ABOUT US
Born of Tradition
NOMA has remained a beloved symbol of tradition and nostalgia, treasured by generations of families since the early 20th century.
The story of NOMA began in 1926, when the National Outfit Manufacturer's Association introduced the first commercially available electric string lights.
In 1939, Noma Electric Company Ltd was established in the UK as a joint venture between Noma Inc. of Toronto and European partners.
This affiliate branch of NOMA would dominate the UK lighting industry, earning a reputation for quality, safety, and innovative lighting concepts.
By the early 1960s, the U.S. arm of NOMA—then known as NOMA Lites, Inc.—filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations. In contrast, the UK branch continued to thrive, becoming a leading name in Christmas lighting.
In 1969, the Capel family acquired Noma Electric Company Ltd and restructured it as NOMA Lites Limited. They established their offices at the historic Brooklands site, once home to the production of Hawker Hurricane and Vickers Wellington aircraft.
In 2014, NOMA Lites Limited was acquired by the LeisureGrow group, becoming part of a trusted family of national brands found in major garden centres and premium retailers.
NOMA’s story reflects the timeless spirit of the holiday season, as we continue to innovate and shape festive trends from our Christmas workshops nestled in the Hertfordshire hills. We are proud to be the oldest Christmas lighting company in the UK—and quite possibly, the world.