About Barbizon Europe:

Our parent company Barbizon Lighting Company (based in the US) had been trading internationally for years, but the company became a true multinational with the 2001 opening of its UK office here at Barbizon Europe. We began with just two employees here: Phil Bullock (formerly export manager of MGC Lamps) as General Manager and Wendy Pearson (formerly MGC Lamps and AC Lighting export coordinator for sourcing and selling) as Operations Manager. Overtime their wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry has led to our continued growth and desire to do better by our customers.

Specialising in Broadcast, TV, Film and Theatre lighting, we here at Barbizon Europe have long standing and successful partnerships with many of the industry’s most highly regarded brands such as: ARRI, Osram, Signify, LiteGear, Litepanels, Mole Richardson and many more. We’re a registered dealer/distributor for many of the industry leading manufacturers and are delighted to be able to offer their products across the world.

Similarly to many businesses 2020 was a year of huge change for us here at Barbizon Europe. With the retirement of Phil, a new General Manager was needed here and it lead to former Sales Executive and Export Sales Manager, Simon Walsworth to step up and lead us in a new direction. Upon confirmation of his role, Simon set out to promote a new image for the business and begin growing our already wonderful existing customer base and grow the network of countries and industries that we work in.

Simon began by, hiring his first new employee to flesh out the team here at Barbizon Europe. This being Jake Lynham, to oversee the development and ongoing running of our website, marketing and social media platforms.

Finally, the team within our office here in Hemel Hempstead is rounded out by Michael Sturgess, who joined in March 2022 to oversee our warehouse here in the UK.

About the team:

Simon Walsworth- General Manager

Simon joined Barbizon Europe over 15 years ago and has worked his way up from Sales Executive, Export Sales Manager to the General Manager from October 2020. His years within the industry have lead to a brilliant understanding of the bulb sector in particular. Simon’s wealth of experience at Barbizon has led to his knowledge of the brands we supply and our customers wants being unrivalled. With over 10+ years experience in Export customers (particularly in the continent of Asia) and is skilled in a multitude of currencies which has led to him being able to recite current conversion rates for currencies at a quicker rate than Google. Simon is a long-term Arsenal Football Club fan and ex season  ticket holder (we know, bad taste right?) and big family man, Simon is the dad to his two wonderful boys and spends his free time with them , with his girlfriend or nursing a glass of red wine.

Wendy Pearson- Operations Manager

As mentioned above, Wendy alongside former General Manager Phil, was responsible for Barbizon Europe’s initial conception in 2001. As Operations Manager here at Barbizon Europe and her wealth of experience in Import & Export, Wendy is well known for her knowledge within the field and is constantly coming up with new ways to combat the ever-changing industry that is Import & Export due to her 30+ years of experience for both Barbizon Lighting Company and MGC. A massive geography lover and immensly well travelled, Wendy spends her time reciting her trips over the years or planning her next one. When not working or doing a quiz, Wendy is often found reading the news, doing some form of problem solving game/puzzle or listening to BBC Radio 4.

Jake Lynham- Marketing & Business Development Manager

The one responsible for all the technical bits we put out and do here at Barbizon Europe, Jake graduated from The University of Hertfordshire in June 2020 and joined us here in November of that year. Marketing, Social Media and overseeing our website are all his direct domain so any mistakes made there, all on his head be it. In January 2022, Jake earned a promotion to his new role of Marketing & New Business Administrator and was therefore responsible for identifying new business within the UK & Europe. After taking the UK in particular by storm, Jake earned a further promotion to his new role of Marketing & Business Development Manager in January 2023 and is keen to keep pushing Barbizon Europe further in 2023 and beyond. When not working Jake is a huge nerd who is either gaming, listening to podcasts or drinking sauvingon blanc with his girlfriend. Chelsea Football Club fan (finally a good team aye?) and loves watching the UFC even if it does mess up his sleeping pattern.

Michael Sturgess- Facilities Administrator

The newest member of the team, Michael is responsible for all of the day-to-day operations and running of our warehouse. Receiving goods in and sending goods around the UK, Europe and Asia. Meticulous when it comes to counting he’s the first warehouse based member of staff that Barbizon has ever had who seems to take much longer counting the goods then it takes him to pack them. Also the teams personal barista who is constantly making hot-drinks for the rest of the team and any/all guests who visit the office. Another Arsenal fan like Simon (Another one ?!) and a huge football, boxing, horse racing and sports fan in general. Constantly watching or consuming sports in some way at all times. Another step closer to a Barbizon Europe football team (as long as Wendy doesn’t mind going in goal of course!)