What began as a family-led enterprise has grown into an internationally recognised emergency lighting manufacturer, still guided today by the same core values that shaped its early years. Generations of knowledge and passion now sit at the heart of the company, with long-serving team members working alongside newer talent to drive innovation forward. Today, Ventilux benefits from well over 1,000 years of combined team experience, providing a rare depth of expertise across design, engineering, manufacturing and support.

From modest beginnings, Ventilux has expanded into a global operation, employing more than 65 people, supplying over 25 countries, and operating from two key headquarters – its primary base in County Wicklow, Ireland, and its UK headquarters in Liverpool. These are supported by a 35,000 sq. ft state-of-the-art production facility, where more than 500 product lines are designed and manufactured.

Despite its international footprint, Ventilux remains firmly rooted in its founding principles of collaboration, integrity and doing things the right way. Values that continue to shape how the company designs, manufactures and supports life-saving lighting solutions.

As Ventilux marks its 40th anniversary in 2026, the past year has built strong momentum for this milestone, with award nominations, major new product launches, and high-profile project wins across the UK, Ireland and the Middle East. Notable highlights include significant installations at both Dublin Airport and Manchester Airport, reinforcing Ventilux’s reputation for delivering reliable, compliant and technically advanced emergency lighting solutions in some of the most demanding environments.

Over four decades, technology has fundamentally changed how Ventilux develops and delivers its emergency lighting solutions.

Neil Whittingham, Ventilux UK Technical Manager, explains, “Technology has enabled a substantial evolution in how we approach emergency lighting. From a product design perspective, we now use advanced CAD software to create highly detailed models and renders that support precision engineering from the very earliest stages. LED luminaires are now at the core of our product portfolio, allowing us to maximise efficiency, performance and product lifespan while supporting sustainability goals.

Our lighting design engineers can now virtually walk into building designs using 3D models, which helps us fully understand architectural constraints and aesthetic considerations. At a systems level, we can integrate into smart buildings using APIs over IP, providing BACnet or MQTT data. Whether it’s cloud-based testing or central battery systems, BMS integration is now easily achieved, which is a major step forward for building operators.”

For many within the business, the 40-year milestone is both a professional and personal achievement.

Neil adds, “I’ll be entering my 26th year with Ventilux, and I’ve also represented the industry on the LIA Emergency Lighting Technical Committee for nearly 12 years. I’ve been fortunate to witness firsthand how technology and innovation have shaped market requirements, and how Ventilux has consistently aligned its strategy to meet and often exceed those expectations. We’ve grown into a company that genuinely influences the market, delivering innovative and complex solutions for major projects, while building a mature brand our customer’s trust.

We also have exceptionally high employee retention and a huge depth of expertise across the group, which benefits both our customers and the mentoring of new starters. That continuity is a real strength.”

Company culture has played a defining role in Ventilux’s history and success. Built on leadership continuity, strong investment in people through apprenticeships and career progression, a customer-centric approach to innovation, and a rigorous focus on quality and compliance supported by ISO standards and testing regimes.

For long-serving team members, the company’s values remain as relevant today as they were four decades ago.

Jimmy McGrath, Production Manager at Ventilux, says, “For me, the core values have always been about opportunity, encouragement and respect. People are given the chance to advance within the organisation and are encouraged every step of the way. That culture of respect makes a huge difference – it’s what keeps people motivated and loyal. It’s shown me that it’s possible to have a good work-life balance when you find a career that suits you, especially when you’re respected by the organisation and encouraged to progress. That’s something Ventilux has always done well.”

While the anniversary offers a moment to reflect, Ventilux’s focus remains firmly on what comes next.

Ian Walsh, Group Managing Director, says: “Reaching 40 years is a proud milestone, but what excites me most is what lies ahead. We’re continuing to invest in product development, smarter systems and new technologies that will support safer, more sustainable buildings. Our team’s depth of experience, combined with fresh ideas and emerging technologies, puts us in a strong position to keep pushing standards forward and delivering solutions our customers can rely on for the next generation.”

With sustainability, system intelligence and long-term reliability forming central pillars of development, 2026 will see further advancements designed to meet evolving regulatory, environmental and operational demands across global markets.

