Business News

UK – Martin Audio is making significant strides in reducing its environmental footprint through the strategic use of recycled materials, particularly post-consumer recycled plastics. This commitment is a critical part of its overall sustainability strategy, aimed at integrating recycled materials into its manufacturing processes and contributing to a circular economy.

Martin Audio’s approach involves using detailed data to make informed decisions about sourcing recycled materials. This ensures that the use of recycled plastics does not compromise the quality or performance of their products. “The focus is on extending the lifecycle of materials and products, thus minimising their environmental impact from the outset,” confirms marketing director James King.

So how will this work in practice? Over the coming months, Martin Audio will gradually introduce post-consumer recycled plastic into components for ten of its product lines. This includes using 65% and 85% recycled ABS plastic, depending on the specific flammability requirements for each product. The transition to these recycled materials will take place as existing stocks of components are used up.

By the end of this year, Martin Audio anticipates that recycled plastic will be incorporated into components such as the phase plug which features in TORUS constant curvature loudspeakers alongside other elements which feature in products from Wavefront Precision, CDD Live 8, XD and Blackline X series.

Martin Audio’s adoption of recycled plastics significantly reduces the carbon footprint of its products. By switching to 85% post-consumer recycled ABS plastic from standard ABS plastic, the carbon emissions per kilogramme of material drop from 4.6kg CO₂e to just 0.8kg CO₂e. This substantial reduction underscores the environmental advantages of using recycled materials.

“As a global leader in the pro audio industry, this is a further opportunity for us to demonstrate climate leadership and values, defining good environmental practice,” said James King. “We have made strides within the efficiency practices at our HQ; we’ve planted over 60,000 trees through Ecologi, and we’re excited to see the adoption of recycled plastics come into fruition. There’s plenty more work to be done, but we’re making progress.”

27th November 2024

Production Futures Partners with KB Event

UK – Production Futures, the organisation founded to create opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and develop real careers in every sector of the production industries, has announced a partnership with event transport and logistics specialists, KB Event. Since its inception in 1992, KB Event has been a leading provider of support for music events, exhibitions, concerts and international stadium tours, leading the way in sustainable transport solutions.

KB Event will make its first appearance at a Production Futures ON TOUR event at Production Park in Wakefield on Wednesday, 27th November, where it will showcase the custom-wrapped mega cube trailer used earlier in the year for the Bludfest festival at the Milton Keynes bowl. As part of its typically innovative approach to business, KB Event surprised the festival’s creator, Yungblud, with the Bludfest-liveried trailer, which was used not only for logistical support, but also to market and promote the event on the UK’s roads.

By buying into the community ethos of the Bludfest event and demonstrating such an imaginative approach to engagement and marketing, KB Event demonstrated exactly why Production Futures is so delighted to welcome its latest partner, says CEO Hannah Eakins: “As well as the incredible work KB Event carries out in transport and logistics, its innovative approach to to every aspect of its business marks it out as a great example of a forward-thinking organisation actively seeking to improve the visibility of the production industry in general. Its social media channels exemplify this determination to present the industry through a prism of fresh ideas.

“The young people who visit the Production Park ON TOUR event will get the chance to explore opportunities in this sector by speaking directly to company representatives, not to mention the chance to enter a competition to win Yungblud merchandise. We’re really delighted to add KB Event to our ever expanding group of committed partner organisations.”

KB Event is equally upbeat: “KB Event is thrilled to partner with Production Futures to help promote this incredible opportunity for young people, eager to begin a career in production. Entering the industry can often feel daunting, with few clear entry points, but we aim to open doors and help make all roles in event production accessible for the next generation.”

The ON TOUR event at Production Park, Wakefield will enable young visitors to directly connect with representatives of Production Futures’ brand partners to explore employment opportunities in the production sectors. The day will comprise a packed schedule of events including panel discussions, advice, workshops, special guests, networking opportunities and more.

Production Futures successful TALKS podcast will also feature, with inspirational guests being interviewed in front of a live audience, whilst the event will conclude with the presentation of this year’s much anticipated Production Futures Breakthrough Awards, where as well as receiving the kudos of being named a winner, successful nominees will benefit from direct contact with the sponsor of their award.

27th November 2024

Wharfedale Pro welcome Mega Music as their new distribution partner in Poland

Poland – With over three decades of experience in the professional audio industry, Mega Music has built a solid reputation for supporting musicians, public facilities and commercial venues with high-quality audio equipment and innovative solutions. Their expertise aligns perfectly with Wharfedale Pro's current offerings and exciting future product directions.

"We are excited to partner with Wharfedale Pro, a brand known for its commitment to quality and innovation in the pro audio industry. Our team is looking forward to bringing Wharfedale Pro's exceptional products to a broader audience in Poland and supporting the needs of our clients across various sectors," said Dariusz Adamowicz, Mega Music

The team at Mega Music will play a key role in strengthening our presence and boosting Wharfedale Pro's visibility across major Polish markets. With their strong relationships across nearly all music stores in Poland, their reach will ensure that Wharfedale Pro products gain broad exposure among the nation's professional audio community.

Wharfedale looks forward to creating new growth opportunities, helping Mega Music expand its product range and further solidify its position as a leader in the Polish pro audio market.

"From commercial audio to retail, Mega Music brings extensive Pro Audio expertise and a strong understanding of the Polish market. We are proud to welcome their team as they join us in driving growth and elevating Wharfedale Pro's presence throughout Poland," explained Danny Clarke, regional sales manager at Wharfedale.

18th November 2024

Bose Professional Celebrates Global Expansion with Dubai Office Grand Opening

UAE – Bose Professional, developer of world-class audio experiences designed to transform any space, recently celebrated the grand opening of a new sales office and experience centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with industry leaders and partners from the MEA region.

