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14 March 2016

PRG Distribution is a leading distributor of high-quality entertainment technology products. With offices around the world, PRG Distribution boasts a reputation for outstanding service and technical ability, both pre and post sales. A dedicated team of regional sales managers and a highly trained team of after-sales service technicians, represent brands including Vari*Lite, Seachanger, Pathway, Lycian and Gekko. PRG Distribution were the ideal choice for GDS to aid expansion of its global distribution network, says the company.

Andy Duffield, European sales manager at GDS commented: "GDS are delighted to welcome PRG on-board, we feel that their already str

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14 March 2016

The two-day Education & Learning Programme, which runs alongside the sell-out exhibition, proved a major success last year and this year will cover an equally diverse range of topics.

Beginning with The Theatres Trust Annual Conference, this year's debate focuses on the principles of School Theatre Design. That's followed by the Production Managers Forum with the SMA (Stage Management Association) and a session entitled Preparing for the Future with the NSA (National Skills Academy), who, as part of their quest to give people access to careers in the backstage industries, will explore why accreditation in the industry is important. It will also address

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14 March 2016

As well as the full design and installation of permanent installations, Hawthorn's ServiceSafe team offer full testing and certification of electrical, rigging and AV equipment. Fully documented safety audits are carried out by qualified personnel. From a small school hall to a large scale concert hall Hawthorns can provide a solution and peace of mind, keeping all PAT test and inspection records for future reference.

Hawthorn's ServiceSafe team offers fully tailored annual testing programmes for venues, schools and colleges across the UK and its City & Guilds and NICEIC certified engineers can carry out all aspects of portable appliance and rigging testing. All engineers are CRB checked.

Hawthorn's head of installations, Alan Jackson, comments, "We're delighted to launch Serv

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14 March 2016

Geldof told BBC One's Andrew Marr Show he would personally sue the Ethiopian government and spend the money on aid if any evidence was produced. He said, "Produce me one shred of evidence and I promise you I will professionally investigate it, I will professionally report it, and if there is any money missing I will sue the Ethiopian government for that money back and I will spend it on aid.

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14 March 2016

The first contest resulted in 30 entries and five winning patterns submitted by R. Christopher Stokes, Dwayne Thomas, Morgan Landrum, Todd Proffitt, and Gary McGarity. As recognition for being selected, the designer's name is included in the pattern name, the designs are added to Apollo's marketing material

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14 March 2016

Research carried out by the not-for-profit Forum of Private Business (FPB) also found that business owners expect their efforts will pay off. More than half (56%) of those surveyed expect to increase their turnover in 2010 and 44% believe their business will grow.

The findings are the first of the FPB's new 'economy watch' panel - a body of more than 350 members who are sharing their experiences as the economy heads away from recession. The panel is designed to provide an accurate and timely reflection of what small businesses are experiencing on

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14 March 2016

Anderson will support the Americas region in his new role, applying his substantial industry experience and strong marketing background to develop and implement marketing strategies for RTS and Telex intercom products. Acting as the focal point for the voice of the customer in this segment, Anderson will report to Daniel Gundlach, VP Marketing - Americas.

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

Felton, whose extensive experience spans both the commercial and public sectors, said, 'I am extremely pleased to be joining Creative & Cultural Skills when there is so much potential for future development. I have a passionate commitment to skills, training and professional development and believe that there is much more work to be done on this within the creative and cultural industries.

"We will continue to campaign to ensure that education and training genuinely meets the needs of those we represent, and to ensure that the voices of employers across the UK are being heard. I look forward to working with Creative & Cu

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14 March 2016

It has been confirmed that Joe Graziano will fulfil the new role of market development manager - MicroTiles. He has been closely aligned to the launch preparations for MicroTiles, preparing the EMEA market prior to the recent ISE2010 launch platform. His new role will position him as product champion, enabling him to support the regional sales team across EMEA as well as find and close business directly, says the company.

Graziano states: "I am thrilled with the new role and the amazing opportunity I have to be involved with such a special product as MicroTiles. I am eager to get in amongst the EMEA base and all our partners to help them make the most of their business opportun

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14 March 2016

Steve Jones is a respected audio consultant having designed numerous large-scale systems including Wembley stadium and Ascot racecourse. In addition he sits on a number of British and European standards committees for voice alarm systems.

James Eade is an experienced project engineer having worked on countless installations and live events. He is consultant to the standar

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14 March 2016

At a time when the importance of training in the industry is much in the spotlight - with an emphasis not only on those joining the profession but also those with more established careers - this alliance heralds a new phase in each organisation's plans to raise industry standards.

BECTU, with project workers throughout the UK, identified in the ABTT a partner who - as one of the leading training providers - would deliver high quality, industry-recognised training, across the UK, to the benefit of its own and ABTT's members, as well as theatre in general.

The scheme will initially focus on implementing the ABTT's Silv

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14 March 2016

President Mark Engel and senior sales manager UK, Paul de Ville, each pledged £150 on behalf of Roscolab USA and UK respectively, towards sponsoring the runners.

"When Phil approached us and said he was to attempt a Half Marathon on behalf of the PSA Welfare & Benevolent Fund, I told him that only people over a certain age would know what he was talking about and that I would normally eat the whole thing!" says Paul de Ville. "However, when he explained that he was actually referring to a sponsored run and outlined the work that the Fund does, we felt it was a very worthwhile cause and pledged our support imme

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14 March 2016

The first Alpha version will be debuted during ProLight&Sound, and the system is already in preliminary specifications for some major upcoming productions, including the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India.

