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Neil Manwaring Joins Arcstream AV

Arcstream AV has recruited Neil Manwaring (pictured) as its new aales and operations director.

Neil has previous experience within the exhibition and events industries from working within AV rental company ATC for five years as its sales manager where he was responsible for growing the business and working with clients within the aviation and defence industries. From there, he became sales director at Exhibition Organisers Fairs & Exhibitions before going on to manage his own exhibition company in the Middle East.

Neil was lured to join Arcstream by the array of products on their portfolio and the team's ambitious nature to deliver whatever solution is required by their clients through constant investment in new interactive technologies.

Neil explained: "Arcstream's positioned within a niche part of the industry where we are able react to specific needs of each client, creating bespoke solutions to fit any brief. I'm looking forward to developing new business and enhancing events with our cutting edge technologies."

Christie Focuses on MicroTiles Sales

Following the successful launch of MicroTiles at ISE2010 in Amsterdam, Christie has announced changes within its sales structure that assure this new and exciting product area is given the appropriate impact and focus. Christie has therefore announced that Joe Graziano will fulfil the new role of market development manager - MicroTiles,

Joe has been closely aligned to the launch preparations for MicroTiles, preparing the EMEA market prior to the recent ISE2010 launch platform. His new role will position him as product champion, enabling him to support the regional sales team across EMEA as well as find and close business directly.

Graziano asserts: "I'm thrilled with the new role and the amazing opportunity I have to be involved with such a unique product as MicroTiles. I'm eager to get in amongst the EMEA base and all our partners to help them make the most of their business opportunities. Looking at the unique characteristics for this new product, seeing really is believing. I'm looking forward to this once in a lifetime challenge with MicroTiles - to help others fulfill their potential with it.

Christie EMEA vice president, Dale Miller, comments: "Since joining Christie in 2007, Joe has reshaped the UK AV channel and grown our business considerably. I am confident he will bring focus and determination to his new role and ensure MicroTiles is a major success for Christie in EMEA."

Christie has also welcomed James Belso to the sales team, where he will take over in the role of UK channels sales manager. James brings a wealth of AV sales experience to his new role, having worked with channels, consultants and direct end users, most recently at Pendax UK Ltd and Panasonic. James joined Christie in January and has wasted no time getting familiar with the role, the company and its partners. Already making significant impact to business growth, he's poised to continue this trajectory across the year.

James affirms: "I am very excited to be part of such a strong, professional team and am confident that my previous experience in the UK AV market will ensure I continue the success that Joe has achieved during his time at Christie. The Christie brand reputation and portfolio is - in my opinion - second to none and I hope to grow the business even further by applying my style of ‘belief in the product' and ‘people buying people'."

Dale Miller adds: "In a short time, James has already proved himself a great asset to the sales team in the UK. He has approached the role with gusto and we are confident of his success within Christie."

In picture: Joe Graziano and James Belso.

Gemma Jacques Joins Richard Martin Lighting

Richard Martin Lighting has announced the introduction of Gemma Jacques as their new marketing coordinator. After five successful years as office manager at fellow lighting suppliers Neg Earth, Gemma has been welcomed as a new dynamic to the RML team.

Asked about her new appointment, Gemma said: "I am really looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead and being part of a fresh and energetic environment. I hope to bring my previously acquired skills and make a positive contribution to what is an already great set up."

PSI's Sean Pagel Becomes First NRC Level 3 Rigger in Ireland

Sean Pagel from Production Services Ireland (PSI) has become the first person in Ireland to attain the Professional Lighting & Sound Association (PLASA)'s National Rigging Certificate (NRC) Level 3 'rigging supervisor' level.

Pagel, a director of the Belfast based lighting rental and sales company, says: "With health and safety issues increasingly topping all rigging agendas, and our commitment to offering clients the very best and highest quality services, industry driven and recognised qualifications like this are vitally important."

PLASA's National Rigging Certificate demonstrates that individuals have reached a professional standard within their chosen rigging discipline. The NRC is not yet a compulsory scheme, but increasingly major UK venues are requiring it for riggers working in their spaces. PSI undertakes a lot of rigging projects in both Ireland and the UK, some of it to facilitate their own gigs for which they are providing lighting, plus other events and installations where they are the dedicated rigging suppliers.

When the NRC scheme was first discussed about four years ago, Pagel was immediately keen to get involved. "Rigging is an area where it's paramount to have qualified and competent personnel, and no show organiser or promoter should compromise on this.  Standardising the levels of knowledge and experience needed to reach Levels 2 and 3 with a recognised qualification is good for the industry as a whole".