The Dubai office marks the tenth new international business location Bose Professional has opened this year, including new offices and experience centres in London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Singapore, Beijing, Shenzen, Shanghai, Osaka and Tokyo, with plans to open a new Bose Professional global headquarters and experience centre early next year in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.

Located in the rapidly growing Sharjah district, conveniently accessible from the Dubai International Airport, the new office combines sleek, modern business spaces and meeting rooms with an experience centre designed for education and demonstration and featuring Bose Professional’s line-up of loudspeakers, power amplifiers, processors, controllers and software.

The entire Bose Professional EMEA team was honoured to host an opening ceremony on 7 November, 2024, attended by CEO John Maier, vice president of international sales Hans Vereecken, director of sales, EMEA, Nittin Dargan, as well as esteemed guests, industry leaders, and valued partners. The event featured speeches with Maier serving as guest of honour, a ribbon cutting ceremony, as well as presentations and refreshments.

“The new Bose Professional office and experience centre will serve as regional centre to demonstrate innovative audio solutions to all our distributors, system integrators and consultants,” said Dargan. “The new space further demonstrates our commitment to MEA region. Bose Professional team and our distributors will continue to ensure that our customers get best-in-class products, locally available.”

"It's our mission to deliver amazing audio solutions and services to our customers around the globe,” said Maier. “I am so proud of what the Bose Professional team here in Dubai, and around the world have accomplished by achieving these operational milestones in our company’s history. I can’t wait to travel to more offices and cut more ribbons as we deepen our 50-year legacy of partnerships and continue to grow our global organisation.”

15th November 2024

Audio Source Launches HH Audio in Australia

Australia – Following the recent appointment of Audio Source as HH Audio’s distributor in Australia, the partners staged a two-day official launch event at Vision Studios, a rehearsal and recording facility in Perth. The full range of HH Audio products were demonstrated to a range of audio specialists including system integrators, rental companies, retailers, installers, and contractors. Ian Wright, HH Audio global sales director for HH Electronics offers an upbeat view: “The event was a great success in what is acoustically a fantastic space. The team demonstrated the range to groups of visitors over the two days, rather than staging one big presentation, something which worked extremely well. I think we had fourteen groups in total who were able to see all our products patched in and individually demoed or used in whatever combinations customers wanted.

“Each demonstration started with electronics and install, including our MZ Series of zone amplifiers running TNi-C ceiling speakers. This was followed by W and M Series amps running TNi-W Pro units, before moving onto our active products, culminating in an impressive demo of the TNA line array which attracted great enthusiasm: visitors were hugely impressed by the power and quality of the audio coming from such a compact and competitively priced system.”

Other HH Audio favourites which attracted a lot of positive attention at the event included the TRM 1201 stage monitor and the Tensor SOLO and MINI portable PA speakers.

According to Wright, the reaction to the launch couldn’t have been better: “The response from everyone who attended was extremely positive. It was clear that visitors were blown away with the quality of the sound and could immediately see the opportunities offered by such competitive pricing. This dynamic approach taken by Audio Source to engaging with their customers is certain to pay dividends in the Australian market.”

14th November 2024

ETC Ltd moves into spectacular new eco-building in London

UK – ETC Ltd has officially moved to its new state-of-the-art eco-building and UK base in London.

The new site is more than double the size of ETC’s former premises boasting over 35,000 square feet of floor space. The move marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth and expanding business offering.

ETC’s own in-house team has developed the design for the new building which includes larger demonstration spaces and increased capacity for training, logistics, conferencing, collaboration and more. There is also a new visualisation suite in the building which is available for industry professionals to use and prepare their shows in. The additional warehousing space also holds significantly more inventory to meet the growing demands of the business and support the needs of ETC’s customers.

The new building is lit and controlled by ETC products, all centred around ETC’s F-Drive power control system. They power ArcSystem Navis fixtures throughout the building; over 150 metres of third-party LED tape, and F-Drive compatible Irideon and Source Four Mini LED luminaires. ETC Paradigm controls all of the architectural lighting, including occupancy and daylight harvesting sensors, to enrich the energy saving credentials of the building. The renowned ‘Playhouse’ demo facility has been moved to the new location, now with additional floorspace and height as well as five Prodigy P2 stage machinery hoists and the latest range of fixtures fitted for customer demos.

Situated in west London’s Greenford, the new premises provide a high-specification working environment for employees as well as a range of sustainability credentials. The building is the first industrial refurbishment of its type in the world that is completed to BREEAM Outstanding standards, meaning it is in the top 1% of non-domestic buildings in the UK. Power is derived from roof mounted solar panel banks generating 180kW with on-site battery storage of up to 80kWh of energy. The building also has electric vehicle charging points and a rainwater harvesting system feeding a 144 m² external green wall.

ETC general manager, Matthew Brookfield comments: “We are excited to start this new chapter in a space that reflects our vision for the future growth of the firm. Our new facility represents more than just a new address; it’s a commitment to our employees, customers and end users. This building will allow us to enhance our operations even more and ensure that we continue to deliver the best solutions and service.”

ETC training sessions will commence from January 2025 in the new building. Find out more at etcconnect.com/Training.

14th November 2024

Clear-Com and MTC Strengthen Bonds in Carlsbad Visit

USA – Clear-Com recently welcomed a delegation from MTC to its Carlsbad, California factory on April 17, 2024. This visit marks another milestone in the enduring partnership between Clear-Com and MTC, a leading provider of broadcasting and audio-visual solutions whose business was founded around Clear-Com’s communications solutions at inception, dedicated to the Japanese market for over two generations.

Founded in 1968, Clear-Com has been at the forefront of innovation in communication technology, specialising in wired and wireless systems for various industries including broadcast, live performance, live events, sports, military, aerospace and government. MTC, with its deep-rooted dedication to serving the Japanese market, shares a longstanding relationship with Clear-Com spanning 45 years. The visit underscores the commitment of both companies to continuous improvement, a principle deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, symbolised by the concept of Kaizen.

