About us
Established over 100 years ago, TEP is a multi-award-winning, fourth-generation family-owned electrical wholesaler, trusted by businesses across the region.
We supply a wide range of domestic, commercial, and industrial electrical products, and support our customers with expert advice, technical insight, and a commitment to delivering energy-efficient solutions.
Our team is here to help you reduce costs and carbon, while improving the environments where you live and work.
Over 100 Years of Expertise
Energy Efficiency Specialists
Award-Winning Service
Our history
TEP’s journey began in 1920, when Fred Thompson, a former Captain in the Royal Engineers and a qualified electrical engineer, laid the foundations for what would become a family legacy. Starting as an independent electrical wholesaler in Hartlepool, Fred’s vision for the business was one of service, innovation, and resilience.
In 1946, Fred’s son Douglas Thompson, a WWII Spitfire pilot, returned from the war and expanded TEP with a Darlington branch. Despite his injuries, Douglas’s determination grew the business from a one-room office to its Valley Street base, cementing TEP’s reputation as a trusted local name. By the 1980s, leadership passed to the third generation, Nimble Thompson, whose legal expertise brought fresh perspectives. The fourth generation followed with Nimble’s son Archie, whose investment management background shaped the company’s strategy.
Exceptional leadership outside the family has also been vital, with Mike Prior guiding TEP as General Manager for over 23 years before passing the baton to Sarah Marshall. Now leading the team, Sarah builds on Mike’s legacy, as he continues to oversee customer service and sales. TEP’s resilience and commitment to service have laid a strong foundation for today’s vision and future growth.
What we do
Whether you’re upgrading your lighting, planning a large-scale installation, or simply need quality products you can rely on, our expert team is here to help.
We’re proud to support our customers in reducing energy costs, improving efficiency, and meeting sustainability goals—backed by award-winning customer service.
Our team
At TEP Electrical Distributors, our experienced and dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional service, innovative solutions, and expert advice. With a shared ethos of sustainability, customer care, and delivering value, our team works tirelessly to support businesses in achieving energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, and creating superior working environments.
General Manager
Sarah Marshall
Sarah joined TEP eight years ago and now leads the business as General Manager. Initially starting as Finance Manager, her progression through Operations to GM reflects her strong grasp of finance, process, and people. Sarah’s appointment was a carefully considered decision by the family—one that continues to pay off. She’s committed to living our values, embedding best practice, and helping the team exceed customer expectations. Her coaching qualifications and NLP Master Practitioner training bring added depth to her leadership style.
Sales Manager
Mike Prior
With over 40 years in the electrical and lighting industry, Mike brings unrivalled experience to his role as Sales Manager. Formerly our Managing Director for 23 years, he’s helped shape TEP’s success through his technical expertise, practical knowledge, and dedication to customer service. Mike continues to lead our sales and customer teams, offering expert advice and tailored lighting solutions that reduce costs, save energy, and deliver long-term value.
Branch Manager
Joe Patullo
Joe has been part of the TEP team for more than 27 years and brings over three decades of experience in electrical wholesaling and industrial controls. As Branch Manager, he oversees our trade counter, stock, and customer operations—making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Joe’s deep product knowledge and long-standing relationships make him a go-to person for both colleagues and customers.
Counter/Warehouse Supervisor
Neal Backhouse
Neal has been part of the TEP team for over 13 years, and with more than 30 years of retail experience behind him, he knows how to deliver great service. As our Counter and Warehouse Supervisor, Neal works closely with our Branch Manager to maintain stock accuracy and ensure the highest levels of customer care, bringing reliability and attention to detail to everything he does.
Trade Counter & Sales Support
Connor Dixon
Connor is a key part of our trade counter and sales support team. Having recently completed his Customer Service Level 2 Apprenticeship with distinction, he continues to show commitment and professionalism every day. Connor is a great example of our values in action—hardworking, honest, fair, flexible, and reliable—and is already making his mark with our team and customers alike.
Our customer ethos
At TEP, our customer ethos is rooted in trust, collaboration, and a dedication to delivering tailored solutions that truly make a difference.
We promise to:
Exceed the expectation of all our customers and go the extra mile
Work with you to solve the problems you are encountering and develop a solution that meets your needs.
Be open and honest and work in partnership with you.
