A NEW company which helps businesses to reduce their energy bills by using more eco-friendly lighting today announced a £1.25m funding package to support its growth.

Warrington-based Green Lite Solutions is the new trading name for Direct Lamp Distribution, a wholesaler of lighting to retail and trade buyers.

Direct Lamp Distribution was set up by John Millar and Mark Dempsey in 2004 and turns over £1m a year.

The duo also own and operate sister company Eurotech Services GB, which provides electrical maintenance and testing services to retailers and DIY chains.

The two businesses employ 50 people in total.

Green Lite, which they hope to grow into a £2m-turnover enterprise, will provide energy audits and other services to help customers save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

The Royal Bank of Scotland has provided a £450,000 loan under the government’s Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme and a further £800,000 via its asset finance arm Lombard to enable Green Lite to buy 45 vehicles.