Q? Why are people negative about compact fluorescent lamps?

A  In my opinion it is almost as though compact fluorescent lamps came out 20 years too early in terms of development. What I mean is, there were certain facets of compact fluorescent lamps which didn’t do the right job when they first hit the market but all that has now changed:Q? Are LEDs the answer to all lighting requirements?Compact fluorescent lamps are bulky –Yes the first ones were but there are now shapes and sizes which are at least as small as any old fashioned incandescent lamps including candle shapes.

Compact fluorescent lamps give cold light  – Absolutely untrue today. CFLs are available in a wide range of colour temperatures, both warmer and cooler than incandescent equivalents. The range of 2,700K to 3,000K covers what most of us would call warm white and this gives an identical colour temperature to incandescent and the two would be indistinguishable in conjunction with a fabric shade.

Compact fluorescent lamps flicker – Yes originally with mechanical control gear but not at all today with modern electronic control gear.

Compact fluorescent lamps are slow to reach full light output – In the early days, yes, but modern CFL’s are mostly called ‘instant start’ meaning they reach full light output in a matter of seconds rather than minutes.Compact fluorescent lamps are not dimmable – Not true – most manufacturers offer a self-ballasted dimmable lamp, for example the Osram 18W which dims very well with a good dimming range. For non self-ballasted lamps, dimming control gear is readily available although can be costly and somewhat bulky.

Compact fluorescent lamps are expensive – CFLs have continued to fall in price since the day they were launched and now represent excellent value for money against other light sources.

Compact fluorescent lamps are stolen from hotel rooms – In the early days when they cost £12 each and were a relative rarity, maybe that was the case. Today they are not worth stealing cost-wise and most people have got them at home anyway.Q? Are LEDs the answer to all lighting requirements?A  I think the answer has to be a definite ‘no’ for now. It took a long time to create LED which gave out warm white light. Reds, greens and blues were followed by a cold blueish white light but as long as the manufacturing source is good quality, acceptable warm white colours are now available. Good quality manufacturing also means a consistency of colour temperature because with some cheap sources of supply almost every lamp gives out a slightly different colour shade. LED light is linear and has therefore been perfect for display and navigational lighting as well as back lighting and task lights. Making LED light shine through 360° (to replicate the light patterns of the old incandescent lamps) has been more of a challenge. Manufacturers continue to invent new ways to try and make that happen but so far there will always be one blank spot in the 360° circle.LEDs only reach their claimed lamp life if they have an extremely good heat sink and good ventilation inside any luminaire. Without that, the claimed 25,000 hour, 50,000 hour or even 100,000 hour lamp life can drop to under 10,000 hours. However, they are the future and will continue to develop with long lamp life, good colour and dimming capabilities. Be careful with dimming however, as it is essential that the LED lamps are compatible with the proposed dimming gear. Watch out for first cost too! LED lamps are still pretty expensive and need to be in use an awful lot to become cost effective against CFL equivalent options.Q? Does Far Eastern manufacturing have a perceived quality issue?A  I think the answer has to be a definite ‘no’ for now. It took a long time to create LED which gave out warm white light. Reds, greens and blues were followed by a cold blueish white light but as long as the manufacturing source is good quality, acceptable warm white colours are now available. Good quality manufacturing also means a consistency of colour temperature because with some cheap sources of supply almost every lamp gives out a slightly different colour shade. LED light is linear and has therefore been perfect for display and navigational lighting as well as back lighting and task lights. Making LED light shine through 360° (to replicate the light patterns of the old incandescent lamps) has been more of a challenge. Manufacturers continue to invent new ways to try and make that happen but so far there will always be one blank spot in the 360° circle.LEDs only reach their claimed lamp life if they have an extremely good heat sink and good ventilation inside any luminaire. Without that, the claimed 25,000 hour, 50,000 hour or even 100,000 hour lamp life can drop to under 10,000 hours. However, they are the future and will continue to develop with long lamp life, good colour and dimming capabilities. Be careful with dimming however, as it is essential that the LED lamps are compatible with the proposed dimming gear. Watch out for first cost too! LED lamps are still pretty expensive and need to be in use an awful lot to become cost effective against CFL equivalent options.Q? Does Far Eastern manufacturing have a perceived quality issue?A   Yes, I think unfortunately in some quarters it still does. Personally speaking I think nothing could be further from the truth – remember the Chinese were making exquisite porcelain vases when in Britain we could hardly put a mud hut together. It is just like any other manufacturing in any other country where there are extremes of low quality and high quality, good work places and bad work places, high standards and low standards. The fact that the Chinese have just put a rocket on the moon perhaps shows their high standards of technical and quality achievements today. In some cases and in my industry, their quality of engineering and finish is better than I have come across anywhere in the world.Obviously all that has to be driven by good QC (we have our own factory inspectors controlling that) and more importantly it has to start with good design which good Chinese factories really appreciate and can’t wait to receive. The world’s a small place today and many geographical areas have different fields of manufacturing expertise. The important thing is that as a UK based product designer, I know where to have something manufactured with a perfect blend of price and quality. I am in no way knocking UK manufacturing and we are extremely proud of our ‘made in Blackpool’ statement, because our in house and local skills allow us to create the most spectacular one off custom pieces for the hospitality sectors.A   Yes, I think unfortunately in some quarters it still does. Personally speaking I think nothing could be further from the truth – remember the Chinese were making exquisite porcelain vases when in Britain we could hardly put a mud hut together. It is just like any other manufacturing in any other country where there are extremes of low quality and high quality, good work places and bad work places, high standards and low standards. The fact that the Chinese have just put a rocket on the moon perhaps shows their high standards of technical and quality achievements today. In some cases and in my industry, their quality of engineering and finish is better than I have come across anywhere in the world.Obviously all that has to be driven by good QC (we have our own factory inspectors controlling that) and more importantly it has to start with good design which good Chinese factories really appreciate and can’t wait to receive. The world’s a small place today and many geographical areas have different fields of manufacturing expertise. The important thing is that as a UK based product designer, I know where to have something manufactured with a perfect blend of price and quality. I am in no way knocking UK manufacturing and we are extremely proud of our ‘made in Blackpool’ statement, because our in house and local skills allow us to create the most spectacular one off custom pieces for the hospitality sectors.

