A tech firm has partnered with Bolton Arena to introduce the area's first outdoor digital advertising screen - and is itself forecasting a 20% upturn in revenues for 2021.
TVC Technology Solutions, a division of the TVD Group, collaborated with the arena and fellow Bolton business, North West Design Studios, on the project.
The family-owned business, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, said the dual-sided screen will be powered for up to 16 hours per day to maximise digital advertising and minimise energy usage.
It is situated on the gateway to Middlebrook, the UK’s largest retail and leisure park in the UK which boasts 12m visitors each year.
The firm said it anticipates a surge of interest from local and national businesses as it looks to the year ahead.
TVD, which is currently seeing significant growth from its smart home technology division, said the 20% figure for 2021 will "significantly surpass pre pandemic levels" and is attributed to a projected pent-up demand from commercial clients across the pub, hospitality and retail sectors in the second half of the year.
Matthew Brown, who founded TVD in 1996 with his brother Daniel and late father Jim, and is currently MD of the company, said: “We are delighted to deliver such a landmark project in our home town.
“Bringing the first outdoor LED screen to the area is a great achievement and we’ve had a brilliant response even during the ongoing national lockdown.
"There are many businesses out there who are doing well during this period and others who can see the value in strong brand awareness when we exit lockdown.”
The company is also undergoing a significant expansion, investing over £300,000 in a new northern experience centre and over £100,000 to increase its online presence.
It also plans to extend its team with the appointment of three new hires across its sales and operations departments.
John Ashley, commercial director at Bolton Arena, said: “I have worked with TVC on other projects over the years and we are delighted to partner with them to bring the first outdoor digital advertising screen to the area.
"It will generate much needed revenue to help us to fund our world class facilities that are accessible for all and is critical to the ongoing success of the arena and the health and wellbeing of our community.”
