CHESTER’S Firstline Digital enjoyed its strongest year on record as it won more business helping people with the switch to digital television.

Firstline, based in the Borders Business Park in Saltney, supplies digital terrestrial and satellite equipment for companies including BSkyB.

It has seen business soar as the UK switches over to digital television. The North West marked the second stage of its digital switchover in December.

In the year ending July 31, 2009, Firstline saw turnover hit £36.1m, up 46.7% on 2008. It reported a £269,000 pre-tax loss in 2008, but in 2009 it reported a pre-tax profit of £1.6m.

Its directors’ report said: “Trading for the year has been the strongest on record for the company, which has been supported by the continued growth of BSkyB and the commencement of the Digital Switchover Help Scheme (DSO). The company continued to diversify into new digital markets and to expand on its client base.

“This strong performance and strategy has enabled the company to reverse the loss-making position of 2008 to generate a net profit of £1.14m for the year.

“Turnover increased for the year by 46.7% to £36.1m with revenues increasing most notably across BSkyB and DSO. Diversifying into new markets has provided the company with a hedged stream of revenues and mitigated the risks associated with working for one major client.”

Firstline employed 296 staff in 2009, up from 219 the previous year. Its total wage and pension bill stood at £5.3m, up from £4.1m.

The company also invested £642,000 in new capital equipment over the year, including £371,000 in new Rover digital meters for DSO work.

Alistair Houghton