Rexel
Rexel UK Limited is a wholesale electrical distributor serving electricians, contractors, and industrial organisations across the UK through 200+ branches, e-commerce, mobile app, and the SmartStock subscription inventory management platform. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rexel Group.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersBirmingham, United Kingdom
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Rexel does
Rexel UK Limited is a wholesale electrical distributor serving electricians, contractors, industrial organisations, and household customers across the United Kingdom. The company operates a hybrid distribution model combining 200+ physical branch locations with a full e-commerce platform, mobile application (iOS and Android), and trade credit account facilities for business customers. Its product catalogue spans cables, switches, sockets, switchgear, luminaires, lamps, data networking equipment, solar PV, EV charging, fire/security systems, heating/ventilation, industrial controls, PPE, tools, and site supplies, supplied through distribution agreements with major OEMs including Schneider Electric, Eaton, ABB, Siemens, and Prysmian, alongside the proprietary Newlec own-brand. The registered office and headquarters are located in Sheldon, Birmingham, and the entity is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rexel Group, publicly listed on Euronext Paris.
Beyond core hardware distribution, Rexel UK generates recurring revenue through SmartStock, a subscription-based inventory management platform developed in partnership with Inventor-e Limited. SmartStock integrates NFC-tagged scanning equipment (SmartStores Armour Scan), connectivity hardware (SmartStores Connect), and iVend vending machines (iVendSecure, iVendScale+, iVendLocker) to enable industrial customers to automate indirect materials procurement in storerooms, vans, and on-site. Subscription fees are billed per Store or per Vending Machine annually, with separate implementation fees and equipment rental terms. Additional revenue streams include WEEE disposal services in partnership with Recolight, dedicated lighting design services (including Esabora planning), and the Rexel Insight webinar programme. The company markets through an integrated mix of digital channels (website, mobile app, email, social media) and physical touchpoints (branch events, in-person expert advice), and is reported to hold a 4.7/5 customer rating across 3,141 certified reviews on the Critizr platform.
Rexel firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Rexel
- Legal name
- Rexel UK Limited
- Website
- https://rexel.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- Rexel UK Limited is a wholesale electrical distributor serving electricians, contractors, and industrial organisations across the UK through 200+ branches, e-commerce, mobile app, and the SmartStock subscription inventory management platform. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rexel Group.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Rexel is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Birmingham
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Rexel business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Electrical Products Sales: Wholesale distribution of electrical products including cables, switches, sockets, switchgear, luminaires, lamps, data networking equipment, energy solutions, solar PV, fire/security systems, heating/ventilation, industrial controls, PPE, tools, and site supplies. Revenue generated through direct product sales to electricians, contractors, and industrial organisations.
- SmartStock Subscription: Subscription-based access to the SmartStock Application for inventory management. Charged on a per-Store or per-Vending Machine basis with annual subscription terms and automatic renewal. Implementation fees charged separately on a per-Stores basis.
- Equipment and Vending Machine Rental: Hire of Equipment (NFC tags, SmartStores Armour Scan, SmartStores Connect) and Vending Machines to SmartStock customers. Equipment remains property of Rexel; hired equipment subject to separate rental terms.
- WEEE Disposal Services: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment disposal services. Free take-back for household customers purchasing equivalent items. Business customers can dispose of lamps and tubes for free; charges apply for other WEEE items.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Trade Credit Account - Business customers with approved credit facilities |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Retail - Individual purchases via website or branch |
| Subscription | Annual | SmartStock Application Subscription |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Rexel product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Rexel UK is a wholesale electrical distributor that sells cables, switches, sockets, switchgear, luminaires, lamps, data networking equipment, energy solutions, solar PV, fire/security systems, HVAC components, industrial controls, PPE, tools, and site supplies to electricians, contractors, and industrial organisations through 200+ UK branches and an e-commerce platform. The company also offers the SmartStock subscription-based inventory management system (software, NFC tags, and iVend vending machines) and ancillary services such as WEEE disposal and lighting design.
