Founded in 1979 by Sh. Lt. R.K. Shah with a vision to make high-quality lighting more accessible, Ankur Lighting had humble beginnings with one showroom and one factory back then. Getting involved in the business in the late 80s, taking over in 1991 and truly bringing its values to life, Mrs Umesh Shah devoted her life to building the business and the foundation on which Ankur Lighting stands today.

She transformed the business into a modern-day enterprise with strong business ideologies that resonate with the ethos of the illumination industry. Not only this, but she also translated the business values of Sh. Lt. R.K. Shah into real business practices that still form the very core of Ankur Lighting today. 

Mrs Umesh Shah has built a business that echoes down generations to provide value to customers at each step of their illumination journey. Her visionary approach and forward-looking business mindset have helped transform the lighting industry and truly take it to the next level.

From being a brick-and-mortar lighting solutions business that catered to pan-India through their commercial, institutional and retail sales, Ankur Lighting is transitioning into a future-forward global decor brand with its e-commerce store providing all kinds of lighting solutions at one place. With an increased focus on digital sales and an established online presence, Ankur Lighting has destined from a leader in retail sales to one of the market leaders in e-commerce as well.

Today, e-commerce has become the key centric focus for Ankur Lighting. With worldwide shipping and products from a simple LED bulb to huge customized chandelier, the brand is truly becoming a global name in the world of illumination. Ankur Lighting is gearing up to become a global household name when it comes to stunning lighting decor. Their one-stop platform for all lighting needs is truly unmatched. 

Ankur Lighting proudly boasts clientele in almost all sectors including infrastructure companies, F&B Giants, luxury hotels, malls, sporting brands, and lifestyle companies. Their state-of-the-art lighting solutions lighten up your life- wherever you go. The company thrives on the vision of ‘Make in India’ by producing some of the most trusted and authentic products 100% in the country, which in turn supports thousands of local incomes. These products are handcrafted, made with the highest quality of materials, and come with a rich history.

Ankur Lighting, with its journey of over 40 years, has lit up lives in unprecedented ways.

SERIP brand has increased in recent years, but its own history goes back to 1961, this is a family company with more than 55 years of experience who grew and evolves with the family. Initially the production was based on classic concepts, but evolving in the early 80’s to conceptual designs far ahead of its own time.

The concept and style of design refer to techniques that represented the Portuguese heritage in the past and that give value and importance to the artisan community, the remaining processes evolved on a large scale, enhancing the use of increasingly modern materials that enable new ways of building enlightenment.

In latest collections, the lighting sources followed the evolution of time, SERIP is keen to follow the market, creating lighting systems that are increasingly energy-efficient, sustainable and with less environmental impact, nevertheless the designers never gave up the aesthetic visual and use of manual techniques, which results in handcrafted art using organic shapes, more than lighting – art pieces.

We would like to know about the company evolution? How was it when your father started versus how is it after inheritance?

My father started to produce chandeliers, using glass and brass. At this early stage, the company assumed a very classic concept. During the early 80’s, SERIP created the first organic style piece (halogen cup chandelier), though the clients’ acceptance was not positive by then. The specific Design revealed itself too far ahead for its own time.

In 1985, SERIP started to explore International markets by participating in its first international trade Show in Paris at Parc des expositions de la Porte de Versailles. Until the end of 80’s, Mário J. Pires Company mainly produced for internal market.

In 2002, SERIP introduced the organic concept that would prevail in the company thereafter. Three years after, in 2005, launches the 1st catalogue with organic style pieces, named ‘Life Colour Motion’ and by 2007 the company feels the need to start producing personalised chandeliers, by measure.

The release of the ‘Mysterious’ catalogue in 2008 was a huge step in history of SERIP. It helped to set apart the company from the other brands and to totally differentiate the product from what has been done in the market so far. The dramatic and theatrical presentation of the products in this catalogue, based on the romantic Portuguese scenery, had a huge acceptance from the clients. This year is also marked by the end of the production of alabaster chandeliers.
SERIP introduces the first chandeliers with LED technology in 2011 and devotes totally to special lighting projects.

Contrast and dualities are the main concepts developed in the end of 2014 ‘Black & White moments’ catalogue. It embraces the Ying and yang, opposite or contrary forces that are complementary. The catalogue shows outstanding luxury ambiances mixed with astonishing lighting installations. In terms of scale and presentation it is something never done within the company.

