FIREWORKS’ companies could go up in smoke warns a Colchester businessman.

The managing director of Stanway-based Dynamic Fireworks, Nigel Claydon, fears rule changes sprung on the industry could cripple it.

New regulations about use of the British Standard quality mark were due to come into force in 2017, but earlier this year the Department for Business said the rules would come into immediate effect.

Consumer minister Jo Swinson has agreed to meet Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell to discuss the issue.