With huge advances in technology, increasingly many businesses are opting for LEDs to improve business performance and save money on energy costs.  

LED lights use significantly less energy than conventional lighting. For example, LED industrial high bay fittings, which are well suited to factory environments, save 50 to 75% energy depending upon the wattage and type of high bay. 

Quality LED also cuts maintenance costs as the bulbs last years and can be turned on and off without any effect on the lifespan of the bulb. LED lights come to full brightness immediately in contrast to fluorescent bulbs that take time to come on.

The high quality of light output from LED improves the aesthetics of working environments. Another advantage is LED emits low-level heat so bulbs do not get hot. These factors cannot be under estimated in terms of improving staff well being and motivation thus improving productivity. 

LED is good for the environment too, cutting long-term carbon emissions. Therefore, there are corporate tax incentives to switch. Businesses can claim enhanced capital allowances. The First Year Allowance is 100% of the cost of the assets offset against taxable profits. 

There could not be a better time for businesses to consider upgrading to LED as grants are available from the Carbon Trust. The Carbon Trust Green Business Fund is the energy efficiency support service for small and medium-sized companies in England, Wales and Scotland. It provides direct funded support through energy assessments, training workshop, equipment procurement support and up to £10,000 capital contribution towards energy saving equipment purchase. Businesses will be put in touch with accredited suppliers such as LEDtec UK.

LEDtec provides turnkey and bespoke LED lighting solutions to businesses in industrial and warehouse premises, commercial, retail and medical sites. CEO/MD, George Leonidou, explains: "Our lighting surveyors undertake free surveys working out costs of implementing projects as well as providing clients with detailed payback and Return on Investment calculations. Clients are often amazed at the phenomenal savings possible and the fast payback periods."

Bright solution 

LEDtec recently completed an installation at TOT Shirts, a British T-shirt printer and garment decoration specialist that operates from a 36,000ft2 end-to-end facility comprising factory, offices, warehouse and despatch centre. The lighting installed gave relatively poor light output and was expensive. An added problem was the fire risk posed from garment- material filaments sticking to fluorescent lights as they became hot. 

The LEDtec solution was a number of lighting arrangements to suit different applications within the building. High bays were installed in the warehouse, LED panels were used for despatch, offices and the print shop, and LED light bars proved suitable for storage areas where fluorescent tubes were replaced. Where continuous lighting was not needed (e.g. cloakrooms) motion sensors were fitted; and day/night sensors initiated for exterior floodlights. 

Peter Joyce, MD of TOT Shirts, says: "LEDtec completed the job in an efficient and caring manner. We felt their approach was not about putting in just any LED lights but taking the time to understand our needs. Former lighting was dim and inefficient it’s now bright and very comfortable (not hot), improving the working environment and productivity." 

Based on the initial quotation, TOT Shirts’ net annual saving on energy costs was estimated at c. £18,000, contributing a reduction in CO2 emissions of 75 tonnes per annum.