Chelsom was founded by Reg and Kay Chelsom in 1947 and began trading as an antique shop in Blackpool under the name ‘The Golden Age’. Soon progressing to three shops, the company began to manufacture reproduction period lighting which they distributed to retailers and interior designers throughout the UK.
Robert Chelsom took over as CEO in the 1970’s and led the company to the forefront of the hospitality lighting industry. Current Managing Director, Will Chelsom, joined the company in 2006 and has been instrumental in driving the Export division and diversifying into the marine sector.
Innovative in-house designs, high quality manufacturing and excellent service levels have contributed towards winning prestigious projects in more than 70 countries across the world which in turn led to Chelsom being awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade in its seventieth year.
Exports now account for around 40% of all sales and Chelsom has built an exceptionally strong client base including major hotel operators such as Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Starwood, Hilton, Accor, Marriott and on the marine side, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
Robert Chelsom, Chairman, comments: “I am thrilled that Chelsom is celebrating 70 years as a family business and as we enter our seventieth year I am delighted to be working alongside my son. Will represents the third generation of the Chelsom family involved in the business and with his ideas for growth, understanding of the industry and a genuine passion for what he does, I am certain Chelsom will be celebrating many more anniversaries like this.”
Will Chelsom adds: “It’s a real achievement to be celebrating our seventieth anniversary this year and still be able to call ourselves a genuine family business. We are also incredibly proud to be able to commemorate this anniversary with the news that we have been awarded the Queen’s Award for International Trade.
“Not only does the award acknowledge the dedication and passion that every employee has shown in helping to drive the business forward internationally, but it is fitting recognition that this third-generation family business is now at the forefront of the industry thanks to a combination of our product designs, sales strategies and ultimately all the accompanying hard work by every member of the team.”