After a round of successful demonstrations and high-quality reviews following PLASA and LDI, Coolux, Magna BSPand SAND Network Systems have joined the ranks of the BlackBox current partner network.

Coolux Media Systems, with locations in the USA, Germany and China is the producer of the Pandora's Box media and show control system.

Magna BSP of Israel is the producer of BiScopic Protection, a high performance stereoscopic vision sensory system for the detection of perimeter intrusion.

SAND Network Systems,

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14 March 2016

Performing Rights - The royalties that UK songwriters, composers and music publishers get from online sales are growing faster than the decline from CDs and DVDs. That is the finding of PRS for Music, the not-for-profit body which ensures such gro

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14 March 2016

The aim of the conference, the first of its kind in the world, is to provide a unique specialist forum that will bring together entertainment rigging companies, riggers, venue operators, tour and event production managers and more. It is the latest industry-specific forum to be presented by PLASA Events and reflects the PLASA organisation's stated intent to reinvest in the entertainment and installation technology industries and deliver bespoke industry relevant events.

Chris Higgs of Total Solutions Group, consultant on the conference, comments: "This is one of those ideas that when you mention it, everyone says 'what a f

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14 March 2016

In an unprecedented move last week, the Government sought approval from Parliament to tell the regulator Ofcom how to cut the spectrum cake, which the Government has referred to as the 'billion pound prize'. Meanwhile, the same Government has found a number of obscure barriers to delivering what Save Our Sound UK believes is needed to prevent a major setback to the live events and entertainment industries.

The eviction of the Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) sector from the airwaves in question will generate a massive windfall for the Treasury. Just to make sure that it is allocated in the right way, the Government

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14 March 2016

The conference was organised by Paul Durose of The Leys School, Cambridge, and was hosted by Rugby School. The event was generously sponsored by White Light, Philips Selecon, Showcomms, A.C. Entertainment Technologies, Zero 88 and Stage Electrics, with workshops run by KV2 Audio, Philips Selecon and Showcomms.

Brian Attwood of The Stage newspaper chaired an open?forum session, in

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14 March 2016

Through this transaction, Barco strengthens its position as a leading provider of LED, projection, image processing and lighting products. This comprehensive product portfolio allows Barco to serve customers with different budget levels in the media and entertainment market. Barco will not book any goodwill on this transaction.

"This expands Barco's portfolio for the mid-range markets," Eric Van Zele, Barco's president and CEO, comments. "Element Labs' products in these markets have proven their worth on many occasions and perf

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14 March 2016

This announcement confirms the finance required from the Homes and Communities Agency to start work on the building. This investment complements the £5 million already committed by the Learning and Skills Council. Work will commence on the building in November 2010, ready for a 2012 opening.

The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, said: "Today's announcement is positive news for the

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14 March 2016

On The Left - Musician Billy Bragg is to curate his own stage at this summer's Glastonbury Festival, organisers have announced. Bragg will book the bill for the Leftfield tent, which returns this year after being axed in 2009. Bragg said his role would be "a bit of everything - curator, MC, performer, guitar roadie [and] juggler." The stage will aim to bring a political dimension to the event, described as "the original activist festival" by the Barking-born veteran. Glastonbury, said Bragg, "has always had that political edge since its rebirth in the 1980s as a gathering for dissidents

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14 March 2016

"It's an exciting time to join Rycote," comments Italian-born Pucello, who has been settled in the UK for 12 years and previously worked in the wire and cable industry. "The company's new Universal Studio Mount redefines the concept of the low-noise recording microphone suspension, and, at well under the price of a typical dynamic recording mic, has affordable mass appeal to anyone who uses microphones, whether they're recording in a back bedroom or AIR Studios. That's a big new sales area for the company to service, in addition to the windshield market, where Rycote has al

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14 March 2016

The new-look management team will focus on continued operational and customer service improvements as part of strategic business development. This significant restructure sees two key members of staff promoted with widened responsibilities supported by a number of area managers taking on new roles, says the company.

Alan Wallace, who has worked with Showsec for 15 years, has been appointed regional manager in the North. Wallace was one of the first Showsec managers to complete a Foundation Degree in crowd management, and will draw on his extensive experience as Manchester area manager in his new role.

Steve Reynolds, formerly a project manager, takes up the position of southern regional manager. Having worked at Showsec for over 10 years after graduating f

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14 March 2016

St James' Park has more than a 100 boxes and suites which can cater events ranging from those for a handful of people to a sit down dinner for a 1000.

And now the club's events team is set to proactively market the venue to highlight its easy accessibility and the versatility of the spaces available to organisations and companies wanting to stage an event or an exhibition in the North East.

The conference and banqueting at Newcastle United is run by Sodexo Prestige. In 2009 the club held more than 2000 events, including accommodating over 1500 people who turned up for the auditions for Big Brother.

The club is now planning to raise its profile outside of the region to highlight its easy accessibility and versatility of the space availabl

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14 March 2016

The guidelines clearly set out the law and employment duties in the creative industries, where gaining entry is so often informal and open to a "who you know" culture. Put together by Skillset in collaboration with Creative & Cultural Skills and Arts Council England, the guidance aims to promote good practice and clarify the various entry routes into the creative industries.

It is the first time such guidelines have been drawn up for the creative and cultural industries. They include: Limiting work experience placemen