Electrical business wins £145k to light up Hull’s new DoubleTree by Hilton hotel

Sondia Lighting, the Hull-based electrical firm, has secured a £145k contract to manufacture lighting for Hull’s new DoubleTree by Hilton hotel on Ferensway.

The firm will be producing around 1,200 light fittings and passive infrared sensors (PIRs) for the corridors, meeting rooms, restaurant and Sky Lounge in the hotel.

The contract was awarded to Sondia Lighting’s parent company, Southgate Lighting, based in Bradford, through electrical contractor Wheatley.

The light fittings and energy-saving PIRs are currently in production and will be installed ahead of the hotel opening, which is scheduled for late 2017.

This is the first contract for Sondia Lighting since the company’s move to Hull IPark development, which was assisted by the Green Port Growth Programme, supported by the Regional Growth Fund (RGF).

The programme provided £100k of capital funding to enable Sondia Lighting to double its manufacturing operations.

Gordon Taylor, managing director at Sondia Lighting, said: “We are delighted to play a role in such a prestigious project for our city.

“The DoubleTree by Hilton contract is of particular interest to us, as we were based for many years on the site of the new hotel. It’s great that local companies like ours are given the opportunity to contribute to up-and-coming developments such as this in our area.”

Craig Fisher, sales director at Southgate Lighting, added: “The contract is a testament to our efforts to grow the business and a result of our recent investment.

“The grant from the Green Port Growth Programme enabled us to increase our capacity, so we were able to pursue contracts such as this.”

The £25m DoubleTree by Hilton hotel will comprise 165 bedrooms and an 869 sq m pillar-free ballroom for events and conferences, to cater for 1,000 people. The hotel is being delivered by developer Manorcrest Construction Ltd, which began work on the site in October 2016.

Sarah Whitfield, general manager at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Hull, said: “We are very excited to be bringing globally-recognised brand DoubleTree by Hilton to Hull and really pleased we can engage with local companies to help us deliver the project.”

Tim Rix, chairman of the Green Port Growth Programme, also commented: “Through funding and advice, the Green Port Growth Programme is helping position businesses across Hull and the East Riding to win new contracts. It’s great to hear that companies which have accessed our support are securing work.”

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