Technology Business Report (Dec 2000)

Brum firm lights up sky....

A Birmingham firm has put on a glowing performance to pick up an International Award.

Edgbaston-based UV Light Technology had one of the smallest displays at the recent Professional Light and Sound Show 2000 at Earls Court which attracted visitors from around the globe.

But the firm’s peers rated its ultra-violet special effects the best at the event. MD Paul Jackson was understandably delighted by the unexpected award.

“It really does prove the power of the ultra-violet light and fluorescent products for the exhibition, retail and point-of-sale sectors which we are currently targeting”, he said. Paul is acknowledged as one of the UK’s leading authorities on such technology. “Ultra-violet light really can add so much sparkle to an event, an exhibition stand or even just a window display”, he added.

The technique in which Paul specialises is known as ultra-violet backlight.  The use of specially-treated drapes for stage shows, or multi-image backdrops for pop concerts, enables stunning effects to be created as if by magic when UV light is shone on them.

Disco-goers first noticed the effect in the 1970s when strobe lights produced an effect that resembled electronic dandruff. The Earls Court triump was assisted by a number of local firms. Graphics and leaflets for the stand were produced through PM Owen Advertising, which also created UV Light Technology’s new corporate identity and product literature.  Highgate-based printer Francis Lomas, Genesis Display and GP Plastics completed the local line-up.

Marketing manager, Bob Holland says the firm’s range of UV application covers special effects for films, theatre, TV products and conferences, cinemas and many others.