Audio Visual Equipment Hire in Preston, Lancashire

Advantage Productions UK LTD specialise in events & production, providing: sound, lighting, special effects, visual solutions and local crew. Based in Preston, they supply equipment and staff to events all over the UK, specialising in concert/touring, theatre and corporate events.

What do you need to know from an organiser in order to provide a comprehensive quote?

For us to be able to provide a comprehensive quote to a customer we need to know a few key important details. Firstly, when is the event? What time does the event start and finish?
Secondly, where is the event? Companies like ourselves utilise freelance technicians, so it is often more cost-effective to use freelancers who are based closer to the event location - failing that, we know what travel charges we need to put in place.
We also like to know what is the estimated number of guests attending the event. Your event venue could have a maximum capacity of 2000 people, but you've only invited 500, this information will help us gauge what size system to put in.
Are we indoors or outdoors?
Will there be onsite power or do we need to arrange a generator? If so, what are the power sources? Often, when putting in large systems we need very specific power requirements and a venue that only has 13a power sockets (normal British plug) available, then we would need to talk about hiring generators as we tend to utilise 63a 3phase and above. Some smaller systems can get away with smaller power requirements, but we need to know so we can spec accordingly.
Lastly, please when creating your request, including whether you need technicians to operate your event. Let's be on the same wavelength from the get-go.

What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

The number one piece of advice I can give is that you pay for what you get. This means if you're looking for a supplier to provide a show-stopping event for you, then be prepared to have that discussion of why it costs what it does. If you go with the cheapest, most affordable quote, is it because they are going in at a low cost to win the job or is it because they provide a cheap product? We specialise in the AV industry, we get quotes turned down because someone can do it cheaper - after that event, we often get a phone call asking if we can do their next event because the cheaper suppliers price reflected in the service they provided.
Another piece of advice, look at the companies portfolio. You should look for companies who have a portfolio with a long list of corporate events and will understand how to make your event run perfectly.

Please tell us a little bit about how and why you started the business.

Advantage Productions UK LTD (ADV) is a business developed by creative freelancers who love producing events. From initial virtual designs to producing the event in person, we love the thrill of bringing events to life.
I (Ash, Company Director) spent many years freelancing with larger companies, developing my skills as a technician, growing my portfolio of all types of events: Concerts, Festivals, Raves, Corporate Events - product showcases, award evenings, smaller networking events, etc. I have worked in all manner of venues from Pubs to Stadiums; I have turned obscure outdoor spaces into winter wonderlands and fairytale experiences.
I launched ADV because I have a passion for being creative and wanted to be able to provide my skills directly to clients. When ADV launched, I wasn't alone. I brought along some of my favourite industry colleagues/friends who have a whole range of experiences that just complement each other.

Please tell us about a booking you've had through Add to Event, how did it go? Would you recommend us to others?

We've recently had a booking through Add to Event which is a great example. We were hired to provide an audio solution for a product showcase. We temporarily installed 7 small PA systems on various info-points in a large warehouse (approx 16000sqft) with roaming wireless mics. On the first discussion with the clients, they weren't sure about how their event was going to operate, but through our expertise, we were able to help guide them and explain what solutions would work best. This event was very important to our client as they had VIP clients flying from around the world to view and demo their products. The solutions we put in place received so much positive praise as the audio, various hosts/speakers could be heard clearly across the site.
Add to Event is a great platform to find jobs. When I see jobs pop up that we are unable to cater for, I often let industry colleagues know that something I think is suitable for them has come up.