What Charles Endirect does

Charles Endirect Ltd is a UK family-owned designer and manufacturer, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Wincanton, Somerset, specialising in metal fabrication and electrical equipment principally for the street lighting and highways infrastructure market. Its in-house engineering and production capabilities cover CAD and SolidWorks 3D modelling, 3D printing of prototypes, metal fabrication in galvanised mild steel, stainless steel and GRP, and factory pre-wiring, enabling the delivery of installation-ready feeder pillars, EV distribution cabinets, isolators, photocells, Belisha beacons, surge protection, passive safety systems (CELsafe, compliant with BS EN 12767:2019), and bespoke bracketry and metalwork. The product range is supported by named systems including the CELtek Central Management System (marketed via a partnership with Datek Light Control, TALQ-certified, Elexon and Highways England approved) and the CELxel/CELxcel Low Power photocell lines.

The business operates a hybrid go-to-market combining direct B2B field sales to UK local authorities, highways contractors, and selected commercial end clients (e.g., Asda, BSkyB, Olympic Park London), technical specification support including CPD presentations to engineering consultants, and a transactional online shop launched in December 2023 for small-quantity catalogue orders. Revenue is generated from one-time hardware sales (catalogue feeder pillars and photocells priced from £117 to £3,505 ex VAT), quote-based bespoke design and pre-wired project services, and project-based CELtek CMS sales. The company holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certifications (audited by ISOQAR, renewed June 2026), Constructionline Gold, Cyber Essentials, BSI membership, and is a founder member of HEA and HEMSA, with multiple HEA award wins (Manufacturer of the Year 2019 and 2021) reinforcing its standing in the UK highway-electrical sector.

Name

Charles Endirect

Legal name

Charles Endirect Ltd

Website

https://charlesendirect.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Charles Endirect Ltd is a family-owned UK manufacturer, founded in 1984 in Wincanton, Somerset, designing and fabricating metalwork and electrical distribution equipment (feeder pillars, EV charging cabinets, isolators, photocells, passive safety systems, and a smart street-lighting CMS) for UK local authorities, highways contractors, and selected commercial clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Street Lighting Electrical Equipment

NAICS

Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (3351), Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing (335)

SIC

Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620)

akta.pro primary industry

Street Lighting & Area Lighting EPC / Maintenance (EUAEACAH)

Keywords

• Street lighting equipment
• Feeder pillar manufacturing
• EV charging distribution
• Passive safety systems
• Electrical metal fabrication

Headquarters

HQ city

Wincanton

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware / Product Sales: One-time sales of manufactured hardware including feeder pillars (ranging from ~£117 to ~£3,505 ex VAT for standard catalogue items), photocells, isolators, cut-outs, fuses, cable glands, EV distribution cabinets, passive safety systems, and bespoke metalwork. Catalogue sold via direct sales and online shop.
2. Bespoke Design & Pre-Wired Project Services: Bespoke design, fabrication, assembly, and pre-wiring of feeder pillars and EV distribution cabinets to client specifications. Project technical support bundled with product supply. Installation-ready delivery saves time and cost for contractors.
3. CELtek CMS Sales & Licensing: CELtek CMS marketed as Charles Endirect's own brand, based on Datek Light Control CMS technology (TALQ Certified). Project-based sales to local authorities and highways clients.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Charles Endirect designs and manufactures metal fabrication and electrical equipment principally for the street lighting market, operating from its own factory in Wincanton, Somerset since 1984. The portfolio covers feeder pillar shells, pre-wired distribution cabinets, EV charging distribution, isolators and cut-outs, photocells, Belisha beacons, in-ground distribution units, surge protection, and named systems (CELsafe passive safety and CELtek Central Management System), together with a bespoke bracketry and metalwork design service.

Product overview

Charles Endirect Ltd is a family-owned UK manufacturer (since 1984) based in Wincanton, Somerset, offering a single-vendor portfolio of metal fabrication and electrical equipment principally for the street lighting market. The portfolio combines supporting hardware (Isolators, Festive Lighting, Earthing, Accessories such as fuses and cable glands) with the core metalwork lines (Feeder Pillar Shells including MINI/MIDI/MAXI galvanised steel and MEGA stainless-steel ranges, Pre-Wired Distribution Cabinets, In-Ground Distribution units GIFAS and SIGMA, Distribution for EV Charging, Belisha Beacons, Photocells with NEMA sockets and Surge Protection). Layered on top are differentiated named systems: CELsafe passive safety systems (compliant with BS EN 12767:2019) and the CELtek Central Management System (resold from partner Datek Light Control, TALQ Certified, Elexon and Highways England approved). Bespoke Bracketry and Metalwork is offered as a tailored service, with an online shop launched in December 2023 covering Photocells and Feeder Pillars for smaller off-the-shelf orders. The products are designed using Parametric 3D modelling, AutoCAD and SolidWorks, manufactured in-house, and supported by an ISO 9001/14001/45001 quality-accredited operation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CELtek: Charles Endirect's branded street lighting Central Management System (CMS) for monitoring and controlling luminaires, traffic signs and connected assets. Marketed as a trading-partner product of Datek Light Control CMS; Elexon approved and TALQ Certified.
• CELsafe
• CELxel
• CELxcel Low Power

