Movie poser inspired screen firm

Oct 23 2007 by Chris Knox, The Journal

A FORMER taxi driver was inspired to set-up a new business installing TV screens in the back of black cabs after wondering what film to watch on the plane home from Malaga.

Launched by entrepreneur Kerry Freeman, Admedia Systems installs LCD monitors into taxis in order to advertise local businesses to passengers.

The business has already signed a two-year deal with Hartlepool firm Hudson’s to supply 40 advertising screens to 20 of its taxis. It has also signed a two-year deal with 27 other taxis in the area, which will more than double this figure.

Kerry, who was a taxi driver at Hudson’s before setting up the new business, was inspired while travelling back form his holidays last year.

He said: “I was in the back of the taxi thinking about what film I was going to watch on the plane when the idea struck me. You have a captive audience in a taxi so why not promote businesses to them?

“There are plenty of taxis in London that have these screens so why not in the North-East?

“We have a host of local businesses that are lining up to feature on the screens and take advantage of this new market.”

He expects to make a profit of £30,000 in the first year of the business from a turnover of £56,000, as well as grow its employees from four to 10 during the period.

Kerry also plans to widen his potential market for the screens in the new year to take in doctors’ surgeries and hairdressers.