The head of a North East virtual reality company has been named as one of the most ambitious business leaders in the country.
Darren Jobling is the CEO of Newcastle tech firm ZeroLight, which develops virtual reality software to promote the sale of cars. He has been named as one of the Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders in the 海角视频 by Lloyds Development Capital (LDC).
Mr Jobling started his career in the video game industry before realising that the software he was developing could be used to boost the automotive sector. ZeroLight now creates virtual reality models of cars that can be used to showcase the vehicles to prospective customers.
The firm has won work for the likes of Audi and Lamborghini, and even helped Pagani launch its £2m Huayra Roadster supercar.
Its tech allows drivers to customise their vehicles and see how they will look in real-life before a purchase is made. This allows dealerships to sell more features that may have gone unnoticed.
Mr Jobling said: “It’s an honour to be recognised alongside the country’s most inspiring leaders. This is a reflection on the incredible journey we’ve had as a company so far, and I’m very excited about what is still to come.
“With some truly ground-breaking projects lined up, ZeroLight’s ambition to create the automotive customer journey of the future is just getting started.”
The Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders list is delivered as part of LDC’s Backing Business Ambition initiative.
Most Read
The list was launched last year when it included fellow North East entrepreneurs Gary Hunter, from shopping influencer Redu Group, and Michael Reid, director at Ashington iced drink firm Polar Krush.
Mr Jobling was named on the 2018 “ones to watch list” alongside Ryan Maughan from Cramlington’s Avid Technology group, Sarat Pediredla of Newcastle app firm hedgehog lab, and Ian Griffiths, co-founder of Newcastle’s WhoCanFixMyCar.com.
So far only 20 business leaders from the 2019 LDC awards have been named, while the remaining 30 will be revealed during the week.
Zara Lane, origination director at LDC, said: “Darren’s inclusion in 2019’s Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders is testament to his commitment and ongoing success at ZeroLight. After featuring as a One to Watch in last year’s programme, he has led the business to increase turnover by 50% and expand quickly overseas. ZeroLight’s highly innovative products are disrupting the automotive consumer purchasing journey.”
The recognition for Mr Jobling comes a day after Zerolight’s Liveworks was named best project in the British Council for Offices National Awards.