Lancs entrepreneurs secure £150k funding for new lighting business

Two entrepreneurs in Lancashire are creating jobs with a new low-energy light making business in Trawden, Colne.

Chris Baldwin and Paul Howland have already taken on six employees at CFE Lighting, an energy-efficient LED luminaire manufacturing firm, and plan to double their staff count over the next six months.

The pair founded the enterprise with a £150k loan from Lancashire County Council’s SME lending company, Rosebud Finance.

Chris is the owner of Heywood-based electrical systems firm Baldwin Technical Services and Barrowford-based hotplate manufacturer Sugden Ltd. Paul, meanwhile, runs Burnley-based lighting consultancy Carbon Footprint Experts and

As part of its initial product range, CFE will provide waterproof low-bay industrial lighting for use in the food and drinks sector.

Rosebud Finance is managed by business loans and venture capital firm Enterprise Ventures.

The company’s investment manager, Peter Rooney, commented: “Given its potential to slash energy bills and reduce carbon emissions, LED lighting is the way forward.

“We expect uptake of LED light fittings to grow rapidly in the coming years. This new Lancashire production plant will provide a locally-based source of LED lights to cater for the increasing demand.”

The county council’s head of business growth, Andy Walker, said he is pleased to offer support to CFE Lighting.

He commented: “[Chris and Paul are] looking to create jobs right here in Lancashire, as well as using local suppliers, which will provide a further boost to the economy.”

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