During their visit to Clear-Com's Carlsbad factory, the MTC delegation which included founder Yasuhiro Matsuoka, managing director Junji Matsuoka and sales director Tomoaki Takasu, had the unique opportunity to see firsthand the intricate processes involved in the manufacturing of their communication solutions. From the initial stages of product design to the final assembly line, they were able to gain valuable insights into the meticulous craftsmanship of technologies that define Clear-Com's renowned products. Guided by knowledgeable staff members, the delegation experienced the dedication and precision that goes into creating solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the Japanese market. This immersive tour not only deepened their understanding of Clear-Com's commitment to quality and excellence but also reinforced the strong foundation of trust and collaboration that underpins the enduring partnership between Clear-Com and MTC.

"We are honoured to host the esteemed delegation from MTC at our Carlsbad facility," said Bob Boster, president of Clear-Com. "Our longstanding partnership is a testament to the trust and mutual respect we share and we look forward to further strengthening our collaboration to deliver unparalleled communication solutions to the Japanese market."

Clear-Com also had the opportunity to learn from MTC about the local Japanese ways of doing things. This cultural exchange is invaluable, as it allows Clear-Com to further design and optimise their solutions to better fit local operations, ensuring that they meet the high standards and specific requirements of the Japanese market. This mutual respect and exchange of knowledge underscore the strength and depth of the partnership between Clear-Com and MTC.

Over the years, Clear-Com and MTC have collaborated on numerous significant projects, signifying their strong partnership and shared commitment to excellence. One notable project is the recent upgrade at the Nagoya Broadcasting Network, a leading broadcasting organisation in Japan's Chukyo area. MTC facilitated the installation of a comprehensive communication system centred around Clear-Com Eclipse HX Digital Matrix frames, leveraging Clear-Com's advanced IP capabilities. This set-up, which includes IP switches and media converters for long-distance cabling, enhances the broadcaster's ability to manage large special events with ease. Additionally, The Nissay Theatre in Japan proudly became the first venue to install the FreeSpeak II digital wireless 1.9 J-DECT system, an achievement brought by the partnership with Clear-Com and MTC. This project exemplifies the collaborative effort and technical prowess of both companies, demonstrating their ability to deliver sophisticated and reliable communication solutions.

14th November 2024

Fluge and Europalco explore strategic alliance in the Iberian market

Iberian Peninsula – Fluge, Spain’s leading audiovisual services provider and Europalco, Portugal’s leader in audiovisual and corporate event services, have entered into discussions to explore a potential joint strategy for the Iberian market.

Both companies are evaluating a collaborative model that could create new synergies and enhance their presence in the events and audiovisual production sectors across Spain and Portugal, as well as internationally, where they see substantial growth potential. This prospective strategic alliance aims to deliver innovative and tailored solutions for large productions, shows and corporate events, while maintaining the standard of excellence and quality that both companies are known for.

Luis Berlanga, CEO of Fluge, commented: “We are very excited about the prospect of this strategic alliance with Europalco. We believe that this collaboration can serve as a catalyst to strengthen our capabilities and deliver added value to our clients in Spain and Portugal, as well as to expand our business into other European markets. Together, we can combine our strengths and expertise to create innovative solutions that exceed market expectations and elevate the experience of every event we produce.”

Pedro Magalhães, CEO of Europalco, noted: “We are exploring collaboration opportunities that could bring mutual benefits, leveraging the capabilities and experience of our two companies. Our priority is always to offer the best audiovisual solutions and services to our clients in the Iberian Peninsula.”

The negotiations are at a preliminary stage, with both companies committed to advancing this potential agreement to drive competitiveness and innovation in the Iberian market, while ensuring their commitment to client satisfaction and employee well-being.

12th November 2024

Groupe Novelty charts international course with new name and identity

France – Formerly known as Groupe Novelty-Magnum-Dushow, the European leading provider of technical solutions for the event and rental staging market, and owner of the continent’s largest inventory of AVL equipment, has announced its rebranding as Groupe Novelty.

The move, which includes a new logo and fresh corporate identity, positions the rapidly expanding Groupe for further growth and underlines its unique position as a 360° provider of technical services in France and on a global scale.

A strategic move designed to support its international expansion, the streamlining of the Groupe Novelty brand creates a cohesive identity for the multi-faceted organisation and underscores its reputation as a trusted partner for end-to-end AV technical support, from inception to delivery.

"Our new name, Groupe Novelty, unifies our diverse stable of specialist businesses and sets the stage for further international expansion,” says Jacques de La Guillonière, founder and president of Groupe Novelty. “With over 40 years of experience and hundreds of thousands of events under our belt, all of our companies already enjoy an extremely strong reputation in France and abroad; with this rebrand, we want to share our unique strengths as a business with an even wider audience.”

Groupe Novelty’s core brands are Novelty, which specialises in AV solutions for events of all kinds, including fashion shows, expos, brand launches and corporate and cultural events, Magnum, France’s leading technical service provider for large-scale indoor and outdoor events and Dushow, a live entertainment expert specialising in technical solutions for live events, television productions and fixed installations.

Other companies within the 13-strong group include Alabama (video and LED specialist, VR studio), BBS Backline, Best Audio & Lighting (distribution), C17 SFX, De Préférence (sound engineering), NOMAD (second hand equipment resale), On Stage (staging), Seven (rigging solutions), Teamagine (R&D) and POTAR (live specialist).

Collectively, Groupe Novelty’s companies are involved in more than 15,000 events annually and employ 3,500 contract workers each month. The Groupe has 20 offices boasting warehouses in France along with another 12 internationally, including seven elsewhere in Europe (Barcelona, Brussels, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Milan, Monaco) and five in the MENA region (Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Marrakesh, Riyadh, Dammam) and an annual turnover of over €370 million, of which it invests close to 10% in new equipment every year.

