What Direct Trade Supplies does

Direct Trade Supplies is a UK-based, privately held e-commerce electrical trade supplies retailer headquartered in Plymouth, Devon. The company sells a broad assortment of electrical products — LED lamps and drivers, indoor and outdoor lighting, switches and sockets, EV chargers, security and CCTV systems, commercial and industrial lighting, fire alarm systems, electric heating, consumer units, and general electrical accessories — sourced from 29+ recognized manufacturers including Knightsbridge, Click Scolmore, MyEnergi, Wallbox, Dimplex, Apollo, Aico, and Hager.

The platform is built on a standard e-commerce retail architecture with guest checkout, account registration, and order tracking. Distribution is direct-to-consumer with UK mainland delivery offered free on orders over £125 + VAT; the company explicitly serves both trade professionals (contractors, electricians) and public/DIY customers without requiring a trade account, removing a typical barrier in the UK electrical wholesale channel. Geographic coverage is restricted to mainland UK, with stated exclusions for Northern Ireland, Scottish Highlands, Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.

Revenue is generated through one-time retail product sales at unit pricing, with bulk-purchase discounts available on email quote. The company employs 11-50 staff, was founded in 2010, and operates as a UK private limited company with no disclosed external investment, parent company, or acquisition activity. Marketing is conducted primarily through blog content (lighting selection guides, electrical safety content) and SEO-optimized product category pages.

Name

Direct Trade Supplies

Legal name

Direct Trade Supplies

Website

https://directtradesupplies.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Direct Trade Supplies is a UK-based e-commerce electrical wholesaler selling LED lighting, switches, sockets, EV chargers, fire safety, heating, and security products to trade professionals and DIY customers across mainland UK.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electrical Trade Supplies

NAICS

Hardware, and Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (4237), Hardware Merchant Wholesalers (423710)

SIC

Wholesale-Electrical Apparatus & Equipment, Wiring Supplies (5063)

akta.pro primary industry

Electrical Supplies Retail (Wiring, Switches, Breakers, Conduit) (CRAIADAE)

Keywords

• Electrical trade supplies
• LED lighting wholesale
• EV charging equipment
• Fire alarm systems
• Switches and sockets

Headquarters

HQ city

Plymouth

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: Retail sales of electrical supplies including LED lighting, switches, sockets, EV chargers, CCTV, fire safety equipment, cables, and tools through an e-commerce storefront with wholesale pricing for bulk orders.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels2 records

Core offering

Direct Trade Supplies is a UK-based e-commerce electrical wholesaler based in Plymouth that retails LED lighting, lamps, switches and sockets, EV chargers, CCTV and security systems, fire alarm systems, heating equipment, consumer units, and general electrical supplies sourced from established manufacturers. It operates a direct-to-consumer online storefront serving both trade professionals (electricians and contractors) and public/DIY customers, with no trade account required and wholesale pricing available on bulk orders.

