Derek West of Carlton-Lee explained: "Business development is a very confidential service, as detailed strategy, financial and product development issues are discussed - we won't even disclose client's names. PR, on the other hand, is very open and up-front and the whole industry can be aware of who you work for. Because of the demand for PR from clients it became very obvious that I had to split the two services by operating separate divisions, one for business development and one for communications."
West continued: "As my background covers 20 years of technical, sales and marketing experience in all sectors of the audio industry, minimal input for PR is needed from the client. The PR service we provide is, therefore, not a drain on their internal resources and is fast and cost effective. I think this is partly the reason why this side of the business has grown so fast."
Prior to starting Carlton-Lee, West held various senior management or board level positions with TEAC, Rycote, Dynaudio Acoustics, Sennheiser UK and Tannoy, where he instigated and managed the company's Professional Division.
(Sarah Rushton - Read)
