CHEAPER lighting costs for small and medium ventures can now be achieved – thanks to a hi-tech York company.

Local trials of Lighting Energy Controller (LEC), a product that can slash costs by up to 35 per cent per year without dimming, have been announced by Crucible Technologies, based at Northminster Business Park, Poppleton.

It has teamed up with York electrical contractors Simpson & Wood to roll out sales across Yorkshire Crucible Technologies, which is selling the device under licence from Israeli company, PES, is putting it to the test with Pavers Shoes, its near-neighbour on the business park, which has 88 stores in the UK and Ireland, supported by a 90,000 sq ft head office and distribution centre. Pavers is set to install an LEC in its high fashion outlet, Staccato, at the York Designer Outlet next month, for an initial three-month trial.

Seggy Segaran, managing director of Crucible Technologies, is confident of the outcome, given that the product is already being used successfully across Europe by large international companies like IBM and McDonald’s.

The device, said to also extend bulb life and generate lower maintenance costs, usually pays for itself in less than three years, and in some cases in as little as 18 months.

Average businesses could cut their carbon footprint by ten tonnes of CO2 per year – equivalent to taking two cars off the road.

Mr Segeran said: “The LEC ticks all the right boxes, with thousands of buildings across the world, ranging from offices to logistics centres and airports, already using it. “We are very excited about bringing this technology to businesses in Yorkshire.”

Jim Young, facilities manager at Pavers Shoes, said: “The LEC offers a win-win for Pavers Shoes, potentially enabling us to reduce our carbon footprint at the same time as cutting our electricity costs. “Another very important potential cost saving for us will be extended bulb life, with typically £250 per month being spent on new bulb installations at the York Staccato store alone.”

For more information, phone Mr Segaran on 01904 792211.