Powering the UK Since 1972: The BBL Batteries Story
For over half a century, BBL Batteries has been a cornerstone of the UK’s battery industry, delivering innovative energy solutions with a personal touch. Founded in 1972 by husband-and-wife team Graham and Jacqualine Bultitude, the company began as Bristol Batteries, aiming to meet the growing demand for automotive batteries in Bristol. Their commitment to quality and service quickly propelled the business forward, leading to expansion and a rebranding as BBL Batteries.
A Proud Family Legacy
As one of the very few remaining, fully independent, family-owned battery enterprises in the UK aftermarket, BBL Batteries has maintained its founding values throughout its growth. The Bultitudes’ dedication to excellence is reflected in their staff, many of whom have been with the company for decades. This experienced team is central to BBL Batteries’ reputation for superior customer service and technical expertise.
Our deep knowledge, wide-ranging product catalogue, and competitive pricing have earned us a trusted position with some of the UK’s most vital organisations. We are long-standing suppliers to the NHS and Ministry of Defence and serve police forces nationwide with both vehicle starter batteries and specialist lithium packs for onboard electronics. Our batteries power airports (both international and regional), ambulance fleets (NHS and private), and local councils, supporting applications from emergency response to pay-and-display parking systems.
Branching Out Across the South West
From its original location in Bristol, BBL Batteries has expanded to five branches across the South West of England: Bristol (Head Office), Swindon, Truro, Exeter and Plymouth. This network enables the company to serve a broad customer base, offering both local delivery within a 50-mile radius and nationwide distribution via next-day courier services.
Custom Battery Pack Department
BBL Batteries’ Custom Battery Pack Assembly department is a testament to its commitment to innovation and customer-specific solutions. With over 20 years of experience in assembling bespoke battery packs, the company caters to a wide range of industries and applications, from pool table ball dispensers to portable sheep shears plus thousands more!. Our purpose-built assembly plant in Bristol employs skilled technicians and state-of-the-art equipment to deliver high-quality, custom-designed battery packs tailored to unique specifications.
We also produce packs for National Rail, National Grid, and the UK’s major water boards, further underlining our capability in delivering rugged, high-performance solutions for critical infrastructure sectors.
Diverse Product Range and Trusted Brands
BBL Batteries offers an unmatched portfolio of over 5,000 products, from our own trusted Avon brand to cutting-edge lithium solutions. We are proud to be one of the largest and longest-standing distributors of Yuasa batteries in the UK, having first partnered with them in 1982. While many stock Yuasa, few can claim the breadth and depth of range that we do; making us the go-to supplier for customers who demand choice, quality, and availability.
Our reputation for integrity, technical know-how, and no-nonsense service has earned us exclusive UK distribution partnerships with Fulbat, Discover, and Uniross; brands that share our unwavering commitment to quality and values. We don’t work with just anyone; we only collaborate with manufacturers who share our approach to doing business the right way — with transparency, reliability, and genuine human connection. If a brand doesn’t meet those standards, it simply doesn’t make it onto our shelves.
Serving a Wide Array of Sectors
BBL Batteries’ comprehensive product range caters to a multitude of sectors, including automotive, commercial vehicle, agricultural, motorcycle, leisure, marine, medical, mobility, solar, industrial, and emergency services (to name but a few!). Our expertise in these areas ensures that customers receive the most suitable and reliable battery solutions for their specific needs.
Commitment to Quality and Customer Service
BBL Batteries is accredited to ISO9001:2015 and Cyber Essentials, demonstrating our adherence to the highest standards of quality management and cybersecurity. But our commitment to compliance and accessibility doesn’t stop there — we’re also fully accredited on multiple procurement platforms including Achilles, Aspire, Asite, Proactis, Ariba, and Coupa. These are the same rigorous platforms used by major public sector organisations like the NHS, MOD, and local authorities, and gaining access requires us to meet strict vetting and compliance standards.
This ensures we’re not just best-in-class when it comes to batteries — we’re also fully accessible to institutions and organisations who need trusted, pre-qualified suppliers they can rely on.
Looking Ahead
As BBL Batteries continues to embrace advancements in battery technology and expand its product offerings, the company remains steadfast in its mission to provide premium quality products and superior customer service. With a rich history, a dedicated team, and a forward-thinking approach, BBL Batteries is well-positioned to power the UK’s energy needs for many years to come.
