Solar project helps Blackpool businesses mark 30-year partnership

Two Blackpool businesses are marking a 30-year partnership, with the milestone coinciding with a sustainability project to help one of the companies benefit from renewable energy.   

Thompsons Solar, a division of the Thompsons Contracts Group which is located on Clifton Road, has completed an installation for the Top Gun Group, which includes Top Gun Tools & Fixings and Prestige Hardware & Doors. 

The Top Gun Group, located on the Blackpool Enterprise Zone at Blackpool Airport, is celebrating 30 years in business and has been a supplier to the Thompsons Group for the duration. 

The solar installation will help the hardware provider reduce its carbon footprint and take control of its energy bills, and is anticipated to reduce the need for grid-sourced electricity by just over 50 per cent each year.

Matthew Thompson, executive director of the Thompsons Group, said: “Our businesses go back a long way and it’s great to see our trusted supplier become our customer.   

“Strong business to business relationships are invaluable - especially in the construction industry, which really benefits from the use of local supply chains. Congratulations to the Top Gun team for reaching this milestone – we look forward to many more years working together.” 

Chris Smith, managing director at Top Gun Tools, said: “The system is already performing brilliantly, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. From day one, its efficiency, reliability, and seamless integration have exceeded our expectations — proving that investing in smarter, more sustainable technology truly pays off.” 

The Thompsons Group originated in 1979 and has grown significantly over the years. It provides shopfitting, new build construction, specialist joinery manufacture, solar installations and electrical services nationwide across a variety of sectors. This includes hotels, food and beverage, quick service restaurants, sporting venues, retail, new build and renovation of care facilities and any other type of commercial project.

The group recently acquired Daedalian Glass Studios, expanding its offering to include the design, manufacture and installation of high-quality, bespoke glass products across an even wider range of sectors.