A CREATIVE business whose artworks are now lighting up homes and venues around the world has settled into a new premises.

Light Up North, set up by business partners Emma Krause and Dave Freeney who have both made the region their adopted home, now occupies the whole top floor of the LillianDaph store in Saltburn.

Light Up North uses electroluminescent neon wire technology to create unique artworks that are sought by individual and commercial buyers for their homes, hotels, night clubs, business premises shops and advertising boards.

The designs range from animals to mermaids, personal messages such as I Love Daddy to house signs and slogans, and are created on Perspex or rolled steel in a range of fonts, finishes and colours.

With a £3,500 loan from UK Steel Enterprise’s Regeneration Fund, the business has been able to take on the space needed for its two part-time staff and apprentice, provide three workshops and a new gallery and bring its framing process in-house.

The business is also starting to build a market in the United States after initial sales and has also processed orders to Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Spain.

Ms Krause said: “Last year UK Steel Enterprise helped us with a £5,000 loan, enabling us to develop our ideas, skills and products.

“Having started out on a table then progressed to my garage and Dave’s workshop, we now have the premises we need with everything under one roof to operate more efficiently and grow the business."

Sarah Thorpe of UK Steel Enterprise, the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary, said: “Our Regeneration Fund supports growing businesses with the amounts of finance needed to help provide premises, equipment or support with cash flow in the early stages.

"The loans, at fixed interest rates repayable over three years, can make all the difference and help a business to grow at a crucial time.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Emma and Dave and seeing Light Up North expand, move into these new premises and create jobs.”

For more information about Light Up North, visit www.lightupnorth.com.

For more information on UK Steel Enterprise’s regeneration fund, call 01642 777777 and www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk.