ONE of the UK’s leading fireworks companies which provided a display for Peter Andre's celebrity wedding is set for an explosive growth.

The UK Firework and Events Company in Runcorn was launched by entrepreneur Andy Foley in 2009 for displays at weddings and bonfires.

The business now supplies and manages firework displays for a range of major local authorities, high profile public events and corporate organisations around the country.

The summer saw The UK Firework Company deliver firework shows for events including the Latitude Festival in Suffolk and Peter Andre’s celebrity wedding to Emily MacDonagh in Devon.

The company is now one of the leaders in the field thanks to its recent merger with competitor firm Highlight Pyrotechnics. Managing director Andy Foley says the company is set to double its turnover over the next 18 months after securing financial support from Legion Trade Finance.

Andy said: “I founded the company after working for an independent firework retailer, initially to service the wedding market, local bonfire night and New Year events.

“The first three years saw rapid growth with turnover more than doubling year on year.

“Following our merger with Highlight Pyrotechnics we are now significantly larger in scale.

“We operate nationally and expect to double in size again over the next 18 months.

“Ours is a niche market with huge opportunities, and we came to realise that we needed assistance in making advanced purchases.

“This facility means we’ve been able to buy products in bulk in the run-up to the busiest month of the year for the industry.

“Having the funds available is imperative to our business during this time.”

Mike Hide at Leaf Consulting said: “As a commercial brokerage with over 25 years’ experience we have a number of small and medium enterprises who rely on us to deliver business funding solutions.

“We have always found Legion’s team to be a very professional and experienced. As a result they’re able to structure deals which fit our clients’ own circumstances. We would certainly recommend Legion again in the future.”

Mike Yiannis, chief executive officer at Legion said: “This funding will enable The UK Firework and Events Company to deliver on its massive potential.

“This was not a straightforward trade deal due to licensing agreements surrounding the purchase of fireworks.

“However, it demonstrates the degree of flexibility that can be delivered through knowledge, experience and taking time to understand our clients’ requirements.”