The Transformation of ExCel Centre’s Audio System Leave a reply Distribution network for Exhibition Centre Upgrading Audio System at London’s ExCel Centre with Q-SYS Ecosystem ExCel site engineer Pat Bradley first saw a demonstration of the Q‑SYS Ecosystem and its capabilities at the PLASA Show, which at the time was held at London’s ExCel Centre. It became apparent to Pat that here was the ideal solution to replace the building’s ageing audio infrastructure. The system integrated uses one of the larger QSC Q‑SYS digital signal processors – the Core 1100, which can cope with the large existing channel count and has capacity as the audio requirement grows. The system is designed to provide network and hardware redundancy. It uses the building’s existing optical fibre network ring to distribute up to 256 bi-directional digital audio channels while providing a bespoke and intuitive graphical user interface for operators. More importantly for the ExCel, it introduced a user experience and reliability that was previously impossible with their existing voice alarm equipment. The ExCel exhibition centre offers over 100,000m² of floor space, with more than 50 separate areas. These can be combined or divided to fit the requirements of any specific event. The flexible hall configurations require an equally flexible audio routing system that is simple to configure and operate by the venue staff. Tailored Audio Control: Streamlining Operations at the Venue The installed system is operated from two touch-screens in the venue’s operations room. Our technical specialist Paul Todd designed custom Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) that allow the operator to define an area that is being used for a show or exhibition and then control the audio and paging inputs and outputs to that space. This means that even when the centre has multiple events on, in a unique configuration of rooms, the correct audio can be routed to the appropriate speakers throughout the venue. The system comprises two Core1100 DSP configured to be redundant to each other. They control and distribute pristine digital audio around the near 1.5 Kilometers of existing optical fibre to 18 racks each containing new gigabit Layer 3 network switches and QSC Q-SYS IOFrames. The IO frames provide the required analogue audio breakout into the existing amplification to drive all the speakers throughout the ExCel Centre. Audio System Upgrades Similar to 20 Stories De Montfort Hall Audio System Upgrade London Palladium Audio System Upgrade with L-Acoustics D&B System Installation At Brudenell Social club Useful Links https://www.excel.london START TODAY
Download 2018 Leave a reply Download has the reputation as one of the most Heavy Metal orientated festivals on the UK calendar The project was managed by Hire Manager Miles Hillyard, who deployed our Hire’s tried and tested L-Acoustics K-Series system for the Main Stage. Over on the second stage Miles specified our Hire’s newly acquired d&b audiotechnik GSL line array. We first used K1 at Download in 2009 and the system has evolved as L-Acoustics has released new products and features over the years. Back in 2009 the main system was K1 with dV-DOSC underhangs, V-DOSC delays with SB28 and K1SB for Subs. Fast forward nine years and the system is now K1 with K2 underhangs, K1SB flown as a separate array behind the main hangs and K2 for delays. KS28 subs have replaced the SB28s and KARA is used for infill. Miles Hillyard commented, “The energy we now get out of the system compared to nine years ago is phenomenal. We’ve seen year on year increases in the SPL levels at FOH, while still keeping within the off site noise licensing restrictions.” For the second year in succession, sunburn was a bigger issue for the public than the trench foot of previous years. Over 100,000 people attended each day and for many the highlight of the weekend was Guns n Roses, with original members Slash and Duff McKagan reunited with Axl Rose. All other stages were finished by 7pm on the Saturday evening in time for the band taking to the stage at 7:20 and playing for over three hours. START TODAY
The Audio System Behind the Country to Country Festival Leave a reply We supplied Country to Country at the O2, the UK’s largest country music festival The Resounding Return of C2C Festival Amidst the Pandemic In March 2020, the rigging motors were already in the roof and the equipment was in the trucks when the onset of Covid caused a last minute cancellation of the Country to Country festival. Fast forward through two years (like no other) and this year’s event came as a welcome bookend to the global pandemic. Since its inaugural year at the O2 Arena in 2013, Country to Country has developed into a three-day event that runs simultaneously in London, Glasgow and Dublin with one line up rotating round the three venues over the weekend. The events attract a daily audience of over 50,000 with performances from the cream of America’s country music