Investment to give cutting edge to Blackpool signs firm

A LANCASHIRE family business which was founded to make signs for Blackpool’s famous illuminations, is investing in the future after securing a funding deal.

Northern Neon Lights, whose first customers more than 50 years ago,were Blackpool Pleasure Beach and the Blackpool Tower Company has bought new equipment after its £525,000 finance package from HSBC.

The £2.7m turnover Blackpool firm has acquired a new state-of-the-art fibre laser cutting machine, which will allow it to broaden its product range. The machine is its fifth laser cutting machine, but this one can be used on copper, brass and nickel, which the others can’t.

Northern Neon Lights secured the finance from HSBC’s Lancashire and Cumbria Commercial Centre in a deal managed by commercial manager Laura Moir.

Northern Neon Lights is a third generation firm that was formed in 1958 by Herbert Cockerill. The business, which has 30 staff, is now run by Herbert’s son Stephen and Stephen’s nephew Robert, along with managing director Jonathan Thompson.

Sign making now represents only 20% of the business’s activities, with the remainder focused on fabrication and laser cutting.

Director Stephen Cockerill said: “The business has evolved over the years and laser cutting and fabrication are now our main business areas. We wanted to make this investment to meet the increased levels of business we are experiencing, and also to widen the range of services we can offer to existing and potential customers.

“We have a long history with HSBC as we used to manufacture the signs for the old Midlands Bank, so it was fitting that the bank should support this expansion.”

Jason Gledhill, HSBC Lancashire and Cumbria area commercial director, added: “Northern Neon Lights is a well-established business that has adapted and evolved with its customer base. It is typical of the ambitious, growing businesses we are currently speaking to that are taking advantage of opportunities to expand.”

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