Online Account Portal | Free Account Management

Great news. T.N. Robinson is excited to announce the launch of our Online Account Portal. Our newly designed Online Account Portal is here to provide you with an intuitive and hassle-free experience for managing your account. Not to mention that our Online Account Portal is 100% free. You can find everything you need through the Online Account Portal and it is completely paperless. You are helping the environment!

We understand that managing your account is an essential part of your interaction with us, and our goal is to make it easier and more convenient for you. With the Account Management Portal, you can access various features and functionalities that will streamline your Online Account Portal management. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and how you can get started!

Benefits of the Online Account Portal

Account History: Keep track of all your past interactions, purchases, and transactions in one place. With the Online Account Portal, you will have access to a comprehensive account history, which allows you to review and analyse your past engagements with T.N. Robinson.

Statements: No more digging through emails or filing cabinets to find your account statements. The portal provides you with easy access to your account statements, so you can view, download, or print them whenever you need them.

Order History: Stay on top of your orders effortlessly. The portal enables you to monitor your order history, check delivery statuses, and reorder items with just a few clicks.

Quote History: If you’ve requested quotes from us in the past, the portal will store them securely for your reference. Accessing previous quotes will be a breeze, helping you make informed decisions for future purchases.

User-Friendly Experience: We understand that your time is valuable, and that’s why we’ve designed the Online Account Portal with ease of use in mind. Navigating through the portal is simple, and you’ll find it to be an intuitive platform to manage your account effectively.

Optional Service: We respect your preferences, and the use of the Online Account Portal is entirely optional. You have the freedom to choose whether you want to utilise the portal or stick with your existing account management methods.

Getting Started with the Online Account Portal

1. Request Portal Login: To get started with our free Online Account Portal, all you need to do is fill in the sign-up form below.

2. Instructions and Set-Up: Once we receive your request, we’ll promptly send you a set of instructions to complete the portal’s setup. The process is quick, and our team will be available to assist you if you encounter any questions or issues.

Example Dashboard

Below is an example of what your Online Account Portal dashboard might look like:

The TNR Commitment to Your Experience

At T.N. Robinson, we’re committed to enhancing your experience with us, and the Online Account Portal is another step towards achieving that goal. We believe that managing your account should be a breeze, and this new portal will exceed your expectations by providing you with easy access to your account history, statements, order history, and quotes—all in one convenient place.

Remember, the use of the portal is entirely optional, and our team is always available to support you through whichever account management method you prefer. Take advantage of this new service today and simplify your account management with T.N. Robinson!

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to a member of our dedicated team, who will be more than happy to help. We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to serving you through our new Online Account Portal.

Should You Buy Electrical Supplies In-Store or Online?

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience plays a significant role in our purchasing decisions. The rise of online shopping has revolutionised the way we buy products, including electrical supplies. However, there remains a large number of people who prefer the traditional brick-and-mortar shopping experience. So, the question arises: should you buy electrical products and supplies in-store or online? In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of both options to help you make an informed decision.

In-Store Shopping: The Advantages

Expert Advice and Personal Assistance:

One of the primary benefits of shopping in-store is the availability of expert advice. Staff members with industry knowledge can provide valuable guidance on a range of electrical projects, product selection, installation, and compatibility. This personalised assistance can be invaluable when making a purchase, especially for those with limited electrical experience.

Physical Inspection:

When shopping in-store, you have the opportunity to see, touch, and feel the products. This allows you to assess the quality, size, and other features firsthand before making a purchase. It can be particularly helpful when shopping for accessories or for items like cables, where flexibility and thickness may be essential factors to consider.

Immediate Availability:

If you’re working on a project with a tight deadline, in-store shopping offers your clients the advantage of immediate availability. You can shop and pick up the required items on the spot, without waiting for shipping and delivery.

In-Store Shopping: The Disadvantages

Limited Stock and Variety:

Physical stores often have limited shelf space, which means they may not stock a comprehensive range of all brands and products. This can be particularly frustrating if you’re looking for a specific item or brand that isn’t available in your local store.

Higher Prices:

Brick-and-mortar stores typically have higher overhead costs, such as rent, utilities, and staff salaries. These costs are often passed on to the customer in the form of higher prices.

Inconvenience:

In-store shopping can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Travelling to the store, navigating through aisles, and waiting in queues can eat into your precious time. This may not be an ideal scenario for those with busy schedules or limited mobility.

