A company which supplies technical equipment for events such as concerts, conferences and theatres has made 17 people redundant after a sharp downturn in orders.

Hawthorn Theatrical, of Crown Business Park, Old Dalby, near Melton, has seen a drop in the volume of work after 19 years of increasing business.

Until December, the company had seen a 20 per cent year on year increase in business.

In the last two months, the firm has seen a sharp drop in the volume of work which led to the job losses.

The company employs 86 people and said there are no plans to shed any more.

The company, which also has an office in London, is one of the country's biggest specialist suppliers of technical equipment, such as lighting and sound for theatres and events.

General manager Simon Wood said: "We made 17 people redundant on Monday. We would hope, if and when things pick up, we will be able to take them back on."

The company has been working reduced hours since December.