business news
Business News Headlines
23/05/2012
Dirty Rigger Lands in New York City
22/05/2012
Hoist UK to Open New Facilities
22/05/2012
Martin Audio sounding out Strategic Options
27/04/2012
ETBOOKS now available as EBOOKS!
26/04/2012
PLASA AGM Highlights a Year of Change
24/04/2012
NL Launches Northern Light Direct
Stage Electrics Appointed as UK Dealer for EM Acoustics
Stage Electrics has announced its appointment as a UK dealer for the leading independent British loudspeaker manufacturer EM Acoustics. The announcement further strengthens the portfolio of high-end audio brands that the company supplies and installs into entertainment.
James Gosney, business development manager for audio commented: “We listened to a whole range of speakers and we were continually drawn back to the EM Acoustics products. The energy and philosophy of this small British manufacturer sits very well with our aims. We strive to deliver well designed and high quality audio and the EM range just sounds superb.”
EM Acoustics products combine precision engineering with robust build quality. This produces high quality systems that set new standards for passive loudspeakers. So much so they have become accepted as part of a diverse range of applications from West End shows to shopping centres.
Director of sales Anna Western said: “We have had a really positive reaction from all the customers we have shown the EM Acoustics products to. The range of speakers is versatile and well thought out; we will be demonstrating a selection of the range at the ABTT Theatre Show June 13th - 14th. However in order to get a better sense of the products we are encouraging customers to book a demo in their venue.”
In Picture: Jamie Gosney, business development manager - audio for Stage Electrics with Ed Kinsella, research and development director for EM Acoustics.
25th May 2012
Dirty Rigger Lands in New York City
Expendables and production equipment outfitters Wits End are the latest to join the Dirty Rigger retail and distribution team.
With 10,000 sq. ft. of distribution space spread across two NYC locations, Wits End offer an outstanding step forward in Dirty Rigger's expansion into the US market.
Wits End’s CEO Keith Guliner says: “The products that we were finding here in the US for gloves and accessories were just not up to par. We have carried numerous brands over the last ten years and to our surprise, the products were either very expensive and we had a hard time selling them, or the product was just not cutting it in its quality. When we saw Dirty Rigger gloves, tool pouches and accessories for the first time … well … the products stood up and spoke on their own! The product is pure quality, and they are priced right. I believe that the Dirty Rigger brand will be a product line that we can count on as a quality product, and that Dirty Rigger as a company will stand behind its products.”
Le Mark's export manager Matt Every says: "Wits End are a fantastic team, totally welcoming on my last US dealer tour and seemed so enthusiastic to give the promotion of the Dirty Rigger gloves and accessories range their all. Really impressed!"
In picture: Wits End's president Keith Guliner and general manager Meisha Klint.
23rd May 2012
Prolyte Group’s Litestructures Brand Launches New Website
Prolyte Group has created a new website for its Litestructures brand as part of a new marketing initiative to increase awareness of the creative project work undertaken by the company.
In the two years since the merger with Prolyte Group, the Litestructures brand has evolved into a special projects division of the Group.
Litestructures has extensive experience of designing and manufacturing creative structures across a variety of sectors from live events and brand realisation through to art and architecture. This has inspired Prolyte Group to create an online portal to showcase a selection of these exciting and successful bespoke projects.
The website is focused on providing ways for new and existing clients to engage with the Litestructures brand and learn about the innovative solutions it offers. There is a facility to view and download case studies, and the opportunity to interact with the Litestructures team by registering to receive the newsletter, viewing the Twitter feed or signing up to the Facebook page.
The site can be viewed at www.litestructures.com
Prolyte Group’s website - www.prolyte.com - will continue to provide a wealth of information about the company’s other brands: ProlyteStructures, StageDex, ProLyft and the Litestructures standard trussing.
Miles Marsden, Prolyte Group’s UK sales director of special projects, said: “This is a time of renewed focus for Litestructures as the vehicle for our special projects work. The new website provides a dynamic platform for us to demonstrate our ability to transform ideas into reality, with striking results.”
23rd May 2012
Hoist UK to Open New Facilities
In an unprecedented and in what some might feel a daring move, Hoist UK has decided not to exhibit at any of the national or international trade shows this year. Instead they have decided to open a demonstration room and teaching facility at their new premises on the Wirral.
"We feel that our clients deserve to be given the time to thoroughly understand our products and services," says Tony Dickson, director of Hoist UK Ltd. "This new facility will allow a lot more one-to-one time to be spent with our clients than we could ever get at trade shows, and let them get a working knowledge and understanding of our products and our team so that they can be confident in what they are specifying or buying," he adds.
The demonstration room will house the full range of HUK products, as well as products from Hoist UK partners JR Clancy, Niscon Inc. and Verlinde, all of which will be installed and fully functional including some motion control products and a 3D flying rig.
The Hoist UK technical team will be on hand to talk through the operation and benefits of the equipment whereby the visitors will have the time to acquire all the information and if they are so disposed get the full "hands on" experience of the equipment.
