Arch, the Northumberland Development Company, has helped BSS LED Ltd based at Ashwood Business Park in Ashington to expand its manufacturing operations after a period of rapid growth.
The company manufactures state-of-the-art commercial and industrial LED lighting systems which use up to 65% less energy than regular lighting and feature reduced heat output and zero lamp maintenance.
Arch has helped Steve Bell, BSS LED managing director, to accelerate the expansion by locating and arranging the lease on a new 4,000 square feet industrial unit at Grasmere Way in Blyth.
Steve Bell explains: “We are the only company in the North East designing and manufacturing commercial and industrial lighting and one of three in the UK.
“The LED lighting industry is very fast paced, driven by the need to develop and deliver high-quality products. Demand for cutting-edge, energy saving, LED lighting systems is increasing exponentially as businesses continually seek to reduce their energy costs.
“In order to meet our growing order book I had to invest quickly in another site to house thousands of pounds worth of new plant technology including a CNC press break, CNC punch press and a powder coating line.
“Arch has an extensive commercial property portfolio and offer competitive terms and rents. They understood the needs of the business and within one week we had secured the lease on the Ashington unit and got to work kitting it out. I can’t recommend them highly enough.”
BSS LED Ltd started trading six years ago when MD Steve Bell saw an opportunity in the market to compete against manufacturers in China along with a personal desire to bring highly skilled manufacturing jobs back to the UK.
He currently employs 17 full-time staff including three technical apprentices with plans to create a further 35 jobs in 2016. To date he has invested close to £2 million in developing the business.
Arch Group chairman and deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, councillor Dave Ledger, said: “Northumberland has a long manufacturing tradition which is maintained by a diverse and ambitious group of outstanding businesses like BSS LED Ltd.
“A major part of our mission to enhance the economic growth of Northumberland is to maximise the opportunities available for these companies. A key element of this is our growing property portfolio of speculative business space and the expertise within Arch to readily assist businesses like BSS to grow and expand their operations in the county.”
The Arch commercial property portfolio consists of industrial workshop and warehouse units, office buildings, suites, business parks and managed workspace which range from approximately 500 square feet to 40,000 square feet and are available on a variety of terms to accommodate all business needs.
Arch was established by Northumberland County Council in 2011 as a private-sector arms-length development company to drive capital economic development, physical regeneration projects and business growth across the county.
It generates commercial income from investment, development and estate management. Supplemented by other funding streams, profits are recycled into regeneration activity, inward investment and business support creating a ‘profit for purpose’ business model which delivers sustainable benefits to communities across Northumberland.
The Arch Commercial Team is available to assist all businesses looking for new business premises and can be contacted on (01670) 528460.
