This year marks a truly special milestone for us, our 50th anniversary.

Reaching half a century in business is more than just a number. It’s a testament to the people, partnerships, and purpose that have shaped who we are today. From our beginnings in 1976 to where we stand now in the lighting industry, our journey has been defined by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

Where It All Began
Fifty years ago, Patrick and Florence Dormoy started this company with a simple vision: to create a company rooted in architecture and design. What began as a small furniture company run from their front room in Harrogate has grown under Ulysse’s stewardship into a lighting company shaping the industry and contributing to the understanding of how light influences our health and wellbeing.

My Story
When I joined Atrium in 1990, the workplace looked very different from today. I worked closely with Florence, an exceptional mentor whose influence shaped not only my early career but also my approach to leadership. She taught me everything—from operating telex and fax machines to communicate with suppliers, to using word processors for client correspondence, to maintaining the red cash books where every financial record was handwritten with meticulous care. Calculations were done either mentally or on a calculator, and a large, temperamental desktop computer—taking up most of my desk—was reserved for payroll when it decided to cooperate. Flights were booked over the phone, and London’s area code was simply “01”. It may feel like another era now, but the values Florence instilled have stood the test of time. She believed in hard work, but equally in running an office with empathy and a subtle, impish sense of humour. Under her guidance, I learned every aspect of bookkeeping and office management, and it was both a privilege and a joy to work alongside her.

The People Behind the Journey
Our success wouldn’t be possible without the incredible people who have been part of our story. From long-serving team members to new faces bringing fresh perspectives, every individual has contributed to building something we’re proud of.
I also want to thank our clients, suppliers, professional advisors and community. Your trust and support have been at the heart of everything we do.

Looking Ahead
While we’re proud of our history, we’re even more excited about the future. The world is changing rapidly, and we’re committed to evolving with it—continuing to innovate, improve, and serve our clients in new and better ways. Our focus remains on Quality of Light equals Quality of Life. Thank you for being part of our story!

As we celebrate 50 years, we do so with gratitude and optimism. This milestone belongs to everyone who has been part of our journey. Here’s to the next chapter.