Nowadays, with a strong presence in the international market, exporting more than 96 per cent of production, SERIP, reaches more than 77 countries on five continents.

Integrating the initial steps of the brand towards the path of internationalisation, SERIP is investing in mono brand Showrooms, now the brand has four monobrand showrooms around the world, Kiev, Jakarta, Singapore and Beijing.

How do you perceive the current market?

It is interesting to see that nowadays the interior design industry has adapted completely the bespoke concept and obviously the companies that produce the decoration items have to be flexible to answer that demand.

Fortunately we have been doing it for quite some years we have already developed the structure to deliver this kind of request. We are not talking only about the ten different metal finishing’s or forty different glass finishing’s that the client can customise in the standard product, we are actually talking about a complete world of possibilities when you present your idea to our project department. Sometimes the level of customisation is so high that it deviates completely of the standard item and becomes also the individual vision of the designer or architect. Of course that you can see this ability other companies and in the future you will see it even more, we think.

Concepts like unique, handmade and bespoke are the leading impressions in nowadays main strengths of designers and architects.

Can you talk about the future of your business into this market (current scenario)?

Our proposals for the future are to continuously delivery tailor-made pieces and grown the level of expertise. Those are the factors in which SERIP has been specialising and recognised, that stand us out as a differentiator, creating distance us from the competition. We intend to continue building a solid presence in the markets where we operate, always taking care to not massify our product.

One of the great advantages of craftsmanship is the possibility of customisation, a fact that gives the client the chance to make his project unique, custom made. For SERIP, it is very important that the customer feels that his product is exclusive, tailored-made and filled with passion.

Every produced piece is a singular and unique work of art, due to the almost entire absence of mechanic elements in the production process.

Our strategy seeks to reinforce our position as a leading lighting company with an organic concept and we pretend as we mentioned before, to reinforce the presence of the brand in the markets in which we are present, betting on the communication in a selective and focused publicity, and undoubtedly reinforce the presence in the media.

What suggestion would you like to give to the current entrepreneurs in the industry?

Our suggestion and advice is transversal to other industries. The message we convey even by our strategy and definition as a company is that players must always develop value propositions for the customer without ever losing focus on what defines them. So, bet on the differentiation of your products and the concept of the brand and do not copy ideas from other companies. Do not just be another one, invest in design and stand out.

Ans. Jaquar ventured into lighting in decorative vertical but recently revamped and repositioned as a complete LED lighting solutions company in 2016-17. Drawing its inspiration from natural light sources, the lighting company has signed up with Deepika Padukone as a brand ambassador, which identifies with Jaquar lighting brand values of aspiration and style with global aspirations. Today, the company is one of the fastest growing lighting companies having solutions for residential, commercial and outdoor applications. Jaquar’s extensive and comprehensive portfolio lets you choose for varied budgets without compromising on quality and reliability. Whether it’s LED Bulbs, Tube Lights, Chandeliers, Landscape Lighting or Track Lights, one can expect Jaquar to offer holistic solution under one roof. Armed with innovative technology like high quality drivers and unmatched services like lighting planning and Pan India onsite assistance, Jaquar lighting is taking forward Jaquar group legacy of trust and customer delight. Recently we have set up a state of the art manufacturing plant for Jaquar Lighting with advanced R&D.

Could you tell us about your process in the product category from start till date?

Ans. Jaquar Lighting is pushing the boundaries of commercial lighting to come up with some of the most advanced, LED energy saving and high-performance lighting systems. We are in three models listed below-

A.For Mass Market (Household consumer products)
B. For projects and B2B Market (Commercial and outdoor product range)
C. Decorative and Chandelier for niche and premium market

How do you perceive the current market?

Ans. High quality and energy saving lighting penetration in India is at build up stage. With huge government spending in public sector and mass awareness created, LED market will continue to grow at the pace of 25% for coming 3-5 years.

How has the lighting market changed over the period of time since the company’s inception?

Ans. The lighting market is fairly competitive, with local and global brands all eyeing for a share of this fast-growing segment. However high quality complete lighting solutions from a single window is still a big differentiator and which has been the core USP of Jaquar to establish itself as one of the leading brand in this industry.

The lighting sector accounts for about 20% of the total power consumption in India. There is an increased focus towards energy conservation and efficiency thereby boosting demand for LED lights.