Pagel registered to take Level 3 as soon as the scheme was announced, but PSI's schedule coupled with the assessors all being working riggers and consequently also very busy meant one of the main challenges was finding a time when everyone's schedules synchronised!

The three-day assessment started with two days of rigging at a designated NRC centre, which in Pagel's case was Earls Court in London, working with Unusual Rigging. The first two days combined the practical observation of rigging skills with in depth interviews by the assessor. At the end of this, if the required levels of understanding and knowledge are achieved, you progress to the third and final day - which takes place on your home territory.

Pagel completed his NRC Level 3 last week in Belfast Odyssey Arena rigging Lady Gaga's show. He frequently leads the rigging team here as PSI is the designated rigging provider for MCD, one of the two major Irish promoters and regular users of the venue.

PSI is also very keen on encouraging others to join the NRC scheme. The intention is to co-ordinate a series of Rigging Awareness courses at various Irish venues offering guidance as to what they should look out for when employing external rigging companies and increasing their awareness of the specialist knowledge and competence needed by their sub-contractors.

Essential Lighting's New Look Full Service Team

Essential Lighting has announced the appointment of two new lighting designers to their Full Service Division.

Under the watchful eye of the head of full service, John McEvoy, new designers Tanya Noble and Adam Power will be working along side senior designer, Neil Harvey, to deliver lighting projects for Essential's clients.

Tanya Noble started her career working for PRG in 2002. Following a spell as a moving light technician, she went freelance, later taking a position with production company Banana Split, where she managed and designed the lighting for a range of projects. Tanya therefore joins Essential with many years of experience and some fresh, new ideas on lighting design.

Adam Power has been working for Essential for three years, developing his technical and design knowledge working onsite across a range of events, acquiring experience and respect along the way. His experience in pre-production and delivering events onsite, combined with a passion for lighting, make him more than capable to design and manage the lighting for events.

Neil has been with Essential since 2008 and has quickly established himself as a capable and trustworthy designer for projects including the BAFTAs and BAE Systems. Now in the position of senior lighting designer for Essential, he will continue to design and deliver lighting for Essential's valued full service customers.

Martin Lubach, Essential's managing director, commented: "We are delighted that our policy of looking to promote internally and support the growth of and development of careers is highlighted with Adam's appointment. Collectively, these three designers form a strong dynamic team with a diverse set of skills and are the basis of our Full Service Division for the coming years."

In picture: Neil Harvey, John McEvoy, Tanya Noble and Adam Power.

Casey Ryan Joins Lighting Technology Projects

Lighting Technology Projects (LTP) has announced the appointment of Casey Ryan (pictured) as business development manager.

This is part of a planned expansion strategy by the architectural lighting specification and project delivery specialist, which is part of the PAI Group of Companies based in Wales.

LTP has worked with different business development managers within the group in recent years, but has grown to the point of needing its own dedicated person in that role. Considerable care was taken in the search for the right person!

Casey left her post as creative and technical support engineer at the UK base of leading LED lighting systems manufacturer and solutions provider, Traxon Technologies. She had been there for four years, and prior to that studied a bachelor's degree in Philosophy with minors in Neuroscience & Theology at The University of Birmingham.

LTP's Terry Reeves says: "We're delighted to have someone of Casey's calibre on board. A large part of our work involves LED technology, and her knowledge of that industry and its issues plus her extensive experience working with LED lightsources and systems - along with her great personality - fits us perfectly."

Casey brings with her specific knowledge of many additional products and systems gained from prior experiences of project specification adding to the LTP mix.

Casey says: "LTP is a very creative company with a lively atmosphere and an innovative approach to its work. I am really excited to be on board."

Cooper Controls Appoint Ken Berreen

Cooper Controls UK has announced the appointment of Ken Berreen (pictured) as sales manager UK, Middle East and Africa for its Zero 88 and State Automation entertainment brands. As part of the company's ongoing restructure and strategy for the performance entertainment marketplace, Berreen will be responsible for managing day to day sales and commercial activities for the Zero 88 entertainment lighting control and State Automation high density dimming system product ranges in these markets.

Berreen started in the entertainment lighting business in 1977, gaining a full understanding of electrical installations working for Theatre Sound & Lighting, as a freelance technician at the Shaw Theatre and also gaining formal qualifications with an electricity supply company. From the mid eighties Berreen was a partner in a successful lighting and sound company based in the south of England. His extensive experience includes production management, lighting design, installation, sales and hire for both sound and lighting equipment.