In addition to the demonstration room, Hoist UK will offer full technical training packages in the lecture room on hoists, winches, control and a full range of truss and lifting equipment. The training courses are aimed at technicians, users and equipment specifiers alike and will provide a good overall knowledge of theoretical and practical disciplines.
Fellow director Paul Jordan says: "We are very excited about this move. We hope that our open approach to training in the form of motor, control and truss schools and having fully functional equipment readily available will allow people to fully understand what can be done, what is available and how lifting operations can be completed safely and economically."
Although all visits will have to be scheduled through Louise Dickson, Hoist UK will offer a virtually open invitation to the training and demonstration rooms to all their industry colleagues when the facility opens this month. They hope that everyone will feel welcome, hardened industry professionals, people new to the industry and students alike. "Obviously there will be times when there are formal training sessions being held but we hope to see as many people as possible. Just let us have some notice before coming so we can get the tea and biscuits in," says Louise.
For more information on training courses and dates or to arrange a visit please contact the Hoist UK training team (training@hoistuk.com or +44 (0)151 334 7682).
In picture: Hoist UK’s Tony Dickson in training mode.
22nd May 2012
Martin Audio sounding out Strategic Options
LOUD Technologies Inc. has appointed Lincoln International to conduct a strategic review of its UK-based division, Martin Audio, with a view to finding private equity backing to support Martin Audio into the next phase of its development plan. In sourcing the right investment partner, and forging a more independent path, it will further assist in the realisation of the growth strategy and objectives of the business.
Following the introduction of its award winning, and ground breaking MLA system in 2010, sales at the leading UK designer and manufacturer of world class professional loudspeaker systems have grown over 40% in the past 12 months, driven by growing demand for its products in new markets — particularly in the Asia Pacific region — despite the current global economic position.
The company, a prime example of what the UK Government has actively encouraged, is a British company with over 90% of sales exported to China, North America, Europe and the Middle East.
Martin Audio’s MLA loudspeaker systems have been used at events such as Glastonbury Abbey with Kathryn Jenkins, HMV Hammersmith Apollo with Chris Rea, Royal Albert Hall and The Tokyo Dome to name but a few. It raises audio performance to a new level, giving engineers new tools to consistently deliver greatly improved sonic quality, seamless coverage and control.
Martin Audio also has a wide range of speakers used in an array of venues including cinemas, theatres and churches, benefiting from its engineering and acoustic excellence.
22nd May 2012
Clay Paky Announces RMB Lights and Sounds as Philippines Distributor
Clay Paky has appointed RMB Lights and Sounds as its distributor in the Philippines. Serving the theatrical and television industry for twelve years, RMB is a wholesale provider of specialty lamps throughout the Philippines.
"By working alongside RMB, I am certain that Clay Paky will become an increasingly visible brand in the Philippine market and surrounding regions," said Massimo Bolandrina, Clay Paky sales manager for the region. "This relationship has come about as the result of RMB’s regular use of Clay Paky products on a number of high profile projects in the region and the excellent product support the company offers to its clients."
Clay Paky’s innovative fixtures are no strangers to the Philippine entertainment industry. The manufacturer partnered with RMB Lights and Sounds in 2011 to bring Clay Paky’s popular Sharpy fixture to several major projects including: Party Pililinas, ASAP Rocks, and WillTime BigTime - all appearing on major television networks in the Philippines. In 2012 Clay Paky fixtures supported the expertise of lighting designer Ms Skakira Villa Symes at New Year’s events with the Republiq Club Resort, the Tanduay RockFest at the SM Mall of Asia and the Requiem Concert at the NBC Tent.
"I’ve always been impressed with the innovation, quality, and feature sets of the products plus the backup service I’ve received from the Clay Paky team," says Mercedes L. Rufino, RMB’s vice president and marketing director of RMB.
Rufino has been specifying the Clay Paky product on RMB projects since 2010 and is delighted by the new partnership saying: "There’s no doubt that Clay Paky fixtures offer exactly the type of product our market is crying out for. The construction quality, reliability and performance of the fixtures are second to none."
Originally named Nictron Marketing, RMB Lights and Sounds has been a wholesale provider of special lamps for television studios and projector lamps since 2000. In 2002, the company started importing audio equipment and entertainment lighting while opening the company’s first store at "Raon, Quiapo", the Electronics capital of the Philippines. Now located in Quezon City, RMB Lights and Sounds has a vision of delivering high quality products and excellent after sales service. In the future, RMB is planning to have units available for rental to stage and lighting companies, TV Stations and the theatre industry. In addition, RMB is planning product installations in hotels, restaurants, cinemas, theme parks and entertainment venues.
The partnership between Clay Paky and RMB promises to have excellent benefits for both companies as Clay Paky products continue to gain visibility in the region.
21st May 2012
Stage Electrics Appointed as a Philips Vari-Lite Authorised Dealer
Stage Electrics has announced their appointment as an authorised dealer for Philips Vari-Lite. With a number of orders already placed for supply to theatres in the UK, the appointment has taken off with a flying start.
Anna Western, sales director at Stage Electrics said: "We currently have Philips Vari-Lite units in our rental stock and have equipment on a whole range of shows including Singin’ in the Rain in the West End and on the UK tour of Phantom of the Opera. As an authorised dealer of Philips Vari-Lite, Stage Electrics is able to demonstrate and specify the whole range of automated luminaires for resale and installation including the recently introduced VL3015LT and VL3515 spot luminaires. These new 1500W units offer incredible power and zoom range capabilities and make an excellent addition to the Series 3000 product family."
Adam Blaxill, head of marketing at Stage Electrics commented: "We were already experienced with the Philips Vari-Lite product line, and becoming a Philips Vari-Lite dealer was a natural next step. We are already one of the largest dealers in the UK for other entertainment Philips brands and it was logical to offer the Philips Vari-Lite product range to our entertainment customers."
In picture: Anna Western, sales director Stage Electrics; Matt Hallard, European sales manager Philips Vari-Lite; and Adam Blaxill head of marketing and strategic buying Stage Electrics.
21st May 2012
Crestron Design Centre is Taking Shape for Grand Opening Next Month
Activity at Crestron HQ is stepping up ahead of its grand opening of the design and experience centre in Cobham on 13th June. The interactive showroom will launch with an open day for architects, integrators, house builders, consultants and end-users looking to gain both information and training in the latest industry leading solutions that the automation giant offers.
“Our HQ in Cobham is just a short hop from Junction 10 on the M25 and close to London. With the new centre, we are offering an insight in the versatile range of automation and control solutions that contribute to cutting edge workspaces for businesses and luxurious living for home owners,” says Phil Breitschadel, Crestron UK’s sales manager.
With the finishing touches being put on the new facility, Crestron has announced what visitors to the site can expect to find.
Guests will be immediately greeted by an impressive DigitalMedia (DM) grandstand that details and demonstrates how Crestron’s unrivalled network solution can power homes, offices, schools, hospitals and more, by combining AV, IT, security and environmental sources on to a single network – essential in the modern workplace and an affordable lifestyle upgrade at home.
DM display screens will demonstrate the system’s capabilities, including a huge selection of source switching, not to mention, unparalleled speed and consistency. The DM range is the control solution to take the AV world beyond the analogue sunset and visitors will see how simple it can be to switch between AV sources and incorporate the network into their projects.
Two further demo stations will showcase the leading commercial solutions Capture-HD, a lecture recording and publishing device and the building management programmes, Fusion and RoomView. Making academic or corporate content available couldn’t be easier with Capture-HD and visitors will discover how Crestron solutions are designed with ease of use and maximum efficiency in mind. Fusion and RoomView present intuitive, labour saving programmes for energy monitoring/management and seamless room scheduling, AV bookings and remote diagnostics – both programmes are scalable redundant architectures that fit seamlessly into both retrofit and new build projects.
Crestron’s range of commercial lighting products will also be on display in the showroom, proving how effective it can be as a one stop shop for electricians, architects and lighting designers. From pre-wired panels for ease of installation, to dimming solutions for increased energy efficiency, Crestron’s lighting products cater for all requirements. Guests will also be able to view the residential DIN rail lighting components which combine with designer finished control pads to offer the latest technology and design focused finishes for all interior design schemes and décors.
Made famous for its mastery of control interfaces, the design centre will showcase Crestron’s versatile range of touchpanels for both the residential and commercial settings. Whether you require wireless control, table top or wall mounted, Crestron has the perfect touchpanel for the job. Among the models on show will be the 4SM range, a hugely popular keypad both at home and in commercial settings. The 4SM combines hard buttons and touchscreen functionality in a slight and subtle profile and will control a selection of the product demos at the new showroom.
If audio delivery is what you require, Crestron HQ will feature a working demo of our Sonnex system. Combining with our latest in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, visitors will be able to hear the audiophile quality that Crestron can provide, as well as the ease of operation for end-users. No other comparative product better combines quality of design and ease of function as Crestron and designers and architects will have the opportunity to learn how these solutions can fit into their buildings, with options for both the home and for wide-scale deployment.
With new features being added daily, the design centre is shaping up to be the flagship site for Crestron demonstrations and brings a taste of the Crestron range to integrators, architects and designers in the South of England. A great space to show off to potential clients and end-users, Crestron’s HQ in Cobham is set to be a home away from home for accredited dealers, consultants and industry practitioners that recognise the role Crestron can play in building design and control.
“The open day will provide an experience which aims to help customers understand the technology and how it is integral to what they do. It will also present dealers with a fantastic networking opportunity, bringing the Crestron experience in an interesting and innovative environment, showcasing solutions for every project and every budget,” says Phil.
When the doors open on 13th June, Crestron is extending an open invitation from 10am to 6pm to all customers. Along with canapés and refreshments being available throughout the day, the sales team will also be on hand to guide visitors through the full range of Crestron products. To confirm your attendance please contact Julie@crestron.co.uk or on 0845 873 8787.
17th May 2012
Amber International Unveils Corporate Website
Amber International, the recently launched residential CI distribution business, has gone live with its corporate website, www.amber-international.com, which allows users access to company news, distributor details, product information and technical support, via clear, user-friendly navigation.
"As a new company, we wanted to create a comprehensive website which is precise and easily accessible" comments Stuart Tickle, managing director. "Our customers are from various countries within the EMEAA region, so it is essential that the site provides information that is easily understood by everyone. We have designed the website as a helpful sales tool for our client base, and it highlights our expertise and professionalism."
From the homepage, you can select to view a company overview, the latest news, information on becoming a distributor and entry into the dealer login zone. The user-friendly homepage is headed up with sliders, demonstrating the all the latest products from Kinetik Labs, URC, TruAudio and Planet Waves. By clicking on the particular area of interest, users can drill down to locate product brochures, images and manuals.
Qualified distributors have access to a login page which provides the latest pricing, training, presentations and artwork files of advertisements, brochures and mailings. This allows Amber distributors to translate and customise the files for their own market. The website mirrors Amber’s friendly demeanour with a ‘Who is who’ page, providing details of key contacts within the business. Direct phone numbers and email addresses are also included.
An easy to access contact section is accessible from all pages and provides full details for general, distribution and technical enquiries.
15th May 2012
SGM and TechnoPro Sign Major Distribution Agreement
SGM Lighting and Middle East-based giants, TechnoPro, have agreed a new distribution deal that takes the relationship which the two companies have enjoyed for many years to a new level.
SGM CEO Peter Johansen and TechnoPro founder and chief executive Nabil Bourgeili confirmed an agreement to extend the brand’s territorial representation far beyond the UAE, during the PALME Middle East show in Dubai this month.
Under the new ownership of Danish entrepreneur Johansen, the former Italian lighting company is now focusing exclusively on LED fixtures. In fact the launch of next generation LED effects into the Middle East market formed a dynamic component of TechnoPro’s massive 1000 sq metre display at PALME — making them easily the largest single exhibitor at the show.
Said Peter Johansen: “We are delighted to be partnering again with Nabil, as TechnoPro looks to move further into LED technology and the architectural market. We recognise that Dubai is a vital hub for reaching not only the Middle East but beyond, and with bases in Dubai and Qatar, TechnoPro is without doubt the predominant player in the region.”
Nabil Bourgeili responded: “We have enjoyed a successful relationship with SGM for a number of years but this will bring us much closer to the brand. We will provide fully-supported distribution in Central Asia and the Near East, including Turkey, Kazakhstan and parts of the old USSR, as well as North and Central Africa. As the largest production company in the Middle East we are well qualified to do this.”
He continued: “What excites us about SGM’s new portfolio is that some of these products are completely unique, which will find application not only in the entertainment market but in the architectural world, including daily activity environments such as shopping malls and attraction parks.
“I have a lot of respect for the direction SGM is now taking with its products, and am very excited by the potential that this offers.”
In picture: Nabil Bourgeili and Peter Johansen celebrate the new distribution arrangement at PALME Middle East in Dubai.
15th May 2012
Showsec Awarded Leeds City Council Security Contract
Showsec has been awarded a two-year rolling contract to deliver stewarding and security services across all Leeds City Council venues and events.
The contract will see the company provide security and guest services to all public events including the council’s annual Party and Opera in the Park at Temple Newsam Park, large-scale Bonfire celebrations at Roundhay Park and all council-owned venues including Leeds Town Hall and The Carriageworks Theatre.
Showsec will also provide services to the popular events programme at Leeds’s bespoke outdoor live entertainment venue Millennium Square. Events include ‘Christkindelmarkt’ traditional German market, Ice Cube temporary outdoor Ice Rink, and screenings of this year’s European Football Championships. Millennium Square is also an official ‘Live Site’ for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Julian Kumah, Showsec area manager, said: "We have strong historic ties with Leeds, so are proud to be entrusted by Leeds City Council to keep their events safe and secure while providing a good customer experience. A wide-ranging service will be adapted to suit the council’s diverse event programme."
The Showsec team is preparing a detailed security strategy for the first event of its contract, the screening of England matches at the 2012 European Championships in Millennium Square from June 11 onwards.
Julian commented: "We’re expecting up to 8,000 people to attend and we’re currently busy liaising with the council’s events team and other key stakeholders including the police and medical providers to ensure the event is as safe and fun as possible for all involved."
Councillor Adam Ogilvie, Leeds City Council executive member for leisure, said: "We are looking forward to working with Showsec to provide the safe and successful delivery of our varied annual events programme across the city."
In picture: Showsec at Leeds Millennium Square.
11th May 2012
APG Appoints Manufacturers’ Representative in Spain
French loudspeaker company APG has announced the appointment of well-known Spanish industry figure, Juan Antonio Cuevas, to represent APG throughout Spain. A renowned sound engineer in his own right and former systems engineer for Meyer Sound, Cuevas knows the pro audio industry in Spain like the back of his hand, and is therefore ideally placed to represent APG. Furthermore, Cuevas is a real fan of the products.
"When I first heard the demo of the New Generation products from APG, I was blown away," admits Cuevas. "The natural-sounding acoustics, endless headroom, precise electronics and excellent build quality… let’s take, for example, the SMX15 wedges: frankly, I’ve never heard such quality from a monitor, I sincerely think that this is one of the best stage monitors in the world – and subsequent comparisons with other brands confirmed my opinion. DX12 and DX15 exhibit the same excellent sound quality for continuity throughout the range.
"As for Uniline, I thought that line array systems held no more surprises for me, as I work with line array systems of all shapes, sizes and flavours every day," continued Cuevas, "but when I heard Uniline – wow! The unique sonic quality and once again the seemingly limitless headroom, but also a feeling of space and sound reproduction that is faithful to the source along with huge SPLs when required with absolutely no distortion – in a word, impressive. Furthermore, Uniline is the first truly modular line array system on the market, so that’s another bonus. I’m delighted to be representing APG in Spain where, despite the worst economic crisis in our history, we still manage to put on over 150,000 concerts per year. There is always something going on in Spain, so the demand is there. In my opinion, now that APG is here in Spain, they’re here to stay – they have everything going for them, and I intend to make it a success!"
APG international business development director, Xavier Pion, is equally enthusiastic. "Juan Antonio is known and respected by all the major players in the pro audio market in Spain, from rental companies to sound engineers to the artists themselves," he commented. "Despite the difficult economic situation in Spain, as Juan Antonio rightly points out, there is still nevertheless a demand for pro audio services and equipment, and we are both convinced that APG has a huge potential in the Spanish market. Personally, I can’t think of a better ambassador for us in Spain than Juan Antonio, and we’re all looking forward to reaping the results."
In picture: Juan Antonio Cuevas
11th May 2012
Rebrand Establishes MGC Lighting as International Distributor
Established international lighting distributor, MGC Lamps has announced a new name and a new identity. As from Tuesday May 8, the business which operates in over 90 countries Worldwide became MGC Lighting Group.
"MGC Lighting Group better reflects the market areas we operate in and reinforces that we are the lighting distributor of choice for our customers," managing director James Greig commented. "We have worked hard over the last 30 years to establish a good reputation. Although the old name has served us well, we needed a facelift to reflect that we are a large modern company with global coverage, a loyal customer base, and a team that possess technical knowledge that is second to none in our industry."
MGC Lighting Group was conceived after a six month process that involved the whole team working at its three offices in the UK, Germany and Spain. Workshops were held to consult with staff and a voting system was used to select the final logo. Under the MGC Lighting Group banner will be eight divisional brands specific to the specialist lighting areas and markets the company works in. These are: MGC Cinema, MGC Purification, MGC Medical, MGC Stage & Studio, MGC LED, MGC International, MGC Lamps, and MGC OEM.
As well as the new name and brand, there is also a new web site for the company:
www.mgc-lighting.com not only gives visitors up to minute advice on lighting products to suit all types of specification, but also provides advice and comment from individuals within the MGC team on industry trends.
"The launch of the new MGC Lighting Group brand is just the start of the journey however and places us on course to take full advantage of any future business opportunities whether they are in the UK, Europe and Worldwide," James concluded.
In picture: the MGC Lighting Group senior management team of John Revell, Jeff Sawyer, James Greig, Steve Claydon and David Jackson.
10th May 2012
Centric Provides £1.3 million Funding Facility to Martin Audio
The future of the British manufacturing industry remains an important focus for the UK economy and Centric Commercial Finance continues to show its support. Experts in SME funding, Centric has provided Martin Audio with a £1.3 million invoice discounting facility.
The additional working capital will be used to ensure the on-going growth of the business. Martin Audio is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun European Partners, LLP ("Sun European Partners"), the European advisor to Sun Capital Partners, Inc.. This is one of a number of deals completed by Centric with private equity houses in the first quarter of 2012, a trend that looks set to continue in the rest of the year.
Tim Hawkins, commercial director at Centric, comments: "As the popularity of ABL grows and proves itself to be a flexible alternative to traditional bank overdrafts, we’re increasingly working with private equity houses. Thanks to its superior products and established position, Martin Audio is an ideal candidate for the type of funding we offer."
Martin Audio is one of ten companies that sit under the umbrella of LOUD Technologies Inc. Based in the US, Martin Audio’s parent company, itself a user of invoice discounting and ABL, encouraged the management team to seek out this form of funding, which is commonly used in the US.
Anthony Taylor, managing director of Martin Audio, said: "Apart from being an excellent solution for us in the short term, the funding Centric is providing has been structured so that it can grow with us. Centric’s facility is allowing us to develop new technologies and widen our product offering."
Martin Audio was introduced to Centric by David Culpan, a vice president at Sun European Partners who concluded: "Centric was the right fit for Martin Audio. David Martin founded the company in 1971 after going to a Pink Floyd concert - he simply decided that as far as sound quality was concerned, he could do better. It was with the same entrepreneurial spirit that Centric approached Martin Audio’s brief and developed a solution."
10th May 2012
Canford Acquire 19 Inch Rack Brand Enclosure Systems
Canford has announced that it has acquired the brand Enclosure Systems, based in Borough Green, Kent and will take over manufacture and distribution of the range from this point forward. Enclosure Systems (ES) has a range of high quality racks and accessories and is a leading player in the audio-visual, IT and data networking sector. Having been one of Canford’s principal suppliers of 19 inch racks for the last 10 years, the brand has established a very strong position within sections of the broadcast systems integration and audio and video installations markets.
Canford will retain and develop the core ranges and will maintain continuity with existing ES customers and markets whilst expanding the brand’s reach further into the broadcast and installer sectors. Chas Luchford, ES’s sales manager is moving over to join Canford and will retain the ES portfolio ensuring complete continuity of supply and both commercial and customer relationships.
A stock buffer has been built to cover the transition period as the production and warehousing operation is moved from Kent to Canford’s head office in Washington, UK. Iain Elliott, Canford’s founder and director spoke about the news "Having made many acquisitions over our 36 year history, including relocating an entire warehousing operation from London to Washington over a single weekend, we are well practiced at the logistics planning for this type of activity. Continuity is key, and the product range and pricing is unchanged. Chas Luchford brings with him all the experiences, personal contacts and relationships, so apart from the heading on the invoice, nothing (not even part numbers) changes."
Canford’s chief executive, Leif Friestad highlighted the benefits of Canford’s global reach "We have identified there is significant potential for the ES brand around the globe. Our experience in frequently shipping to over 120 countries and our worldwide network of dealers and distributors makes me very confident for the future of Enclosure Systems."
Friestad went on to say: "The ES brand is a perfect fit for Canford. We are known amongst our peers for not only distributing products of high quality but for designing and manufacturing ranges to the same high standards. We had been looking to enhance our 19 inch rack product offering for some time, and when the ES product range became available it was the obvious solution for everyone including both our existing and Enclosure Systems’ own customers who will continue to benefit from high service levels on high quality products. It is an obvious complement to the range of rackmount products that we manufacture at our Dorset operation – just a little larger!"
The ES range includes the extensive 262 series of full size 19 inch rack cabinets and the more specialist products such as the 501 Credenza "open rack" series. Canford will also continue to offer the wide range of ES wall-mounted rack cabinets including the 401, 404 and 408 series. The floor standing cabinets are available in multiple widths and depths with heights of up to 47U. Many racks are offered either fully constructed or as a flat pack which can be assembled in situ by the customer. An extensive range of accessories including plinths, feet, trays, power distribution fans etc is available for the range. And most products are available in both grey and black finishes – to suit the strong colour preferences of Canford and ES’s customers.
Racks and racking accessories have long been central to Canford’s product portfolio. This product acquisition enables Canford to strengthen their position in their core markets and provides leverage to provide further brand exposure and expand into the ever more closely associated IT and network infrastructure sectors. The acquisition of the Enclosure Systems brand is part of Canford’s expansion strategy announced 12 months ago.
In picture: Canford’s Leif Friestad and the Enclosure Systems 260 Series
9th May 2012
Coemar Strengthens Presence in Korea with C&C Lightway
Coemar and C&C Lightway have now strengthened their business relationship. C&C will distribute Coemar products in Korea as an exclusive supplier and dealer.
"I’m delighted with this agreement with C&C," – comments Salvatore Grillo, sole director of Coemar S.p.A . "It’s the result of a close synergy between the two parties. For Coemar this means being able to set up a stable partnership with a highly qualified company operating in Korea, a rapidly-growing market for applications for entertainment and infrastructures. In the latter sector Coemar is gaining an increasing market share with lines of dedicated products."
"We’re very proud," comments H.M. Chung, managing director and president of C&C Lightway – to have finalised our partnership with Coemar, a prestigious name that will play a leading role in our already excellent business in Korea."
"C&C Lightway was established in 1994," explains Mr Chung, " to support professional lighting systems for theatrical, studio and architectural markets. Since then we’ve made numerous achievements thanks to trust and support from our valued clients. We support the Asian lighting industry by providing the highest level of backup for creative and technical projects. We are pleased to announce that C&C have entered into a partnership with Coemar, which will give us a better understanding of new global market trends and the transition to innovative technologies in the theatrical and architectural markets. We believe that by working with such a prominent and richly experienced company C&C can assist clients from various sectors at all levels of project development and create greater synergies by providing complete lighting systems."
In picture: Luca Faini (Coemar), Ho Mok Chung (president of C&C Lightway), Salvatore Grillo (sole director of Coemar), Rachel Lee (C&C Lightway), Fausto Orsatti (Coemar).
8th May 2012
Pro Audio Stash launches new iPhone and iPad App
Professional audio and AV suppliers and 19 inch racking specialists Pro Audio Stash (PAS) has launched a new iPhone and iPad App for its trade customers in the UK and USA.
‘Pro Audio Stash’ is available from the iTunes app store. It recognises the busy schedules of end-users and clients and that communication is a key element in providing a premium service.
The free App allows installers to browse Pro Audio Stash’s extensive range of 19 inch products and all Neutrik items and place a trade purchase order through the App, which displays all the installer trade prices (which are not available on the website).