India is poised to emerge as the largest market for lighting systems based on LEDs (light-emitting diodes), thanks to the Narendra Modi-led government’s UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) scheme for replacing all inefficient bulbs with these energy-efficient lamps. The industry witnesses a transition phase from gas discharge solution (CFL, Tubes and HID lamps) to LED products. India, where electricity demand is still an issue, we need to give our country more of energy saving solutions and renewable energy products.

What are your insights about the future of your business (lighting) into this market (current scenario)?

Ans. Jaquar Lighting aims to grow by over three times by the next financial year, taking its current turnover of Rs 100 crore to Rs 350 crore. It is expected to triple its base to Rs 1,000 crore in three years. We have also roped in Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone as brand ambassador for lighting, which will take forward Jaquar 360 degree campaign across customers touch points. The company draws its unique independent identity taking learning and inspiration from its group legacy of trust and customer delight. The new campaign will focus on targeting these products at young brand-conscious consumers and we will focus on design and build quality to stand out in this competitive market.

Moreover, the company has the motto to offer compatible and sustainable LED solutions to the country with professional lighting planner and state of art production facility. Jaquar Lighting has in-house manufacturing for not only international products but we are providing products which are suitable considering India’s extreme weather and power conditions. Nowadays, consumer wants a right solution which is matching their needs and our products could be the right choice.

Any piece of advice that you would like to give to the current entrepreneurs in the industry?

Ans. One piece of advice I would offer to young entrepreneurs is that challenge yourself and don’t be afraid to take the risk. Always remember, innovation is imperative to remain on top of your business.
Go ahead and follow your dream!

Karice Enterprises has been in business since 1993. The company started with co-founders Maurice and Karen Dery.

PRODUCT PROCESS

Process starts with an idea, a concept or a notion.

Lighting product design goes much further than the concept. A concept is merely a big idea or reflection. The real work in the design is making that concept work. How do we illuminate the light, how do we engineer the light, how does it hang? How do we wire it? These are some of the many questions that need to be answered in designing a light. Many problems we encounter in the design concept stage are completed and engineered by the design team at Karice.
Once a lighting product has been design engineered, production begins.

A simple outline of the process of a project proceeds as follows:

• Client brings an idea or concept to Karice
  • Product/project budget is approved
  • Karice designs the product
  • Product goes into production
  • Product is shipped to client.

We would like to know about the company evolution?

Karice’s grass roots started in the Architectural Metal Products. The company was primarily designing and building metalwork products for the Hospitality Industry.

Our company was working closely with Robert Clark of CLO Design out of Seattle when he suggested in early 2000 that we should begin building lighting fixtures. At the time, the Milestones Restaurant Chain was putting custom lighting products into all of their locations.

Clark would design the concepts and Karice would design engineer those concepts to bring them to reality for the Restaurant Chain owned by Cara Foods Ltd.

Shortly thereafter, other restaurant chains that we were working with began utilising the skills of the Karice team to bring their lighting ideas to reality. The custom lighting business was booming and our company was able to deliver new innovative products that were completely new and unique to the market.

In 2014 Karice began designing and prototyping their own lighting designs. This culminated in December 2015 with the introduction of the Electron Wall Sconce. The design of this light was well received. In 2016, it was short listed for the Lighting Design Awards in London England, it won a silver A’Design award in Italy and won Gold at the International Design Awards in Los Angeles, CA.

Since the introduction of the Electron Wall Sconce, Karice has introduced over 18 new products into its line-up. What were the ups and downs faced by the business?

Today’s marketplace has totally revolutionised from when we started our business in 1993. Back then, our marketing was 100% word of mouth.

Our company relied heavily on this resolve, but learned quickly in 2015 that this was not the way companies do business today. Today, it is all about the story you tell, not just what you know. Today, with the Internet and Social Media, in order to survive you need to keep current. Internet marketing, social media profiles, investment in a good website are all paramount to keeping current in today’s marketplace. Companies today must be on the forefront of marketing exposure. Without it you become the Picasso in the closet.

How do you perceive the current market?

The current market is favourable; it is hungry for new innovative light products. The market has a new-found love of lighting. Lighting is hot right now. Our company aims to deliver.

Can you talk about the future of your business into this market (current scenario)?

Our company is expanding its horizons. We are expanding in both the European and North American markets.

What suggestion would you like to give to the current entrepreneurs in the industry?

Hard work pays off.