30 Years of Horizon — and our new catalogue!

Thirty years ago, Horizon Utility Supplies opened its doors with a clear purpose: to provide the electricity supply industry with the specialist tools and equipment that professionals needed to work safely, efficiently, and with confidence. Since 1996, that founding commitment hasn’t changed…

This year, we’re proud to mark our 30th anniversary.

Horizon 30 Years

Three Decades in the Field

From a focused start in equipment for live working on power lines and cables, Horizon has grown into one of the UK’s largest and most trusted suppliers to the electricity supply and rail industries. We work with overhead linesmen, underground jointers, substation fitters, technicians, and engineers — as well as specialist teams across the rail network.

None of that growth happened overnight, and none of it happened alone. It has been built through strong relationships with our customers, our suppliers, and our team. Many of our staff have been with us for years, some since the very early days, and that continuity is something we value enormously. It’s what allows us to truly understand the challenges our customers face, and to respond with products and solutions that make a real difference on the ground.

EOTWe’re proud to be an Employee Ownership Trust – a structure that reflects our belief that the people who build this business should have a genuine stake in its future.

Introducing the New Utility Catalogue

Our new Utility Catalogue represents the broadest and most up-to-date overview of our product range we’ve ever produced. Whether you work in electricity supply, rail, lighting, or emergency services, you’ll find everything you need from equipment for live working and cable crimping tools, to earthing, PPE, site equipment, working at height solutions, and much more.

As always, the catalogue reflects our approach to product sourcing: strong partnerships with quality manufacturers in the UK and around the world, at competitive prices, with the technical knowledge to back it up. We don’t just list products – we understand them, and we’re here to help you find the right solution for the job.

A Look Back: Key Milestones

Over 30 years, there have been many moments that shaped who we are today. Here are some of the highlights:

1996 - Foundation
Horizon Utility Supplies was established by Richard and Lesley Casey with a clear mission to serve the UK electrical utility market. Supported by founding suppliers including White Rubber Corporation, Safety Line, Hanco International, and Plastic Techniques Inc., the business was built on a commitment to quality, technical expertise, and exceptional customer service.
2000 - Strategic Distribution Partnership
Horizon became the exclusive UK distributor for Hastings, introducing Triangular Telescopic Operating Rods - an innovative product that would become the company’s highest revenue generator for over two decades and remains a core offering today.
2001 - Partnership with Klauke
Appointed as a distributor for the UK utility market, Horizon began its long-standing relationship with Klauke. Initially supplying under the Doctor Peters brand, this partnership evolved into a close collaboration, including involvement in product development.
2009 - Product Innovation: InsuLine
Horizon designed, tested, and launched InsuLine, a semi-permanent shrouding solution for low-voltage overhead power lines. This innovation became one of the company’s most successful and widely adopted products.
2013 - Major PPE Contract Award
Horizon secured a major footwear and electrical glove contract with a major DNO, significantly strengthening its position as a trusted supplier to the UK utility sector. This long-standing partnership continues to this day.
2016 - Hi-Tool Range Introduction
Following extensive development and testing, Horizon introduced the Hi-Tool range of conductor grips to the UK market, further strengthening its portfolio of specialist utility solutions.
2019 - Recognition and Expansion
Horizon was awarded “Distributor of Excellence” by Klauke in recognition of its contribution to the development of fully insulated cutters and crimpers for low-voltage applications.
2021 - Industry Innovation
In collaboration with Klauke, Horizon launched the world’s first VDE-certified insulated jointer’s cutter, setting a new benchmark for safety and performance in live electrical work.
2023 - Employee Ownership Transition
Horizon transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), reinforcing a people-first culture while ensuring long-term stability and continuity of the company’s founding values.
2026 - 30-Year Milestone
Horizon celebrates 30 years of supporting and innovating within the electricity supply industry, continuing its legacy of quality, expertise, and customer-focused service.

Thank You

Thirty years is a significant milestone, but for us it’s less about looking back and more about what it represents going forward – the trust customers have placed in us, the expertise we’ve built, and the relationships we’ll continue to grow.

To every customer, supplier, and colleague who has been part of the Horizon story: thank you. We wouldn’t be here without you, and we’re proud to be heading into the next chapter together.

For more information about our products or to speak to a member of the team, contact us at contactus@hor-i-zon.com or call 01275 342 700.