Sargent Electrical is Literally Building a more Sustainable Future

Sargent Electrical Services Ltd — 23/07/2025

It was a pleasure to host Sam Sleight from Made in Yorkshire recently, providing an opportunity to reflect on our journey over the past few years and share the ambitious plans we have for the future. As a long-standing Made in Yorkshire member, we at Sargent Electrical are proud to champion British manufacturing and we’re passionate about playing our part to drive the industry forward.

Our growth trajectory, while not without its challenges, has been consistently forward-looking. The initial surge in demand for caravans and motorhomes in 2021 and 2022 saw us soar, though geopolitical events and supply chain issues, particularly with microprocessors, presented hurdles. Despite these, our commitment to future-proofing the business has remained steadfast.

A cornerstone of our future is the development of our new 85,000-square-foot factory in Beverley. This isn't just an expansion; it's a testament to our dedication to sustainable and cutting-edge manufacturing. "We're aiming for 'Outstanding' BREEAM certification, which is the highest level, representing the top 1.5% of buildings in the world," stated our Managing Director, Ian Sargent, during his catch up with Sam. This facility will consolidate our three existing buildings, including the motorhome service centre, into one state-of-the-art hub.

The new factory is designed to be largely off-grid, utilising a whole roof of solar panels to generate nearly a megawatt of power. Heating will be provided by air source heat pumps, eliminating the need for oil or gas. We are also incorporating 24 car charging points, a full building management system for optimised control of lighting, heating, and power, and water recovery systems. Beyond the building itself, we are committed to enhancing the local environment, having removed some overgrown Lelandi trees and planting over 100 new trees, including 20 Yorkshire apple trees to form an orchard, along with 2,400 hedgerow plants and wildlife areas.

Managing Director, Ian Sargent:

This is what it could look like. In fact, this is what it SHOULD look like in the future.

Our vision is to showcase what's achievable in an urban retail environment, demonstrating how new technology can provide efficiency and ecological value. We anticipate being able to move into the new facility by November 2026, with contractors beginning ground remediation in October this year for a 12-month build program.

Beyond this significant development, Sargent Electrical continues to innovate across diverse sectors. We are a leading manufacturer of electrical systems for leisure vehicles (caravans and motorhomes), and our expertise extends to complex building wiring systems for large commercial projects, including iconic London landmarks. Our commitment to pushing technological boundaries is also evident in our work with telemetry, particularly in precision agriculture. We've developed advanced monitoring systems that provide real-time data to farmers on soil conditions and more, even incorporating AI for predictive analysis.

During Ian’s meeting with Sam, he also noted "we wanted to make sure that we weren't just in one sector, but strong in different sectors", highlighting our diversified approach. This includes our growing involvement in the EV market, working with some of the world’s largest OEMs on electric motorhomes, and addressing infrastructure challenges like pull-through charging bays for towed vehicles.

Finally, our team has continued to grow as well, now numbering 140 staff, with plans to increase to around 200 once the new factory is operational. We strengthened our leadership team back in 2021/22 with the appointment of four directors: Kelly McCorkindale (HR), Shane Proctor (Ops), Nigel Bielby (Commercial), and Dave Chapman (Technical). This move ensured long-term stability and succession of our family business. This commitment to our team and our future is further reinforced by the involvement of both Ian's and Neil's daughters in the business, representing the next generation of Sargent Electrical.

We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing to contribute to the strength of UK manufacturing, demonstrating what can be achieved through innovation, sustainability, and a clear vision.

Recognised for Resilience: Building the Next Chapter at Sargent Electrical

Sargent Electrical Services Ltd — 28/01/2026

Last week, we welcomed Sam Sleight from Made in Yorkshire to our site for a catch-up on what’s ahead for Sargent Electrical and to mark a moment we’re incredibly proud of.

During the visit, Sam presented our Managing Director, Ian Sargent, with his exclusive Great 100 pin badge, following Ian being named as one of the winners in the Made in Group’s Great 100 Awards back in December. The recognition reflects not just business success, but Ian’s leadership in driving long-term resilience through sustainability, investment and clear purpose.

Over the past 12 months in particular, Ian has been working tirelessly on plans for our new facility in Beverley — a project that sets out what sustainable manufacturing should look like. Designed to achieve Outstanding BREEAM certification, the new site will operate largely off-grid, powered by solar generation, air source heat pumps, intelligent energy management and extensive EV infrastructure. Alongside this, biodiversity and environmental enhancement have been built into the plans from day one. It’s this commitment to doing things properly, even when it’s harder and takes longer, that the award recognises.

Building for the Future

A major focus of our conversation was the progress of the new facility. While construction is only just approaching the starting line, a huge amount of work has already gone in behind the scenes. From planning and surveys to navigating increasingly complex regulatory requirements, this has been a demanding process — but one we remain fully committed to.

We are targeting a start on site in February, with the ambition of becoming operational in early 2027. The new building will allow us to rethink how we assemble, test and deliver our products, creating the space and infrastructure needed to support long-term growth, improved workflows and future technologies.

Innovation, Resilience and Growth

Despite the distraction of a major capital project, the business continues to move forward. Over the last year, we’ve grown our workforce by around 7%, reflecting sustained demand and confidence in the future.

We are also bringing several new products to market, many of which have been in development for more than two years. A particular focus is on decarbonising the leisure and holiday home sector, including the removal of gas systems in favour of fully electric, intelligently managed solutions. These systems integrate battery storage, PV generation and advanced energy management, enabling all-electric holiday homes to operate from a standard 16amp supply.

Alongside this, we continue to expand into areas such as emergency and specialist vehicles, supporting police, ambulance and blue light applications with high-quality wiring looms and connection systems.

A Business Shaped for What’s Next

As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, our focus remains clear. We are investing in people, developing new technologies, strengthening resilience in our infrastructure, and preparing for a move that will define the next phase of Sargent Electrical’s journey.

Having our MD recognised in the Great 100 is something we're immensely proud of. It’s a reminder of the values we stand for and the responsibility we have to keep pushing forward.

We look forward to welcoming Made in Yorkshire members over to Sargent Electrical once the new site is up and running and showcasing what will truly be a factory of the future.