Products and services

• Feeder Pillar Shells Comprehensive range of electrical distribution cabinets and street lighting feeder pillars including MINI, MIDI, MAXI (galvanised 3mm or 5mm mild steel to BS EN ISO 1461:2009), MEGA (3mm powder coated 3CR12 stainless-steel) and GRP construction pillars, with options for locks, louvre panels, cable exit trays and stainless-steel finishes; designed for UK local authorities and highways contractors.
• Pre-Wired Distribution Cabinets Pre-wired electrical feeder pillars and distribution cabinets for street lighting and highways infrastructure, available as standard enclosures or fully bespoke designs. Designed using Parametric 3D modelling and AutoCAD, with factory-fitted stainless-steel distribution boards, lights, heaters, thermostats and 13A RCCB sockets, supplied with a full Technical Document Pack for installation and maintenance.
• Distribution for EV Charging Pre-wired EV feeder pillars and EV distribution cabinets for companies and government bodies, supporting charger types from 3kW Slow to Ultra-rapid DC 350kW. Features include 3 phase or single-phase options, dynamic load balancing, up to 630A supplies, surge protection, MCCB/MCB/RCCB/RCBO protection, PEN monitoring and BSEN 61439-1 testing and certification.
• Isolators and Cut-Outs Street lighting isolators and cut-outs with compatible fuses (4, 6, 10, 16 and 25 amp ratings including BS88/IEC269-1 cartridge fuses LD, MD, LST), brass BW/CW cable glands manufactured to BS 6121 with IP66 seal, PG plastic glands, earthing products and safety doors for street lighting installations.
• CELsafe Passive Safety Systems Range of passive safety systems for street lighting equipment compliant with BS EN 12767:2019, including a quick-disconnection unit for lighting columns and signposts with four configurations covering pillar- and ground chamber-based disconnection with column impact sensors and snatch plugs.
• CELtek Central Management System (CMS) Street lighting control system enabling monitoring and control of luminaires, traffic signs and other connected assets. Features minimal energy use, IoT multi-platform Smart City connectivity, Elexon approval (so energy cost savings can be passed to the customer) and Highways England approval. Built on Datek Light Control CMS (TALQ Certified).
• Photocells and NEMA Sockets Photocells for street lighting control, including the CELxel and CELxcel Low Power product range, alongside compatible NEMA sockets. Available via the online shop.
• Bespoke Bracketry and Metalwork Complete design and manufacturing service for bespoke metalwork and bracketry including bespoke feeder pillars, EV supply cabinets, retractable bollards, key entry posts, secure Fire Protection cages and metal shields. Designed using CAD and SolidWorks 3D modelling plus 3D printing for prototypes, with finishes including RAL/BS powder coat, anti-graffiti/G2A, polished/brushed/marine grade stainless-steel and wood cladding.
• Belisha Beacons Belisha beacon equipment for pedestrian crossing applications, part of the dedicated street lighting product portfolio.
• In-Ground Distribution Units (GIFAS / SIGMA) Pop-up in-ground distribution units including the GIFAS and SIGMA ranges for discreet, ground-level power distribution in public spaces.
• Festive Lighting Isolators Festive isolator range for seasonal street lighting installations, with periodic promotional discounting campaigns (e.g. June-July 2023 promotional code CEL0607).
• Charles Endirect Online Shop Own online storefront selling catalogue Photocells and Feeder Pillars to non-account holders and customers with lower quantity requirements, with up to 10 units per order per product and larger orders routed to [email protected].

