Scolmore Group has announced the the launch of a new, independent lighting company – OVIA Ltd – and the appointment of industry expert Mike Collins to head up its new enterprise.
Scolmore has made a significant investment to develop a dedicated lighting company – OVIA Ltd – that will allow the company to broaden their product offering and operate in a wider range of sectors alongside the mainly residential and light commercial ones they currently service.
The company is delighted to have secured well-known and highly respected lighting industry operator, Mike Collins, who moves from Ansell Lighting to head up the new OVIA company. Having spent his entire working career within the electrical industry, Mike brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge, garnered during this time working within both wholesaler and manufacturer environments.
With OVIA Ltd due to be officially launched later in 2019, Mike, who joined the company in early May, is focussing his efforts on an extensive research and development programme to create a comprehensive lighting product offer that will meet the requirements of the new sectors the company will be targeting.
Commenting on the new developments for the business, Scolmore Group managing director, Gary Mordue, said: “Whilst operating as a totally separate limited company, OVIA Ltd will have the full backing and support of the Scolmore Group, with the same commitment to only supply through the wholesale channel which is set up to supply and service the professional electrical contract market. This joint partnership will continue to guarantee our wholesale partners a range of high-quality, value-for-money products backed up by excellent local stocks, delivery service and the ability to offer detailed product support via trained staff and installer training, making sure the end-user gets the best possible products and solutions for the job.
“The investment in somebody as well-known and experienced within the industry as Mike to head up the new venture, demonstrates the significance we attach to the development of this stand-alone company. I feel very confident handing the reins to this new venture to someone of his calibre.”
Mike Collins added, “I am delighted to be joining the Scolmore Group at what is clearly a very exciting phase in its development. The company doesn’t hold back when it sees an opportunity to develop a new product offer that will stimulate growth for itself and its customers. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to head up this new business. Our aim quite simply is to bring to market – on the back of extensive research with customers, contractors and competitors – a range of OVIA lighting products that will provide contractors with the quickest and easiest to install lighting solutions that will save them time and money on a project and that they can source through the reliable wholesale channel.”
It is anticipated that the new OVIA company will occupy the current head office space in Tamworth, Staffordshire, with the existing Scolmore business being relocated to the new nearby premises which are due to be up and running early next year.