Product overview

Direct Trade Supplies operates as an e-commerce platform offering a comprehensive range of electrical trade supplies for contractors, electricians, and DIY enthusiasts. The product portfolio is organized into core categories including Lamps & Lighting Control (LED bulbs, drivers, sensors), Lighting (indoor/outdoor fixtures, downlights, LED tape, track systems from Robus/Knightsbridge/KSR), Switches & Sockets (Click Scolmore, Knightsbridge, Retrotouch, Hager brands), EV Chargers (MyEnergi/Zappi, Wallbox, Ohme, Rolec), Security/CCTV systems, Commercial/Industrial lighting (bulkheads, highbays), Fire Alarm Systems (Apollo, Fike, Aico, ESP), Heating solutions (Dimplex, Farho, Rointe), Consumer Units/Fuse boxes, and General Electrical supplies. Products come from trusted manufacturers and meet British and EU safety standards. The company offers both trade and public customers access with wholesale pricing, free delivery on UK mainland orders over £125+VAT.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Lamps & Lighting Control Range of LED lamps (GU10, B22, E27, E14, MR11, MR16, B15, GX53, capsule G9/G4, R7, S15, decorative) plus lighting controls (smart controllers, WiFi-controlled devices, photocells) and motion detection sensors (PIR, microwave, IR, laser), including LED drivers and electronic transformers. Sold to trade professionals and DIY customers in the UK.
• Lighting Fixtures Complete lighting solutions covering outdoor lighting (deck, bollards, brick, festoon, ground/drive-over, lanterns, security, spike, spotlights, step/guide, up/down, wall), indoor lighting (bathroom, ceiling, pendants, floor lamps, mirror, picture, shaver, spotlights, table, under cabinet, wall), downlights (Evofire, GU10, integrated, panel, scoop, architectural, surface mounted), floodlights (commercial, domestic, portable, security), LED tape, and track lighting systems. For installers, contractors and DIY customers.
• Robus Single Circuit Track Lighting System Single circuit track lighting system from Robus including track adapters, spotlights (Troy, Tram, Trek, Tula ranges), track sections, couplers, joiners, and live/dead ends in white, black, and brushed chrome finishes. For trade installers and electricians.
• Knightsbridge Single Circuit Track Lighting System 230V 10A single circuit track lighting components from Knightsbridge including GU10 track spotlights, track sections (1M, 2M, 3M), connectors, adaptors, pendants, and power feeds in black, white, brushed chrome, and satin nickel finishes. For trade and DIY use.
• KSR Track Lighting Systems KSR Lighting track systems including Escala Pro single circuit track (4ft, 8ft), 3-circuit track components, live ends, end caps, mini connectors, flexible connectors, T-connectors, track fittings, suspension kits, and surface plates. For trade electrical installations.
• Switches & Sockets Electrical switches and sockets across multiple brands including Click Scolmore (Curva, Deco, Define, Definity, Mode, Polar), Knightsbridge (screwless, flat plate, metal clad), Retrotouch (glass touch switches), Saxby Electrical, Hager, plus smart switches and dimmers. For installers, contractors and DIY consumers.
• EV Chargers Electric vehicle charging solutions including Evec EV (7kW/22kW commercial and home chargers, dual gun), MyEnergi (Zappi, Libbi battery storage, Eddi energy diverter), Wallbox (Pulsar Max, Pulsar Pro), Ohme EV (Home Pro, ePod), Rolec (commercial, home car chargers), FastAmps (Alpha7), budget home chargers, and EV cables (Type 2). For installers, property owners and fleet operators.
• Security & CCTV Systems Security and surveillance products including CCTV (bullet/dome cameras, NVR, camera kits, monitors), ESP security (door entry, smart range, assistance buttons), access control (keypad locks, access kits, power supplies), and disabled/emergency alarm systems. For trade installers and security-conscious consumers.
• Commercial & Industrial Lighting Commercial and industrial lighting including bulkheads (round, square, rectangle/oval), emergency lighting (bulkheads, exit signs, twin spots), industrial ceiling lights (highbays, lowbays), LED modular panels, commercial battens (anti-corrosive, suspended linear), and street light heads. For commercial electrical contractors and facilities managers.
• Fire Alarm Systems Fire detection and alarm systems across multiple brands including ESP (accessories, call points, detectors, panels, sounders), Apollo (CFP panels, Alarmsense, Series 65, XP95), Fike Twinflex (panels, detectors, sounders), Aico (smoke/CO alarms, bases, call points), and miscellaneous fire products. For fire safety installers and commercial premises.
• Heating Solutions Heating solutions including Dimplex (Quantum storage heaters, Q-Rad, Alta WiFi, AluRad), Farho (Eco Green radiators, WiFi variants), Rointe (radiators, towel rails, water heaters, climate control), tubular heaters (1-6 foot), Hyco panel heaters and towel rails, solar energy diverters, and general heating (ceramic core, fan heaters, oil-filled). For installers, landlords and homeowners.
• Consumer Units Electrical distribution and protection equipment including Timeguard (consumer units, RCBOs, RCDs, SPD, AFDD RCBO) and Fusebox (consumer units, MCBs, arc fault detection, EV-specific units) with accessories. For qualified electricians and electrical contractors.
• General Electrical Supplies General electrical supplies including enclosures and junction boxes, extension leads and plugs, industrial connectors/plugs/sockets, timers (boost, general purpose, hob), miscellaneous items (fans, cable ties, terminal blocks, door chimes, test equipment, hand dryers), tools (Ultragrime, hole saws, sealants), and ventilation (extractor fans, inline fans). For trade professionals and DIY consumers.

