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Bright like a diamond IBERIAN GROUP’S MD, LES ALLITT, AND HEAD OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, TOM ACCIARINI, ANSWER OUR QUESTIONS ABOUT IBERIAN LIGHTING IN THIS EN-LIGHT-ING Q&A! Les Allitt (L. A.) Tom Acciarini (T. A.)
1. TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT IBERIAN LIGHTING. T.A.: “Iberian is a bespoke lampshade and lighting manufacturer to the hospitality sector that has grown out of the original company making cheap lampshades and frames. Through continued investment and innovation, we have become the UK’s premier high end lampshade makers.” L.A.: “Founded in 1963, Iberian has turned itself into possibly the most versatile lighting and lampshade company in the UK, if not in Europe. Iberian can design and manufacture most forms of lighting from scratch.”
2. HOW DOES IBERIAN LIGHTING STAND OUT FROM OTHER BUSINESSES? T.A.: “We have worked hard to keep as much of the work in house and can accommodate almost every type of shade imaginable. We are happy to help our clients achieve their vision whether the starting point is a quick sketch on a paper napkin or a fully-fledged design.” L.A: “Iberian have embarked on a major expansion program. We have a new
24’000sqft purpose-built factory here in the UK, and have added new CNC production capabilities to compliment our skilled workforce in a constant search to be the best.”
3. HOW IS IBERIAN LIGHTING A GOOD FIT FOR HOSPITALITY VENUES? T.A.: “We have been supplying lighting and lampshades to hospitality for years and we have an experienced customer care team. Whether you’re an independent bar owner, a multimillion-pound business or a fit-out specialist looking for a reliable source, we are here to help.” L.A.: “Quality, service and superfast turnaround times. We also offer a huge variety of styles under one roof. From traditional, handmade soft shades, to industrial, to postmodern lighting installations; and from bespoke brass work, to hotel lampshades made by the hundreds - or even thousands.”
4. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS, SHORT AND LONG TERM? T.A.: “We only fully moved into our new factory the Christmas before the pandemic; we are working on exploring our new capabilities and creating innovation and growth. The customer journey is being streamlined, as well as creating a more visible brand with a look to expanding our UK customer base.” L.A.: “We are continuing to expand our range and introducing designs and shapes that others will find it hard to make.”
5. ANYTHING WE SHOULD KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR? T.A.: “We will keep creating bespoke lighting to suit the everchanging market. We are working on pushing our own shades and shapes, as well as analysing the styles of the classic designers. We also have a project looking at artist and artisan collaborations to create feature lighting art pieces.” L.A.: “The current trend for lavish and exotic styles has its own problems when it comes to sustainability in a market where redecorating and re-fits are constant. Printed lampshades are making the transition from purely promotional material, to being incorporated in interior design without breaking the bank, so expect to see more of those.” For more information, please visit www.iberianlighting.co.uk
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