Chelsom toast a successful 2013 by increasing sales 20% YOY and starting 2014 with a near record high order book.

Chelsom have reported year end sales figures which show a growth of 20% year on year. One of the major growth areas was their export market where sales increased by 82%. Robert Chelsom, Managing Director, said “I am obviously delighted to have achieved such growth in a continuing worldwide recession. It shows that our product and service is appreciated worldwide and that we can compete strongly across all our market sectors. However perhaps more pleasing is the variety and quality of projects which we have completed in the year including Four Seasons Moscow, Rosewood Abu Dhabi,  The London Edition, Rosewood London and the Travelodge chain in the hospitality sector. From the marine industry we supplied Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Europa 2, Pullmantur Monarch, Crystal Serenity and Windstar.”

Chelsom carry a very strong order book into 2014 with upcoming projects including One Blackfriars London, Central Market Marriott Abu Dhabi, Movenpick Paris, Miramar Beach Hotel Cannes, Sheraton Creek Dubai and the Hilton New York.

Design work is now complete on the brand new 2014/2015 Chelsom lighting collections which will be launched, together with the new catalogue and website, in June. Director Will Chelsom said, “I think last year’s success signals the start of a significant growth period for Chelsom. With new team members including Sales Director, two Sales Consultants, a Head of Projects and a Head of Marketing, we have a brilliant team to carry us forward and continue our global expansion in 2014.”

Once again Chelsom will be exhibiting at The Sleep Event which will take place at the Business Design Centre on 20th and 21st November. Chelsom will be showcasing a preview of models from the new Edition 24 collection, created specifically for the hospitality marketplace, on stand M4.If you haven’t already registered for the exhibition, please click here and save the £30 entrance fee.

We look forward to introducing you to the new lighting collection.

Following hot on the heels of the success of Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Chelsom are delighted to announce that they have been awarded two major projects in the Middle East; Le Royal Meridien Dubai and Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers predominantly featuring custom product as designed by LW Design Group and Di Leonardo respectively.Chelsom have won the projects against fierce competition from companies across Europe, the Middle East and Far East thanks to their blend of superior quality and competitive pricing. Such recent significant project successes as these have undeniably helped to establish the Chelsom brand as one of the leading lighting companies in the rapidly expanding Middle Eastern hospitality market.Chelsom’s consultant in Dubai Vanessa Soley- Peters says, “Being full time on the ground here in Dubai has allowed me to work closely with the designers and owners to bring this tender process to a successful conclusion for Chelsom. We very much look forward to delivering in the coming weeks and seeing these fantastic projects through to completion at the start of the New Year.”

Despite a continuing worldwide recession, Chelsom have exceeded expectations in the first half of the year, seeing sales grow by almost 20% as against 2012 figures. Chelsom attribute this success not only to the design, value and quality for which they are renowned, but also to their fundamental understanding of the global contract lighting market in terms of function, technology, local regulations and logistics. Chelsom Hong Kong Ltd has helped maintain their competitive edge by enabling international customers to opt for direct shipment from China to the final project destination, thereby reducing lead times and freight costs. Export sales now generate around 30% of company sales, with figures for the first half of 2013 already surpassing total export sales for 2012.As part of an export expansion programme, Chelsom have bolstered their international  sales team and enjoyed success participating in overseas exhibitions including Cruise Shipping Miami and Hospitality Design Expo, Las Vegas.

Custom designed product has also seen massive growth for Chelsom this year. The design wishes of worldwide clients, from spectacular one-off chandeliers to high volume budget guestroom lighting, now account for 30% of the company’s sales and Chelsom take pride in being able to turn such designs into successful reality.Managing Director, Robert Chelsom, says: “All the hard work put in by the whole Chelsom team has produced a remarkable start to the year. I am more pleased however that we move into the second half with a near record order book and we look forward to completing a number of high profile projects including The Mondrian London Hotel at the iconic Sea Containers House building, Chancery Court in London, Marriott Riyadh, Flame Towers Baku, the restoration of all period lighting at Manchester Town Hall and many more. In the meantime we are working hard on finalising designs for the 2014/2015 collection which will once again reinforce Chelsom’s position at the forefront of hospitality and cruise decorative lighting”.