Online Shopping: The Advantages

Vast Product Range:

One of the most significant benefits of online shopping is the extensive range of products available at your fingertips. Online retailers can offer customers a more comprehensive selection of both lighting and electrical supplies, including niche products and brands that may be hard to find in physical stores.

Competitive Prices:

Online retailers often have lower overhead costs, which can result in more competitive prices for customers. Additionally, the ability to quickly compare prices across multiple websites can help you find the best deals and shop around with ease.

Convenience:

Online shopping allows you to research and purchase electrical supplies from the comfort of your home, at any time of day or night. With just a few clicks, you can have the items delivered to your doorstep, eliminating the need for travel and reducing the time and money you spent shopping.

Customer Reviews:

When shopping online, you have free access to a huge range of customer reviews and ratings, providing valuable insight into the quality and performance of a product. This can help you make a more informed decision and avoid purchasing subpar products.

Online Shopping: The Disadvantages

Lack of Personal Assistance:

When shopping online, you may not have the same level of personal assistance and expert advice available in physical stores. While some online retailers offer chat or phone support, it’s free and not always as immediate or in-depth as speaking to a knowledgeable staff member in person.

Inability to Inspect Products:

With online shopping, you cannot physically inspect the products before purchasing. This can make it challenging to gauge the quality, size, and other features of the item.

Shipping and Delivery Times:

While online shopping offers the convenience of home delivery, you may have to wait several days for your items to arrive. If you’re working on a time-sensitive project, this delay could be problematic.

Electrical Supplies Near Me – Conclusion

In the debate between in-store and online shopping for electrical products, lighting, and supplies, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on your personal preferences, needs, and circumstances. If you value expert advice, immediate availability, and the ability to physically inspect products, in-store shopping may be the best choice for you.

However, if convenience, product variety, and competitive pricing are your top priorities, you might find online shopping more appealing. In the end, it’s about finding a balance that suits you best. Happy shopping!

A Complete Guide to Electrical Cabling

In the realm of home renovation or construction, understanding the intricacies of electrical cabling is paramount. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the subject, helping to clarify the complex world of cables, wires copper conductors, and circuits that power our homes and offices. For more detailed information, you can also visit the Wikipedia page on electrical wiring.

Understanding Electric Cables

Power cables, at its most basic, refers to the insulated conductors used to transmit electricity from the source to the devices that use it. These cables are made up of three essential components: the conductor, the insulation, and the protective sheath.

Conductor: This is the wire that carries the electrical current. It’s typically made of copper or aluminium because of their high conductivity.

Insulation: Surrounding the surface of the conductor is the insulation, a material typically made of plastic or rubber. Its role is to prevent electric shocks and to keep the electricity flowing in the right direction.

Protective Sheath: Lastly, there’s the protective, metal sheath, which encases the insulated conductors. This outer sheath provides additional protection against physical damage and environmental conditions.

Types of Electrical Cables

Understanding the different types of electrical cables is essential, as each has its unique characteristics and uses. Here are some of the most common types:

Single-core Cables

These cables have only one conductor and are mainly used for transmission of low voltage applications, such as lighting circuits.

Multi-core Cables

As the name suggests, these have multiple conductors, each insulated from one point to another. They’re used in a range of high power applications, like power supply to buildings.

Coaxial Cables

These are used for transmitting high-frequency signals, such as those for televisions and internet connections.

Ethernet Cables

These are used for network connections, providing a wired internet connection.

Flexible Cable

Flexible cables, as their name suggests, are designed for situations where flexibility is required. These cables can bend easily without damaging the conductors or insulation, making them perfect for portable devices, machinery, and equipment that need to move during operation. They consist of multiple thin strands or lengths of wire, as opposed to a single, thick wire, which allows them to bend without breaking. Common types of flexible cables include extension leads, appliance cords, and power supply cords. In addition, flexible cables are often used in industrial applications, robotics manufacturing, and other environments where cables need to withstand frequent movement or vibration.

Steel Wire Armoured Cables

Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) cables are a unique type of electrical cable designed for heavy-duty applications. They are constructed with a layer of solid steel wire armouring, which provides exceptional mechanical protection, making them suitable for use in harsh environments and areas with a high risk of physical damage. This makes SWA cables ideal for outdoor use, for direct burial, within cable ducts, or for installations where the cable may be exposed to mechanical stress. Despite their rugged construction, these cables still maintain a degree of flexibility, making them versatile for various industrial and commercial applications. They are often used in all power transmission networks, including underground, external and internal projects, as well as in cable networks, power stations, and industries.