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The updated, fully revised standard Emergency lighting – Part 1: Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises (BS 5266-1:2025) aims to promote wider understanding of the different types of emergency lighting systems that may be used and offer clear guidance on their correct application in different types of buildings. It is intended to support the provision of fire safety across the UK.

The full revision of BS 5266-1, last revised in 2016, expands the scope to cover local area lighting and standby lighting, in addition to emergency escape lighting, providing a more comprehensive framework for modern building safety needs.

The standard recognizes that, beyond ensuring safe and unobstructed escape routes at all times, emergency lighting serves additional key purposes, including enabling the immediate identification and use of fire alarm call points and firefighting equipment, and reducing the risk of panic in lifts or other enclosed or high-occupancy areas.

Recommendations within the standard encourage a uniform, consistent approach to keeping people safe in the event of interruption to normal lighting, taking into account the hazard level and degree of familiarity with the premises.

Anthony Burd, Director of Built Environment, BSI said “The revised standard on emergency lighting, BS 5266-1:2025, marks a significant advancement in building safety, expanding its guidance to cover emergency escape, local area and standby lighting. This updated, modernized standard should help organizations enhance safety, demonstrate best practice, and ensure consistent protection for people across all types of premises. We are pleased to publish it as part of BSI’s continued commitment to public safety and resilience in the built environment.

By adopting this standard, organizations will have the opportunity to ensure their emergency lighting systems meet the latest best practice guidance, support compliance with safety regulations and reinforce public trust in the safety of the built environment.”

For further information on the standard, visit https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/emergency-lighting-emergency-lighting-of-premises-code-of-practice

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Following the takeover of the club by Hollywood greats Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the club has seen soaring interest from fans. Its reported revenue increased 155 percent to £26.7 million in March 2025, which meant that they needed a bigger official retail outlet.

Barlows won the electrical installation for the entire building, which includes the shop floor, offices, stock areas, and toilets.

Said Richard Hamer, Director at Barlows, said “Lighting is essential in any retail environment, but especially for clothing. We needed a design and installation that enhances the experience for the fans who are passionate about their football club.”

After approval for their lighting design, Collingwood supplied a wide range of LED downlights and 3 circuit track lighting for the shop floor, panel lights for the offices and anti-corrosive industrial lighting for the storerooms. They also designed and provided all the products for the emergency lighting system.

The installation includes fixed downlights that provide ambient lighting with a wide beam width of 100^o plus adjustable downlights that tilt. The latter have a beam width of 60^o to focus extra light in specific areas.

The company’s design supplemented this with 48V track lighting and its Aurea spotlights for display lighting. This provides flexible lighting that is simple to reposition and direct the light as retail displays change.

The spotlights swivel and tilt through 90^o so users can accurately target the lighting where they need it. They have a beam width of 38^o to help focus the light and a colour rendering index (CRI) of greater than 90 to provide fans with a true colour representation of the kit that they are looking at.All the lighting is set to a colour temperature of 4,000K to provide a white light to aid visual concentration.

Back office and emergency lighting

Collingwood also provided lighting for the essential behind the scenes areas that a retail outlet needs. The office areas use its Solis panel lights that have a low glare UGR of less than 16 and the stock areas have anti-corrosive durable Caiman fittings.

Emergency lighting is also essential in a busy retail environment to ensure that people can evacuate the premises safely, especially if there is a mains power failure. The company’s design and products provide maintained exit signs that are always on. Barlows also used Colli9ngwood’s emergency lighting conversion pack to convert some of its mains lighting to emergency lighting for additional illumination if there is a blackout.

The design and installation took place within a tight six-week deadline so that the new store could open before Wrexham FC launched their new shirt for fans. Working with the wholesalers, Collingwood scheduled all their deliveries to meet Barlows’ installation timeline and the lighting design clearly labelled where to install the fittings to avoid any confusion.

Most of the lights supplied feature Collingwood’s patented quick fit connectors so that at second fix the fitting simply plugs into place.

Says Hamer said: “Collingwood Lighting ensured that we had a well-designed retail lighting installation completed in time for the club’s launch and sale of their new shirt. The lighting ensures that the fans enjoy their shopping experience and staff can work in all areas comfortably.”

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The new updates complement amendments made in 2024 to BS EN 1838:2024 Lighting Applications – Emergency Lighting for Buildings and BS EN 50172:2024 Emergency Escape Lighting Systems.