Jacques de La Guillonière explains how the international reach and individual specialisms provided by Groupe Novelty’s companies benefit its clients: “With 15 companies under one roof, Groupe Novelty is able to manage every aspect of an event or fixed install project in a way that very few businesses can. This gives us a unique insight into what it takes for an event to be a success and our clients know they can trust us to be with them at every stage the journey.”

Looking to the future, Jacques de La Guillonière enthuses about the possibilities presented by the group’s new identity: “The name ‘Groupe Novelty’ embodies both our global ambitions and our values as a business: excellence, innovation and our signature ‘French touch’.

“Our existing clients are increasingly relying on us to support them abroad. With the recent appointment of Christophe Piette as deputy CEO, we are best equipped to support this international growth and help to strengthen our industry commitment on the global stage. We look forward to share our savoir faire with the world even further,” he concludes.

Groupe Novelty will be presenting its new branding at HEAVENT Paris trade show (12-14 November, stand G24).

8th November 2024

POLAR Partners with Innomate to Streamline UK Audio-Visual Solutions

UK – POLAR, a leading distributor of audio-visual equipment, has announced its partnership with Innomate, an innovative technology company known for its advanced software solutions. This collaboration will enable POLAR to introduce Innomate’s cutting-edge AV management platform to the higher education sector across the UK and Ireland.

“We are excited to collaborate with Innomate, a company that shares our commitment to excellence and innovation,” said John Midgley, managing director of POLAR. “This initiative allows us to explore new opportunities in smart audio solutions for the UK market.”

8th November 2024

Plus 4 Audio Joins Clair Global Group

UK – Britannia Row Productions, a Clair Global brand, has acquired Plus 4 Audio, a leader in audio technology solutions specifically designed for television broadcast.

Founded in 2001, Plus 4 Audio has built an impressive reputation for innovation and development in broadcast audio, offering cutting-edge equipment and services to some of the most respected names in television and streaming services including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky, Pinewood Studios and Elstree Studios, and outside broadcast companies including NEP, theatrical producers, event organisers and major record labels.

Known for expertise in audio mixing, engineering and sound design, the company has pioneered solutions that enhance the clarity, richness and quality of audio for live and recorded television productions. With its dedicated team of industry experts, Plus 4 Audio has a deep understanding of the complex requirements of broadcast audio, from large-scale live events to serialised programming.

Commenting on this exciting new development, Britannia Row Productions MD, Nicola Amoruso, says: “We are thrilled to announce the addition of Plus 4 Audio into the Clair Global Group. In doing so, we strengthen our position as a comprehensive provider of high-end broadcast and audio solutions across the entertainment industries.”

Plus 4 Audio MD, Stewart Chaney, adds: “By joining the very strong and diverse Clair Global portfolio as a broadcast and events brand, we’re adding to the group’s UK and European offering enormously. Our work takes us to locations worldwide and having the international support structure that Clair Global offers is great for our clients, and for our team."

Plus 4 Audio will continue to operate from its Chessington, Greater London, warehouse and retain the company's valued team members who bring specialised audio knowledge and exceptional client services to the group.

6th November 2024

LITE highlights the benefits of Goboservice for stunning visual effects

UK - Leading lighting solutions provider LITE is encouraging clients to consider the impressive results that could be achieved for mapping projects by using gobos.

Having partnered with trusted gobo manufacturer Goboservice at the start of 2024, LITE has been overwhelmed with the capabilities of their solutions. Goboservice, by Sunland Optics, is a trusted manufacturer of high-definition, low-power projectors that illuminate buildings, streets and businesses around the world and custom gobos.

Awareness has been growing of the solutions and what the technologies can offer and LITE is keen to share the incredible results that can be achieved through the use of Goboservice’s gobos and projectors.

To achieve stunning visual effects, the projector works in harmony with the gobos. The term gobo is an acronym of “goes on before optics” because of its placement and it is a glass disc laser-engraved at a definition up to 4000dp, allowing for more detailed and colourful projections. Once this is in position, the light passes through it or reflects off it, projecting the image onto a surface.

These products are ideal for bringing the dynamics and impressive effects of architectural lighting to events and stunts, exhibitions and the entertainment sector.

LITE’s managing director Steve Hainsworth said: “LITE’s partnership with Goboservice is proving to be a real asset to the lighting sector and LITE clients can now access their exciting solutions that offer a wealth of opportunities.

“We’re looking forward to showcasing these solutions and more next month at LiGHT 24: the UK’s only exhibition dedicated to high-end lighting specification. Spanning the 20th and 21st of November at the Business Design Centre in London.”

Giuseppe Dedola, international sales director at Goboservice added: "At Goboservice, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, energy-efficient projection solutions that transform spaces into captivating visual experiences. Our partnership with LITE ensures that clients benefit from tailor-made lighting effects for any event or project."

Partnering only with a number of market-leading manufacturers of dynamic LED and controls, LITE’s clients are assured they have access to the best-in-class lighting solutions.

31st October 2024

Stage Electrics Group Named Among UK's Best Companies to Work For

$Stage Electrics Group Named Among UK\'s Best Companies to Work For$

UK – Stage Electrics Group has been named one of the UK's Top 100 Best Mid-Sized Companies to Work For in 2024 by Best Companies.

Best Companies is an independent authority on UK workplace culture and employee engagement. Its annual rankings are based on comprehensive, anonymous surveys that assess employee opinions across various factors, including leadership, personal growth, wellbeing and team dynamics. Achieving a 2-star Outstanding accreditation from Best Companies and a place on the Top 100 list signifies an organisation’s excellence in fostering a supportive and engaging workplace.