Safety Regulations and Standards

In the UK, electrical installations must adhere to the British Standard BS 7671:2018, also known as the ‘Wiring Regulations’. This standard, published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), outlines the safety requirements for electrical installations.

It’s important to note that all electrical work in the UK, apart from some minor tasks, must be carried out by a competent person. This could be a professional electrician or someone who has undertaken appropriate training.

Professional Electrical Cable Installation and Maintenance

While some minor electrical tasks can be performed by a DIY enthusiast, most electrical work should be left to professionals. Improper installation can lead to serious safety issues, including electrical fires and electrocution. A certified electrician can ensure the work is done safely and meets all relevant regulations.

Regular maintenance of your electrical wiring is also crucial to protect and ensure its safe operation. Over time, cables can deteriorate, leading to potential safety hazards. Having your wiring inspected and tested by a professional every few years can help to prevent these issues.

Conclusion

Understanding electric cable can seem like a daunting task, but with a bit of knowledge and understanding, it becomes far more approachable. However, remember that while it’s beneficial to understand the basics, any significant electrical work should be left to the professionals. Safety should always be the first priority when dealing with electricity.

For more in-depth information, please visit the Wikipedia page on electrical wiring.

What are the different types of flexible cables?

Self Driving Cars Explained

• Level 0 – No Automation
• Level 1 – Driver Assistance
• Level 2 – Partial Automation
• Level 3 – Conditional Automation
• Level 4 – High Automation
• Level 5 – Full Automation

5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SAVE ENERGY & MONEY

With the cost of living increasing and energy and fuel prices on the rise, we thought we’d take a quick look at a few ways you can save energy and money at home, in the workplace and even on the road.

1. Turn off the lights!

Always turn lights off when leaving a room. The typical household could save almost £20 a year just by doing something as simple as getting in the habit of switching off the lights as you leave the room. Be aware of how many lights you have on in a room. If you have the main light on, do you need the lamp on too?

In some settings it may be worth installing dimmer switches or motion/occupancy sensors to save costs. Modern light dimmers save you energy, and they also extend the life of your light bulbs. Motion sensors work by turning the lights off when they no longer sense anyone in the room, protecting against energy loss from leaving lights on when no one is using them.

Dimmer switches, motion sensors and timer switches are available from your local TNR branch.

2. Switch to LED Lighting

Switching your building’s lighting to LEDs is a quick, easy and a low-cost win to reduce your electricity costs and switching has the potential to reduce your lighting costs by as much as 90%.

According to Energy Saving Trust you can save £2-3 per year for every traditional halogen bulb you switch to a similarly bright LED bulb. Replacing a 50W halogen with an LED equivalent could cut your energy costs by £75 over the lifetime of the bulb, not including the cost of replacing the halogen bulbs you would have used. Energy-efficient lighting helps lower electricity bills and carbon dioxide emissions, all without reducing the quality of light in our homes.

Each of our branches stock a superb range of LED lamps and tubes for every application.

3. Set your room thermostat

Did you know that heating and hot water accounts for over half of what you spend on your energy bills?

A room thermostat prevents your heating system from using more fuel than it needs to. It will turn the heating on until the room reaches the temperature you have set and then off until the temperature drops below your programmed temperature.

The thermostat should be set to the lowest comfortable temperature, typically between 18°C and 21°C. You don’t need to turn your room thermostat up when it is colder outside; the house will heat up to the set temperature whatever the weather, however it may take a little longer on colder days. Turning up your room thermostat doesn’t make your home heat any faster.

Setting your thermostat just 1°C lower could result in a saving up to £80 a year on your heating costs!

Speak to your local TNR branch about our range of thermostats.

4. Replace old heaters and bathroom radiators

Whether it’s heating options for your home, office or hotel, Rointe provide technologically advanced, energy efficient electric heating systems that create comfortable properties without excessive consumption or unnecessary costs.

Replacing your old, outdated storage heaters with new, stylish and energy efficient electric radiators with technology such as Wi-Fi control and smart energy software will lower your energy bills and reduce the impact on the environment.

Rointe Smart Heating is available from your local TNR branch, take control of your heating, anytime, anywhere.

5. Go electric!

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are an increasingly attractive option, due to the expanding choice of models available and intensifying concerns about air quality and climate change. While the initial upfront purchase price can be higher, this is usually offset by benefits such as lower running costs, free parking, no congestion charge and an increased resale value.