All the updates aim to enhance safety and compliance, as well as provide clearer, more consistent guidance for the design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems in public and commercial buildings.

Emergency lighting is a vital life-saving measure, guiding occupants to safety during evacuations, power outages, or other emergencies. The revised standards address critical areas including system verification, illuminance requirements, circuit integrity under fire conditions, and documentation protocols, ensuring a higher level of safety and compliance across the built environment.

Mike Smith, Technical Director at ECA, said: “ECA and its Members have made significant contributions to the updated BS 5266, with Member representatives on the British Standards Committee that oversaw the amendments to emergency lighting.

ECA has created platforms for Member involvement in standards development, ensuring that proposals are grounded in industry expertise and practical application. These efforts have led to clearer guidance, improved safety, and more robust compliance frameworks across the sector.”

Key updates across the standards

• Enhanced Guidance and Clarity: The three standards now offer more coherent and accessible guidance, with some documents having doubled in length.
• Emergency Escape Lighting: New lux level requirements apply to the entire width of defined escape routes, not just the centreline. Additional focus for specific areas include toilet and changing rooms, and switchboards associated with the provision of normal and escape lighting within motor generator, control, switch or plant rooms.
• Circuit Integrity in High-Risk Areas: BS 5266 introduces measures requiring emergency luminaires in high-risk areas to be wired from at least two separate circuits. No more than 20 luminaires may be affected by a single circuit fault.
• Verification and Testing: While initial verification protocols remain fundamentally unchanged, the revised standards provide more detail and a structured format.
• Shutdown and Recommissioning Procedures: New recommendations include the requirement for emergency lighting systems be protected from deep discharge during prolonged shutdowns, with clear procedures for safe recommissioning.
• Photometric Performance Verification: All three standards now require five-year verification of system photometric performance to confirm continued compliance with design criteria.
• Documentation and Handover: Handover documentation requirements have been clarified, through the addition of more detail and a better layout.
• Risk Assessment: Continued emphasis throughout the new Standards for a thorough and comprehensive risk assessment to be performed, which forms the basis for emergency lighting design.

These changes are designed to ensure that emergency lighting systems continue to meet evolving safety expectations, with a focus on both initial compliance and the ongoing maintenance of systems throughout the building lifecycle.

Support and further guidance

To assist professionals in navigating these substantial updates, ECA and FSA have produced detailed guidance notes and support resources. FSA Members benefit from access to the ECA technical helpline, extensive documentation, editable certificates, and an emergency lighting logbook template.

Additionally, the newly introduced EAL Level 3 Award offers structured learning for those involved in emergency lighting design, installation, and maintenance in line with the updated standards.

Image courtesy of Unsplash. Photo credit: Haberdoedas.

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The annual event, organised by ICEL (Industry Committee for Emergency Lighting), brought together industry leaders, technical experts, and professionals from across the sector to discuss the issues that matter most in emergency lighting.

Delegates explored pressing topics including regulatory reform, competency in safety-critical industries, sustainability frameworks, and the latest technical standards.

A central theme was the shared responsibility across the industry, from design and installation to maintenance and inspection, to ensure systems are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.

Simon Weston, CBE, delivered a powerful keynote address, sharing his remarkable personal story with lessons on resilience, leadership, and determination asking the audience, “What would you do with 20 seconds?”

Ayca Donaghy, CEO of The LIA, commented: “This year’s Conference has shown the real power of our industry when we pull in the same direction. Through ICEL we’ll keep pushing – strengthening oversight, shaping regulation, and backing competence so that every emergency lighting system protects the people who rely on it. That’s what collaboration is about, and I can’t wait to take it even further in 2026.”

The positive response from attendees reflected the impact and importance of the event:

•  “I’d like to thank LIA for organising such an excellent conference — it was a pleasure to attend,” said Nuno Ovidio, Synergy Building Services

•  “Great event, great people, very knowledgeable group. Very enjoyable and is a great opportunity to meet different members within the lighting industry,” said Alicia Perrin, UL Solutions

•  “Amazing day… well organised from start to finish. The speakers, topics, networking stands, and lunch – loved it all. Worth travelling from Dublin to attend,” said Dan Day, Guardian

Following the success of the 2025 conference, ICEL is delighted to confirm that the event will return in 2026:

•  Date: Thursday 10th September 2026

•  Venue: Cavendish Conference Centre, 22 Duchess Mews, London, W1G 9DT

The ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference has become a key date in the industry calendar, uniting members, experts, and professionals to shape the future of emergency lighting. With presentations, sponsor announcements, and new features to be revealed over the coming year, ICEL strongly encourages delegates to save the date and register early.