It will be an invaluable tool for installers as they are actually working on site and all those on the move, who will be able – with a good 3G or WIFI connection – view product images, technical data and descriptions. It will be vastly quicker for them to confirm exactly what they need through the App without having to return to the office or event to hook up a laptop.
The App has been developed following extensive research by PAS, which found it to be a resource that its clients reckoned they would find very useful.
In a fast moving world where time is precious, "widening the client’s flexibility in terms of access to our facilities will be another reason for them to do business with us," comments PAS’s Rob Platt.
The first Pro Audio Stash App is launched for iPhone and iPad as these are currently the most popular smartphones and tablets being used by customers. If there is the demand, a version to run on Android OS will follow.
The variety of Pro Audio Stash App features will also be expanded along with the range of products in accordance with user feedback.
8th May 2012
Sonoruss becomes L-Acoustics Certified Provider for Russia
L-Acoustics has announced that Sonoruss has become a new Certified Provider Distributor in Russia. The newly-formed company, headed up by local industry expert Igor Verkolat, has a network of 200 dealers in place to support and promote the L-Acoustics brand in the region.
"L-Acoustics is very a famous brand in Russian show business," says Verkolat. "Their systems feature on the technical riders of leading artists, and many Russian rental companies include L-Acoustics in their inventory for a variety of events. Thanks to the unique sound, features and ease of use, several Russian theatres and concert halls have also installed L-Acoustics systems, with more sales and installations in the pipeline. I am very happy to represent the brand in Russia, and am confident of creating a robust structure for the promotion and sale of the brand in the Russian Federation, assisted by our competent team of technical experts and engineers."
"I am delighted to introduce Sonoruss as our CP Distributor for Russia," says L-Acoustics sales manager Peter Owen. "Igor and his team have big ambitions for L-Acoustics and the Russian market, and we will be fully supporting his plans. Russia is an exciting market for us and we have already noticed a huge increase in business and enquiries. I am sure Sonoruss will become a valuable member of the team."
In picture: Oksana Mudrak and Igor Verkolat from Sonoruss with Peter Owen from L-Acoustics.
4th May 2012
Christie Moves Middle East Base to Dubai Silicon Oasis
Exactly five years after setting up a base in Dubai, Christie has relocated its Middle East offices and showroom to the prestigious Dubai Silicon Oasis integrated technology park.
The new purpose-built facility at GulfView provides a showcase for the company’s market leading products and incorporates training, state of the art demonstration rooms and warehousing on an enlarged footprint.
Formally opened with a press day on April 30 as a precursor to an Open House week, customers will be afforded an opportunity to see the latest product offerings and experience Christie’s wide ranging capabilities in different market segments, which have brought them so much success in the Middle East.
Features will include warped and blended Mirage 3D projection onto curved screen (with content delivered from a Vista Spyder), as well as simulated control room environments, MicroTiles applications and training (demonstrated in a 9 x 4 array), 4K cinema projection and new Roadster J series, LCD and single chip DLP projectors.
Simon Smith, Christie EMEA senior sales director, said: “After five years of successful brand development in the Middle East, it was time for Christie to move to a brand new purpose-built office. We exceeded our capacity at our former Dubai airport free zone office and we are looking forward to welcoming our partners and clients in this brand new facility. They will be able to benefit from our showroom displaying Christie’s latest technologies and products, as well as staging live demos, commercial meetings, training courses and a space dedicated to technical services.”
In picture: the Christie Dubai team.
2nd May 2012
Pharos Appoints LightLife as German Distributor
UK lighting control specialists Pharos Architectural Controls has announced a product and service agreement with LightLife as their new distributor for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This covers the complete Pharos range of controllers including the award winning Lighting Playback Controllers and recently released Touch Panel Controller.
Tim Edwards, technical sales manager for Pharos, comments: "LightLife are a fantastic company with significant project experience and contacts within the DACH region. With offices in Cologne, Berlin and Vienna they are well placed to provide expert sales and technical support for our increasing volume of projects in this key territory."
Managing director of LightLife, Antonius Quodt adds: "This partnership is a milestone for our clients of today and tomorrow. Pharos Controls has a distribution concept which is based on close proximity to those architects and creatives involved in the specification of projects, and we are looking forward to providing local assistance with pre-planning and advice for the most complex of lighting and media control projects."
In picture: Liz Cecil, Pharos Controls product manager with Antonius Quodt, managing director of LightLife Gesellschaft für audiovisuelle Erlebnisse GmbH
2nd May 2012
Blackout Doubles Up with UK Premises Expansion
Drapes and rigging company Blackout has doubled its UK warehouse and operations facilities ahead of a busy summer season.
The new 25,000ft warehouse is situated next to Blackout’s existing London premises on Western Road, Merton. The two premises have been combined to create a total capacity of over 50,000ft, including extensive storage, offices and additional manufacturing areas.
The expansion will enable the company to deliver enhanced logistics and warehousing capacity to its clients and makes room for its wide-ranging stock inventory of drapes and rigging alongside a host of auxiliary products including starcloth and track.