If you’ve already got an EV it’s also worth noting that the cost of using public chargers has recently increased, making it much more expensive to charge your car in public, compared to using your own personal charger at home. Installing a Zappi (Britain’s best-selling eco-smart electric vehicle charging device) could save you hundreds in the long run.

Click here for more information on the zappi and the myenergi range of accessories

Free Energy Surveys

If you’d like some further advice, you may benefit from big savings on your energy consumption with one of our free energy surveys.

We pinpoint where savings are available. We assess your energy usage based on your currently installed products and use further site information such as room sizes, required lux or heat levels, hours of usage etc. to design an appropriate scheme and to offer simple to understand payback calculations.

Efficient technologies consume less energy and often result in a more comfortable working/learning environment, as well as lower energy bills, and can reduce both short and long term maintenance over the lifetime of the product.

• Improve business finances
• Save money and prolong life of appliances
• Reduce your carbon footprint and energy bills

Take the first step to saving money and call your local branch today! 

The Magic of the EDA Awards!

Huge congratulations to our Commercial Director, Simon Thwaite who enjoyed a magical night at the Electrical Distributors’ Association’s (EDA) Annual Education & Training Awards in London on Thursday 3 March 2022.

Simon was presented with an Investor in Training Award for championing the EDA Product Knowledge Modules.

Over 500 guests attended the dinner, hosted by celebrity magician, Ben Hanlin. After performing his own brand of mind-bending magic, Ben presented Investor in Training trophies to just nine hand-picked, high performing leaders from EDA wholesalers and manufacturers.

Everyone at T.N. Robinson would like to offer their warmest congratulations to Simon on this well-deserved award.

(Left to right) Chris Ashworth, EDA President; Simon Thwaite; Perry Jones, EDA Apprenticeships Plus; Ben Hanlin, Magician.

99 Years of T.N. Robinson!

As we approach our centenary year we thought we’d take a little look back at the first 99 years of Stockport’s oldest established wholesale electrical distributor.

Where it Began

Mr Thomas Needham Robinson was an enterprising gentleman with an eye to the needs of his time, he worked in all the departments of the Mill Gate Generating Station and the Corporation Tramways Department.

T.N. Robinson (centre) 1920

Just after the First World War he went into partnership with two local businessmen manufacturing DC motor starters. The Penny Lane premises off Lancashire Hill in Stockport were small, but big enough to manufacture the starters from a Ferranti Ltd. patent.

In 1923 the sale of starters declined so the group expanded into factoring electrical accessories. Potential was obvious to the discerning Mr Robinson and in September of that year, he opened his own factoring business in a lean-to wooden shed under No. 4 Arch of the Railway Viaduct, Daw Bank, Stockport.

Small Beginnings

In those early days the passing traffic in Stockport’s Daw Bank was horse-drawn, and the founder, his wife and a delivery lad advanced the business. (The lad, Alfred Bennet, who began by delivering by bike and handcart eventually became General Manager and completed over 60 years of service!)

T.N. Robinson’s soon became the wholesalers to contact for trade and industrial supplies, and in 1928 T.N. Robinson became a founder member of the Stockport Chamber of Commerce.

Invoice from 1935

On 1 January 1937 T.N. Robinson joined the Electrical Distributors’ Association – EDA (only two companies have a longer EDA heritage). By 1939 Robinson’s was one of the main suppliers of electrical components and appliances to the trade. Letters of thanks relating to their quick adaption in catering for Ministry contracts are still on file, lasting proof of their worthwhile war effort.

New Premises

In 1951 the Company opened new premises on Daw Bank with a total area of 20,000 square feet, being about 20 times bigger than the original lean-to, and compromising a fine showroom, offices and stockrooms.

Demand has continued and the building has been extended again and again for the increasing business.

Founded on a Family

Mr Robinson (below, 1955) died in 1959. His daughter, Mary Drake (nee Robinson) became Chairman of the Board of Directors, and her husband, Wilfrid Drake, who had joined the firm in 1945, became Managing Director. Their sons Michael and Anthony became actively engaged in the day to day running of the firm, with Michael eventually taking over as Managing Director. Pictured in 1981 (L to R) are Michael Drake, Wilfrid Drake & Alfred Bennet.

