A HUSBAND and wife are celebrating after growing a lighting firm from humble beginnings to now exporting all over the world from a new, purpose-built unit.

Simon and Karen Wallis-Smith took over antiques business Fritz Fryer Lighting in 2004, based in Ross-on-Wye, after they shopped there when renovating their new home in Herefordshire.

But the couple grew the business over the following 17 years and now offer contemporary lighting products, designed in Ross-on-Wye, made in the UK and hand finished in their workshop.

Fritz Fryer outgrew its Station Street shop, so Simon and Karen opted for a purpose-built 10,000 sq ft unit in Alton Street Business Park where they will continue exporting their products.

The couple said they had grown the firm from having three employees to 15, and said many people in the town probably did not realise the team designed and made light fittings for exclusive clients internationally.

The expansion went ahead despite the coronavirus pandemic, with Mrs Wallis-Smith admitting that although the restrictions were daunting and difficult, it made them realise they did not need a high street presence, and an industrial park site would be easier for customers.

Mr Wallis-Smith said the other effect of Covid-19 was how the firm went from supplying fittings for chains such as Caffè Nero and Jamie’s Italian, which stopped buying as the pandemic hit, to working with interior designers working in private homes.

Their move to the business park was made boosted by a Marches Building Investment Grant, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, and the pair were considering expanding into America.