scene. This year’s headline acts for the three days were Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs and Darius Rucker, with Kip Moore, Brett Young, Ashley McBryde, Russell Dickerson, Scotty McCreery, Flatland Cavalry and Hailey Whitters also on the bill. L-Acoustics K-Series: Delivering A Superior Audio Experience We supplied the full audio system for the London shows, opting once again for an L-Acoustics K-Series solution. Main L-R hangs comprised 14 L-Acoustics K1 with 4xK2 as underhangs. A further 4xK1 and 12xK2 made up the side hangs with 12xKaraII per side flown as outhangs that were positioned side on to the stage to deliver the required 270 degree coverage. For sub-bass, Hire Manager Dan Bennett specified a ground array of 28 KS28s in front of the stage apron, with 8xK1SB per side flown directly behind the main L-R hangs to ensure sub coverage to the rear of the Arena. On stage featured side fills of 3 x ARCS2 with 2 x KS28 per side with L-Acoustics X15 wedge monitors to supplement the artists own IEM systems. As part of the standard festival package, we supplied a pair of Avid S6L-24C consoles at front of house for the visiting acts who opted not to bring a control package while over on stage a pair of Yamaha CL5s were available for monitor engineers. Resilience of Live Events and the Return of C2C Post-Pandemic Dan Bennet commented on the return of C2C after the pandemic: “This event seems particularly symbolic as we were literally loading in for the 2020 show when it was cancelled. Many thanks should go to the promoter SJM who at the time ensured that suppliers were supported in spite of them suffering significant losses themselves.” Dan Bennet “The impact on the Live Events industry is well documented; it was the first to be switched off and one of the last to reopen. We managed to restart in time for some festivals last summer but it is only now that we are starting to see a return to normality. To be back in the O2 working with SJM and the C2C production crew once again has been a pleasure and we look forward to doing it all again in 2023.” Audio Systems Projects Similar to C2C Return of British Summer Time to London’s Hyde Park SWX Bristol – Phoenix From The Flames Useful Links https://c2c-countrytocountry.com START TODAY
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London Leave a reply We installed over 5,500 JBL speakers installed as part of the PAVA system Teaming up with Harman Professional After nearly four years in construction, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club moved into their new state of the art stadium in North London at the beginning of April 2019. Following initial audio consultancy work carried out by Vanguardia, all the audio systems in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were designed and installed. We have worked in association with sound equipment manufacturer, Harman Professional Audio Solutions, who were appointed as the official audio supplier for the stadium. Most of the equipment for the installation was provided by Harman including JBL loudspeakers powered by Crown amplifiers. The audio installation provides both high quality audio throughout the stadium (for pre-match entertainment for example), as well as delivering important information, safety and evacuation announcements as part of the venue’s security and emergency procedures – the PAVA system. The latest audio installation in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium In Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the main audio system comprises line arrays that are flown from the stadium roof to provide audio inside the bowl using JBL VLA 2100 compact cabinets with VLA C125S subwoofers. A total of 154 cabinets and 54 subs make up the 18 line arrays around the stadium bowl. “From system modelling we calculated each array should be between eight and twelve cabinets to ensure coverage to every seat. We then recommended the addition of the subs for each array, essential to deliver the demanding audio requirements of the NFL. They’re configured in cardioid configuration which cuts down on reflections off the main stadium roof.” Eddie Thomas- VP Special Projects Each array is contained within a custom flying frame bolted directly to the stadium roof. Our manufacturing arm Sigma Fabrications designed and built the flying frames in house after liaising with stadium steelwork supplier Severfield. Each frame was built in our Redditch HQ, and loaded with the JBL VLA 2100s and VLA C125S subs before being shipped to site. Once on site a special cart was developed that allowed each array to be carried and hoisted into position. The cart remains on site for when the arrays are lowered in the future for inspection and maintenance. 