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• CollingwoodminorOthersBrand partner supplying LED lighting and electrical products sold through Direct Trade Supplies platform.
• DimplexminorOthersHeating solutions brand partnership providing electric heating products including Alta Wifi, Quantum, and Q-Rad radiators.
• KnightsbridgecoreOthersMajor brand partner supplying switches, sockets, track lighting, and electrical accessories including GU10 track spotlights and single circuit track systems.
• MyEnergicoreOthersEV charging brand partnership offering Zappi EV chargers, Libbi battery storage, and Eddi energy diverters.
• WallboxcoreOthersEV charging partner supplying Pulsar Max and Pulsar Pro home EV chargers.
• RobusminorOthersTrack lighting brand partner providing single circuit track systems including track adapters, spots, couplers, and track kits.
• Click ScolmorecoreOthersSwitch and socket brand partnership offering Curva, Deco, Define, Definity, Essentials, and Mode ranges.
• HagerminorOthersElectrical accessories brand partner supplying switches, sockets, and consumer unit components.
• AicominorOthersFire safety brand partnership providing smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire alarm accessories.
• ApollominorOthersFire alarm system brand partner offering CFP panels, Alarmsense, Series 65, and XP95 fire detection products.
• Fike TwinflexminorOthersFire alarm systems brand partner providing panels, detectors, call points, sounders, and strobes.
• RointeminorOthersHeating brand partner supplying electric radiators including Eoniq, Olympia, Palaos, Sygma, Belize, and Kyros ranges.
• FuseboxminorOthersConsumer unit brand partner providing consumer units, MCBs, RCBOs, RCDs, and arc fault detection devices.
• ESPminorOthersSecurity brand partner supplying door entry systems, assistance buttons, smart security range, and CCTV accessories.
• Saxby ElectricalminorOthersElectrical accessories brand partner supplying grid ranges, raised screwed, screwless, dimmer modules, and metal clad switches.
• IntegralminorOthersLED lighting brand partner supplying Evofire fire rated downlights, GU10 bulbs, and LED tape products.
• EndonminorOthersLighting brand partner supplying indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures.
• LutecminorOthersOutdoor lighting brand partner supplying exterior light fixtures.
• SearchlightminorOthersLighting brand partner supplying decorative and functional lighting products.
• RolecminorOthersEV charging brand partner supplying commercial and home car chargers.
• Ohme EVminorOthersEV charging brand partner supplying Home Pro tethered and ePod untethered home chargers.
• Evec EVminorOthersEV charging brand partner supplying 7kW/22kW commercial and home chargers.
• FastAmpsminorOthersEV charging brand partner supplying Alpha7 chargers and accessories.
• KSR LightingminorOthersTrack lighting brand partner supplying Escala Pro track systems including single and three circuit tracks, connectors, and GU10 fittings.
• RetrotouchminorOthersDesigner switch and socket brand partner offering glass touch switches with black chrome trim, crystal touch, and plain glass finishes.
• HycominorOthersHeating brand partner supplying panel heaters, towel rails, and water taps.
• FarhominorOthersHeating brand partner supplying Eco Green radiators with Wifi and low profile options.
• TimeguardminorOthersConsumer unit brand partner supplying enclosures, RCBOs, RCDs, and SPD devices.
• GSL MediaminorOthersWebsite development and digital services partner.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• CEF (City Electrical Factors): CEF is the largest UK electrical wholesaler with a national branch network of over 390 trade counters. It is highly comparable to Direct Trade Supplies as both sell the same core categories (cables, lighting, switchgear, EV chargers) to electrical contractors, but CEF operates a trade-account-based, counter-led model rather than DTC e-commerce.
• Edmundson Electrical: Edmundson Electrical is a major UK and Ireland electrical wholesaler with a large national branch network supplying contractors, industrial and commercial customers. It overlaps directly with DTS in cables, lighting, consumer units and wiring accessories, and serves the same electrician and installer customer base.
• Screwfix: Screwfix is the UK's largest trade-focused omnichannel retailer of tools, hardware, and electrical accessories, with 800+ stores and click-and-collect. It is comparable to DTS because both serve trade electricians AND DIY buyers purchasing switches, lighting, cables, and consumer units online with fast collection or delivery.
• Toolstation: Toolstation is a UK trade and DIY omnichannel retailer selling electrical, plumbing, lighting and hardware products via website and 500+ branches. It is comparable to DTS as both target the same trade-and-public customer mix in lighting, switches, sockets, EV chargers and general electrical supplies.
• Rexel UK: Rexel is a global electrical distribution group with a substantial UK branch and online presence, selling wiring accessories, lighting, cable, energy solutions and EV charging. It competes with DTS for the same installer and contractor customers across an overlapping product catalogue.
• RS Components: RS Components is a major UK and global online distributor of industrial and electrical products, serving maintenance, OEM and installer customers. It overlaps with DTS in switches, lighting, cabling, EV charging and electrical accessories bought online for trade and professional use.

Direct peers

• TLC Electrical Supplies: TLC Electrical Supplies is a UK online and mail-order electrical wholesaler selling lighting, cables, heating, ventilation, security and EV chargers to trade and public. It is the closest direct peer to DTS as both are independent UK e-commerce electrical specialists with overlapping ranges and a similar trade-plus-DIY customer base.
• ElectricalDirect: ElectricalDirect is a UK online-only electrical and lighting retailer (part of the Saint-Gobain group) selling cables, lighting, heating, ventilation and smart home products. It is a direct competitor to DTS in online electrical retail, targeting both trade installers and DIY buyers.
• YESSS Electrical: YESSS Electrical is a UK and Ireland electrical wholesaler with both branch and online channels serving contractors and industrial customers. It overlaps with DTS in switches, lighting, cable accessories, fire safety and consumer units sold to trade electricians.
• CPC Farnell: CPC Farnell is a UK-based mail-order and online distributor of electrical, electronic and maintenance products serving trade, education and industrial buyers. It is comparable to DTS as both are catalogue/online-first electrical suppliers covering lighting, controls, security and general electrical lines.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Direct Trade Supplies