A SCOTTISH audio business, which supplies equipment to T in the Park and the Edinburgh International Festival, has set out plans to expand following a multi-million pound management buyout.
The Warehouse Sound Services, currently celebrating 35 years in business, aims to build its presence south of the Border after its takeover by long-standing director Derek Blair.
The firm, which has supplied equipment to major Scottish rock acts Biffy Clyro and Simple Minds, has identified Manchester and London as potential locations for a third branch. It would join its existing sites in Glasgow and Edinburgh, across which it currently employs 20 staff.
Mr Blair, who joined the business in 1994, hopes the expansion will boost turnover beyond its current £3 million.
He said: "We're certainly looking to expand out rental and sales sides further south into the English market... for live performance and broadcast.
"We're not exactly sure where, [but] Manchester and London would be the preferred choices."
The Warehouse Sound Services was founded by Cameron Crosby and Allan Brereton, who both retired at the end of April following Mr Blair's buyout.
The duo achieved early success in the 1970s working for ML Executives, a concert company owned by The Who based at Shepperton Film Studio.
Mr Crosby worked for The Grateful Dead, Kate Bush and The Kinks, as well as The Who, and as a boom operator and sound recordist on films such as Gregory's Girl. Mr Brereton worked for acts such as The Boomtown Rats and The Police, as well as in films such as Good Morning Vietnam, The Godfather Part III and Withnail and I.
Mr Blair is now the company's sole owner and managing director. Sales and purchasing is headed by Janet Murray, who joined three years ago and brings extensive experience in live sound and senior management to the role.
Mr Blair, who expects to recruit staff as part of expansion plans, said the firm is currently supplying all the sound equipment to the National Theatre of Scotland for its production of Yer Granny starring Gregor Fisher, currently on an eight-week tour.
It is working with the BBC on a range of programmes, including providing facilities for BBC Sport in Manchester and National Lottery shows and Eggheads, produced at Pacific Quay in Glasgow.
The summer will also see it continue its involvement with T in the Park, providing equipment for acts and facilities for broadcast, and work on BBC Proms in the Park on Glasgow Green.
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