5,500 loudspeakers for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium In addition to the main bowl, speakers have been installed throughout every enclosed area, including concourses, private boxes, bars toilets car parks etc to ensure coverage for everyone within the stadium complex. In the concourse areas we installed JBL pendant and ceiling mount speakers. With over 5,500 speakers to install across the complex, sub contracted the physical installation work outside the bowl to Tyco, before conducting testing and commissioning as part of bringing the systems online. QSC Q-Sys installed as the heart of the digital network The entire audio system is built on a digital network, at the heart of which are a pair of QSC Q-Sys Cores. The cores provide all the digital signal processing (DSP) and signal routing for each of the 5,500 loudspeakers on site. Because the system is a critical element of the fire and evacuation procedures, the network has comprehensive redundancy built in throughout. “There are many levels to the redundancy: two cores are running simultaneously, one as a primary system, the other as a backup. If the backup detects a failure of the primary it will kick in and take control automatically. Then there’s the main network which is on a fibre optic backbone and there are two separate baths run over different physical routes to every device – in the event of a fire or other failure damaging the network in one place then there’s still a physical route in place. Adjacent loudspeakers in an area will be on separate channels A and B, fed by different amplifiers. In the event of a failure, be it a critical one where all of one channel goes down throughout the stadium or just a single amplifier channel develops a fault, at least 50% of the loudspeakers in an area will remain in operation. “In addition to the digital infrastructure there’s also an analogue backup – ultimately if the entire network went down we could still put out paging announcements to the entire stadium – it’s incredibly robust in terms of its fault tolerance.”Paul Lambert – Site Manager “This constitutes one of the biggest Q-Sys networks ever assembled and we have really pushed the envelope in terms of exploring its capabilities. Over the past few years we’ve developed our knowledge and experience of the technology and it’s now our go to solution for projects of this type.” Eddie Thomas – VP Special Projects How our starting team integrated the Q-Sys system Technical Specialist Paul Todd undertook much of the programming for the project. Paul, alongside Eddie Thomas has been instrumental in developing our knowledge and understanding of the Q-Sys system, working on numerous projects over the past few years. “Solotech’s challenge was to integrate the JBL loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers and Dante digital audio transport protocol with the Q-Sys control to provide a system that not only provided excellent flexible audio throughout, but also the robust, fault tolerant and monitor-able system that PAVA requirements dictate. We worked with Harmann to develop the software plug in for the Crown amplifiers, essential to provide control and monitoring for the Q-Sys system. Audio transport was Dante so wasn’t a major issue but we developed the plugin to provide the system health over the network. For a PAVA application not only does your system have to work, you have to be able to see in real time if a failure should occur.” A breakdown of our GUIs Paul Todd was responsible for programming and developing the user interfaces for the system. Touch screen GUIs (graphical user interfaces) present system control in a logical and simple format. The system can be viewed on a map of the stadium, allowing the user to select a zone or zones and then route audio to their selection. “Key to the project was to make the system work in a PAVA application. We developed a phased evacuation matrix so that in the event of an emergency the stadium could be evacuated in a safe and orderly manner. For example if a fire was detected in a toilet block in the South Stand then the priority is to evacuate that area first. It may ultimately be necessary to evacuate the whole stadium but the system is designed to deliver those messages in a phased manner, key to guaranteeing a safe and orderly response from the public.” Paul Todd – Application and Design Services Manager How hundreds of screens are running on a QSC-Q network AVI, the AV contractor for the project has installed hundreds of screens and local control interfaces throughout the venue, all running on a separate QSC Q-Sys network. We worked with AVI to bridge the audio and AV networks together, allowing audio from the screens and local interfaces to be routed to the speakers local to each screen. The system is configured so the PAVA system is always top in the hierarchy so in the event of an emergency or public safety announcement the external audio is overridden by the PAVA system. Project Management “Working on a new build project of this scale obviously has its own unique set of challenges. There’s so many different contractors and trades all working on site and you need to coordinate your work schedule with