Who We Are
Commercial Services Group (CSG) is one of the largest, local authority owned, trading organisations of its kind in the UK.
Since its inception over 90 years ago as the supplies division of Kent County Council, it has grown organically to become one of the leading suppliers of products and services to the education and public sector, serving over 15,000 customers in 85+ countries.
CSG is the umbrella for all its trading brands, it provides the support, dependability, and security to allow all brands to thrive independently. CSG are committed to providing an excellent customer and user experience underpinned by social value and a committed and empowered workforce.
Our History
The Commercial Services Group has been serving Kent for over a century.
The following dates trace our journey from a stores department with four staff supplying educational establishments with books, stationery, and equipment to today an established global organisation.
1928
Kent County Council creates Kent County Supplies, a new council department.
1989
LASER Energy Buying Group established to help other public sector organisations manage their energy spend.
1991
Commercial Services Group was created for Kent County Supplies to sit in, and Landscapes Services transferred from KCC.
2004
Commercial Services Group open Recruitment Services as Kent Top Temps.
2009
Commercial Services Group opens Procurement business.
2012
Kent Top Temps becomes Connect2Kent & Connect2Staff is launched.
2012
Lumina Energy is formed.
2013
Laser Energy launches LED Business.
2019
Connect2Hamsphire a new joint venture is established.
2020
Commercial Services Group acquires CES Holdings.
2020
Connect2Luton a new joint venture is launched.
2022
Bowerhouse solar farm is acquired.
2022
Connect2Surrey a new joint venture is launched.
2022
HR Services brands HR Connect, Staff Care Services, EmploymentCheck and Kent-Teach join the group.
2022
The Education People join the group.
2022
Cantium becomes part of Commercial Services.
2022
Invicta Law joins the group.
2022
Connect2Dudley a new joint venture is launched.
2023
Lifecycle Management Group joins Commercial Services Group.
2023
Prospects Payroll joins Commercial Services Group.
2024
Connect2Dorset launches in April 2024.
