Brilliant Living and Lighting (From York Press)

Brilliant Living and Lighting

11:36am Monday 25th July 2011 in Profiles

IT is brilliant in name and in effect. Now Brilliant Living and Lighting is hoping to shed light on its talents by winning the Small Business Of The Year and Science & Technology categories.

The firm in Thirsk Industrial Park was founded by Melanie and Iain Shaw seven years ago in a spare bedroom, since when they have expanded to employ eight people and generate a turnover of more than £1 million from an impressive client list, including a stately home, several country houses and some spectacular new-build homes.

From the start it was a lighting design and smart home technology business, but has since expanded into interior design and full project management service.

The result is that they combine specialist architectural lighting design with high-end smart home technology such as audio, video, home cinema, heating and lighting controls and security integration.

Melanie says: “In short, we can create stunning homes in furniture and fabric and beautifully hide the effects of technology – a home that looks good and works wonderfully.”

At the start they “boot-strapped” the business, avoiding external loans.

“Our philosophy has always been to invest in the best we can afford if it is the right thing to do for the longer term,” says Melanie.

It has paid off, as the modern showroom in Thirsk bears witness. Industry judges think so too.

Last year Brilliant Living was one of three finalists in the Lighting Design Awards – the sector’s Oscars – and the firm was awarded the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) Residential Installation of the Month accolade.