FEATURE
Award-winners- general manager Sarah Marshall and branch manager Joe Patullo( second right) receive TEP’ s Electrical Distributors’ accolade at the Electrical Wholesaler Awards.
TWO YEARS, FOUR WINS
How a Darlington wholesaler is lighting the way for business
For more than a century, TEP Electrical Distributors has been a quiet constant in Darlington’ s business landscape. Family-run for four generations, the independent electrical wholesaler has built a reputation for integrity, expertise and service that puts people first.
And now, the industry is shining a national spotlight on them.
In the past two years, TEP has claimed four national awards, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the biggest names in the electrical industry.
In 2024, they were named Best Wholesaler: Sole Branch and Best Customer Service: Wholesaler at the Electrical Wholesaler Awards. In 2025, they followed up with wins in the new Best Wholesaler: 1 – 5 Branches category at the same awards and most recently Wholesaler of the Year at the prestigious Electrical Industry Awards 2025.
For general manager Sarah Marshall, the recognition is humbling and hard-earned.
“ Awards like these are a huge honour, especially for a single-branch business like ours,” she says.
“ But what really matters is what they represent, the trust our customers and partners place in us, and the consistency and care our team puts into everything we do.”
That trust is built on values that have remained unchanged since the company was founded in 1920: honesty, fairness, reliability, flexibility and hard work.
More than a supplier With more than 3,000 product lines, TEP offers choice, but it’ s their personalised service that sets them apart.
Working closely with contractors and consultants, they recommend the right solutions and respond quickly when deadlines are tight, or parts are hard to source.
This service-first mindset is what helped secure one of the company’ s biggest contracts to to date- a national LED lighting upgrade for Vertu Motors, spanning over 180 sites.
Working closely with Vertu’ s property and sustainability teams, TEP redesigned and upgraded lighting across workshops, spray booths, call centres and forecourts.
The results speak for themselves: a 55 % reduction in electricity use, more than £ 600,000 in annual energy savings and 433 tonnes of CO2 cut every year.
But beyond the numbers, it’ s also made for brighter, safer, more productive working environments for staff across the UK.
Supporting sustainable change As a member of the Darlington Employers’ Environmental Partnership( DEEP), TEP is now helping other local businesses take similar steps towards net zero.
They recently shared their insights on an upcoming DEEP podcast, highlighting how practical upgrades, like LED lighting and smart controls, can deliver measurable cost and carbon savings without disrupting dayto-day operations.
“ A lot of businesses want to do the right thing, but don’ t know where to start,” says Sarah.
“ Lighting is a visible, tangible first step that brings immediate results. That’ s what makes it so powerful.”
Their approach combines honest advice with technical know-how, offering design, supply, free surveys and ongoing support. It’ s a model that’ s working, not just for large national clients, but for small and mediumsized businesses across the North-East.
Investing in the future Beyond commercial success, TEP is also deeply rooted in its community. The business has recently partnered with Darlington College to support its electricians’ apprenticeship course, providing real-world insight into the business side of the trade.
TEP’ s apprenticeship programme is a source of real pride. Connor Dixon, who completed his customer service apprenticeship with distinction, now works full-time in sales support and features in Darlington Borough Council’ s campaign to inspire future apprentices.
“ We’ re proud to support apprenticeships,” says Sarah.“ They bring fresh ideas, energy and long-term value. It’ s about growing skills and building a team that believes in what we do.”
Lighting the way More than 100 years on, TEP’ s purpose is still clear: exceed customer expectations, back your team and evolve with the times.
From national award wins to local partnerships, TEP shows that consistent service, strong relationships and practical solutions remain as valuable as ever.
To find out how TEP could help your business reduce energy use, improve lighting performance or take a step toward sustainability, visit tepelectrical. com or email sarahm @ tepltd. co. uk
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