Dave Coull, CEO of Stage Electrics Group, commented: "This achievement is a testament to the incredible effort our team has put into cultivating a company culture rooted in core values that promote collaboration and engagement. I am delighted that our team's feedback has earned us recognition as one of the UK's Top 100 Best Mid-Sized Companies to Work For."

The group’s inclusion in the Best Companies ranking signposts its ongoing commitment to continual improvement, which has far-reaching benefits.

“This recognition not only celebrates the positive work environment we continue to improve but also highlights the benefits it brings to everyone we work with. By fostering a company culture where our people feel valued, supported and empowered, we deliver exceptional service, drive innovation and achieve positive outcomes for our customers and suppliers alike.” Coull added.

Best Companies will announce the full list of Top 100 Best Mid-Sized Companies to Work For during their #bigreveal event on Thursday, 7th November.

29th October 2024

Voice-Acoustic Expands International Distribution Network with SPL Rental AB as Exclusive Distributor in Sweden

Sweden – Voice-Acoustic, a German manufacturer of professional sound reinforcement systems, continues its global expansion and strengthens its presence in the Scandinavian market by appointing SPL Rental AB as the exclusive distributor for Sweden. This strategic partnership marks an important milestone in Voice-Acoustic’s international growth strategy and underlines the ongoing effort to build a strong and reliable distribution network on a global scale.

SPL Rental AB was founded in 2017 by brothers Anton and Daniel Nilsson in Vellinge, Sweden. Originally started as a general event and rental company, the business transformed into a leading provider in the dry hire sector following the coronavirus pandemic. This strategic move allowed SPL Rental AB to closely collaborate with various companies in the industry without being perceived as a direct competitor. As a result, the company was able to continuously grow and build strong, long-term partnerships over the years. Today, SPL Rental AB stands for flexibility, innovation and trustworthy collaboration in the event industry. Thanks to this partnership, Swedish customers now have direct access to Voice-Acoustic’s high-quality and innovative sound reinforcement solutions, known for their first-class sound and manufacturing quality, made in Germany. The co-operation with SPL Rental AB ensures optimal support for users and installers while fully meeting the technical standards and requirements of the Scandinavian market.

Daniel Nilsson, managing director of SPL Rental AB, says: “Our first encounter with Voice-Acoustic was at the Live Sound Arena during Prolight + Sound 2024 in Frankfurt. We were absolutely blown away by the sound quality and performance of their systems, especially the VENIA-8 high-performance column line array speaker, which produced a sound pressure level we did not expect from such a compact design. Since then, we have been working towards a collaboration and are now proud to be the official distributor of Voice-Acoustic in Sweden and part of the Voice-Acoustic family!”

“We are very excited about the partnership with SPL Rental AB. Their extensive industry knowledge and commitment to customer satisfaction make them an ideal partner for Voice-Acoustic,” explains Jürgen Bachthaler, international sales manager of Voice-Acoustic. “The Scandinavian market is of great strategic importance to us, and we are convinced that with SPL Rental AB we have found the ideal partner to strengthen our presence in the region and build long-term, successful relationships with our Swedish customers.”

In picture: Stefan Rast (Voice-Acoustic), Anton Nilsson (SPL Rental AB), Daniel Nilsson (SPL Rental AB) and Jürgen Bachthaler (Voice-Acoustic).

28th October 2024

Introducing Cellmaster by Broadweigh – an Exciting Collaboration with Chainmaster

Cellmaster by Broadweigh, which made its UK debut at PLASA last month, merges Broadweigh’s precision in load monitoring with Chainmaster’s expertise in chain hoists.

Matthew Youngs, head of sales and marketing at Broadweigh noted: “It felt like a very natural progression of our relationship with Chainmaster to collaborate on this new offering. Both brands are industry powerhouses, and we’re keen to ensure the Broadweigh brand is accessible to as many entertainment professionals as possible. Partnering with Chainmaster allows us to achieve this in a mutually beneficial way.”

Broadweigh load cells have long been highly regarded within the industry, trusted for their high precision and accuracy, their robust and reliable design and user friendly interface. Available as a 3.75t, 4.25t and even a 9t for the most demanding of projects, all Broadweigh’s technology adheres to robust industry standards and regulations, ensuring the highest safety standards are met. Cellmaster by Broadweigh will possess all these features as standard.

Adam Beaumont, head of sales and business development at Chainmaster, echoed this sentiment, adding: “This partnership is significant for Chainmaster. Broadweigh’s expertise in load monitoring and their commitment to high standards make them the ideal partner for us. We are confident this collaboration will bring success, both to our customers and our respective companies.”

22nd October 2024

StageOne Brings LightShark Lighting Control Systems to South Africa

South Africa – StageOne, a leading supplier of audiovisual and lighting solutions in South Africa, has announced its partnership with LightShark, an innovative brand based in Spain. StageOne is now a distributor of LightShark’s cutting-edge lighting control systems in South Africa.

LightShark has revolutionised traditional lighting control with its hardware console which features a web-based interface, accessible from any smart device, be it a smartphone, tablet or computer. This versatile solution is perfect for small to medium-sized events, allowing users to manage complex lighting set-ups with intuitive control easily.

StageOne recently received its first shipment of LightShark products, which arrived in South Africa in early October. This shipment includes the LS1 Lighting Controller, an award-winning console that has redefined lighting control with its compact, ergonomic design. It features ten playback faders and four encoders for intuitive operation. Another highlight is the LSCore, the ultra-portable powerhouse that brings all the power of LightShark technology in the smallest lighting console on the market.

Peter Berry, owner and founder of StageOne, expressed his enthusiasm for adding the brand to their portfolio: “We needed a small, well-priced, easy-to-use lighting desk to complement our existing lighting solutions, and LightShark is a perfect fit.”

LightShark’s CSO, Juan José Vila, also shared his thoughts on the partnership: “We are delighted to have StageOne as our distributor in South Africa. Their expertise and strong presence in the local market make them the ideal partner to bring our innovative lighting control systems to the region. We look forward to a successful collaboration.”