The conference is free to attend for the wider industry, with one complimentary ticket allocated per manufacturer.

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After a successful partnering with Glyndebourne in 2022, 2023 and 2024 the ALPD are delighted that this partnership will take place once again in 2026.

A pathway scheme for emerging lighting designers, the Design Lumière Scheme gives the successful candidate valuable experience of working professionally as an assistant lighting designer for six months.  For the first part of their Scheme, the Lumière will be attached to Glyndebourne.  Repertory opera presents unique challenges and opportunities for lighting design due to its demanding schedule, rotating productions, limited rehearsal time and even more limited lighting time. Glyndebourne offers the Lumière the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in this process, whilst working with and learning from a highly experienced team in one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. 

Interspersed with time at Glyndebourne, the Lumière will be matched with a number of established lighting designers; assisting them both nationally and possibly internationally. Alongside this, each Lumière will receive a bespoke package of mentoring and support, a toolkit for how to survive and thrive as a lighting designer: anything from getting an agent and building a portfolio to navigating challenging situations. The Lumière may have the opportunity to take on associate lighting designer roles toward the end of their attachments.

Previous Lumières include: Charlotte Burton, Rachel Cleary, Jason Addison, Alex Musgrave, Ed Saunders and Danny Vavrečka.

Imogen Clarke, our 2024 Design Lumière said, writing in Focus Magazine: “I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity of being Lumière … It was a brilliant eight months and this scheme has really developed my craft and built my confidence.”

Applications are welcome from anyone who has a minimum of one year’s professional experience working in the industry. (The ALPD cannot accept anyone who is currently in full-time education or has just graduated.) 

The ALPD are committed to inclusivity and are actively encouraging applications from those who feel they are currently under-represented in the UK theatre industry. We would also like to encourage applicants who may have moved away from theatre for various reasons and want to return to the industry.  You do not need to be a member of the ALPD to apply for the Design Lumière Scheme.  Applications close at midnight on 12th October.

Further information about the position and how to apply can be found at: https://www.thealpd.org.uk/training/the-alpd-lumière-scheme.

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Anthony Martindale, product manager for Collingwood Lighting, said: “Emergency lighting can save lives. The responsible person for a building is legally responsible for fire safety and if a building needs evacuating then emergency lighting will minimise panic and help get people to a place of safety, especially if there is a power outage.

Our guide will help specifiers and installers advise the building owner on the best design and system for their building based on a risk analysis and their budget.”

The guide explores factors that can influence the specification such as who is likely to be in the building, their age, awareness, and familiarity with the layout, what tasks they may be doing and the type of building.

It goes onto to explore the different technologies and products available and what to select for different applications. The final section deals with designing a compliant system to ensure that it is fit for purpose and helps people get to a place of safety.

Anthony added: “Designing a compliant emergency lighting scheme is not a one stop solution. It is based on a full risk analysis and involves working closely with the building owner or person who is responsible for the occupants’ safety. Quite rightly there is legislation and a number of standards that you need to be aware of.

We all hope that a real emergency never happens in a building that we are responsible for, but if it does the responsible person has a legal duty for the occupants’ safety. A specifier and installer of emergency lighting plays a critical role in helping them achieve this.”

Download a free copy of the guide here.

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ELP’s 30+ year history of innovation and excellence in emergency lighting technology perfectly complements Prime Light Group’s expansive portfolio across LEDs, drivers, control gear, and smart lighting systems. Joining the two businesses together will unlock new opportunities for growth.

The partnership presents a new, stronger proposition to both sets of customers. Combining Prime Light’s full lighting components with ELP’s specialist emergency systems opens a wider, more integrated suite of solutions – as well as a wider, more readily available stock levels.

Service and technical support will also be strengthened by stronger supply-chain reach bolstered by innovation-driven solutions tailored to evolving market needs.