Quantifiable outcome

• 17.8% increase in BEV sales and 39.3% increase in PHEV sales in 2023 vs prior year (UK market context supporting EV distribution pillar demand)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Datek Light ControlcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharles Endirect is a trading partner of Datek Light Control; the TALQ-certified Datek CMS is marketed by Charles Endirect under its own brand 'CELtek'. Provides technical underpinning for Charles Endirect's CMS street lighting control product offering.
• Highway Electrical Association (HEA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounder member of HEA; active member and sponsor of awards including sponsoring the inaugural HEA Rising Star Award in 2023. Director Nic Charles is a member of the HEA-HEMSA Council 2022/23. Attends annual HEA Conference and Exhibition at Celtic Manor.
• Highway Electrical Manufacturers & Suppliers Association (HEMSA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounder member of HEMSA, the manufacturers and suppliers body within the highway electrical sector.
• Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember and supporter of the ILP; participates in and exhibits at the ILP's annual Lighting Live conference (e.g. stand 15 in 2024). Director Nathan French is a two-time past Chair for the London Region of the ILP.
• British Standards Institution (BSI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRenewed BSI membership in January 2021, giving access to latest BSI standards to ensure ongoing compliance and reduce risk.
• ConstructionlinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAchieved Constructionline Gold Accreditation in July 2021 — independent pre-qualification for inclusion in public and private sector supply chains (part of SSIP).
• ISOQARcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUKAS-accredited certification body performing external audits against ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018; passed audits in 2020, 2023, and renewed 2026.
• CiTTi (City Transport & Traffic Innovation)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerJoint sponsor of CiTTi webinar 'The current and future state of EV charging infrastructure in the UK' in October 2020, presented by Charles Endirect's National Sales Manager Alan Read and Area Sales Manager Ian Cowham.
• Wincanton Town FCminorOthersSponsor of Wincanton Town FC U18 Boys and Ladies teams (ongoing support confirmed March 2024); community partnership reflecting the company's Wincanton roots.
• Highways EnglandflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCELtek CMS is Highways England approved; Charles Endirect has supplied EV feeder pillars to Highways England (e.g. Hunters Lodge, Wincanton EV charging).
• ElexoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCELtek is an Elexon-approved metering system enabling energy cost savings to be recognised and passed back to customers; without Elexon approval, savings could not be translated into cost savings.
• TALQ ConsortiumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDatek Light Control CMS (marketed as CELtek by Charles Endirect) is TALQ Certified, providing independent review and assurance of the product.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Telensa: UK-based smart street lighting and smart-city platform vendor competing for the same central management system business from UK councils and Highways England that CELtek targets.
• Mayflower Smart Lighting: UK provider of street lighting CMS and smart-lighting control platforms for local authorities; directly comparable to Charles Endirect's CELtek CMS offering (and to its underlying partner Datek) in the UK connected-lighting market.
• DW Windsor: UK heritage street lighting manufacturer producing luminaires, columns, brackets and lighting controls; overlaps with Charles Endirect's bracketry, Belisha beacon and street-lighting infrastructure offering to UK councils and contractors.
• Lucy Zodion: UK manufacturer of street lighting feeder pillars, isolators and the Atlas central management system (CMS); directly competes with Charles Endirect across feeder pillars, photocells and CMS, serving the same UK local-authority and highways customer base.
• CEMA Lighting: UK specialist lighting manufacturer offering luminaires and lighting columns to local authorities and contractors; directly comparable on feeder-pillar-adjacent street lighting hardware and UK public-sector delivery.
• Urbis Schréder: UK street lighting manufacturer offering luminaires, columns and connected lighting controls; competes with Charles Endirect in the UK local-authority and highways lighting market, particularly on smart city / IoT-enabled projects.

Broad incumbents

• Signify (Philips Lighting): Global lighting incumbent offering luminaires, lighting controls, Interact CMS and a broad portfolio that overlaps with Charles Endirect's Belisha beacons, photocells and CMS — competes at the high end of UK highways and smart-city tenders.
• Lucy Electric: UK-based electrical distribution, protection and smart-grid equipment manufacturer; broader incumbent in low/medium-voltage distribution, comparable to Charles Endirect's feeder pillar and EV distribution cabinet offering at the grid-interface level.
• Holophane (Acuity Brands): Heritage industrial and street lighting brand owned by Acuity Brands; provides luminaires, columns and lighting controls with a wider portfolio than Charles Endirect, operating as a broader incumbent in UK and European highways lighting.

Emerging players

• Rolec Services: UK manufacturer of EV chargers, distribution pedestals and power infrastructure — overlaps with Charles Endirect's EV distribution cabinet and feeder pillar business for UK commercial charging rollouts.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/charlesendirect
• Facebookfacebook.com/charlesendirect/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel&eid=ARDAIsggY_SI0qAHYivvOPH36WO5jgzd1ro1n7NG-MwT-pJJHp49Zn7-wN3trtFkQEW9HFZWnUD-o4AA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/charles-endirect-ltd

Compliance14 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

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 Charles Endirect