LightShark’s unique approach to lighting control is designed by technicians, for technicians. The company's interdisciplinary team of engineers and designers has crafted a system that prioritises agility, speed and user-friendly operation without sacrificing performance. With ongoing development to expand its feature set and improve functionality, LightShark continues to be a leading choice in the world of lighting technology.

StageOne’s introduction of LightShark products to South Africa offers a valuable solution for venues, rental companies, and events of all sizes.

17th October 2024

GLP appoints DataVisual Marketing for Canadian distribution

Canada – GLP has appointed DataVisual Marketing as its new Canadian distributor. The move was formally announced at the recent CITT conference and trade show in Saskatoon and is perfectly timed as DataVisual – with a rich portfolio of traditional AV brands onboard – looks to diversify further into the concert lighting space.

To underpin this move, DataVisual recently appointed Rob Deslauriers as its first vice-president of strategic growth. With a sales background in rental staging and concert touring spanning more than three decades, he says: “I’ve been a part of just about every major entertainment lighting manufacturer throughout my career.”

With his proven strategic vision and GLP’s rich lighting heritage, he sensed the marriage would be a perfect fit. “From my perspective GLP is completely in line with our visual offerings,” he says. “Although everything today is about ‘visual’ rather than pure lighting, this is the first company we’ve represented from a lighting background.

“What excites me about GLP is their commitment to quality and some of the uniqueness of their products which is paramount in the lighting offering. We also had a great conversation with [GLP rental partner] Christie Lites, the largest player in our space, and could immediately see how bright the future would look with GLP in our brand portfolio.”

With bases in Ottawa, Montreal and Calgary, DataVisual has staff “in every major market across the country, with significant backgrounds in lighting, waiting to get started.”

The company itself has wasted no time in launching the brand; following dynamic presentations and demos of the new impression X5 Series and FUSION by GLP at CITT, it will shortly embark on its annual ‘DataVisual on Display’ coast-to-coast roadshow.

As Kensy Jones, DataVisual senior marketing manager, explains: “This is a major undertaking because we make the show bigger and better every year, starting in September and running through to 6 November. With three shows per week, coast to coast, it’s a fun and packed schedule. All our partners become one team for a few months, and it creates a great bond.”

Adds Tyler Wise, GLP director of sales & marketing (Americas): “In a search to expand our visibility across Canada, DataVisual was a clear leader in customer reach, sales resources and alignment with the values of GLP. The more conversations we had, the more similarities I found in our approach to both sales and customer service. I’m very pleased with this partnership and I know we will have great success with DataVisual across the territories.”

www.glp.de

16th October 2024

SIXTY82 welcomes J&C Joel as new distributor in the Middle East

UAE – SIXTY82, a leading innovator in the design and manufacture of next-generation trussing and staging systems, has announced that J&C Joel has joined its distribution network in the Middle East. J&C Joel will now serve as the official distributor for SIXTY82 in the region.

This new collaboration enhances SIXTY82’s ability to extend its reach and provide even greater access to its high-quality trussing and staging solutions across the Middle East. “We are grateful to J&C Joel for joining our network, which reinforces our commitment to expanding our distribution capabilities and delivering exceptional products and technical expertise to our valued customers,” says Fokko Smeding, CEO of SIXTY82.

James Wheelwright, CEO of J&C Joel, stated: “We are thrilled to partner with SIXTY82 and bring their innovative trussing and staging solutions to the Middle East. This partnership aligns with our commitment to offering top-tier products and services to our clients, and we are eager to leverage our expertise to support SIXTY82’s growth in the region. We would also like to thank the SIXTY82 team for visiting our office last week and delivering comprehensive training to our staff. This training has thoroughly equipped our team to deliver their products and expertise to our customers with the utmost confidence and professionalism.”

Fokko Smeding added: “We are delighted to welcome J&C Joel to our distribution network in the Middle East. Their reputation for quality and their extensive experience in the industry make them an ideal partner for us. We look forward to working closely with them to deliver exceptional solutions to our customers in this important region.

Lars Toonen will be the account manager for SIXTY82 in the Middle East, ensuring seamless co-ordination and support for our new distribution partner and their customers.

11th October 2024

Glo Film Lighting grows to meet future customer needs with QC-Check

UK – As a rapidly expanding family business, GLO Film Lighting made a timely investment in Data Strategy’s QC-Check, the automated equipment safety inspection system. With QC-Check integrated into its rental software package, GLO Film Lighting maintained the high level of service integral to its ethos, whilst it focused on company growth.

Based in South-West London, GLO Film Lighting provides dry and wet equipment rental to customers across the UK in the television, commercial and film industries. To carry out electrical equipment testing, cable testing and the inspection of power distribution boxes, QC-Check was customised to include the robust and industry-standard PAT-4, CAB-4 and RCD-t testing units from OutBoard.

With equipment increasingly going out as complete dry hire packages, GLO Film Lighting is confident that every picked item has been tested well within safety regulation requirements with QC-Check.

Previously, the company scheduled external electricians to test all the electrical equipment according to regulations during quiet periods of the year. Now, according to Glo Film Lighting’s Ewan Ross, “QC-Check has made it easier for us to expand our team because we don’t need to have experienced electricians in to carry out the testing, it’s all kept up to date very simply on a day-to-day basis. With testing as an integral part of the warehouse process, with procedures set up to be carried out step-by-step for each piece of equipment, it’s much easier for us to focus on other areas of the business.”

GLO Film Lighting’s rental management software required additional system integration carried out by Data Strategy’s Iain Roche and John McMullen. Ross added: “I cannot praise the dedication of the Data Strategy team highly enough. They worked tirelessly to perfect the integration."

