Media Displays, the Yorkshire based mobile digital advertising provider, has secured an offer with entrepreneur James Caan, following an appearance on the hit BBC TV show Dragons’ Den.

Despite a gruelling pitching process, plus nearly two hours of intense questioning, Ian Taylor, owner and founder of the business, managed to keep his cool and walked away with an investment offer of £80,000 for a stake in his business.

Following the death of his wife in 2004, Ian was faced with a decision, whether to continue working long hours in the contact centre industry, managing a 600 seat office and travelling regularly throughout Europe or to start his own company, allowing him to be closer to his three small children. Ian decided on the latter and as a result, Media Displays was launched.

With clients including West Yorkshire Police, Kent Highways, York Racecourse, B&Q and Sky News, Ian hopes to raise the profile of the business and encourage brands to consider digital outdoor screen’s as a more direct and effective approach to advertising.

Watch us in the Den

James Caan makes an offer

Commented entrepreneur & investor, James Caan: “This investment caught my eye because of its use of state of the art technology. As an ambassador for the iawards, innovation and technology are always at the forefront of my mind. Media Displays are a new alternative for outdoor screens but are much more accessible and versatile.”

He added: “There is no better way to watch summer sporting events than outdoors, like the World Cup or Wimbledon and this product is perfect for facilitating this. I predict they will be in huge demand in summer 2012, when London hosts the Olympics. As with all my investments, it isn’t just about the product but also about the people behind it. Ian already has an extensive customer base and is in high demand. I look forward to helping him extend his offering and watching as the business grows.”

Ian Taylor reflects

Says Ian: “As with any business there are many challenges. During the last six years I have come to realise that in order to develop the business to the next stratosphere, I need to build an exceptional team, leverage existing assets, add new inventory and generate profits for investors. After considering various options, I applied to appear on Dragons’ Den. One thing is clear, the Dragons are serial entrepreneurs, they have significant skills, expertise and an energising approach to business, great attributes for good foundations.”

He added: “I have every confidence in my business and the innovative products that we offer, today many clients across all sectors are using our mobile display vehicles and bikes to get messages and advertising to their target audience. With investment I feel that we can develop the business and take advantage of significant growth in digital outdoor and capitalise on the potential contracts from the Olympics in 2012, infact we have already started to secure orders for 2012”.