Product overview
Rexel UK is a leading wholesale electrical distributor operating a B2B e-commerce platform connecting electricians, contractors, and industrial organisations with electrical products. The core offering consists of the online Rexel UK E-commerce Platform supported by 200+ physical branch locations. The company offers several specialised add-on solutions: SmartStock (inventory management system with software, equipment, and Vending Machines for automating indirect material purchases), SmartSolutions (comprehensive service package), Solar PV Solutions, Digital Solutions, Lighting Design & Solutions (including Esabora planning service), EV Charging Solutions, Industrial Solutions, Rexel Export, and Rexel Site Supplies. Additional features include Easy Basket Builder, Quick Ordering, Quotes, Direct Debit payment options, and Digital Brochures. The company also offers a Rexel App for mobile access and Rexel Insight webinars. Its own-brand products are sold under the Newlec sub-brand. The platform supports multiple product categories including cables, switches, switchgear, lighting, data networking, energy solutions, fire/security, heating/ventilation, industrial controls, PPE, site supplies, tools, and smart home products.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Newlec: A supplier brand of electrical products offered through Rexel UK
- SmartStock
- Rexel Insight
Products and services
- Electrical Products Wholesale Distribution Wholesale distribution of electrical products including cables, switches, sockets, switchgear, luminaires, lamps, data networking equipment, energy solutions, fire/security systems, heating/ventilation, industrial controls, PPE, tools, and site supplies for electricians, contractors, and industrial organisations.
- SmartStock Inventory Management System Subscription-based inventory management application and hardware (NFC tags, SmartStores Armour Scan, SmartStores Connect, and iVend vending machines) that enables industrial customers to manage and control indirect materials and automate purchases from Rexel, operating in storerooms, vans, or through vending machines.
- Newlec Own-Brand Electrical Products Proprietary own-brand electrical products range sold exclusively through Rexel UK branches and online channels.
- WEEE Disposal Services Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment disposal services, offered free to household customers purchasing equivalent items and to businesses for lamps and tubes, with charges for other WEEE items from business customers.
- Solar PV Solutions Solar photovoltaic solutions and installation services supplied through Rexel UK for commercial and industrial customers.
- EV Charging Solutions Electric vehicle charging solutions and installation services for commercial and residential customers.
- Lighting Design and Solutions Professional lighting design services, including lighting schemes and electrical wiring plans (via Esabora planning service), for commercial and industrial projects.
- SmartSolutions Package Comprehensive solutions package offered by Rexel UK bundling technical advisory, product supply, and value-added services for installers and industrial customers.
- Industrial Solutions Tailored solutions for industrial electrical needs, including switchgear, industrial controls, and automation equipment for manufacturing and process operations.
- Rexel Site Supplies Site supplies and equipment for construction and industrial locations, supplying consumables and consumable site products in addition to electrical lines.
Quantifiable outcome
- 4.7/5 customer satisfaction rating based on 3,141 certified reviews
Companies that use Rexel
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Rexel technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Rexel partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Inventor-e LimitedcoreInventor-e Limited is the technology partner and owner of the SmartStock Application. They developed the smartstores and sourcerer software that enables Rexel's inventory management solutions. Rexel acts as distributor of the SmartStock Application, Equipment, and Vending Machines. Inventor-e's registered office is at Blythe Valley Innovation Centre, Solihull.
- Schneider ElectricmajorMajor electrical equipment manufacturer with dedicated shop-in-shop presence at Rexel branches. Offers wide range of circuit protection, automation, and electrical distribution products.
- EatonmajorElectrical equipment manufacturer with shop-in-shop presence at Rexel branches, providing power quality, distribution, and control solutions.
- ABBmajorMajor supplier of industrial technology and electrical equipment sold through Rexel branches.
- SiemensmajorElectrical equipment and automation solutions supplier available through Rexel distribution network.
- RecolightminorWEEE recycling and disposal partner offering services to help business customers with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment disposal direct from their sites.
- NewleccoreOwn-brand electrical products range developed and sold exclusively through Rexel. Represents Rexel's proprietary product line.