Ross concluded: “We are very pleased with the QC-Check system and integration. We can now take on a wider variety of equipment to meet the needs of our customers who are growing alongside us. Once each new piece of equipment is set up, anyone can follow the simple step-by-step inspection instructions and as the test dates begin to spread across the year, there are no bottlenecks, so a smooth warehouse process is maintained.”

In picture: Glo Film Lighting's warehouse operative, Joe Cooper, inspects cables using the company's QC-Check workstation from Data Strategy.

8th October 2024

HH Audio announces new Distribution Partnership with Sound Factory for the GCC

UAE – HH Audio, part of the UK Headstock Group of companies has officially announced the appointment of Sound Factory FZCO, based in the UAE, as an official HH distribution partner in the GCC including the Middle East, CIS and parts of Northern Africa.

When asked what it meant to be appointed as an official HH partner, Sound Factory’s BD manager Fara Azari stated: “At Sound Factory, we're excited to kick off this new partnership with the HH brand. Their history, strong reputation for quality and customer focus align perfectly with our values and we’re confident this will lead to growth and success in the territories we've been entrusted with. We truly appreciate the opportunity to team up and are eager to explore what’s ahead for HH Audio. Here’s to a successful and rewarding partnership as we work together to take the brand forward!”

Ian Wright, Headstock’s director of global sales adds: “I am very happy to be working with Sound Factory. Our brand fits in beautifully with the solid portfolio of brands they already have, in addition to an experienced, well-connected team who understand all aspects of the audio business in this region. I am extremely confident that Sound Factory can do a fantastic job of introducing the HH brand in their market and will work hard to develop HH as a leading player there.”

HH Audio, a proud UK company, has been making, designing and engineering high quality audio products in the UK since 1968. Its goal is to continue the development of relevant, high quality and value-for-money products to suit several vertical markets within the audio industry into 2025 and beyond.

In picture: Fara Azari, Ciprian Mancas (Sound Factory) with Ian Wright (HH Audio).

4th October 2024

TiMax launches brand new website

UK – TiMax, the UK-based initiator of object-based audio for vocal intelligibility and audience immersion has launched a new website showcasing the brand and full suite of performance, presentation and experiential products, including panLab, the latest innovation to join the fold.

Following the recent move into the Focusrite Group and with its backing, the time was right to showcase the history and expertise of TiMax, alongside the need to demonstrate how it is rapidly evolving to further define the future of spatial audio and show control.

Dave Haydon, co-director of TiMax alongside originator Robin Whittaker, takes up the story: “The new website gives an opportunity for users to see us in a fresh light. Our desire is to be a hub of inspiration to empower the creative community with the understanding needed to fully embrace spatial audio in all its forms across the breadth of applications.”

Haydon continues: “We’ve long held the belief that stereo in performance, presentation and experiential applications is a myth and moreover a bottleneck to everything we care about: intelligibility, creativity and emotional connection. We want to help users craft exceptional and memorable sonic landscapes with greater realism and impact, delivering increased focus and engagement to help transport audiences into different worlds.”

As such, the website offers visitors the opportunity to trial the intuitive TiMax software workflow and better understand the breadth of solutions that can aid every level of user and scale of application and for those that want to go deeper the science behind immersive sound is there to dive into.

In conclusion, Haydon said: “We want the website to be truly dynamic and a destination site for everyone interested in spatial audio. We have exciting plans on the product front across the next few months, we’ll be encouraging guest articles on spatial audio, as well as showcasing the work of the creative community, so there will be even more reasons for people to return to the website time and time again.”

1st October 2024

d&b group announces major update to SustainSymphony platform

Germany – d&b group announces the latest update to its SustainSymphony platform, a cloud-based sustainability management software designed for the live event industry. The update now closely aligns SustainSymphony with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set by the United Nations to address a wide range of global sustainability and equality issues.

With the integration of the SDGs into the SustainSymphony platform includes a new feature that prominently highlights SDG-related actions within the user interface. This makes it easier for event organisers and users to monitor and track their contributions to sustainability goals.

Key enhancements include:

SDG integration: Event activities and data collection related to the 17 SDGs are clearly marked in the platform's interface, making it easier for users to integrate sustainability goals into their event planning.
SDG matrix in event reports: An SDG matrix has been added to the event reports, providing organisers with a detailed overview of how their event activities align with each of the 17 SDGs.

Robert Trebus, director of global sustainability at d&b group emphasises the value of the SustainSymphony platform in supporting their efforts to drive sustainability within the live event industry. “With the new features, event organisers can demonstrate their commitment to global sustainability efforts in a clear and actionable way. This supports their intention to have a meaningful impact on global SDG goals, ensuring their events are successful and being a part of a larger sustainability movement.”

The update is available immediately to all users of SustainSymphony at no additional cost.

Underlining the importance and innovative approach of d&b SustainSymphony, the software platform has been awarded the PLASA Award for Innovation 2024, which is particularly significant as it recognises the importance of sustainability in the event industry.

20th September 2024

Allen & Heath Partners with Jetbuilt to Streamline AV Project Design and Proposals

USA – Allen & Heath, a leading provider of professional audio mixing consoles for a range of applications including live sound, installed sound and studios, has announced a partnership with Jetbuilt, a global leader in AV project sales and management software. This collaboration integrates Allen & Heath’s comprehensive product catalogue into Jetbuilt’s database, streamlining the workflow for end users, integrators and consultants, and providing seamless access to the latest Allen & Heath product information.

This partnership ensures end users, integrators and consultants benefit from the most up-to-date information on Allen & Heath’s wide range of audio solutions. By having direct access to Allen & Heath’s detailed product specifications, pricing information, product availability and warranty details, integrators can now accelerate various stages of their projects, from powerful proposal generation to comprehensive 360-degree project management. Additionally, Allen & Heath's products can be customised within the Jetbuilt platform to reflect the integrator’s specific pricing, shipping, labour and tax details. Once customised, these items are saved to the company’s product database, ensuring that future projects are even more efficient. This level of customisation and integration eliminates the need for repetitive data entry, reducing errors and saving valuable time.

