The installation of home cinemas is offering business growth in the capital, says Finite Solutions’ director Phil Cotton
The increasing popularity across London for installing home cinemas is boosting trade for Finite Solutions. Our turnover has shown a 20% increase from 2013, and that’s almost exclusively down to demand for home cinemas. We are projecting a massive 50% increase in turnover for 2015.
Whilst many clients are sensibly investing in future proofing their properties to retain value with new security, audio visual and lighting control, the home cinema/media room has rapidly emerged as a must have luxury, particularly in London.
I believe this is due to great product innovation and better awareness about how entertainment systems can enhance the home in terms of enjoyment and property value. It is also considered a much more practical solution for transforming a garage, spare room or cellar space. The range of options on the market is also varied which means that large cinema screens with surround sound are more affordable than previously considered.
Research suggests that ‘media rooms’ add significant value to rental properties and of course this market is particularly buoyant in London. We have a number of investor clients looking to add more unique appeal to their portfolios with advanced home entertainment systems.
The UK residential custom home installation sector is now estimated to be worth around £1.07 billion according to CEDIA. Audio visual projects account for nearly 50% of all installations in the UK with home cinemas/media rooms taking a 21% slice and lighting control/design the second most popular at 12%.
Finite Solutions operates from offices in London, Yorkshire and Cheshire but also competes on an international scale as one of the UK’s largest and most successful custom installation companies. Finite Solutions is the only independent businesses of its kind to achieve 13 industry awards for its work.
The business also advises on energy efficient architectural lighting solutions and is increasing its presence on the contract market working with architects and designers and is proactively promoting its expertise through high street retail presence.
Phil Cotton is director at Finite Solutions, a specialist technology installation firm based in Fulham, London.
Cotton is one of the UK’s leading authorities on home technology being one of just six CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) certified Home Cinema Design Specialists across Europe, Africa, Middle East, Russia and Asia. He sits on the CEDIA Education Committee and is also a RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) approved CPD course instructor in ‘Designing Future Ready Homes’. Phil is a regular on the speaker circuit and has consulted for many high profile clients including an Oscar-winning movie composer, Arab prince, TV chef and billionaire football club owner.
