From small local contractor to pioneering firm at the forefront of net zero, read about Robinson & Lawlor’s journey to success – supported every step by NICEIC.
NICEIC Media Team | Communications
From family business to renewable energy pioneer – powered by NICEIC certification.
Founded in 1957 by Peter Robinson’s grandfather, Norman, Robinson & Lawlor Ltd has grown from a local electrical contractor in Nelson, Lancashire, into a pioneering firm at the forefront of the UK’s renewable energy transition.
Originally focused on mill and manufacturing installations, the company has continually evolved, adapting to changing industries and technologies. Today, Robinson & Lawlor specialises in utility-scale renewable energy projects, including ground-mounted solar farms, battery storage systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
“From small local jobs to wiring huge fields full of solar panels – it’s a world away from where we started,” says Peter Robinson Lawlor, currently one of the estimators, QS and third-generation leader in the business.
“NICEIC isn’t just about the badge on the van – it’s fundamental to how we work,” says Peter. “Without it, we couldn’t even tender for some of the projects we’re doing.”
Robinson & Lawlor has maintained NICEIC certification for over 60 years – a cornerstone of the company’s credibility, growth, and technical rigour.
“We’ve been with NICEIC for about 60 years. Our clients expect certification, and rightly so. It demonstrates we’re serious about quality standards,” says Peter.
Through changing regulations, technologies, and markets, NICEIC has provided the framework Robinson & Lawlor needed to stay compliant, competitive, and forward-looking. From the decline of the mills and textile industry in the region to the growth of renewable energy powered by the country’s net zero ambitions, NICEIC certification has helped the company consistently meet best practices.
“Being certified gives our clients peace of mind. It’s helped us win contracts, train staff, and grow in complexity,” Peter adds.
Robinson & Lawlor has a total installed capacity approaching 600MWp of renewable projects and has helped clients deliver several UK-firsts in clean energy, including:
Each project showcases the company’s commitment to both technical excellence and low-carbon innovation.
The evolution of the electrical industry over the past seven decades is striking. Peter describes the early days of the business with fondness and fascination as he says, “Back then, you wired by hand; now we’re managing megawatt-scale solar fields with integrated energy systems.”
As local textile mills and factories in the North West began to close, Robinson & Lawlor had to diversify into process control and larger-scale commercial work. Eventually, the company moved into renewables, driven by opportunity, necessity, and their ongoing commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
It’s not just the scale and complexity of projects that have changed – it’s the entire mindset around electricity. “What electricity could do 70 years ago versus now – it’s almost unrecognisable,” says Peter. “We’ve gone from lighting factories to building infrastructure for a net-zero grid.”
Robinson & Lawlor runs a long-standing apprenticeship programme, typically onboarding two to three apprentices each year. However, Peter identifies a growing skills gap in the industry – particularly around renewables.
“We’re training people in general electrical work, but there’s very little that specifically covers renewables. There’s a real need for a dedicated apprenticeship framework that recognises the specialist nature of this sector.”
By investing in local talent and future-proofing its workforce, the company strengthens both its community ties and sector expertise.
As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Robinson & Lawlor is poised to remain a key player in delivering sustainable solutions. From local mill-based projects to high-tech solar installations, theirs is a story of transformation – and NICEIC has helped power that journey every step of the way.
“It’s not just a stamp – it’s what keeps us competitive, compliant, and growing,” Peter says. “After 60 years, we still lean on NICEIC. It’s a relationship we genuinely value.”
The business
Founded in 1957 by Peter Robinson’s grandfather, Norman, Robinson & Lawlor Ltd has grown from a local electrical contractor in Nelson, Lancashire, into a pioneering firm at the forefront of the UK’s renewable energy transition.
Originally focused on mill and manufacturing installations, the company has continually evolved, adapting to changing industries and technologies. Today, Robinson & Lawlor specialises in utility-scale renewable energy projects, including ground-mounted solar farms, battery storage systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
“From small local jobs to wiring huge fields full of solar panels – it’s a world away from where we started,” says Peter Robinson Lawlor, currently one of the estimators, QS and third-generation leader in the business.
The role of NICEIC
“NICEIC isn’t just about the badge on the van – it’s fundamental to how we work,” says Peter. “Without it, we couldn’t even tender for some of the projects we’re doing.”
Robinson & Lawlor has maintained NICEIC certification for over 60 years – a cornerstone of the company’s credibility, growth, and technical rigour.
“We’ve been with NICEIC for about 60 years. Our clients expect certification, and rightly so. It demonstrates we’re serious about quality standards,” says Peter.
Through changing regulations, technologies, and markets, NICEIC has provided the framework Robinson & Lawlor needed to stay compliant, competitive, and forward-looking. From the decline of the mills and textile industry in the region to the growth of renewable energy powered by the country’s net zero ambitions, NICEIC certification has helped the company consistently meet best practices.
“Being certified gives our clients peace of mind. It’s helped us win contracts, train staff, and grow in complexity,” Peter adds.
Project highlights
Robinson & Lawlor has a total installed capacity approaching 600MWp of renewable projects and has helped clients deliver several UK-firsts in clean energy, including:
- the first UK Solar PV 10MWp ‘parity’ site
- 50MWp and 70MWp solar farms (among the UK’s largest at the time)
- gas-to-grid anaerobic digestion plants
- one of the UK’s largest solar carport installations
- early installations of EV forecourts, tracking systems, bifacial panels, and DC-coupled battery systems.
Each project showcases the company’s commitment to both technical excellence and low-carbon innovation.
Evolution of the electrical industry
The evolution of the electrical industry over the past seven decades is striking. Peter describes the early days of the business with fondness and fascination as he says, “Back then, you wired by hand; now we’re managing megawatt-scale solar fields with integrated energy systems.”
As local textile mills and factories in the North West began to close, Robinson & Lawlor had to diversify into process control and larger-scale commercial work. Eventually, the company moved into renewables, driven by opportunity, necessity, and their ongoing commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
It’s not just the scale and complexity of projects that have changed – it’s the entire mindset around electricity. “What electricity could do 70 years ago versus now – it’s almost unrecognisable,” says Peter. “We’ve gone from lighting factories to building infrastructure for a net-zero grid.”
Investing in skills and community
Robinson & Lawlor runs a long-standing apprenticeship programme, typically onboarding two to three apprentices each year. However, Peter identifies a growing skills gap in the industry – particularly around renewables.
“We’re training people in general electrical work, but there’s very little that specifically covers renewables. There’s a real need for a dedicated apprenticeship framework that recognises the specialist nature of this sector.”
By investing in local talent and future-proofing its workforce, the company strengthens both its community ties and sector expertise.
Looking ahead
As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Robinson & Lawlor is poised to remain a key player in delivering sustainable solutions. From local mill-based projects to high-tech solar installations, theirs is a story of transformation – and NICEIC has helped power that journey every step of the way.
“It’s not just a stamp – it’s what keeps us competitive, compliant, and growing,” Peter says. “After 60 years, we still lean on NICEIC. It’s a relationship we genuinely value.”
“After 60 years, we still lean on NICEIC. It’s a relationship we genuinely value.”
Peter - Robinson and Lawler