- BizLineminorElectrical accessories and installation products supplier with dedicated presence at Rexel.
- MK (M K Electric)minorWiring accessories manufacturer sold through Rexel branches.
- PrysmianmajorCable and wire manufacturer, a key supplier for Rexel's cable and cable management product category.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Rexel competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- WESCO International: Global broad-line electrical, communications, and utility distribution company. While primarily US-headquartered, WESCO operates in adjacent European markets and competes with Rexel's industrial customer proposition through similar product portfolios and value-added services.
- Rexel Group (Parent): Global parent company and broader-incumbent peer operating electrical distribution networks across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. While Rexel UK operates only in the UK, Rexel Group's overall business model, supplier relationships, and digital strategy (including SmartStock) are directly comparable as the worldwide platform of which Rexel UK is a part.
- Grainger (UK Operations): Large industrial MRO distributor with UK operations providing indirect materials management, vending solutions, and procurement services. Comparable to Rexel UK's industrial and SmartStock offerings as an established competitor in B2B indirect materials and inventory management.
Direct peers
- City Electrical Factors (CEF): Major UK electrical wholesaler operating a large branch network with strong focus on the electrician and contractor segments. CEF competes head-to-head with Rexel UK across cables, lighting, tools, and site supplies, with overlapping distribution and value-added services.
- Electrical Direct: UK electrical wholesaler combining online and branch channels, targeting trade customers with electrical installation products. Comparable to Rexel UK in product range and customer base, though typically smaller in scale and branch count.
- RS Components: UK-based distributor of electronic, electrical, and industrial components serving engineers, contractors, and industrial buyers. RS competes with Rexel UK across electrical and industrial product categories, with a stronger digital and catalogue-led model.
- Edmundson Electrical: One of Rexel UK's closest direct competitors in the UK electrical wholesale market, with a similar nationwide branch network serving electricians, contractors, and industrial customers. Both companies operate comparable trade-counter and delivery models for branded electrical products.
- Sonepar UK: UK subsidiary of Sonepar, the world's largest independent electrical distributor. Sonepar UK competes directly with Rexel UK through branch-based distribution of industrial electrical products, automation, and energy solutions, with similar trade customer targeting.
Emerging players
- Amazon Business UK: B2B procurement marketplace increasingly competing for electrical product sales to UK contractors and small businesses. While not a traditional electrical wholesaler, Amazon Business represents the digital competitive threat that pressures Rexel UK's commodity product pricing and SMB segment.
- Cromwell Tools: UK industrial supplies distributor offering tools, PPE, and site supplies with overlap into Rexel UK's site supplies and contractor product categories. Comparable as a secondary-line competitor for trade customers, particularly in tools and consumables.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Rexel social profiles
Digital presenceRexel financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Rexel leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Rexel funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Rexel M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Rexel
What does Rexel do?
Rexel UK is a wholesale electrical distributor that sells cables, switches, sockets, switchgear, luminaires, lamps, data networking equipment, energy solutions, solar PV, fire/security systems, HVAC components, industrial controls, PPE, tools, and site supplies to electricians, contractors, and industrial organisations through 200+ UK branches and an e-commerce platform. The company also offers the SmartStock subscription-based inventory management system (software, NFC tags, and iVend vending machines) and ancillary services such as WEEE disposal and lighting design.
Is Rexel a public or private company?
Rexel is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Rexel founded?
Rexel was founded in -1. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Rexel based?
Rexel is headquartered in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Rexel make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Electrical Products Sales are the primary driver. The others are smartStock Subscription, equipment and Vending Machine Rental and WEEE Disposal Services.
Who are Rexel's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are WESCO International, Rexel Group (Parent) and Grainger (UK Operations). Direct peers are City Electrical Factors (CEF), Electrical Direct, RS Components, Edmundson Electrical and Sonepar UK. Emerging players are Amazon Business UK and Cromwell Tools.
Does Rexel have an API?
No public API is recorded for Rexel.