20+ Years supporting the trade: Simon Cranton, Managing Director of Doepke UK, shares what’s next
| We sat down with Simon, to ask him 10 questions to understand "What's Next ?" |
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1. Can you tell us a bit about your professional background and how you came to lead Doepke UK? “I have worked within the electrical industry for nearly 40 years, both in wholesale and as a manufacturer. Initially, I was in sales, and as my commercial experience grew, this led to management positions. I have been Managing Director of Doepke UK for over 20 years, that can’t be right!? Where did that time go?” 2. Doepke UK has been on a growth trajectory recently. What key factors have driven that success? “While it might sound like a cliché, service has been a key driver of our success. By working closely with stakeholders to understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions, we’ve built a strong relationship of trust. Over the years, this has made us a reliable partner that our clients can count on to grow alongside them.” 3. One of the most visible signs of growth is your new building. What does this expansion mean for Doepke UK and your customers? “Our premises in Daventry, Northamptonshire, no longer met our needs as we outgrew the space, so the newly extended building represents a critical step in our expansion. This investment enables us to expand into a larger, more efficient facility, allowing us to support better and provide innovative solutions to the electrical industry. It’s an evolution that strengthens our ability to serve our customers more effectively and drive future growth.” 4. What new capabilities or improvements does the new facility bring? “The new facility brings several key improvements, including six additional offices, state-of-the-art meeting and training spaces, and a designated break-out area (our ‘soft playroom’). These additions are designed to meet the demands of a modern working environment, providing colleagues with the freedom and tools to collaborate, innovate, and thrive.” |
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5. You’ve also welcomed new team members recently. What roles have been added, and how does this support your strategic goals?
“We’ve strengthened key areas across the business. In production, we’ve brought in additional staff to meet the growing demand for manufacturing. We’ve also expanded our marketing function to ensure our messaging is clear, consistent, and effectively reaching the target audiences. As a customer-led business, it’s vital we listen closely, respond quickly, and anticipate where we need to grow – these additions are a direct reflection of that approach.” 6. What do you see as the biggest challenge in the electrical industry today – and how is Doepke UK helping to address it? “One of the biggest challenges for the electrical industry today is keeping pace with the rapid evolution of technology. New products, new installation methods — it feels like there’s always something new to learn. At Doepke, we focus on making things more transparent and more practical. We’re here to support installers with straightforward information. We’ve always been part of demystifying circuit protection.” 7. The heat pump market is expanding rapidly. How is Doepke UK positioning itself in this area? “We developed a unique two-module Type B RCCB, which provides an affordable device specific for use with ASHP. Doepke listens to electricians and provides solutions; this has been another excellent case study illustrating this approach. It was clear that a regular Type B RCCB would not be suitable for most heat pumps. We led the way in finding a workable solution, something that the contractor could be confident would meet the criteria.” 8. And in the switchgear market – another critical area – what opportunities or trends are you seeing? “This is a crucial part of our business, and because we assemble and stock in the UK, we have been able to quickly respond to changing demands and provide a fast turnaround of high-quality switchgear”. 9. With so much change and growth, how do you maintain Doepke UK’s core values and commitment to quality? “Doepke personnel are key to keeping this; the importance of service runs throughout everything we do. Our collaborations and relationships with customers underpin our commitment to maintaining our high standards.” 10. What excites you most about the future of Doepke UK? “We are constantly developing new solutions and products, and it is more exciting to lead the way than to follow; I find that exciting. Bringing in new team members is part of this journey and enabling them to help shape our future and inject fresh ideas and initiatives.” The above article will feature in the following magazines: Electrical Times Magazine - August Edition Professional Electricians Wholesaler Magazine – Sept Edition |