Orcalight, in Stanley, to expand after investment

Orcalight, in Stanley, County Durham, aims to grow after receiving backing from the Finance For Business North East Growth Fund.

The firm says the support will help increase sales of a diving light bosses claim is the strongest battery-powered example in the world.

The company was founded by Shane Newman, a former lighting research and development engineer, and it lists The Discovery Channel, National Geographic and The BBC Natural History Unit as customers.

It also counts Bafta-winning BBC wildlife cameraman Doug Anderson, who works on the channel’s Earth, Life and Frozen Planet series as a technical advisor, and says it growth plans stem from previous work with the corporation.

Mr Newman revealed the BBC approached Orcalight in 2013 to develop a one-off dive light for a special test.

After being impressed by its work, BBC officials suggested the company make it on a commercial scale and it has since been working on prototypes.

Mr Newman, Orcalight’s chief executive, said: “We've spent a lot of time and effort fine-tuning a product, which we believe is far and away the best of its type on the market.

“Orcalight is extremely powerful, tough enough to work in very demanding environments, suited to the needs of both professional and recreational divers, and designed to be particularly suitable for underwater exploration, photography and video.

“From the huge amount of interest we’ve already had, we’re certain we’ve got our development work right, and see no reason why Orcalight can’t become the industry standard in markets right around the world."

The company worked with regional fund management firm NEL Fund Managers to obtain a six figure growth fund investment.

Chris Parker, NEL Fund Managers’ investment executive, added: “Orcalight’s quality and potential is very clear, and the development plans Shane and his team outlined provided us with a very strong investment opportunity.”