and around them. There’d be times when we’d be wanting to install a speaker in a ceiling space, only to discover that the ceiling wasn’t built yet so you have to reschedule your workload. Also it’s only once you can see parts of an installation that you realise elements of the design may need to altered. Jake Miller – Project Manager So, how did the guys at Tottenham feel it turned out? “We’re delighted with the way the system has turned out. The system in the bowl sounds excellent, we can deliver audio quality at high SPLs to each and every seat. The QSC Q-Sys system delivers a system that is incredibly flexible for the variety of applications the stadium requires and the PAVA system ensures public safety at all times.” Eddie Thomas – VP Special Projects Useful Links https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com START TODAY
Area 51, Westminster University Leave a reply Installation at teaching and live music facility A full L’Acoustics audio system with two Avid digital consoles, a complete lighting and AV rig including an Avolites desk was installed at Westminster University’s live music and teaching facility Area 51. Located within Westminster University’s Harrow Campus, Area 51 is part of the Music Arts and Design department and is used for several courses including BMUS Commercial Music Performance, BA Commercial Music and MA Audio Production. The venue was in urgent need of a complete refurbishment as it was a dark and dingy space with old and tired equipment. With funding secured for a complete remodelling and renovation of the building, Head of Music Arts and Design Alan Fisher was keen to find a supplier who could supply and install state of the art Audio, Lighting and AV systems for the project. Westminster’s Studio Engineer commmented on the University’s choice of supplier, “SSE is a company I was aware of through both its touring work and installation projects such as Warwick University Students Union and Rescue Rooms, Nottingham. Rescue Rooms in particular was a very similar size to our venue and provided a good base comparison for our research purposes.” Richard Evatt-Studio Engineer “SSE’s support structure was also a selling point for us, the fact that we can contact them directly with any technical issues and their ability to have replacement units out to us quickly gives us peace of mind that our events will take place without a hitch.” We were first approached by Richard Evatt, Westminster’s Studio Engineer in early 2013 about the project. With the Park Royal premises just a few miles down the road, the company was an obvious choice of supplier. Following a site visit Alex Penn drew up an initial design for the new and improved Area 51. L-Acoustics ARCS WIFO system Inside Area 51 for the main PA an L’Acoustics ARCS WIFO system was specified. This consists of L-R flown arrays of three ARCS FOCUS per side with six SB18i Subs located in recesses in the stage apron. The entire system is powered by two L’Acoustics LA8 amplified controllers. On stage eight L’Acoustics 12XT have been supplied for monitors along with one SB15M as a drum sub, all driven by two LA4X amplified controllers. The LA4X is particularly well suited to running the 12XTs as passive monitors as each amplifier can deliver four seperate mix channels. Evatt is extremely impressed with the L’Acoustics system, “It’s a brand that I’ve always liked both the sound and design of so when we came to the spec for our venue upgrade it seemed like the logical choice. They also come in at a competitive price point compared to other brands with the same kind of performance.” Avid and Pro Tools As a commited Pro Tools user in their studio spaces, the university was keen to have an Avid solution for the FOH and monitor consoles. Two Avid VENUE SC48 surfaces were supplied, a standard SC48 for monitors, whilst at FOH an SC48 and Stage 48 Remote bundle were specified. With the Avid consoles it is now possible to take live multitrack recordings from the venue which can edited later at the University’s recording studios. Careful consideration was given to the design of the audio & lighting infrastructure in order to maximise the systems flexibility. A mobile stage rack houses the Stage 48 Remote rack and a master 48 input panel which then provides a passive split patched direct into the Stage 48 and a multipin outlet and fan-out for the monitor console. A wall mounted panel provides all the links to and from the FOH position including Cat 5 links for the Stage 48, FOH returns, master AES inputs to the amp rack as s MON inputs, which then provides the 8 mix speaker outputs at various positions on stage. A second panel provides on stage inputs and out puts for monitors and DJ equipment whilst on the stage there are a further four monitor outputs from the LA4X. Overall system processing, control and noise limiting is via a Yamaha DME24N to comply with licence restrictions. At FOH a PC was installed, running LA-Network Manager 2 for remote