Through this partnership, Allen & Heath's extensive product catalogue including popular lines like dLive, Avantis, SQ, Qu and AHM, will be readily available within the Jetbuilt platform. This integration will simplify the process for AV professionals to incorporate Allen & Heath solutions into their project designs and proposals.

Another useful feature is Jetbuilt’s project registration, which further enhances the process by allowing integrators to register their Allen & Heath products in each project, directly within the platform. This streamlined workflow facilitates better communication and co-ordination between integrators and Allen & Heath, ensuring that project details, timelines and specific needs are accurately captured and addressed.

Additionally, Jetbuilt empowers Allen & Heath to engage directly with integrators during the planning stages of a project. This interaction allows Allen & Heath to validate product fit, discuss specialised project requirements and offer potential incentives, ensuring that integrators have the best tools and support for successful installations. By integrating its product line into Jetbuilt, Allen & Heath can provide timely updates on product availability, pricing and new product launches. This enhanced communication fosters a stronger relationship between Allen & Heath and its customers, leading to more informed decisions, and ultimately, more successful projects.

"This is an exciting new phase of our growth with the Allen & Heath brand visibility and ease of project design spec," said Jeff Hawley, director of marketing for Allen & Heath USA / American Music & Sound. "Our customers asked for more detail and access to the increasingly popular range of Allen & Heath products, and Jetbuilt was a no-brainer way to make this happen. Whether you are looking for a powerful integrated solution to fill project audio matrix needs via the AHM Series or looking to expand a system via another console or stage box with Avantis or dLive, Jetbuilt and A&H will have it covered."

19th September 2024

PK Sound Continues EU Growth with Expansive Sounder’s Rent Partnership

Spain – PK Sound, the robotic line array company, has continued its expansion in the European market with the addition of Spanish live production firm Sounder’s Rent as its latest PK Alliance Member.

With an investment in a T10 robotic line source system through PK Sound’s Southern European distributor, Adagio Pro, Sounder’s Rent joins the global PK Alliance network and can supplement its inventory with large-format Trinity Black robotic solutions.

“We’ve been following PK Sound’s technological innovations and international growth for some time,” comments Sounder’s Rent CEO Marc Vidal. “PK’s robotic line source technology gives us complete and precise control over the system’s acoustic coverage, shaped to the contours and demands of any indoor or outdoor environment. This degree of mechanical control elevates the quality of our work and the results we can deliver for our clients.”

Sounder’s Rent’s new system includes 20 T10 robotic line source elements, ten T218 intelligent subwoofers and a PK Cell, which combines signal, power and network data distribution in a modular, globally standardised touring rack.

The PK Alliance Trinity Black system anchored at the company’s headquarters includes 24 Trinity Black robotic line source modules, an additional 16 T218 subwoofers and all accompanying rigging and cabling infrastructure.

With strong in-market support from the Adagio Pro team and PK’s David Roselló and Tim Timmermans, Sounder’s Rent has enjoyed several successful deployments and collaborations with other PK Sound partners at events including Festival Internacional de Música de Cambrils, Festival Mar d’Estiu in Barcelona, and Salou’s Cós Blanc festival.

Founded in Lleida in 1978, Sounder’s Rent provides sound, lighting, staging and logistics services for a wide array of projects and productions throughout Spain. Employing the latest tools and technologies, the company’s solutions are tailored to meet the needs of each specific client.

“We’re excited to welcome the team at Sounder’s Rent to the growing PK Alliance network in Southern Europe,” comments Victor Perez, director of Adagio Pro. “As more technically proficient companies join the Alliance to strengthen their businesses, we can deliver the technological and operational advantages of PK Sound’s robotic technology to more events and audiences throughout the region.”

In picture: Victor Perez director Adagio Pro, Jeremy Bridge CEO PK Sound, Marc Vidal CEO Sounder's Rent and David Roselló southern EU partner support PK Sound & Adagio Pro.

18th September 2024

Production Futures Announces Collaboration with ISCVE

UK – Production Futures, the organisation founded to create opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and develop real careers in every sector of the production industries, has announced an important collaboration with the Institute of Sound, Communications and Visual Engineers (ISCVE). The aim of the partnership is to strengthen industry links and provide clear pathways for newcomers in the sound, communication and visual engineering sectors.

As part of the ISCVE Early Careers Committee’s commitment to supporting the next generation of professionals, the collaboration will help to further bridge the gap between education and industry, offering links to ISCVE’s range of free and paid training programmes via the Production Futures platform, giving education partners and newcomers access to essential learning tools.

Jason Williams, early careers chairman at ISCVE comments: “ISCVE is excited to be joining forces with Production Futures to help build a network that supports individuals at the start of their careers and throughout their professional journeys. Our shared aim is to ensure that emerging talent in the sound, communications and visual engineering sector has the support and resources necessary to flourish.

“We’re also proud to be sponsoring the Audio Newcomer and AV Newcomer categories at the Production Futures Breakthrough Talent Awards for 2024, as we firmly believe that recognising outstanding emerging talent is crucial to the growth and success of the industry.”

Hannah Eakins of Production Futures adds: “This is another significant collaboration which will help to increase access and support to the production industries for young people. A positive example of this is that ISCVE will become our exclusive signposting partner for ECS AV Engineer and Sound Engineer cards, which are an essential credential for those working within this sector, demonstrating a recognised standard of competence and safety.

“This latest alliance sees us continue to bring together a network of dynamic organisations with the common aim of securing a bright future for the production industries through supporting emerging talent. ISCVE’s sponsorship of two of our Breakthrough Awards is a fantastic illustration of its strong commitment to our shared ambition.”