The Client & Challenge
Marks & Spencer set out a bold target: to replace outdated lighting across 150 stores with energy-efficient LED systems, from food halls to full-store renewals over multiple floors. The business case demanded that the entire investment be paid back through energy savings within just five years. Achieving this required precision on cost, smart engineering, and innovation in design.
Marks & Spencer
Our Approach
Key Group worked as part of the design and delivery team alongside leading lighting manufacturers. Together, we engineered smarter solutions to meet the tight five-year payback model. This included more energy-efficient switching, PIR (passive infrared) controls, and bespoke lighting design that balanced aesthetics with performance.
Our role went beyond fit-out delivery. We worked closely with manufacturers to design tailored fittings and coordinated works around live stores, operating at night to minimise disruption to customers and trading.
Marks & Spencer
Delivery in Detail
Across the four-year programme, the rollout spanned stores of every scale, from regional food halls to multi-floor flagships. Each scheme demanded a tailored approach, with works ranging from ceiling replacements and bespoke manufactured fittings to complex asbestos management and live-store refurbishments.
Some of the notable stores in the rollout included:
Harrogate
Ceiling replacement with suspended LED lighting across the food hall, delivered in 8 weeks.
York
A full renewal of ceilings, floors, fixtures, and lighting, valued at £800k.
London Victoria, Cardinal Place
Ceiling repair and redecoration before installing modern recessed LED lighting.
Leeds
Briggate
Bespoke 1500mm fittings developed to overcome legacy asbestos frames.
These examples illustrate the scale, variety, and complexity of works delivered as part of the wider national programme.
Marks & Spencer
The Results
The programme has delivered consistent energy savings across the estate, aligning with M&S’s five-year payback strategy. Stores benefit from brighter, more sustainable environments with reduced energy costs, modernised design, and improved operational efficiency.
In Our Project Manager’s Words
The challenge wasn’t just installing lights, it was ensuring every scheme paid for itself in five years. That meant smart design, rigorous cost control, and working hand-in-hand with manufacturers and consultants. The result is a lighting solution that looks great and delivers long-term value for M&S.
Marks & Spencer
Nationwide Capability
Delivering 150 store upgrades over four years demonstrates Key Group’s ability to deliver national programmes at pace. From flagship city stores to regional food halls, the work highlights our capacity to adapt methods while providing consistent standards across the UK.
