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Holovis International Ltd is a global company based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, specialising in the design, engineering and delivery of worldwide visitor attractions such as Universal Studios and Legoland. Holovis considers itself a global leader in immersive design and experiential technology.
Holovis has two main areas of expertise: Audio Video (AV) specialists working on system integration and installing and commissioning complex designs, with award-winning creative design and software teams deliver attractions, experiences and digital centrepieces. According to its website, Holobis prides itself on “creating unique solutions which mix cutting-edge technologies with innovative storytelling and immersive learning.”
The Holovis Midlands HQ address is Holovis Ltd, Jacknell Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire, England, LE10 3BS.
Holovis History
Holovis was co-founded in 2004 by experienced CEO and entrepreneur Stuart Hetherington in 2004 and Joe Jurado. Hetherington, who is still the company’s CEO, originally focused on virtual reality (VR) and visualisation systems before the company expanded into entertainment and other immersive experiences.
According to his LinkedIn page, Stuart Hetherington graduated from De Montfort University in 1994 with a BSC Hons Electronic Engineering and Computing. He worked as a product engineer for MIRA, then Business Development Manager for Trimension, before EMIA Sales Director for InterSense Inc and Business Development Manager for Tenet Defence. His LinkedIn shows he has been working on Holovis full-time since 2003. According to Companies House Joe Jurado was no longer a Director as of September 25, 2024.
Holovis’s early experiments with virtual reality (VR) provided a springboard for the company to expand into the attractions sector. This included dome and projection cave environments and applications in oil, gas and car industries. Hetherington used his expertise to map augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and projection mapping into immersive experiences.
Holovis Now
Holovis’s services include VR rollercoaster modelling, augmented reality (AR) applications, bespoke multimedia shows, and fully themed attraction experiences, all designed to immerse and inspire.
Holovis is now a company with a global reach following a strategic partnership with Shanghai Luoman Lighting Technologies Inc., which has its expertise into the Chinese market. Holovis now has offices in the UAE (Abu Dhabi), the US (Orlando), in China (Shanghai) and the UK (Midlands HQ). Holovis specialises in delivering cutting-edge solutions for leading amusement parks, visitor attractions, and entertainment destinations worldwide.
The work by its 133-strong in-house global team of engineers, developers, creatives, producers, data scientists and project managers uses the Holovis Project Management System. The company also prides itself on ISO-9001 accreditation, which it says “provides a double-layer of quality control and service.” According to the Holovis website: “This means we deliver work correctly, professionally and on-time to our clients.”
Clients of Holovis include Comcast, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND Parks, McLaren, the British Museum, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Dubai Parks & Resorts, Jaguar Land Rover and Miral.
According to its LinkedIn page, Holovis is a hybrid workplace, with employees typically spending 40% of time on site. The company’s featured benefits include Flexible Working Hours, Remote Working options and Work From Home (WFH) options.
Reporting into Stuart Hetherington are Ahmed Naseef, Director of Business, Finance Director Mike Wildman, Amy Steele, VP Attractions and Technical Director Stephen Joy.
Holovis Awards
Holovis has won multiple industry awards, including THEA Awards 2023 for SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, THEA Awards 2021 for Super Nintendo World and Mario Kart, and IAAPA Brass Ring 2021 for LEGO® Factory Adventure Ride.
Holovis Brings Immersive ApolloDomes to UK Retail
This autumn, Holovis is set to debut ApolloDomes: two giant 19-metre indoor projection domes at Gunwharf Quays shopping centre in Portsmouth. The domes are created in partnership with property developer Landsec and promise to immerse visitors in theatrical experiences powered by cutting-edge projection and media technologies.
Launching with Halloween and Christmas shows, the seasonal attractions promise to transport guests into fully realised worlds, combining visual storytelling with live immersive performance. The creative development has been led by Holovis’ in-house team, who have previously delivered acclaimed projects for Alton Towers, SeaWorld Yas Island, and LEGOLAND New York.
The initiative also welcomes new Holovis producer Mark Hurry, known for his work on Immersive Peaky Blinders, Doctor Who – Time Fracture, and The Great Gatsby – Immersive Experience.
Holovis CEO Stuart Hetherington described ApolloDomes as “a first-of-its-kind experience, blending next-gen projection technologies and media with world-class immersive theatrical performances.”
For Landsec, the project marks a bold step in reshaping shopping destinations. Ben Padley, the company’s Head of Consumer, highlighted the shift in visitor expectations: “Guests increasingly want dynamic destinations where they can be entertained, eat, drink, and shop all under one roof. By bringing Holovis’s next-generation immersive entertainment to the UK for the very first time, our partnership will create memorable moments that go far beyond traditional retail.”
Holovis Opens New Southport Innovation Hub
This September, Holovis announced the opening of its latest offices, development, and innovation centre at Southport’s newly refurbished Enterprise Arcade. Located within the town’s Eastbank Creative and Digital Hub, the £1.5 million redevelopment will host Holovis’ expanding team and cutting-edge immersive solutions.
This new base will allow Holovis to build on existing partnerships in the region while expanding its role in the entertainment, enterprise, and medical research sectors.
CEO Stuart Hetherington said the company is “delighted to be moving back into the region,” highlighting Southport’s investment and regeneration as the perfect time for Holovis to strengthen local collaborations and create new career opportunities.
The move has been welcomed by Sefton Council leaders. Cllr Marion Atkinson praised Holovis’ decision to establish a northern base as “a testament to our ongoing commitment to revitalise and energise the economy of Southport and Sefton.” Jon Corner, Sector Specialist for the council, added that Holovis’ presence would boost the region’s talent and opportunities in digital innovation.
Alex Kunawicz, who brings over a decade of experience in immersive technology across Manchester and Liverpool, will lead the Southport hub.
Holovis: Other News
Holovis has recently celebrated successes for its 360Golf venture at IAAPA and Europe. The 360Golf has been installed at locations including Butlins Bognor Regis. News highlights on the Holovis website include a visit from Malaysia’s Digital Minister in June 2024 to discuss possible collaborations.