monitoring of the four L’Acoustics amplified controllers. In addition the PC handles control pages for the DME24N and also remotely controlls a Panasonic video camera. Lighting in Area 51 A full replacement lighting rig is part of the installation. The technical team at the University opted for an Avolites Tiger Touch lighting console, keen to use a whole host of its latest features including iPad remote control. A total of 40 lamps were supplied including Martin RUSH Pro Strobes, Martin MAC 350 Entours, Robe Robin LED Beam 100s, Martin MAC 101s, Chauvet COLOR Dash PAR Quad 18s and Le Maitre MVS Hazers. The specification gives students access to industry standard equipment. “Robe and Martin fixtures give us the reliability and versatility we require to support the many varied events that take place in the venue,” commented Richard Evatt. https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/subjects/music/music-facilities START TODAY
Royal Ascot Leave a reply Solotech featured in Mondo Stadia The Ascot Racecourse has one of the richest history in the sporting world to date. Wanting to enhance the experience they appointed SSE Audio apart of Solotech the task of upgrading the audio and PAVA system. With a mixture of innovation and technology SSE Audio designed and installed a large-scale audio system that would suit Ascots Racecourse’s requirements. Please read the full article below featured in Mondo Stadia.
Solotech at PLASA Focus Leeds Leave a reply Solotech is exhibiting at PLASA Focus 2022 in Leeds – register for free to attend What: PLASA Focus Leeds 2022 Where: Royal Armouries, New Dock Hall LS10 1LT Stand N E05 When: Tuesday 10th May 10am – 5pm and Wednesday 11th May 10am – 4pm Register now and come along to meet us on Stand N E05 The Solotech stand is positioned in the foyer area of New Dock Hall, right by the entrance. Come down and talk to us about the latest pro audio equipment and services. Click here for free registration
Bryce Jewell Talks to TPi Magazine Leave a reply Solotech UK’s new MD sat down with TPI magazine to discuss the challenges of his new role and his vision for the future. Where were you prior to joining Solotech? “I spent the past two decades in various roles in the IT and telecom sector. Most recently, I oversaw the US and UK enterprise businesses at Global Cloud Xchange, who own and operate one of the largest subsea networks, but I have always shared an interest in professional audio, and of course, music.” What was it that intrigued you about the role? “Solotech has a great team in the UK and North America, and a clear vision. The knowledge, heritage, and experience of the people at Solotech is remarkable. Our teams have a passion for this industry and can bring our client’s dreams into reality. For them, this isn’t simply a job, it’s a lifestyle. “We are proud to be world renowned for our audio expertise and honoured that the practices we have developed have become industry standards. “In North America, we are known as leaders in lighting and video technology in the entertainment market. We are building on our legacy of audio expertise, which remains our core market, while adding lighting and video capabilities to offer 360 opportunities to existing clients and new markets. We have some huge projects underway that include audio, lighting, and video. “Solotech is a diversified business that delivers premier audio-visual solutions to arenas, houses of worship and corporate markets through our systems integration teams. Likewise, the area that will be very exciting to see play out over the next few years is the work we are doing with our MET (Media and Entertainment Technology) Division, following the acquisition of XR Studios.” How is 2022 shaping up for the UK operation? “The demand we have seen from our live productions clients is extremely encouraging, and we have launched a large recruitment drive to enable us to deliver our impressive order book. Being part of a large group enables us to leverage our resources and assets to support that demand. “It is great to see this sector really come back to life, and we are here to support it in any way we can, as business partners and fans. I see further consolidation in the UK entertainment market. We are in a great position with the resources and skills to supply the UK’s top festivals, tours, and events with the technology needed to create amazing experiences for the audience. These investments have advanced our industry and the things we can do.” What steps are being taken to integrate the brands in the group? “Solotech has acquired over 10 brands. Integration is something that we have become good at. We have offices all over the globe in 18 strategic locations, but we work as one company. We have landed in the video and lighting world in a big way and will continue to build on this success, while continuing to invest in our audio business and the support we offer our clients. “The demand is there, and we are ready for any challenge.”
