TV firm looks to future with European launch

Mar 29 2008 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

ATV and home enter- tainment firm has revealed plans to double its turnover this year as it tunes into the lucrative opportunities of Europe.

Despite the recent plunge in demand for expensive household items among cautious consumers, The Plasma Centre, based in Washington, has seen its annual sales jump £1m to £2m in the last year.

The firm, which sells TVs and accessories, expects this figure to rise to £4m by the end of this year and is currently preparing to launch in Europe.

Director Gary Bunt said the company planned to enter established European markets such as France and Germany after completing a viability study.

Mr Bunt said: “We’ve had requests from people living in Europe so there is demand there. We are doing an investigation at the moment and we hope to put something in place by the end of the year.

“Last year was difficult. The competition has grown hugely and we have had to widen our range of products.

“We are moving into selling accessories, to have stands and wall brackets as well as screens.”

In a bid to diversify its portfolio, the company is also looking to sell more of its products to schools and corporate clients.

Mr Bunt said: “At the moment, most of our products are sold to the domestic market but there’s big demand from big companies and schools for stands and projectors.”

The Plasma Centre was set up by Mr Bunt and fellow director Paul Skinner after their jobs were axed at LG Phillips Washington factory when it moved to television part manufacturer to Slovakia.