Blog

Celebrating Our Community: Charities Supported by Thorne & Derrick in the First Half of 2025

Building Stronger Durham Communities: Our 2025 Partners

In the first half of 2025, we’ve had the privilege of supporting fifteen remarkable organisations across County Durham – groups that are transforming lives through sports, wellbeing programs, cultural enrichment, and essential community services.

These partnerships represent our shared commitment to:
• Strengthening neighbourhoods through improved facilities and gathering spaces
• Empowering young people with developmental opportunities
• Promoting wellbeing across all generations
• Celebrating local culture that binds communities together

We’re continually inspired by the dedication of these organisations and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their meaningful work. Below, we highlight the initiatives we’ve supported – not as a measure of our giving, but as recognition of their invaluable community impact.

Encouraging Sports & Youth Development

Darlington Football Club Foundation CIO (Park West, Darlington)

• Project: Think With Your Feet – engaging young adults (19-25)

• Approved: 23/01/2025

Consett & District Cricket Club (Consett North)

• Project: New sightscreens for young cricketers (5-12 years)

• Approved: 13/02/2025

Burnmoor Cricket Lawn Tennis Club & Institute (Lumley, North Durham)

• Project: Facility improvements for all ages

• Approved: 27/03/2025

Durham Association Boys & Girls Clubs (North Lodge, North Durham)

• Project: Wellbeing Summer Programme 2025 for teenagers (13-18)

• Approved: 27/03/2025

Sports and youth clubs play a crucial role in keeping communities active and connected.

Youth & Wellbeing Initiatives

Pelton Fell Community Partnership (Chester-le-Street West Central)

• Project: Friday Night youth club for children (5-12)

• Approved: 06/03/2025

Wellbeing 4 Men CIC (Tudhoe, Bishop Auckland)

• Project: Educational programme for boys & young men (11-25)

• Approved: 19/06/2025

Framwellgate Moor Youth & Community Association (Framwellgate & Newton Hall, Durham)

• Project: Wellbeing Tuesdays for all ages

• Approved: 19/06/2025

Dare North East CIC (Neville’s Cross, Durham)

• Project: Step Into It – adult wellbeing programme (26-65)

• Approved: 19/06/2025

Mental health and wellbeing are at the heart of strong communities.

️ Empowering Adults & Older Generations

Endeavour Woodcrafts CIC (Ferryhill, Sedgefield)

• Project: Security roller shutters for their workshop

• Beneficiaries: Adults (26-65)

• Approved: 13/02/2025

Sacriston Community Association (Sacriston, North Durham)

• Project: The People’s Project for older people (66+)

• Approved: 17/04/2025

The Allotment Project CIC (Deerness, Durham)

• Project: Growing Together – supporting adults (26-65)

• Approved: 15/05/2025

Sedgefield Out Of School Fun Club (Sedgefield)

• Project: New outdoor canopy for children (5-12)

• Approved: 19/06/2025

From skill-building to social support, these projects help people thrive at every stage of life.

Celebrating Arts & Culture

Durham Fringe CIC (Belmont, Durham)

• Project: Supporting the Durham Fringe Festival

• Beneficiaries: All ages

• Approved: 11/06/2025

Arts and culture bring vibrancy to our communities, and we’re proud to back this exciting festival.

About Thorne and Derrick International

Thorne & Derrick International are UK based and are the leading specialist distributors of LV, MV and HV cable accessories and tooling from 600V to 132kV complemented by an extensive range of hazardous area certified electrical equipment (ATEX and IECEx) to provide compliant, safe and optimised power, heating and lighting. Thorne and Derrick International supports critical infrastructure projects across power, utilities, rail, construction, oil & gas, marine, and process industries. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick International delivers trusted products, technical support, and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of the energy and industrial process markets.

Driving Sustainability and Innovation: NEPIC’s Cluster Connect Event 2025

The NEPIC June 2025 Cluster Connect event, hosted at 3M’s Newton Aycliffe facility, was a resounding success, bringing together industry leaders to discuss sustainability, electrical innovation and collaborative growth. Among the highlights were the insightful presentations by Terry McDonald, representing Thorne & Derrick International, and Jenny Swindells from 3M Electrical, who shared their expertise on how the electrical sector is evolving to meet future challenges.

Terry McDonald: A Legacy of Electrical Innovation

Terry McDonald’s presentation delved into the long-standing partnership between Thorne & Derrick and 3M, showcasing how their collaboration has driven advancements in electrical infrastructure, cable jointing, and LV MV HV substation equipment. With decades of experience in the industry, Terry provided a fascinating look into how Thorne & Derrick has been at the forefront of HV and LV electrical solutions, supporting critical projects across the UK and beyond.

