How LED Upgrades Deliver Real ROI — The Vertu Motor Group Story

When it comes to sustainability, the benefits of LED lighting often go far beyond environmental impact. For many businesses, it’s one of the most effective ways to achieve meaningful cost savings while creating better working environments.

That’s exactly what Vertu Motor Group discovered when they partnered with TEP Electrical Distributors on a full-scale lighting upgrade across their UK network.

From high energy costs to high efficiency

With more than 180 dealerships, service centres, and call centres across England and Scotland, Vertu Motor Group faced a familiar challenge — rising energy bills and an ageing lighting infrastructure that wasn’t performing efficiently.

Their outdated fluorescent systems were driving up electricity consumption and operational costs, while also failing to provide the bright, consistent lighting needed across large, varied spaces.

That’s where TEP came in. Our team conducted a comprehensive lighting review, redesigning each site’s setup to improve both efficiency and effectiveness.

The result? Over 10,000 outdated fittings replaced with energy-efficient LED lighting — from office spaces and workshops to spray booths, call centres, and outdoor perimeter areas.

A tailored solution with measurable results

This was no simple retrofit. Each environment within Vertu’s operations required a unique approach — from precision lighting for technicians to comfortable, glare-free illumination for office teams and service areas. The installation also included improvements in call centres to boost comfort and focus, and upgrades to exterior lighting to enhance both efficiency and site security.

And the results spoke for themselves:

• 55% reduction in electricity costs across upgraded sites

• 433 tonnes of CO₂ emissions saved every year

• £600,000 annual cost savings in electricity

• Better working conditions for staff across the network

“We are delighted with the results of this massive lighting upgrade project. TEP Electrical Distributors have exceeded our expectations, delivering substantial cost savings and significantly reducing our environmental impact. The improved lighting quality has also been well-received by our staff.”

— Derick Newton, Group Project Manager – Property, Vertu Motors plc

Delivering more than just savings

For Vertu, this project wasn’t just about lowering bills. It was about future-proofing their sites and supporting their sustainability goals in a way that also made operational sense.

By combining efficiency with improved lighting quality, the upgrade has helped to create brighter, safer, and more comfortable workplaces — supporting staff wellbeing as well as environmental progress.

Our perspective

“This has been an incredible project to work on and a fantastic opportunity for our team to showcase what we do best. It wasn’t just a case of changing a few light fittings — we carried out a full redesign of the lighting systems across 180 sites. It’s by far our biggest project to date, and we’re proud of the positive impact it’s had on Vertu’s operations.”

— Sarah Marshall, General Manager, TEP Electrical Distributors

A partnership built on trust

Projects like this highlight what TEP is all about — combining technical expertise with genuine partnership to deliver results that make a difference.

Whether its helping businesses take their first step toward net zero, improving working conditions, or reducing operational costs, we work closely with every client to design solutions that meet both short-term goals and long-term ambitions.

If you’d like to explore how your business could achieve similar results, we’d love to start the conversation.

Book a free lighting consultation today or get in touch to chat with one of team:

+44 (0) 1325 467563

sarahm@tepltd.co.uk