With China building two coal-fired power stations every week, switching to eco-friendly light bulbs might appear to be an exercise in futility.

But you'll never hear that kind of defeatism from Thadeus Dell, director of Crawley-based The Best Bulb Company, who is passionate about climate change.

He believes we all have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint and businesses can achieve this quickly and simply by switching to energy-efficient bulbs.

His company does more than just sell long-life light bulbs.

It offers firms a consultation to determine which bulbs to use, free quotations, calculations of energy and C02 savings, and an installation service.

Thadeus, 29, said: "It is a very easy way for businesses to save money and do their bit for the environment at the same time but there are a lot of barriers.

"Companies don't know what type of bulbs to choose, what wattage they want, and whether to deal with an electrician or go direct to a wholesaler.

"It is one of those costs that people think are fixed and a prepared to stick with the status quo, but the savings can be significant, hundreds of pounds a year.

"The next question they always ask is how much does it cost?'. Well, it depends on the size of the premises and the bulbs but a typical payback time is about six months."

Since launching the business two months ago Thadeus already claims to have saved several businesses across Sussex hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds.

He claims he has saved The Duke of York Picturehouse, in Brighton, £777 a year and four tonnes of C02 and Chestertons general store in Ditchling £1,200 a year and 6.5 tonnes of C02.

Meanwhile, Stage One hair salon in Bond Street, Brighton, is saving £1,700 a year and seven tonnes of C02 with bulbs that are expected to last five years.

Salon manager Neil Sherwood said: "One of the main benefits is a 50 per cent heat reduction, which has made it much more comfortable for the staff."

Thadeus is a chartered environmentalist by trade who has worked for organisations such as Virgin Atlantic, Crawley Borough Council and Business Link.