Vintage lighting firm has ambitions to conquer the world

A firm which specialises in vintage lighting is expanding into new international markets.

Metcraft Lighting, which is based in Middleton in Greater Manchester, is planning to increase its exports with the backing of the Department for International Trade (DIT).

Metcraft, which was launched 35 years ago, specialises in restoring, refurbishing and manufacturing vintage lighting.

The firm has worked on a number of major schemes include the lights on Westminster Bridge.

But the company is now exploring new markets in Lithuania, St Lucia and Australia.

Metcraft  is looking to increase export from three per cent of turnover to 20 per cent over the next five years.

Shane Lightfoot, sales and operations manager at Metcraft Lighting, said: “The business was very niche when it was founded in the early 80s but now the marketplace has become very competitive.

“Although we were nervous about exporting, we decided to reach out to our local trade adviser at DIT to see if we could find new markets for our products.

“To start with, we attended a number of DIT-led workshops which helped us understand the ins and outs of what we were getting involved with.

“From there, they provided advice helping us discover suitable overseas markets for our products where there are more opportunities for growth.

“This led to us securing deals with a shopping mall in Lithuania, a government building in St Lucia and a private client in Melbourne.

“Thanks to DIT’s guidance, we were able to navigate our way around initial challenges such as export payments and taxation, and ensured we always had the correct documentation in place. This made the entire process much easier and has allowed us to grow our business overseas.”

He added: “Exporting is easier than you think. “If other companies like us across the North West are looking to grow and stay ahead in the market, they should get in touch with DIT and find out how they can get the tools needed for a successful start to exporting.

“If we can export our products from Manchester to Melbourne, others can too.”

Paul Stowers, head of UK regions for North West at the Department of International Trade, said: “Metcraft Lighting is a great example of a North West business that, after initial caution, is experiencing outstanding success through exporting.

“The business worked to create a strategy that would allow them to grow overseas while the market in the UK was becoming increasingly competitive.

“Despite challenges, our team of International Trade Advisers worked with the business to find solutions, enabling Metcraft Lighting to succeed.

“DIT is on hand to help businesses across the region step on the exporting ladder, or reach entirely new markets. I’d urge anyone wanting to take advantage of the hundreds of exporting opportunities, to get in touch and see how we can help.”