In the last ten years Berreen has worked as a lighting project manager, technical supervisor at the Millennium Dome in London and as European Sales Manager at Strand Lighting. He joined Cooper Controls at the end of 2008 as European sales manager working for the iLight architectural control brand. During the last year he has helped Cooper Controls to grow the architectural business throughout the region as well as assisting Zero 88 in market development in Eastern Europe.

"I am very pleased to be working with such a great team at Zero 88," explains Berreen. "It's a great time to be joining the brand, especially at this time when Cooper Controls is giving such a positive lead in developing cutting edge products and support for Zero 88 to enter new markets."

www.zero88.com

Gearsource Europe Appoint Benjamin Hollenberg

GearSource Europe has announced the appointment of Benjamin Hollenberg (pictured) to assist in developing the market for pre-owned lighting and sound equipment in Benelux and Germany.

Hollenberg has worked many years in lighting and sound sales, having previously been sales and investment manager with Focus, Amsterdam. His understanding of the business stems from his earlier "hands-on" activities as a lighting technician for local Dutch bands and musical theatre. He brings to GearSource Europe an in-depth knowledge of the region and its many customers.

Garry Nelsson, GearSource Europe's owner said: "I've known Benjamin for several years and had always considered him to be the ideal candidate to expand our activities in the Benelux region and on into Germany. He joins Keith Dale in London, Michelle Morin in Paris and Monica Savio in Milan."

GearSource Europe along with US-based GearSource, collectively, are the world's largest e-seller in used and B-stock production gear, becoming the prime site for anyone looking to buy or sell professional lighting, staging, video and audio gear. This year, according to Marcel Fairbairn, president of Gear-Source, Inc., GearSource.com and GearSourceEurope.com will host more than two million users on the websites.

Robin Townley Joins the Theatreplan Team

London based theatre consultants Theatreplan has announced that Robin Townley (pictured) joined the practice at the beginning of February. Prior to taking up his position at Theatreplan, Robin had been responsible for managing major venue development projects for over 12 years, most recently as building project director on behalf of DanceEast in Ipswich.

Robin's involvement in the project to create a new dance facility within the new Waterfront development, called DanceHouse, generated plaudits from the whole development team. Robin Bater, area building control surveyor for Ipswich Borough Council said: "It has been a pleasure to work with someone who has such a depth of knowledge in the field of theatre design." Russell Williams, Interim chief executive of Ipswich Borough Council added: "On behalf of Ipswich Borough Council, I would like to thank you for your hard work on delivering this fantastic facility in Ipswich. I believe you took on a much wider role than the DanceHouse and that you clearly were passionate about the development of the whole Waterfront area."
Robin Townley has been interested in performance venue design since graduating from university and working as a West End stage electrician on Phantom of the Opera. He adds a wealth of knowledge to every aspect of performance-related venue design from the client perspective, based on his previous experience; he has been a lecturer in performance venue systems as well as a client representative for performance venue building projects.
For Theatreplan, Robin will be working with clients at the start of their projects and subsequently guide them through the details as the project develops. Theatreplan partner Peter Ruthven Hall added: "At Theatreplan we believe that the role of theatre consultant is much more than ‘technical advisor'. We value Robin's ability to grasp client aspirations, to evaluate their project and its design from the intended users' perspective. Also, he will be advising clients on all aspects of the design and finance throughout the development and execution of the scheme. This has always been a vital part of Theatreplan's consulting ethos, and we are delighted that Robin has joined us to strengthen Theatreplan's client inclusiveness."

L-Acoustics Strengthens Technical Team with Two New Hires

L-Acoustics has strengthened its technical support team with the appointment of two new staff. David Yates has joined as fixed installation manager, with more than 10 years' experience in acoustics and AV consultancy. Yates has worked on a diverse range of building projects ranging from performing arts centres, art galleries and theatres through to government facilities, airports and transport terminals.

"I'm delighted to have joined L-Acoustics," says Yates. "I consider them to be at the cutting edge of loudspeaker design and technology. Their unique engineering approach, from first principles, is at the forefront of loudspeaker system design and this approach flows throughout the company, which is made up of a close-knit and highly skilled team. The results from the efforts of this approach speak for themselves and it is something that I feel very fortunate to be a part of."

Yates received a Bachelor of Science degree in Audio Technology from the University of Salford in 2000 and is a Member of the Institute of Acoustics and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Building Acoustics.

The second new recruit is Germain Simon who has been appointed as technical support and will work closely with Cédric Montrézor, head of installation support. Simon has a masters degree in acoustics from the prestigious French University of Compiègne, and another masters degree from the Chalmers University of Sweden. He previously worked for Harman International in Northridge, California.

In picture: David Yates, L-Acoustics' new fixed installation manager and Germain Simon, L-Acoustics' new technical support.

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