ECONOMIC Development Minister Allan Bell has paid tribute to a local company which has shown  "vision and confidence" in the future of the Isle of Man with the official opening of a new-look premises in Douglas.

Speaking at the opening of the new showroom and office complex for Luminaires, Mr Bell said the company's investment in the project was "a perfect example" of how the Isle of Man has shown its strength in battling against the threats of economic recession.

Luminaires has transformed its premises in Victoria Road, Douglas and chose the first of the 'darker nights' following the change of the clocks for its official opening ceremony to highlight its wide range of energy efficient lighting and the independent consultancy business Professional Lighting and Design Ltd.

Mr Bell said that Luminaires had shown "great courage and bravery" at the time of the last recession  by creating a new business in the face of adversity. He added, "And now here we are in the middle of another recession and Luminaires is again showing its confidence in the future of the Island.

"For the Isle of Man's economy to develop we need to harness the skills, and entrepreneurial vision of companies like Luminaires and its owner Ralph Peake who are prepared to invest in the Island and the future. It's only through such entrepreneurs that the economy of the Isle of Man will continue to expand."

Mr Bell said that the creation of the newly designed premises for Luminaires was "a nice culmination of creative talents" working together.

He added, "This further development show the fruits of 18 years of labour and is the culmination of a number of talents. The architect Ashley Pettit did a great job - and I believe he is one of the most creative architects on the Island.

"I'm afraid that generally there has been a lack of imagination and vision sometimes in design and style and I think it's something which does not truly reflect what the Isle of Man can achieve. We need creative people like Ashley Pettit and Ralph Peake to stimulate that side of Manx life and culture.

He added, "This is an interesting coincidence of dates - Luminaires was formed in 1992 which was the last time the UK was in recession. At that time the Isle of Man only just escaped recession - economic activity was very low and close to 2,000 people were unemployed. It was a very, very difficult time for the Isle of Man.

"The bravery and courage shown by Ralph Peake at that time to set up a new business on his own when there were real concerns about the economy, and to have the courage and take a brave step at that time to set up in the face of adversity is a reflection of his character and his ability to use his vision to see where the Isle of Man could be in the future.

"So, here we are 18 years later and once again in the middle of another recession and once again Ralph moves onto another level.

"However, this time the Isle of Man is faring much, much better. Employment is very strong; we have only around 750 unemployed and there are still good hopes for the future to develop.

"But for the economy to develop we need to harness the skills, and entrepreneurial vision of people like Ralph Peake and other people who are prepared to invest in the Island and the future. It's only through such entrepreneurs that the economy of the Isle of Man will continue to expand."

Mr Bell also pointed out that many people may not be aware of the projects in which Luminaires is involved such as the Coutts House development. He added, "This is a great example of what can be done through tasteful, stylish, well designed lighting. It is a joy to behold.

"We come across experience of Luminaires' skills almost every day. At the moment we have the village and town regeneration programme. Luminaires is working with us on this scheme designed to improve street lighting and other aspects of village and town life and I can see many opportunities in the future for schemes which could benefit from the skills of companies like Luminaires. 'Energy efficiency' is the buzz phrase of the moment.

"This is a great team at a most appropriate time. Government is very  grateful for the support, help and vision Luminaires is showing to make the Isle of Man a much better place. It's a pleasure and an honour to see more progress and confidence in the Isle of Man and its  economy. Working together with companies such as Luminaires, the Isle of Man - with energy and vision - has a very safe and secure future.

"I am absolutely sure this new office premises and showroom will be a great success - it's a wonderful building which has enhanced Luminaires and also enhanced the area. I wish the enterprise well. I'm sure it will be a great success."

Ralph Peake paid tribute to the architect Ashley Pettit for his "amazing design work" and spoke about Luminaires' aim to be a "destination for design" where visitors can not only see examples of the lighting available from a wide range of top manufacturers in the UK and Europe but also where visitors can learn about the latest lighting and the "new wave" of energy efficient lighting which has only become available in the last few years.

"We want people to come here not only to look at the range of designer lighting but, more importantly, to come here and gain knowledge about all that's happening in energy efficient lighting. We are very keen to share our skills and pass on our knowledge to everyone.

"On another level, we also now offer a complete consultancy service 'Professional Lighting and Design Ltd' which covers every aspect of lighting. We have a fully qualified, enthusiastic team and a genuine desire to share our knowledge."

Luminaires also emphasised its Manx roots by providing guests with drinks and food supplied entirely by local suppliers, including Elderflower Keshal (champagne) from The Apple Orphanage, Bushy’s beer and water from Green Mann Spring, together with food using entirely Manx ingredients prepared by the new 14 North restaurant on North Quay, Douglas.

"We wanted to showcase the Isle of Man at its best," added Ralph Peake. "There are lots of success stories in the Isle of Man and we wanted to use this occasion to highlight just a small example of what is being achieved by Manx companies."