Yet again for 2025, we’re bringing back our popular festive spotlight — featuring regional businesspeople from across the north. We’ll be quizzing a notable name with 12 quickfire questions. Rob Wilyman, director at Apollo3D, an Otley-based immersive technology business, specialising in virtual tour and digital twins, continues the series

1. What were you hoping to achieve by December when you sat down in January, and did you get there?

Complete the Primark digital twin rollout and implement a schedule of rescanning sites to ensure continued use of the digital twins. And yes, we got there.

2. Tell us about three moments from 2025 that made you proud of your business.

Firstly, the launch of a video production service. Secondly, shouting about the success of reaching 3000 virtual tours, and thirdly, restructuring our products to support two clear types of customer.

Those using virtual tours for marketing (think hotels and wedding venues) and those who are using digital twins to manage their buildings.

3. What's been your biggest headache this year - supply chains, recruitment, costs, or something else entirely?

The implementation of moving to a monthly direct debit payment system for customers. Helping customers to manage their cashflow.

4. If you had to describe 2025 using a Christmas film title, which would you choose?

Gremlins...something we've been smoothing out during the adoption of AI.

5. What's your number one priority when the office reopens in January?

The extended launch of new Infinity Virtual Tours.

6. Which business in the region has caught your eye this year - for all the right reasons?

Martin, CEO at Arc Inspirations (Box, Manahatta, etc) has done a great job extending the growth of their business including their first opening in London.

7. Crystal ball time: what does 2026 hold for businesses like yours?

AI gets bandied around for literally everything these days but it's getting sophisticated and will enable us to both improve the products we create and sell but importantly, be used to help speed up the awareness and adoption of digital twins – especially in the property management industry.

8. This Christmas, are you a "full production" household or a "feet up and telly" one?

A tactical blend of both!

9. Crackers, Brussels sprouts, or pudding - which one best describes your year?

Deffo pudding...there's been some sweet tasty success which has far outweighed the terrible sprouts!

10. Which business book, podcast or piece of advice has been your "surprise hit" of the year?

I really enjoyed The Leeds business podcast - there are always nuggets of goodness every week from all of the guests.

11. As you wind down for the festive break, what are you most looking forward to switching off from?

Being able to save my feet from doing the 'Matterport dance' - the hundreds of thousands of steps around the 3D cameras.

12. In 25 words or fewer, what would you say to your customers, teams and stakeholders as we head into 2026?

To customers - get excited, we've got some great stuff ready for you. To team - get excited and keep stretching...we've got some great stuff!!