Saville AV delivers record figures after weathering recession

SAVILLE Audio Visual has announced a strong set of trading results for last year, with total sales up by 12.5% to a record £34m with pre-tax profits coming in at more than £500,000.

The York-based business, which operates across the UK, was founded in 1876 as a pharmacy but later moved into photographic retailing.

Managing director John Sills said: “After the last couple of years, it’s encouraging to once again be reporting increased turnover and profitability across our systems integration, videoconferencing and contract service operations. Last year also saw an improved performance by our rental and staging operations, with growth in demand for our digital event services and international event support.”

A management buyout in the mid 1990s heralded 15 years of strong growth, but the business had to cut costs and shed staff when the recession hit.

The company’s track record of innovation and investment in new technology and marketing looks to have paid dividends, particularly in London and the south east, where numerous major installation contracts have been won and delivered in and around the capital.

At the year’s annual AV Awards ceremony, Saville was recognised by an award for the Outstanding Contribution to the AV Industry over the past 40 years.