Lighting firm shines with kiln investment

A Tees Valley lighting business is shining brighter after securing funding for specialist equipment to increase production and develop new sustainable designs.

Saltburn-based Jewel Street Lighting, which restores antique, vintage and retro lighting, has invested in a new kiln with support from the Tees Valley Rural Prosperity Fund.

Owner Sarah Hill is using the equipment to create her own sustainable designs, while increasing productivity and reducing turnaround times for commissions.

She said: “Historically, we have lost a couple of contracts because of the time it takes, but now I’ve got a bigger kiln so a commission will take me half the time.

The firm was also able to buy a new cutter tool with the grant to broaden its range of products.

Sarah added: “The new cutter is going to make a lot of difference in cutting the double-glazed units down and even creating lights out of bottles.

“I think we were at a point where we weren’t making enough money to sustain ourselves, so the grant was absolutely crucial.

“It’s put fire back in my belly that I can actually do this – and I have the equipment to do it now.”

The Rural Prosperity Fund was backed by Government investment through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supports businesses and community groups in rural areas of Redcar and Cleveland.

Funding has been used by organisations across the area for improvements ranging from solar panels and plumbing to new till systems, machinery and other equipment designed to support their development.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “We’re proud of the work we do to unlock well-paid jobs and careers for people through major projects.

“But this is a great example of a little bit of money going a long way in Redcar and Cleveland.

“We need to give our small businesses the support they need to flourish.

“Jewel Street Lighting has cut its costs and boosted its productivity – and we want more of our offer to businesses to do this.

“While the rural fund has drawn to a close, we’re going to have a new and improved support offer to all our businesses coming very soon – so I’d urge local people to watch this space.”

Councillor Alec Brown, Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet member for inward investment and tourism, added: “Jewel Street Lighting shows how Redcar and Cleveland is such a creative and distinctive place to live, work and visit.

“We want our companies to invest in the equipment they need to take on more work and build stronger futures.

“I’m looking forward to further support being on offer for our firms in the months and years ahead.”

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