Soaring energy bills have opened up a new business opportunity for a Bradford contracting firm.

Following the latest price hikes by British Gas and other energy suppliers for both business and domestic customers, contracting, manufacturing and shopfitting company PEC is working with many of its clients to deliver sustainable lighting schemes which promise significant cost-savings.

Suki Panesar, commercial director, said: “Energy-efficient lighting can save money and cut carbon. It’s a win-win situation for businesses and we anticipate more organisations will start to look at ways of incorporating modern technology. We have a great team, with experience of installing schemes in multi-storey buildings with hundreds of fittings.

“The lighting side of the business is growing as more organisations, from offices to hospitals, look closely at their energy bills. Using the latest systems, including LED lighting, can cut bills by up to 20 per cent.”

PEC, based on the Euroway trading estate, has identified a growing demand from developers and landlords to reduce energy costs by installing sustainable internal and external lighting schemes.

According to The Carbon Trust, lighting in buildings accounts for around a sixth of UK electricity use, with 73 per cent used in commercial and industrial sites, and the balance in homes. On average, 25 per cent of an organisation’s electricity costs come from lighting.

Suki Panesar said: “Estates and facilities managers with multi-storey car parks in their property portfolio could be making significant savings on their energy bills by replacing old-fashioned and expensive lighting.

“Poorly-managed systems, especially in areas where the lights aren’t always being used, can cost a business up to an extra 25 per cent of energy usage. It’s something that businesses can’t afford, and in terms of reducing carbon footprint, it’s a relatively simple situation to remedy.”

PEC has been working with Q-Park, one of Europe’s leading car park companies, on an extensive refurbishment programme for its central London properties, included the installation of intelligent daylight sensors and motion sensors.

The firm has also installed and customised a lighting scheme at a site in Vauxhall for a property investment company with a portfolio spanning London, France, Germany and Sweden.

PEC was highly commended in the manufacturer of the year category at the 2013 T&A Bradford Means Business awards.