Winter is on its way and the nights are drawing in, so the need for efficient lighting becomes more pertinent. But what can you do if you're trying to run a business and a bulb pops or fluorescent tube expires 20ft up? If you need to get a quick replacement and save both time and money, Kwiklite can now come to your rescue.

As a specialist lighting company, Kwiklite replaces lamps or bulbs of any type in the industrial, commercial and business sectors. There is no charge to customers for call out, labour or installation and neither is there an annual contract fee. Just one telephone call and a local engineer will show up to resolve any lighting problems. All the customer needs to do is pay for the cost of the parts.

Peter Hurford, founder and managing director of Peterborough-based Kwiklite, says: 'In simple terms, we're maintaining lights for free because the customer only pays for the lamps or tubes supplied.

'Kwiklite buys bulbs in bulk at wholesale prices and franchisees make their money from selling the lamps at retail prices, making it a win-win situation for all concerned. Lighting is something that everybody uses, so in terms of potential customers there's no ceiling to our possibilities for expansion.'

Kwiklite was set up five years ago and is part of the Energy Conservation Group, a nationwide supplier of eco-friendly lighting solutions. Already established in Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Birmingham and South Lincolnshire, the Kwiklite pilot schemes are performing extremely well.

The straightforward nature of the business means that total set-up costs are relatively modest at £24,000, inclusive of full provision for working capital. With a finance package sourced from high street banks, the liquid capital requirement is typically £9,500. In addition, franchisees can run the business from home, which helps keep overheads to a minimum.

Hurford says: 'We're looking for hands-on people with enthusiasm, drive and a positive attitude to help push the brand forward, and build strong relationships with their customers.'

One man doing just that is Phils Benns, who became Kwiklite's Bedford franchisee less than a year ago. He is surprised at how quickly business has grown already.

When I started, I was worried about how to find new customers,' he says. 'But Kwiklite has plenty of proven marketing methods and the support I've received has been fantastic. Business is growing at the rate of five or six new customers a month and because they don't pay labour or call-out costs, they keep coming back.'

Before joining the company, Benns had 18 years' experience in the signage trade and always liked the idea of running his own business. But as a father of two young children he felt it was too risky to go it alone, until he saw the glow of Kwiklite among the darkness.

'It's a simple concept that offers a rapid start-up with minimal financial outlay,' he says. 'There's absolutely no catch, and we deliver what we promise.

'I have freedom and flexibility in my life now, combined with the knowledge that Kwiklite is there as back-up if I need it. For me, this is a long-term investment and a lifestyle choice that is already making a positive difference to my family. The beautiful thing about being your own boss and not working for someone else is the flexibility. It means I can do things like take my daughter to the dentist without asking for time off. And if I put in the hours, I get financial rewards as well.'