Shoppers are enjoying a brighter experience in their supermarket after an award-winning Medway firm installed energy saving lighting for Morrisons.

Minimise, based in Rochester, landed a contract to replace traditional fluorescent tubes with energy-saving LED lights at 80 stores.

The 2011 Medway Business of the Year is inststalling the lights above the shopping aisles with estimated cost savings to Morrisons of 53%. LEDs have none of the harmful gases or mercury contained in traditional fluorescent tubes, last for years without needing to be changed and represent a greener form of lighting. Minimise manufactures as well as supplies and installs LED lighting.

The firm worked for more than a year on research and development The solution we came up with was in the research and development phase for more than a year, then there were in-store trials before they went ahead.

“As an energy-savings company constantly developing new green technologies, we tailor our solutions to the needs of each client,” said Paul West, managing director of Minimise.

“Morrisons needed to retro-fit LED tubes into existing traditional ceilings up to 3.7 metres high, and before they met us had almost given up on the idea that it could be possible to meet all their criteria. The solution we came up with was in the research and development phase for more than a year, then there were in-store trials before they went ahead.”

Minimise has worked with many Blue Chip clients, including Canary Wharf Group, Knight Frank, Denso Marston, Land Securities, NHS trusts, universities, Medway council and Maidstone Hospital.

Mr West added: “It is undoubtedly an exciting time to be involved in the cleantech industry. Our turnover is growing substantially year-on-year and we are constantly securing rights to exciting new technologies.”

Minimise promotes awareness of new green technologies through science projects with schools such as Fort Pitt Grammar School. The company has supported science projects with schools such as Fort Pitt Grammar, and been involved in the Eco Advantage project and Medway Sustainability Information Centre.

Irene Heller, principal EU programmes manager at Medway Council, said: “Time is very precious to a business, and they have given up time to work with schools and help with the launch of the centre to raise awareness of new technologies and the energy savings that can be made.”