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The Original BTC Group
Original BTC Hector table light
Davey Lighting Hex box pendant
Beadlight Cirrus wall light
established in 1990, original bTC began life as an oxford-based lighting brand, designing and manufacturing interior lighting for the contract and domestic markets. 26 years later it has evolved to become The original bTC Group, with three lighting brands as well as London and paris showrooms under its umbrella. a unique figure in british manufacturing, founder peter bowles’ repertoire includes launching brands, rescuing struggling heritage brands and factories as well as designing products, all in conjunction with son Charlie who became a director in 2012. With a passionate commitment to local production, Bowles set out to create a collection of bone china lights manufactured in Stoke-on-Trent. Fascinated by the area’s rich industrial history and the material’s translucency and versatility, he approached a local tableware factory. Despite workers’ initial reservations, their skill and expertise helped create a beautifully crafted and highly successful lighting collection, providing a much- needed boost for Stoke, the heart of the British ceramics industry for three centuries. When the factory revealed it was under threat of closure, Bowles took on the business, including all staff, whose years of experience would otherwise be lost. The factory is now Original BTC’s lifeblood, producing the bone china components synonymous with many of its best-loved designs. “I’ve had a firm eye on the export market from the beginning. Participating in trade shows including Maison et Objet has been key to international expansion – meeting customers, talking them through designs and demonstrating our friendly, efficient service,” explains Bowles. Today, 50% of production is exported. Major markets include the US, Australia and Europe, while products are sold as far afield as Greenland, Brazil and Hong Kong. “We’re manufacturing lights in Oxford, Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham which can be spotted in locations as exotic as St Barts, Mustique and Barbados. From the kilns of Stoke to
In early 2013, Oxford-based LED lighting manufacturer Beadlight joined the portfolio. Founded in the 1980s, Beadlight designed, engineered and manufactured the first low-heat, low-power LED reading light for commercial aircraft. With a focus on the aeronautical, hotel and yacht industries, the Bowles’ are expanding and exploring new markets as well as designing The Group enjoys the support of notable figures in the design industry and beyond. Said designer Sir Terence Conran: “I have used Original BTC’s lights for over 20 years. The Conran Shop was one of the first new products including Beadlight’s first lights for domestic use.
Prime Minister David Cameron visits Original BTC’s Oxfordshire headquarters
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retailers to stock their products, many of which can be spotted in our restaurants, hotels and contract projects.” Following a 2014 visit to the Group’s Oxfordshire headquarters, Prime Minister David Cameron said: “The Group is a fantastic example of what can be achieved in a difficult economic climate. I know how much hard work has been put in by Peter and all the staff and it is great to see the rewards of these efforts.” “Winning a Queen’s Award is a huge honour for the entire team – it’s the highest accolade a company can receive in the UK. We’ve worked hard to produce high quality, well-designed, globally competitive lighting to show how successful British design and manufacturing can be,”said Peter Bowles. THE ORIGINAL BTC GROUP The Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, London SW10 0XE Tel: +44 (0)207 351 2130 sales@originalbtc.com www.originalbtc.com I @originalbtc
the Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental hotels - that’s a fantastic thing for British industry”. In 2010 the Bowles’ purchased Davey Lighting, a marine lighting manufacturer founded in East India Docks in the 1880s, preventing its sale to a Belgian company planning to outsource production to the Far East. The acquisition of Davey Lighting meant the Bowles’ had entered the exterior lighting market, creating further opportunities in the UK and abroad. Determined to manufacture all components on British soil, Peter and Charlie rescued a Birminghammetalworks where Davey lights are hand-spun from sheet metal. Next, they secured the future of English Antique Glass, the country’s only remaining flat glass manufacturer, used in stained glass windows at York Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. New revenue streams were created for the factory producing glass shades for Davey and utilising the master glassblower’s capabilities to create new designs for Original BTC.
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