In the early Nineties, Graeme developed a relationship with Ian Kirby and Clive Bailey, who now head up SGM UK, and news that Peter Johansen had taken over the Italian lighting company and relocated it to Denmark quickly ignited his interest.
After making an initial investment in X-5 white LED strobes he was soon captivated by the P-5. "It was a combination of the compact form factor and high power output that impressed me and my customers - as well as the quality of the colours," he said. "We use them for up-lighting buildings, with the standard 43° lens, but they also find regular use indoors on conferences. They also look sleek, with their low profile design - very different from the large ugly fixtures we have used in the past."
Sewell also adds that a further bonus is their wireless DMX support. "We like any products with Wireless Solutions built in, and with the impressive IP rating and support we know we would get from SGM UK, we are delighted with the investment."
But the journey with SGM is far from over as Graeme Sewell's appetite was whet further - as with the announcement of the IP65-rated G-Spot, he could immediately see huge application potential.
"SGM brought one up for us to test and we ran it against a 700W discharge; it was substantially brighter, beating it on open white as well as the colours.
"Aside from its obvious use outdoors without dome protection it is perfect for nightclub use, in smoke filled environments, since it's a sealed unit and does not require any cleaning."
After placing his first order for G-Spot, the enquiries he received from customers in the north-east has resulted in him immediately doubling his order.
(Jim Evans)
