Oliver Lamps moves to new premises in Fakenham

Independent family business Oliver Lamps, of Fakenham, has taken another significant step in its 62-year history.

The firm moved in January from its base on an industrial estate to the heart of the town's shopping centre in Oak Street.

A switch to the use of LED lighting in recent years meant that the firm had more space than it needed at its warehouse facility in George Edwards Road, its former home.

Proprietor Stewart Oliver, who took over the business founded by his parents, Harold and Muriel Oliver, said: "It's great to have a showroom and shop in the town centre which has a much higher profile.

"Our corporate clients are able to come in and see what different types of lights are available. We moved more into the decoration side of things, too, with table lamps and accessories which complement the lighting in the home.

"So far the move has proved very successful."

Oliver Lamps supplies its lighting products across the UK from the north of Scotland to Cornwall with customers including pubs, hotels, schools among others.

Mr Oliver paid tribute to his staff who have contributed to the success of the business over the years. "I have two or three who have worked for me since they left school, have gone away to have their children and then returned again.

"Lucy Saxby has been with the business for more than 20 years. The team are very hard working and dedicated."

The business was founded in 1958 by Harold and Muriel, who at that time ran the pub in Great Massingham, now known as The Dabbling Duck.

It moved to Burnham Market in the early 1960s when it was the biggest employer in the village. In November 2003, as it was becoming more difficult to employ local people, it moved to the industrial estate in Fakenham.