If there was one theme emerging from the Lighting Live Local Authority 2026 event in Daventry yesterday, it’s that the role of the humble street column is evolving.
For decades the conversation in the industry has focused primarily on illumination, covering safety, energy efficiency, and maintenance. But as we saw during the afternoon sessions, there is a renewed urgency regarding a different topic, that of revenue generation.
We were particularly interested in the panel discussion titled: “What can local authorities do to gather new income streams?”
It’s no secret why this is a matter of interest. Councils across the UK are facing unprecedented pressure to protect frontline services while balancing books. The search for “found money” is on. This is revenue that can be generated from existing assets without requiring tax hikes.
Commercialising Columns
The event programme listed several potential avenues for income. These ranged from small cell (5G) installations to EV charging points. These are exciting developments. However, they can often come with lead times and complex procurement processes.
Interestingly, the agenda also explicitly listed “banners” as a key topic for discussion.
Here at Bay Media this was validating to see. The industry often looks towards high-tech “smart city” concepts. Some of these may be years away from profitability. By comparison, the lamppost banner remains a proven and immediate revenue generator.
A Low Risk Approach
The challenge for many local authorities is that commercialisation can sound like a risk. It sounds like upfront investment and management hours. This is where practical solutions stand out.
For the councils we partner with, the revenue stream is passive. We operate on a model that removes the burden from the local authority. We conduct the structural testing. We handle the installation and removal. We manage the sales.
If a council is not utilising this space, or not maximising it with a dedicated partner, they are potentially missing out on a valuable income source that is right on their doorstep.
A £1.35 Million Contribution
We prefer to let the results speak for themselves. In 2025 alone, Bay Media generated and returned over £1.35 million to our UK council partners.
In the grand scheme of a council’s total budget, we know this does not solve every financial challenge. However, it is a significant, consistent contribution. That is £1.35 million that has gone back into highways budgets, community projects, and essential services.
Crucially, this was achieved using infrastructure that was already there. No new digging, no new cables, just a new use of the existing assets.
Looking Ahead
The discussions at Lighting Live 2026 highlighted that the industry is ready to think differently about infrastructure.
As we move forward, our message to our colleagues in the public sector is simple. Innovation is vital, and the future of smart lighting is bright. But as you plan for the next decade of technology, it is worth remembering the value that is already standing on your high streets today.
If you’d like to explore the revenue potential of your street lighting assets, or just want to know more about our safety-compliant banner programmes, our team is always available for a chat.