The partnership also offers powerful cross-sell advantages that will super-charge growth opportunities. Both teams will be encouraged to work cross-functionally to propose complementary solutions that can provide enhanced value and bundled efficiencies. For example, both brands see significant commercial potential for emergency lighting with control gear or smart lighting integrations.

Commenting on the acquisition, Sean Hounslow (Prime Light Group CEO) said: “This union is more than just a joining of companies. This is about long-term growth and leveraging our newly strengthened position. The acquisition of Emergency Lighting Products brings a unique opportunity to push boundaries, innovate faster, and serve our customers better through enhanced service, stronger supply chains, and an even deeper commitment to quality. We’re delighted to welcome the ELP team to the Prime Light Group and look forward to delivering even more value to our customers and partners as we grow together.”

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Simon is a British Army veteran renowned for his charity work and remarkable recovery from life-changing injuries sustained during the Falklands War. In 1982, he was aboard the RFA Sir Galahad when it was attacked and destroyed in the Blue Cove Air Attack, suffering burns covered 46% of his body. He has become well-known across the UK and abroad, notably for redefining his role in life, and his message is one of achievement, of triumph in the face of adversity, and of seizing the moment and succeeding.

Connecting with the conference, Simon will be discussing the importance of Emergency Lighting and how a lack of it in his accident impacted him greatly.

In addition to Simon’s keynote speech, throughout the day the programme will cover a wide range of topics relevant to emergency lighting, presented by leading industry experts.

Ayça Donaghy, CEO of The LIA, said: “The ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference is a vital event for those working in the sector to network, develop their knowledge and keep to date with key developments. We’re excited that Simon Weston will be joining us to deliver the keynote speech. Not only are his experiences linked closely to the importance of emergency lighting, he is also a truly inspirational figure that I know all attendees will be waiting to hear from.”

For more information, visit https://www.thelia.org.uk/member-services/events/icel-emergency-lighting-conference.html

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The EIC provides crucial assistance to those within the electrical and energy industries, ensuring support is available whenever individuals or their families face challenges, at any stage of life. By undertaking this challenge, our team aimed to highlight the importance of emergency lighting in maintaining safety and wellbeing.

The challenge itself began at 3am, with participants aiming to reach the summit before sunrise, and before the emergency lighting batteries ran out. Their teamwork was clear as they pushed forward in the darkness, relying on their preparation, keen sense of direction, and the support of their fellow climbers.

We are incredibly proud to announce that we raised £2,170 for the EIC. A huge thank you to Clevertronics and Fox Lux for their generous product donations, which supported The LIA team throughout the night and day. We also want to extend our gratitude to those who attended and completed the challenge with us: Ayça Donaghy, Morgan Thomas, Melissa Duckett, Kyle Lindsay, Jack Anthony, Sarah Ellis, and Dan Griffiths from The LIA, Martin Green from Hochiki, Matt Higgins from Mackwell, Steve Rham, Tom Skevington, and Sophie Jongen from P4, Ellie Warner and Caroline Armstrong from Lux Box, Mark Jones from Fox Lux, and Kevin James from One Lux

Reflecting on the experience, The LIA CEO, Ayça Donaghy, shared “I completely underestimated how debilitating total darkness can be. Even powering up our emergency lighting kit in the absence of any other light was stressful, reinforcing the critical need for compliant emergency lighting to work automatically when needed. The cold, the endurance, and Snowdon’s treacherous terrain pushed us to our limits, but team spirit and the generosity of our sponsors kept us going. A huge thank you to everyone; those who took part, those who donated products, and those who supported the EIC charity with their donations!”

Technical Operations Manager, Dan Griffiths, who organised the experience, added: “This hike tested our limits, but it was a powerful way to demonstrate the significance of emergency lighting. Seeing so many members of our industry come together for a common cause was fantastic. Thank you to all who participated and donated.”

The LIA’s and ICEL’s commitment to emergency lighting doesn’t stop here. Join the industry on Thursday 11th September 2025, at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London for the inaugural ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference 2025. Organised by industry experts ICEL, this event will feature a carefully curated programme covering a wide range of essential topics, presented by leading figures in the sector.

This exclusive gathering will bring together key stakeholders across the entire emergency lighting supply chain, from manufacturers to end-users. Don’t miss the opportunity to take part in this extraordinary event that promises to shape the future of emergency lighting.

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