Thorne & Derrick
Supporting projects which tackle poverty, improve skills and increase employment opportunities.
Thorne & Derrick: giving back locally
About Thorne & Derrick
Thorne & Derrick International is a specialist distributor of power systems, hazardous area electrical equipment, and process heating solutions. We support critical infrastructure, industrial facilities, and energy projects across the UK and internationally — delivering innovation, safety, and reliability.
Established in 1985 by Victor Thorne and Brian Derrick, the company began trading from premises in Brislington, Bristol. From the outset, we built a strong reputation by partnering with leading manufacturers such as 3M Electrical, Band-It, and Cembre — supplying trusted, high-performance products to essential industries.
Today, Thorne & Derrick operates from two UK locations: our original site in Bristol and our Head Office in Chester-le-Street, County Durham. Our team provides technical support, specification guidance, and responsive customer service to clients in the oil and gas, petrochemical, power, utilities, and construction sectors.
Beyond our technical work, we’re committed to responsible business practices. Our charitable giving reflects the same values we bring to our operations — care, accountability, and community impact.
Thorne & Derrick Fund with Point North
The Thorne & Derrick Fund with Point North supports projects that align with our aims of:
- 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.
More from Thorne & Derrick
Supporting local organisations that are strengthening communities through sport, wellbeing, youth opportunities, culture and social cohesion.
NEPIC’s June 2025 Cluster Connect united industry leaders to explore sustainability, electrical innovation, and collaboration for future growth.
Thorne & Derrick International celebrates 40 years supplying world-leading electrical and safety solutions to critical infrastructure and industries.
“Working with Point North has been rewarding — the team made everything seamless and collaborative. It’s helped us bring our giving strategy to life in a way that’s more structured and visible to the wider community.”
Richard Derrick Mangaging Director, Thorne & Derrick
Why we give
As a family-run business, we’ve always believed in giving back to the communities we serve, both locally and nationally.
The Thorne & Derrick Fund was established to help formalise our support for charities, community groups, and initiatives that align with our values. We prioritise causes linked to disadvantaged youths, loneliness in the elderly, and we are pleased to work with Point North to help direct our support where it’s needed most.
Grants distributed
The Thorne & Derrick Fund supports grassroots and community-led projects across the North East of England — the region where our head office is and where many of our team live and work.
All giving is focused exclusively in this area, helping to fund initiatives that promote wellbeing, opportunity, and local resilience.
You can see some of the grants they’ve given on this map.
Because of our commitment to IVAR Flexible Funding, we make sure every grant we give is transparent and responsive to the needs of our communities.