Member Article

Skating the light fantastic

FAMILY-run electricity firm Ridley Bros of Gosforth is riding high with a contract to fit-out the new Skate Shack store at Gateshead’s Trinity Square following a recent relocation from Metrocentre Gateshead.

The install is the latest in a string of similar contracts for a new type of eco-friendly lighting, NVC Lighting Oregon LED light fittings, which reduce annual energy bills by up to 50percent.

Ridley Bros is a specialised electrical firm that is able to supply the new Oregon light fittings and is seeing a sharp rise in business as local businesses become more conscious of their green footprint.

Andrew Ridley, co-owner said: “Companies are now starting to realise that even by making simple small changes to the type of bulb they use can make a huge difference in terms of cost savings. As well as lower bills, NVC light fittings are so efficient that 100 percent of the asset cost can also be put against tax bills through the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) UK Government scheme.

“Skate Shack’s new store looks great with its recent lighting install complementing the trendy shop-fit, and its future-proofed any environmental standards by being open to new technologies.”

Skate Shack was set-up by local entrepreneurs Paula and Lee Elliot in 2006, Paula said: “Despite relocating into a much larger retail unit than what we previously had at Metrocentre, our energy bill forecast for the next quarter is almost half what we would have expected to pay using our previous metal halide bulbs.

“As well as reducing our energy bills, the new LED light fittings are much brighter and add to the vibrant atmosphere of Skate Shack. We are grateful to Ridley Bros who gave us energy efficiency advice instead of just doing the basics; they have saved us a huge amount of money.”

In 2007, brothers Andrew and David Ridley stepped into the shoes of their father Fred Ridley and uncle Thomas Ridley, who both retired from the helm of the family business. Since then, the firm has seen year-on-year growth and continues to expand both domestic and commercial sides of the business

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gemma Graham .