ML SOUNDADVICE LAUNCHED AS ONE-STOP LIVE EVENTS SOLUTION
JONES, MARKS & COBB FORM NEW PARTNERSHIP FOLLOWING DEMISE OF VILLA AUDIO
A new and exciting production service for the European touring and events market is launched this month. ML Executives Ltd., an established and strong force in high end audio rental, and Sound Advice (London) Ltd., the successful private and corporate events entertainment production company, have announced the formation of ML soundadvice.
Headed by Gareth Jones, ML Sound Advice will be operated by the three principal partners - ML's Gary Marks, Jones and James Cobb of Sound Advice (pictured, left to right) - and will concentrate on the bespoke events market, where the added values of effective design and attention to detail are very much in demand.
This new enterprise has evolved following the demise in February of Villa Audio Ltd., the Essex-based sound rental company of which Jones was the founder and MD. From its Chelmsford base it successfully serviced a wide range of concert tours, festivals, corporate events and private functions over the following 14 years, gaining tremendous respect as one of the UK's leading 'middle ground' sound rental firms.
Unknown to the audience and the organisers at the time, the TPi Awards ceremony on January 31 was effectively the swansong event for Villa, who supplied the audio systems. On Monday 7 February, Villa entered into a Creditors' Voluntary Agreement (CVA) to provide a vehicle for the two directors, Jones and sales director Geoff Clennell, to separate and develop new interests.
Said Jones: "The differences between my work ethic and Geoff's approach to business were vast, and it's a relief to now have a blank canvas upon which to build ideas for a fresh, forward-thinking operation. The support of my wife, Sandra, was paramount in my decision to move on."
Jones brings to the ML Group of companies a large portfolio of existing customers, which will benefit from the vast inventories owned by ML Executives and James Cobb's lighting business, LXCO. As well as its renowned PA rental stock, ML also maintains substantial backline, staging systems and a comprehensive range of radio microphone and in-ear monitoring systems, through its sister company, True Diversity. LXCO, meanwhile is able to contribute a wide range of top branded intelligent and generic lighting, controllers and trussing.
The founding partners of ML soundadvice feel that their relative skills and the strengths of the organisations are truly complimentary. With the introduction of substantial corporate investment the partners believe they can create a pro-active organisation committed to the best in customer service.
Villa Audio's creditors are invited to contact Paul Atkinson at Vantis Redhead French on +44 (0)1708 458211. Meanwhile, Jones can be contacted on +44 (0)7831 254536 or +44 (0)1322 625052.