Philip Payne’s vision is to be the most aesthetic, aspirational, innovative, and sustainable emergency lighting brand. Established in 1968, our products feature in many of the UK and Ireland’s most iconic buildings. Simply put, we are the architect’s choice.
As part of FW Thorpe plc, our reputation for specification-led products, customised finishes, advanced SpectoXT monitoring systems, and a firm commitment to achieving net zero by 2040 is hard to match.
Philip Payne was established in Solihull by Philip Payne, his wife Isobel and son Michael.
First entry in the order book: 13th June 1968 £62-14 shillings for Robert Jenkins & Co.
Planning permission granted for a manufacturing facility in Thornhill Road, Solihull
Philip George Payne died aged 59
Philip Payne was incorporated Co 1361523. Margaret Payne joined the company.
The original crystal and decorative luminaires were phased out with the company focusing on hospital warning signs and back and edgelit signage luminaires .
Production of edgelit exit signs for suspended ceilings increased and they were specified on numerous prestigious projects:
Acquired by F W Thorpe Plc
Achieved ISO9002
Moved to larger premises
Philip Payne became a member of the Industry Committee for Emergency Lighting (ICEL)
Achieved ISO9001
Philip Payne moved to its current location -Thornhill House
Premises expanded as demand grew for space
Learning centre opened in the Factory
Philip Payne added to its Kitemark certificate with the new wireless automatic test system – Specto-XT
Philip Payne’s Mini Cylinder Luminaire Range accepted into the ICEL Emergency Luminaire Endorsed Product Scheme.
ISO45001 and ISO14001 obtained
FW Thorpe PLC publish The Road to Net Zero.
Philip Payne launch the iON range. One sign for all emergencies.
Launched the ARDEN range, the first British-made range of wooden emergency exit signs.
After initially securing ISO9002 registered firm status in June 2000, Philip Payne went on to achieve transfer to ISO9001 in December 2003.
In the intervening period, membership was also accepted to The Lighting Industry Association and Industry Committee for Emergency Lighting. Both organisations boast a membership of the leading British and European Lighting Companies shaping innovations in areas of technology, safety and the environment.
The Philip Payne product warranty offered to customers covers a period of 6 years, with no get-out clauses concerning the number of burning hours or maintenance requirements, and no convoluted registration process
Philip Payne offers a professional CPD presentation fully accredited and endorsed by CIBSE entitled “LG12 Emergency Lighting Seminar”.
We also offer a professional CPD presentation fully accredited and endorsed by RIBA entitled “Compliant Emergency Lighting (In Accordance with CIBSE LG12)”.