Rich Rowley Joins Solotech as Redditch General Manager Leave a reply Solotech has announced that Rich Rowley has joined their UK Team as General Manger of their Redditch operation. Rich Rowley joins Solotech with 30 years’ experience in the Live Productions Industry including time as a Director at XL Video and as Chief Sales Officer for PRG in the UK. Most recently he has been General Manager at Adlib, where he helped oversee the company’s transition from an audio supplier to a full 360 audio, lighting and video service provider. Rich is also no stranger to SSE Audio having been Hire Manager in Redditch between 2004 and 2006. During his time at SSE he worked on many projects and designs including Oasis, Metallica and the main stages for Download, Reading / Leeds and Glastonbury. MD Bryce Jewell commented, “The General Manager role at our UK headquarters is pivotal in ensuring the delivery of all our business both in Live Productions and Sales and Systems Integration. We’re delighted to have secured someone with Rich’s knowledge and experience. We are confident he will be able to support what will be an incredibly busy time for our core business in the coming months while planning for the ongoing expansion of Solotech in the UK.” Rich Rowley added, “The UK brands already have a fantastic reputation and with the support of Solotech globally we can take the business to the next level. I’m excited to have the opportunity to play my part in that journey at such an exciting time. It’s great to be returning to Redditch and I’m looking forward to working with some old friends and making some new ones too.”
New Appointments for Solotech’s UK Leadership Team Leave a reply Ryan Thomas and Phil Goldsworthy take on UK Sales and Systems Integration leadership. Solotech has announced two significant appointments to its UK management team. Ryan Thomas and Phil Goldsworthy have taken over UK Sales and Systems Integration leadership for SSE Audio, Wigwam Acoustics, Capital Sound and BCS Audio. The new roles will see Ryan and Phil report to Solotech UK MD Bryce Jewell,working in close collaboration with Solotech Live Productions leaders as well as overseeing corporate functions. They take over after the departure of Alex Penn, who served as Sales and Systems Integration Managing Director at SSE Audio before leaving to pursue other professional interests. Phil brings over 17 years of experience at Wigwam Acoustics and two years as the UK Group’s Systems Integration Manager to his new role as Head of Systems Integration. His extensive experience, versatility and deep knowledge of the business will guarantee success for the Division, which is seen as one of the major growth areas for the company. Ryan will serve as Head of Sales for Solotech’s UK companies. With over 20 years of experience in various pro audio sales functions, he will continue the success he brought to his previous role as SSE Group Sales Manager. Ryan will drive the growth of the Division and ensure it remains one of UK’s leading sales centres for world-class AV equipment. Bryce Jewell commented: “Ryan and Phil bring experience and enthusiasm to these critical new roles in our UK sales and integration business. They have both been instrumental in helping us maintain our position as the UK’s leading supplier of AV technology. We are in a great position with Ryan and Phil as leaders of talented and crucial teams that contribute to our continued growth in the UK market.”