Branching Out

Fifty years ago, in 1972, a small, well established company of Electrical Distributors in Crewe were acquired, expanding the area covered by the company. This was followed in June 1980 with another branch added in Ashton-Under-Lyne.

New branches followed in Macclesfield (1983), Chester (1993), Rochdale (2003) and Warrington (2003), continuing T.N. Robinson’s expansion across the North West of England.

Fourth Generation

In January 2016 Michael Drake became Chairman of the Company, with his son, Chris Drake (T.N’s great grandson) taking over the Managing Director duties.

Chris didn’t waste any time in further expanding the Company, and in 2017 T.N. Robinson opened 3 new branches in Anglesey, Mochdre, and Rhyl. This was closely followed by our newest branch, Pwllheli, in January of 2018. With the addition of our North Wales stores T.N. Robinson now has a network of 11 branches.

2022 and beyond

The future looks bright for the company as we plan to celebrate our centenary year in 2023. Many things have changed over the last 99 years, but our commitment to customer service hasn’t. We are proud of the reputation we have gained within our industry for providing exceptional customer service. Whether it’s over the counter, on the phone, or online we continue to strive to give our customers the very best advice, and prices, every single day.

We’re looking forward to celebrating our 100th year with you, our customers. Please keep an eye out in-store, and on our website and social media channels for some very exciting plans in 2023!

New Logo Announcement

We are proud to announce the launch of the new T.N. Robinson logo and branding.

The previous logo has been with us for over 20 years and has seen us through so much growth. In that time we’ve added new branches, launched our website and social media platforms, embraced new products and technology and introduced same day delivery. The way we do business has evolved, and the way our customers work has changed too. So it felt like the right time to take a closer look at our logo and give it a much-needed refresh.

Reasons for change

Change is inevitable and something to be embraced, but we didn’t want to change the logo just for the sake of it. The new design would have to be dynamic, simple and modern and show that we are forward thinking, while also containing the tradition and spirit of our previous logos. The new logo needed to be more visible from a distance, yet also work well in small sizes such as mobile phone screens. So after a few months of ideas, sketches, design and development we have chosen a logo that we feel meets the above criteria.

The finer details

We wanted to keep with a similar colour scheme. It’s well known that blue and white logos evoke feelings of professionalism, trust and loyalty, and these things are very important to us. The dark blue (Pantone 2746C) is the same colour that has been used in the last 2 logos, the yellow (Pantone Yellow C) is also from a previous logo and provides a better contrast to the blue than the orange does. We have retained the strong, traditional sans serif look of the T.N. Robinson font and simplified ‘Wholesale Electrical Distributors’ to a less complicated ‘Electrical Wholesalers’. Stripes have been an important feature in the past and we have used them to emphasise our established date (just 2 years until we turn 100)! We hope you agree that the new logo is cleaner, modern and more visible, and should work better in more places.

Roll-out

Over the next few days, weeks and months, you’ll see the new logo rolled out on the website, marketing material, on social media and eventually onto vans and branch signs. Changing a logo is a process that can involve many steps and it’ll take some time, so we will be phasing it in gradually. If you have used our former logo in any of your marketing materials, please assist us in updating them. We appreciate your kind support.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

TNR Partners up with Curzon Ashton!

We are delighted to announce that T.N. Robinson has entered into an exciting partnership with National League North team, Curzon Ashton Football Club to become their Official Match Day Partners!

Fans of ‘The Nash’ will become familiar with a TNR presence around the ground, on the community 3G, in the match day programme and even in the club bar!

Curzon Ashton play at The Tameside Stadium on Richmond Street in Ashton-under-Lyne, which is only 2.7 miles away from our Westbury Street Trade Counter.

TNR Ashton Branch Manager, Mark Johnson (pictured above, right) said “We are excited to partner with Curzon Ashton, they are an ambitious and friendly club who do great work within the community. We share similar values in supporting local businesses and we look forward to an exciting season working together. I’ll be down watching as many games as I can, cheering the team on with my family.”

Perfect Partners

Curzon Ashton Director, Paul McHugh said “T.N. Robinson and Curzon have formed a great partnership for the coming years. Mark and the team at T.N. Robinson are the perfect partner for our ambitious club. Community business, supporting community club – brilliant! There is so much positivity surrounding our club at the minute and this partnership speaks volumes! I’d like to say a massive thank you from us all at Curzon.”

We’d like to wish Curzon the best of luck for this season. Up the Nash!

Click here to visit Curzon Ashton’s website