Legrand - Experts & Thought Leaders

Legrand has strengthened its foothold in the UK critical power market with the acquisition of Sheffield-based uninterrupted power supply (UPS) specialist, Power Control Ltd. Power Control is trusted by its clients to protect their critical power loads, helping them to avoid unplanned downtime, and already has Legrand’s own UPS solutions in its wide-ranging product portfolio. Increasing market presence The acquisition is the latest development of Legrand’s successful growth strategy, which is focused on increasing market share, both in new technology sectors and geographical regions. Pascal Stutz, CEO of Legrand UK & Ireland, said, “We want to develop our presence in the UK within the critical power and UPS vertical markets. Power Control has a long and successful history in the UK, making it a fantastic opportunity to help us realize our growth ambitions.” Broaden the opportunities  As part of the Legrand Group, we will work on new projects across an array of sectors" Tom Nicholson, Managing Director of Power Control, said, “As part of the Legrand Group, we see a major opportunity to leverage the company’s considerable, globally-gained expertise to broaden our opportunities." He adds, "It will allow us to work on new projects across an array of sectors, including data center, healthcare, and building management, where continuity of mission-critical power supply is crucial."  after-sales support and service Tom Nicholson continues, “Being part of a large-scale, international group will undoubtedly help us continue to meet the demands of our customers while giving them added peace of mind covering everything from sales, installation, and commissioning through to after-sales support and service.” The acquisition will allow Power Control and Legrand to help customers ensure that they have the right UPS and other mission-critical power solutions in place to meet potential supply volatility over the coming months. energy efficient UPS solutions Tom Nicholson adds, “Customers want to ensure that their UPS is in good condition and those that don’t have a backup solution may be thinking that it is the right time to invest. There is also an ever-increasing focus on energy-efficient UPS solutions, with customers already asking us if UPS technology can help them manage their energy usage and power grid interaction."  He further said, “When you add in the interest of different technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, and local, renewable energy supplies, Power Control is helping customers thanks to our innovative solutions. For example, we’ve recently integrated a UPS with hydrogen fuel cells, and we see the demand for this type of solution only increasing.” UPS/hydrogen fuel cell solution Pascal Stutz said, “Power Control’s track record speaks for itself. In terms of the UPS/hydrogen fuel cell solution, we think there’s great potential to explore ways in which we can expand this technology, both in the UK and across other geographies. It also ties into Legrand’s approach to sustainability, supporting customers as they look to meet Net Zero targets.” 

Martin McCabe joins from Contactum Ltd bringing a wealth of industry experience gained from devising and implementing customer service improvement programs, and process enhancements and delivering customer service excellence for a dynamic and varied client base. Martin McCabe’s objective at CP Electronics, part of Legrand UK and Ireland, will be to create and develop an industry-leading customer service experience, achieved by streamlining communication processes and improving response times and overall team efficiency. In addition, he will be charged with further improving the customer service team’s product knowledge, raising the number of cases that are closed quickly, and improving the service for wholesalers. improvement strategies Martin has taken on customer service leadership and will be taking on all customer service inquiries CP Electronics already has a number of continuous improvement strategies that Martin McCabe will also support along with the continued growth of Legrand’s Energy Controls business which forms a key part of the group’s sustainability and CSR capabilities.  Martin McCabe has taken on customer service leadership with immediate effect and will be taking on all customer service inquiries. Commercial Operations Manager, Antonia Stay, will continue to drive the business's commercial sector upon her return from maternity leave which she begins in the near future. customer service experience John Carruthers, Managing Director, CP Electronics, welcomed Martin’s appointment, “Customer service has never been more important, and it is vital that we continue to improve and push the boundaries of what is possible. There is no room for complacency as we confront the challenges of the global supply chain, which is why we invested significantly in systems, structure, and our team, to deliver a world-class customer experience." He adds, “Martin will work closely with the Commercial Management Team to ensure that we further strengthen our customer service approach to our global customer base. We are delighted that Martin has chosen to join us and become part of the wider Legrand family." Sustainability  John Carruthers continues, “Antonia goes on her maternity leave with all our best wishes. She has built the foundations in the last few months to put us in good stead to become the best-in-class customer service team in the industry.” Martin McCabe commented, “The opportunity to join CP Electronics, a business I have long admired, was too good to turn down. The breadth of products, commitment to sustainability with energy saving and energy control capabilities, and of course, the business leadership empowerment of the role to create a leading customer services team, was an opportunity to both make a real difference and for personal growth.”

Over two-thirds (68.5%) of Brits are likely to purchase a smart home product in the next two years, and almost half (45.6%) would be more likely to purchase a home with smart technology installed. In a survey of 1,000 UK consumers by Legrand, smart heating and energy controls, security, and gate/door entry technology are perceived to add the most value to a home. Detailed in an industry report – Connecting the UK’s Homes – the survey results show several opportunities for those working across the electrical industry. Barriers to smart device installation Despite demand increasing and consumers recognizing the value of introducing smart home devices to the home, the research shows that lack of product knowledge is a key barrier to homeowners purchasing technology. Other barriers outlined in the report include installation costs and ongoing subscriptions, to which the majority of respondents (85.4%) said they would prefer a one-off package with no subscriptions. Smart home advisors Legrand’s report guides electrical professionals and housebuilders through the opportunities The survey also revealed only 10% would go to an industry professional for information or advice, indicating an opportunity for contractors and electrical installers to become their customers’ smart home advisors. Ahead of an anticipated connected home boom, Legrand’s report guides electrical professionals and housebuilders through the opportunities open to them. High standards Pascal Stutz, CEO at Legrand UK & Ireland, explains, “There is more pressure than ever on electrical contractors, consultants, and housebuilders to produce homes up to the high standards that consumers expect.” “Our latest research shows there is an opportunity for professionals, which is why we have created this report. We outline the barriers facing installers and housebuilders alike and ways to overcome them.” Smart installation training The perceived value that smart home technology brings to a property makes training a practical step Electrical professionals are also being encouraged to take part in smart home installation training to learn the full capability of the most popular devices and systems. The perceived value that smart home technology brings to a property makes training and development in these installations a practical step for increasing revenue on projects of all sizes. Connected Living Pascal continues, “We are committed to being a partner to the electrical industry, improving lives by transforming the places we live, work, and meet. We deliver this through our Connected Living products, expertise, and training for those working in the residential sector.” “The report is just one way we’re supporting the industry as we navigate our way to a more efficient and connected future in our homes.”