Key takeaways from Terry’s talk included:

• The importance of sustainable electrical solutions in modern infrastructure.

• How innovation in cable jointing and termination technologies is shaping safer, more efficient power distribution using Cold Shrink technology pioneered by 3M Electrical.

• The historical journey of Thorne & Derrick and its alignment with 3M’s vision for a greener future.

Attendees left with a deeper appreciation for how industry partnerships can accelerate progress, ensuring that the electrical sector remains resilient and forward-thinking.

Jenny Swindells: 3M’s Commitment to Sustainability

Jenny Swindells, representing 3M, delivered an engaging presentation on sustainability in the electrical sector, emphasising how material science and innovation are paving the way for eco-friendly advancements.

Her discussion highlighted

• 3M’s cutting-edge developments in electrical insulation, Scotchcast Resin, safety products, and renewable energy solutions.

• The role of circular economy principles in reducing waste and improving efficiency.

• How collaboration between companies like 3M and Thorne & Derrick fosters industry-wide progress.

The site tour of 3M’s Newton Aycliffe facility further reinforced these insights, giving attendees a first-hand look at the ground-breaking work being done behind the scenes.

A Morning of Networking and Inspiration

The event was a fantastic opportunity for professionals across the Northeast Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) to connect, share ideas, and explore future collaborations. The combination of expert insights, facility tours, and networking made it a truly enriching experience.

A huge thank you to 3M hosting such an inspiring event. The discussions on sustainability, innovation, and partnership have set the stage for even greater advancements in the electrical sector.

About Thorne and Derrick International

Thorne & Derrick International are UK based and are the leading specialist distributors of LV, MV and HV cable accessories, joints, terminations and tooling from 600V to 132kV complemented by an extensive range of hazardous area certified electrical equipment (ATEX and IECEx) to provide compliant, safe and optimised power, heating and lighting.

Thorne and Derrick International supports critical infrastructure projects across power, utilities, rail, construction, oil & gas, marine, and process industries.

With over 40 years of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick International delivers trusted products, technical support, and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of the energy and industrial process markets.

Thick Cable Sheath Removal in Tight Spaces with the Ripley US15 PRO MAX

How Good Is The Ripley US15 PRO MAX?

A must have for your cable jointing tool box, the Ripley US15 PRO MAX is the perfect solution for precise safe cable outer sheath jacket removal from LV MV HV power cables. Whether the cable is thin or thick, the US15 PRO MAX performs fully adjustable cuts on cable diameters from 38mm to 80mm, whilst maintaining the underlying layers of the cable.

The professional heavy-duty cable sheath jacket stripping tool can cut through many types of insulated material, including PE, XLPE, PVC, EPR, EPDM, TGGT, Silicone Rubber and Sealpic, creating clean ring, spiral and longitudinal cuts. Ultimately, the Ripley US15 eliminates the need for basic cable cutting tools, improving safety, preventing possible cable damage, and delivering reliable results.

• Flexible and adjustable blade position and cutting depth
• Suitable for hard and soft insulated power cables with diameter of 38mm – 80mm
• Compatible with a number of varied insulated materials

How do I remove the cable outer sheath after cutting? The Ripley US15-7020 Cable Sheath & Jacket Lifting Tool is the safest solution for lifting a jacket from a LV MV HV power cable, rather than using a standard knife.

Thick Cable sHEATH rEMOVAL, Close Quarters, No Problem!

The Ripley US15 PRO MAX made this job effortless. Challenged with an incredibly thick cable outer sheath jacket (around 65mm diameter) in a small space, Harvey selected the US15 PRO MAX to solve the limited flexibility hurdle.

Starting with a circumferential cut, then seamlessly switching to a spiral cut and pushing up to create a quick, easy and effective slice. Due to the power cable being in an awkward position and thick insulation, the cable was difficult to bend. Using the Ripley US15 PRO MAX was the ideal tool to spiral the cable and manoeuvre the debris. In this case, Harvey used a standard knife to pop and unwrap the cable outer sheath jacket from the cable.

RIPLEY Tools

Experts in Cable Jointing Tool Design 

Founded in 1936, Ripley are market-leaders in manufacturing equipment, tools and technology for specialised applications. Offering a pioneering approach to product design, has enabled Ripley to create innovative tools that solve the everyday challenges faced by linemen, cable engineers, technicians and installers. Including complete ranges of FO LV MV HV cable preparation tools, designed to enable the stripping and removal of cable sheath/jacket, and LV MV HV cable jointing tools, purposed for the jointing of LV HV HV power cables.

