable White LED Mirrors and Cabinets. Tunable White enables users to change the colour of the LED from warm white, to natural white, and to cool white, to suit individual preference or décor, using touch buttons on the mirror. The illumination can also be dimmed to create a relaxing ambience while bathing. Some models also include Bluetooth speakers, shaver sockets and USB charging ports.

To further facilitate this growth, it was essential for us to expand our current premises. In 2022 we opened a brand-new warehouse facility, along with a new sales office and large showroom. The unit is dedicated to holding vast stock numbers of our mirrors and cabinets.

In 2023, we will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary! A lot has changed in this time within the lighting industry, and at Sycamore Lighting too. Technology is advancing faster than ever before, with sustainable products and practices at the forefront of our business. At Sycamore Lighting, we understand the need for sustainable products and practices to meet the needs of our current customers & stakeholders, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. We look forward to another successful 25 years!