Solar Solve Marine 40th Anniversary Celebration

At the end of September Solar Solve Marine’s John, Lilian, Julie and David Lightfoot were joined by 80 other people to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the family business that began life as Northern Window Blind Company trading from a shop unit in Sunderland in 1975.

The highly successful event took place at the Sea Hotel, South Shields and was attended by all of the company’s employees, Lightfoot family members and friends, local civic dignitaries, business associates and all of their partners.

In his ‘Welcome’ speech, Company Chairman John Lightfoot said, “Forty years in anything is an occasion worth celebrating and forty years of a family being closely involved in their own business truly is a significant achievement.  It is one that all four of us are extremely proud of, as indeed are many other members of our wider family and good friends whose support we have always enjoyed.”

“However, it is the team of people employed within the family business who make it the success that it is and always has been, especially since it became Solar Solve Marine 28 years ago and went on to become the marine industries worldwide leading brand of anti-glare roller sunscreens and specialist roller blinds.  An achievement that we have retained for more than quarter of a century and still keep today.  We are a global Brand Leader and really delighted that Solar Solve’s Headquarters are located in our home town in South Tyneside.”

The chairman then presented the 15 employees, whose service with the company range from 5 to 24 years, with a gold sovereign dated 2015, to mark the occasion and thank them for their commitment and loyal service. 

With the help of the excellent managers and staff at the Sea Hotel serving drinks and a great meal, a caricature artist, fun casino, candy stall, prize draw and plenty opportunities to socialize all of the guests had a super time.  Some had travelled up from Sussex and Cardiff and for many the highly successful event was one of the best nights they have ever had.  A fitting tribute for a great occasion.