As well as the Ripley US15 PRO MAX, Thorne & Derrick are also stockists and suppliers of the complete Ripley Tools range, including Ripley US15-7000 (10mm to 60mm cable diameter) and Ripley US15-7010 PRO (10mm to 60mm cable diameter) Cable Sheath Jacket Stripping Tools. We offer competitive pricing, excellent customer service and fast worldwide delivery, for a seamless buying experience.

Contact our experts and discuss your cable tooling requirements.

Evolution from Local Distributor to Trusted International Partner for High Voltage, Process & Hazardous Area Solutions – Thorne & Derrick Celebrates Local to Global over 40 Years

Thorne & Derrick Celebrates Local to Global over 40 Years

Thorne & Derrick International, a leading distributor of power systems, hazardous area equipment, and process heating solutions, is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year.

Established in 1985 by Victor Thorne and Brian Derrick, the business started trading as Thorne & Derrick from premises in Brislington, Bristol. From the outset, the Company built a strong reputation, representing world-renowned manufacturers such as 3M Electrical, Band-It, and Cembre, supplying their market leading products to critical infrastructure projects and industries.

In 1988 expansion came with the acquisition of Reid Brothers (Glasgow), strengthening the Company’s presence in the strapping and load securing market.

A major milestone came in 1992, when Richard Derrick began operating in the Northeast of England working from a home office in Fenham, Newcastle. Initially Richard focused on selling Electrical Trace Heating solutions from Raychem, but after a move to Gear House in Gateshead, the Northern business expanded into the LV and HV power market. After 23 years, the office relocated to the current Northern headquarters at Lumley Court, Chester-le-Street which is the engine room of the company’s sales and marketing activity today.

In 2015, Reid Brothers was purchased from Thorne & Derrick International, in a management team buyout and is still thriving today.

Meanwhile, after 31 years in Brislington, Bristol, significant business growth forced a relocation in 2016 to Whitchurch, Bristol, where it continues to operate as the Company’s central warehouse and administration centre, coupled with a very strong Export and UK sales department.

Over four decades, Thorne & Derrick International has grown from its initial team of 6 to over 30 staff and from a first order of just £500 in August 1985, the Company is now on track to deliver over £20 million turnover in the very near future.

From the 1980s onwards, the Company has played an important role in serving the Oil & Gas, Process and Petrochemical sectors, and that has been central to its growth. As these markets continues to change, the business has expanded its product range in support, ensuring continued relevance and service excellence.

“As Managing Director, I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built over the years. Our strong focus on investing in young talent through apprenticeships has not only helped shape skilled professionals, but has also fostered a culture of loyalty and dedication,” said Richard Derrick. “It’s rewarding to see so many of our people grow with the Company. Their expertise and commitment are at the heart of our continued success.”

The team of technical sales engineers, sourcing specialists and customer service advisors, deliver a single-source logistics solutions across the UK and internationally, supporting projects in more than 120 countries across five continents, offering rapid delivery and tailored supply strategies.

With global electricity demand predicted to more than double by 2050, Thorne and Derrick International are strengthening and extending their world class supply chain to support grid-scale projects to drive our sustainable energy future towards net zero through renewable energy, digitalisation and decarbonisation of industry.

Thorne & Derrick International are the UK’s leading distributors of High Voltage Power Cable Accessories and Hazardous Area Electrical supporting critical infrastructure across power, utilities, rail, construction, oil & gas, petrochemical and process sectors. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick International delivers trusted products, technical support, and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of the energy and industrial markets.

About Thorne and Derrick International

Thorne & Derrick International are UK based and are the leading specialist distributors of LV, MV and HV cable accessories and tooling from 600V to 132kV complemented by an extensive range of hazardous area certified electrical equipment (ATEX and IECEx) to provide compliant, safe and optimised power, heating and lighting. Thorne and Derrick International supports critical infrastructure projects across power, utilities, rail, construction, oil & gas, marine, and process industries. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick International delivers trusted products, technical support, and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of the energy and industrial process markets.

Dropped Objects & How To Prevent Them

Prevent Dropped Objects

To prevent dropped objects it is recommended to implement a multifaceted approach that includes physical barriers, tool tethering, proper storage, training and regular inspections. This strategy aims to minimize the risk of objects falling from height and causing harm or damage – we welcome your Enquiries for workplace products that prevent dropped objects and mitigate risk to plant and personnel.

By implementing these measures, workplaces can significantly reduce the risk of dropped objects and improve the safety of their employees.