Bryce Jewell appointed Managing Director, UK Leave a reply A major milestone towards a European expansion and diversification of activities London, December 20, 2021 – Martin Tremblay, President and CEO of Group Solotech, is proud to announce the appointment of Bryce Jewell as Managing Director UK, as of December 15, 2021. Mr Jewell will be responsible for driving the overall business strategy for Solotech in the United Kingdom, both for the Live Productions and the Sales and Systems Integration Divisions. “This appointment is the symbol of a new major milestone for Solotech’s expansion in the UK and Europe, and a true testimonial of our intention to continue investing in our people, our technology, our operational structure and our brand”, says Tremblay. “We are in it for the long run, and are definitely looking to build a strong, UK-based operation with–in addition to the audio heritage from SSE Audio, Wigwam Acoustics, Capital Sound and BCS Audio–other key services and technology that set Solotech apart and make it absolutely unique on the global market”, he adds. He is a seasoned business leader with over 20 years of experience within the technology sector spanning the UK, US, Norway, and Australia. Previously, Mr Jewell successfully led the turnaround of the UK and US Enterprise businesses as Managing Director at Global Cloud Xchange who operates the world’s largest privately-owned subsea cable system. Prior to Global Cloud Xchange, he served as Director, Sales Europe at Pacnet, where he achieved President’s Club honours in his first year and continued to excel for 4 consecutive years. His broad experience in engineering, sourcing, product, sales, and management has set him apart in being able to articulate business strategies into concrete action plans that lead to revenue growth and client success and retention. Supported by a strong, experienced, and passionate UK-based leadership Team in both Divisions, and corporate services (finance, HR, marketing, etc.), Bryce Jewell will pursue the amazing growth journey of Solotech UK and its UK Companies for the years to come. “We are absolutely thrilled and proud to welcome Bryce as part of our Leadership Team. His knowledge of business management and technology background will be a major game changer for the diversification of our business activities in the UK and in all of Europe for the years to come,” concludes Tremblay. About Solotech Founded over 40 years ago, Solotech is a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology with 18 strategic locations in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and China. Thanks to an inventory encompassing over 300 renowned manufacturers, Solotech is the single source for audio, video, lighting, rigging, soft goods, control and collaboration solutions and services. The company is internationally recognized for its expertise in Live Productions and Systems Integration in various markets, namely music, sports, business, culture and education. Clients can also benefit from its Service Center, Online Store and virtual technology know-how. Solotech is fully supported by three major shareholders: Claridge, Desjardins Capital and Investissement Québec. The company employs 1,360 professionals in its offices located in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saguenay, Halifax, Macau and Hong Kong. Find out more at: solotech.com Contact – Solotech PR (Canada) Heloise Meunier, Corporate Communications Advisor media@solotech.com Contact – Solotech PR (UK) Andrew Low, Director of Marketing and Communications, UK andrew.low@solotech.com For further information about Solotech in the UK https://www.solotech.com/united-kingdom www.sseaudio.com www.wigwam.co.uk www.capital-sound.co.uk www.bcsaudio.com
Solotech expands UK operation Leave a reply London, 04 March 2020 – Solotech has expanded its global operation, extending its well established video department into the UK and has opened new offices in Central London. Video from Solotech in the UK Solotech is a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technologies and acquired SSE Audio Group, the UK’s largest pro audio services provider in 2018. Now as part of Solotech’s expansion strategy in the UK they have appointed Ian Woodall as Director of Video and Paul McCauley as Video Business Development Manager in the UK and European markets. Ian Woodall, or Woody as he prefers, has a CV that includes working at XL Video where he was Sales Director and in recent years has spent much of his time as a freelancer, designing and building AV systems in European venues and as a touring video engineer on projects including Nile Rodgers and Chic who have been with Cher for the past year. Keeping up the preference for nicknames, Paul ‘Macca’ McCauley has extensive experience in the both the Live Events and integration industries. Macca moved from audio to video when he worked as Senior Project Manager with Woody at XL Video over 10 years ago. Woody commented, “We decided that it was important to build on the huge reputation of Solotech for video in Canada and the US and therefore necessary to start organically, building it from a clean slate so that we can maintain the same Solotech service across the UK and Europe.” “Initially there are three key facets to our business that require equal attention. Firstly leveraging the contacts and