News in Brief: Lighting specialist switched on for success; Ice cream manufacturer reports record sales and more

A KNARESBOROUGH lighting business is switching on for future growth by doubling the size of its showroom.

Robinsons Lighting has seen a 10% year on year growth since Ian Robinson took over the business four years ago from his father Dave.

The Mayor of Knaresborough Coun Mavis Clement will officially open the extended showroom on Saturday.

Ten per cent of all sales on the day will be donated to a local Parkinsons Disease charity.

Mr Robinson said: “In response to customer demand we have converted former office and warehouse space to create an additional showroom on the first floor.  This will allow us to display a wider choice of products to our customers who come from all over North Yorkshire.  We have also created a new website – www.robinsonslighting.co.uk – so customers can buy online.”

Expansion plans include further developing the commercial electrical contracting side of the business, working with local businesses, local authorities and schools.

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A YORK ice cream manufacturer has reported record sales for the second year in succession.

Yorvale, York’s only dairy ice cream maker, attributes its 18% year on year increase in sales to regional and national business gains combined with a growing consumer desire to support local businesses.

The firm won new business in the food service sector and clients now include Booths and Co-op stores throughout Yorkshire.

Yorvale’s Lesley Buxton said: “We have worked hard to win the new business over the last year and it’s particularly satisfying that almost all of our growth in the retail sector has come from Yorkshire.

“We are delighted by the support that we have had from Booths and the Co-op and attractions including York Theatre Royal and the York Castle Museum as they help to spread the word about our ice cream.”

Mrs Buxton and husband Ian started Yorvale with a single ice cream van in 1989. The company now has a  turnover of almost £600,000.

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BUSINESSES are being urged to attend a free conference this month in Leeds to look at how an impending law change will impact young people in education, apprenticeships, young workers and employment opportunities.

In 2013 young people will be required by law to stay in education or training until they are 17 and from 2015 the law will apply to 18-year-olds.

Developed by Young People’s Enterprise Forum (YPEF) and funded by Yorkshire Forward Towards Total Engagement is a conference specifically aimed at businesses, secondary heads and college principals in Yorkshire.

Speakers from Yorkshire Forward, YPEF and the Government Office for Yorkshire will address a range of issues around the central theme of the impending law change in school leaving age.

For further information on the event at the Royal Armouries on February 26 email kate.woodcock@ypef.org.uk