When did you first start working with the New Zealand–based manufacturer Hunza?

“I remember the very first communication indeed — 15th December 1999.”

I collected the keys to my current house that day and needed a new challenge to help pay for it!

Why lighting?

I’d recently visited Gent, a town in Belgium, and stayed in a hotel with an old courtyard garden. Whilst sampling a local ale (Duvel), the light level dropped and the lighting gradually came on.

It looked fantastic — unlike anything I’d seen in the UK. That moment gave me the momentum to start searching for a lighting manufacturer to work with.

Was the industry difficult to get into?

Well, I had a little bit of a head start, having worked in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry after studying for four years at Solihull Polytechnic to technician level. It was heavily based around electrics and circuitry.

Initially, I arranged meetings with lighting professionals for their advice and guidance. Luckily, they were impressed with the samples and started working with me to develop and improve the range.

How has the lighting industry changed over the years?

“Massively. The rapid changeover from incandescent lamps to LEDs transformed the industry.”

The manufacturing of fittings has been revolutionised. Initially, there was a lot of confusion and many false claims about longevity and design. It’s been a steep learning curve for everyone.

How has the Hunza range developed since you started?

Initially, the factory was producing fittings using powder-coated aluminium. I soon recognised that solid copper was better suited to complement our red brick architecture — left uncoated, it would naturally weather into a verdigris patina.

The next progression was the introduction of solid 316 stainless steel for more contemporary designs. Not to mention the move towards LED technology, which has been the biggest change of all.

What major advantages set your fittings above others in the marketplace?

All of our fittings are designed with modular, interchangeable components and are built to last a lifetime.

We offer a refurbishment service so parts can be replaced when needed, and LED boards can also be upgraded as technology advances. Above all, we strive to offer the very best support to our customers.

What is your favourite fitting that you produce?

“Probably the Hunza Pillar (up/down), one of the very first fittings we ever produced.”

Positioned a third of the way up on a period property — particularly in copper on red brick with a warm 2700K colour temperature — it gives any building a beautiful and welcoming charm. To be specific: a 38-degree beam angle downwards and a 10-degree beam upwards to catch the eaves. Just delightful!

What is the latest trend in lighting?

“Sustainability.”

Valuable raw materials such as copper, stainless steel and aluminium are increasingly being produced from recycled sources — over 90% of the stainless steel and copper we use is sourced from recycled material. Dark Skies is also becoming an important focus within the industry.

What’s your favourite tipple?

A local brew called Bathams, made in the Black Country.

It slips down a treat — “mother’s milk” as we call it — but boy, has it got a kick!

If you could spend an evening with any one person, business or otherwise, who would it be?

“Stephen Fry. The guy’s a genius!”