Leading specials effects firm to relocate to Burnley

BPM-SFX Ltd, who supply stage and indoor pyrotechnics for some of the world’s leading music artists and events, are in the process of moving to a new building in the town to accommodate their rapid growth.

The firm received a £90,000 grant from the Lancashire Business Growth Fund to assist with the purchase and refurbishment of the Oak Mill building in Manchester Road and the expansion will see 10 new jobs created.

BPM-SFX financial director Catherine Chadwick said: “We’ve been looking for the right building to accommodate our expansion plans for some time.

“With assistance from Burnley Council’s Business Support Team we found Oak Mill which is perfect to suit our plans for future growth, and they put us in touch with the LBGF team who supported us with our grant application.

“The mill does require some work to transform it to our specific requirements but the LBGF grant, which has contributed towards the purchase and refurbishment of the mill has greatly helped us with the implementation of the building improvement works.”

“The proposal we have for the mill is amazing. We plan to include our trading company on the ground floor and then provide a training college in this industry on the second floor, and then on top level, accommodation for touring artists and their crew, from which they’ll have some fabulous views across Burnley’s countryside.

“2016 should be an exciting year for us, with our new premises taking shape, and our prestigious nomination for the Favourite SFX Company Award at the Total Production Awards is amazing, just to be nominated is a major achievement.”

Burnley Council leader Mark Townsend said: “This is a really exciting company and I’m delighted to welcome them to Burnley, and really pleased they’ve received grant support from the LBGF.

“They work with some major music events including the BBC Music Awards, Radio One in Ibiza, and some top names including Calvin Harris, Will Young, The Script, the lists goes on, and we are delighted they’ll be linked to Burnley.”

Mandy Lockett, international business director of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said “This is a prime example of a fast growing and enlivening business being able to utilise and harness capital investment grants to bring forward their investment plans and create10 new jobs within the Burnley area. We look forward to seeing this company winning more awards, leading the way in SFX technologies and promoting the Burnley brand around the world.”

For more information on applying for LBGF grant contact Stef Heywood on 01282 356454 or [email protected].