Blackout chairman Steve Tuck commented: “We experienced a hugely successful 2011 and this summer is forecast to be even busier with events taking place across the UK, Europe, the Far East and the Middle East. We were quickly running out of space in our existing warehouse and the opportunity to expand next door was ideal. We have strong growth and development plans, so the new warehouse will play a vital role in enabling us to enhance capabilities across all areas of our business.”
Blackout provides its drapes and rigging services across the event industry including sports, broadcast, fashion, corporate and music clients.
In picture: Steve Tuck and part of Blackout’s hire stock warehouse.
2nd May 2012
ETBOOKS now available as EBOOKS!
All Entertainment Technology Press books are now available in Kindle format as well as remaining purchasable as a well-established library of paperbacks.
Subjects covered include lighting, sound, staging and stage engineering, rigging and trussing, design and build, theatre history and biographical works.
The Kindle versions of ET books are available to purchase through Amazon at
27th April 2012
PLASA AGM Highlights a Year of Change
PLASA will host its 2012 European AGM and Members' Lunch on Tuesday 29 May at BAFTA in Central London. Over 200 members and guests are expected to take part in the event, which includes the opportunity to feedback on the work that PLASA is doing, contribute to the future direction of the Association, and enjoy networking with fellow members.
Over the past year PLASA has embraced a completely different governance structure, expanded its portfolio of events in North America, and introduced a range of new services and benefits. Members at the AGM will also learn more about PLASA's proposed global strategy and the crucial role played by the respective Regional Boards and Governing Body in the planning process.
The PLASA Members' Lunch will be followed by a very special guest speaker in the form of Iron Maiden front man, Bruce Dickinson. Well known as the lead singer of one of the most successful rock bands of all time, having sold over 85 million albums worldwide, Bruce's other passion is flying and he was previously a pilot and marketing director for Astraeus Airlines.
His evident entrepreneurial spirit has seen him obtain government funding to create an aircraft maintenance company creating 1500 jobs in Wales and he is also involved in an airship venture to manufacture drones which have both a military and a commercial application.
Matthew Griffiths, CEO of PLASA commented: "This is an important event for the Association and its members, not just for celebrating the successes of the last year but also in looking to the future. It's great for networking too so I'd like to encourage all our members to come along and enjoy the day."
26th April 2012
NL Launches Northern Light Direct
As part of their on-going business growth strategy, the UK’s largest installer of technical performance systems has today announced the launch of Northern Light Direct.
Northern Light Direct is the division of the company responsible for the supply of goods and services to theatres, educational establishments and other performance spaces right across the UK.
Ed Gamble, head of Northern Light Direct, said: "Northern Light Direct will offer customers a huge range of boxed goods and consumable items, delivered direct from our warehouse to their venues. We will also be a variety of aftercare services to Northern Light’s installation customers, including lots of advice and provision of loose equipment to enhance their installed systems."
Additionally, the Northern Light Direct team will be offering tailored maintenance contracts to ensure that venue systems remain at the very peak of performance.
Colin Cuthbert, managing director of Northern Light, said: "Historically, we haven’t particularly pushed our offer in the provision of boxed goods. A few years ago we launched oubiance.co.uk on a whim and we were gobsmacked at the rate of success we had with it. Duly encouraged, we have now decided to make this area a major focus of our business expansion and we’re very excited about the launch of Northern Light Direct."
24th April 2012
Julie’s Bicycle and White Light embark on three-year Partnership
Julie’s Bicycle has announced a new sponsorship deal with entertainment lighting specialist White Light. Julie’s Bicycle and White Light have developed a strong relationship over the last five years based on a mutual commitment to environmental sustainability, a shared understanding that this issue is at the forefront of business trends, and respect for one another’s work, which has now culminated in a three-year sponsorship deal.
White Light’s sponsorship will support Julie’s Bicycle’s UK-wide theatre programme. Julie’s Bicycle and White Light have already jointly promoted events for theatre professionals specialising in lighting, and have identified the challenges and opportunities presented by low carbon solutions for front of house and auditoria lighting. White Light’s sponsorship has contributed to the development of a new IG Tool for Production – the latest carbon calculator in the Julie’s Bicycle IG Tools suite – enabling production managers to measure the carbon impacts of lighting, set design and material choices, and will also support the Green Theatre Network, a national network for theatre professionals from across the sector to share learning, best practice, tools and resources towards a low carbon sector fit for the future.
Alison Tickell, CEO Julie’s Bicycle, said: "Julie’s Bicycle has been working with White Light for the best part of five years and we’ve been really impressed by how determined White Light is to promote low carbon lighting solutions to the performing arts industry, and we are really pleased to be able to develop this relationship over the next three years."
Bryan Raven, managing director of White Light, said: "The team at Julie’s Bicycle have been leading the campaign to increase inclusion of sustainability as part of the day to day decision making process in our industry since they were formed. Their advice and support on the various initiatives we have been involved with has been invaluable and we are delighted to be able to support them for the next few years."
24th April 2012
