BES Utilities, ‘The power behind the Lights and your business’.

BES Managing Director Andy Pilley said: “As one of Britain’s leading suppliers of commercial gas, electricity and telecoms we are experts at saving businesses money on their utility bills.

“The financial pressures on the private and public sector, and indeed Blackpool’s historic and world famous Illuminations, have been widely reported over the last few years.

“We see investing in our local communities, businesses and such wonderful attractions as the Illuminations as a crucial part of the BES Utilities ethos. We urge other businesses to get involved as together we can make a real difference.”

Praising BES Utilities’ backing of the Lights, Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “As a leading supplier of utilities to businesses across the UK, and a major local employer, we are delighted BES Utilities is supporting the Illuminations for a second year.

“Their generous support is vital for Blackpool’s world famous Illuminations and we are thrilled they are leading the way with this. I hope this marks the start of more local businesses following their lead.”

Blackpool Illuminations cost around £2.4 million a year to stage.

BES Utilities, which is a market leader in the roll-out of smart electricity meters across Britain, provided electricity for free for the Illuminations in 2014 and at half price in 2015. The deal equates to more than £100,000 – making BES Utilities the biggest contributor to the Lights for more than a decade.

Friends of Blackpool Illuminations, whose dedicated members raise money to fund the annual resort Lights show have backed Andy Pilley’s call for more businesses to get involved.

Shirley Hunt, of Friends of Blackpool Illuminations, said: “The support of BES Utilities is just fantastic. It is extremely generous and that kind of contribution makes a big difference.

“The Illuminations are so important to every business in Blackpool, be that a hotel, attraction, taxi driver or corner shop owner, so we want everyone to get involved and support the Lights. I totally agree with Andy Pilley in that together we can make a real difference”

And Paul Maynard, Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP, added: “The Illuminations has in recent times struggled for investment but what really matters is when local businesses get behind the Illuminations, be that the hoteliers, entertainment venues and now energy industry.

“BES Utilities investment is really positive. They have seen the value of the Illuminations to the Fylde coast and have really got behind them which I am really very pleased to see.”

This year’s Illuminations will be launched with an all-star Switch-On weekend on Blackpool’s Tower Festival Headland, starting with Switch-On itself on Friday, September 4.

For more information on the BES Utilities sponsorship, visit www.besutilities.co.uk