expanding the scope of the UK Sales and Integration divisions within SSE Audio and Wigwam. We will bring our new offering of video services to the project delivery teams and existing customer base, alongside the development of new business that Macca and myself can introduce under the banner of the new Solotech UK Video department.” Macca continued, “Then there’s Solotech’s huge video touring business. As a global company we need to locally support our customers. As our clients visit us from the US and Canada, we can provide the necessary technical assistance to support each tour. Having this infrastructure within the same organisation on both sides of the Atlantic is a not only rare in today’s market, but a necessity. ” “Finally, we have our own local touring clients. While this is no less of a priority, we are planning for structured growth as we want to ensure that we increase capacity at the right pace, providing every client with the same expected premium level of service. We have the worldwide backing of Solotech, which enables us to make significant capital investments on equipment so that no project is too big or too small.” Mickey Curbishley, President Live Productions Division at Solotech is delighted about the company’s latest offering in the UK: “Projects across the board now increasingly call for a 360° service, where a single vendor supplies sound, lights and video. This is equally applicable in both live production touring and the sales and integration markets. Our ultimate aim is to become the preferred 360 vendor in the UK. Delivering the right equipment, with the right people at the right price will enable us to achieve that goal.” Covent Garden Offices The expansion of Solotech’s video department coincides with the opening of a new Central London office. Situated close to Covent Garden tube station, 100 yards down the road from the Royal Opera House, the new location comprises of open plan offices and meeting rooms. Alongside several permanent staff, including the video team, there are a number of hot desks available to clients and visitors from other offices to use when in central London. The meeting rooms feature state of the art video conferencing facilities that can support virtually any video conference client such as Skype, Zoom, Facetime etc. Manager Director, UK Sales and Systems Integration, Alex Penn explained, “The central location is perfect for meeting with clients, whether from the UK or further afield. There are four airports all with good links into the capital and Kings Cross International is three stops away on the tube. We hope that making our team more accessible in the city will help us to develop our contacts and open new doors to us.” “We’ve invested in the technology infrastructure providing exceptionally fast internet and custom built desks with built in wireless charging for mobile phones so everyone can work seamlessly here, when away from their regular office. Video conferencing means we can reduce unnecessary travel, increasing productivity, whilst remaining environmentally conscientious, and also provides a show case of what we can deliver to the corporate market as an integrator.” Philip Giffard, President for Sales and Systems Integration at Solotech explained the company’s approach to the UK operation: “The new offices and the video department are key to us delivering the Solotech offering in the UK, alongside growing and developing the businesses of our UK brands.” “Solotech first took a foothold in the UK pro audio market with the acquisition of SSE Audio Group including SSE Audio, Wigwam and Capital Sound in November 2018. Since then we have taken a measured approach in the UK, taking time to learn the synergies and differences of the businesses on each side of the Atlantic before making any alterations to the operation.” “We added Hampshire based BCS Audio in September 2019 and then came the biggest change to date, that of restructuring the senior management of the UK Group in January 2020. This is testimony to Solotech’s desire to build on the UK business and expand into new markets.” About Solotech Founded over 40 years ago, Solotech is a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology with 15 strategic locations in Canada, the United States and in the United Kingdom. Thanks to an inventory encompassing over 300 renowned manufacturers, Solotech is the single source for audio, video, lighting, rigging, soft goods, control and collaboration solutions & services. The company is internationally recognized for its expertise in Live Productions and Systems Integration in various markets, namely music, sports, business, culture and education. Solotech employs 1,550 professionals in its offices located in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Chicago, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City and Saguenay. Contact: Solotech PR (Canada) Christine Latour Vice President, Marketing and Communications 514-370-5225 media@solotech.com Contact : Solotech PR (UK) Lisa Santos-Hannan 07973 234194 lisa.santos@solotech.co.uk Contact : Solotech Video (UK) Ian ‘Woody’ Woodall Ian.woodall@solotech.com Paul ‘Macca’ McCauley paul.mccauley@solotech.com Photos: https://bit.ly/Solotech-UK-Video For further information www.solotech.com www.sseaudio.com www.wigwam.co.uk www.capital-sound.co.uk www.bcsaudio.com Share
