Beacon Lighting Group founder and chairman Ian Robinson and silent partner electrician Martin Hanman began planning for the latter to cash out via an initial public offering six years ago.

Not long after, Robinson turned to Austock Group stalwart Bill Bessemer – an old friend – for advice. But just as momentum was building the global financial crisis hit, forcing the IPO market into hibernation. It was lucky for Robinson that his friend and partner was happy to wait until conditions improved. On its website the company, which sells lighting, ceiling fans and light globes, lists being a beacon and a shining example as corporate values.