Leeds lighting company Zig Zag who worked with Nirvana and ZZ Top saved from closure

Leeds-based Zig Zag Lighting provides lighting and production equipment for live music events and has provided the lighting systems for events like Slam Dunk Festival and, most recently, Jamie Cullum’s 2020 UK tour.

The business was hit hard by the coronavirus shutdown. With all of the tours and events Zig Zag was due to work on cancelled or rescheduled until 2021, the company was left facing major cashflow issues and was forced to furlough employees and let down dozens of freelancers who had hoped to work on the shows.

However, it has secured its future with the support of an emergency loan from Lloyds Bank.

Zig Zag managing director, Neil Hunt, was able to secure a six-figure loan from CBILS to allow the business to cover the cost of rescheduling work and pay for maintenance of equipment and premises.

Mr Hunt said: “I started Zig Zag Lighting back in 1985 and we’ve been running successfully for decades. Nothing prepared me for the impact of coronavirus.

“This should be the busiest time of the year for us and instead we’re facing a completely empty summer schedule. Not only will this new money cover our overheads but it’ll mean we can come out of the pandemic in a strong position, ready to bring lighting magic to concerts once again.”

Gary Whitaker, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “Coronavirus has had a huge impact on the entertainment industry and on businesses within its supply chain. Zig Zag Lighting is facing significant uncertainty on when it can resume operations but Neil and the team have their sights set on better times ahead.”