LLOYD & CUTHBERT LAUNCH GDS
FORMER STAGE ELECTRICS COLLEAGUES FORM NEW PARTNERSHIP
The entrepreneurial aspirations of two of the industry's top entertainment's presentation and commercial development figures were unveiled last month, with the launch of GDS.
Global Design Solutions is the creation of Matt Lloyd and Richard Cuthbert, who notched up a combined total of 25 years' service with Stage Electrics before the new venture. GDS boasts many strings to its bow in both technical and commercial arenas. Not least is the development of potentially industry-shaking new global products specifically related to the technical entertainment presentation industries - R&D for two of which is already well underway.
"We're bringing new, innovative ideas to the marketplace and creating solutions, said Lloyd. "We've identified gaps in the market and are using our expertise and imagination to create forward thinking design ideas which we'll licence to manufacturers and end users."
Alongside product development, the main direction of GDS will be design engineering and business development consultancy as these are the specialist fields from which both directors hail. With 18 years in the technical supply areas of the entertainments industry, Lloyd made his name in commercial business development, achieving within his last role in the theatrical hire sector a significant percentage of the West End market, UK touring theatre and European theatrical work, totalling over 300 professional shows.
GDS will proffer his extensive skills to work with companies to help increase their revenue, and the company have kicked off by securing a six month contract with the Dobson-White Partnership who are already reaping the benefits of GDS.
Partnering Lloyd is Richard Cuthbert (Pup) who, as well as working on the exterior lighting system for the Millennium Dome, designed distribution for the first LCD screen in Piccadilly Circus and is well versed in the 'one-offs' side of the industry. He's designed and built a plethora of technical and gadgetry wizardry for various production managers, from West End shows and producers to cruise liners, and he stands amongst the very best when it comes to specialist engineering design.
"AMX design is Pup's specialist area, and AMX consultancy, programming, dimmer, installation and commission programming will be a significant part of GDS's business, Lloyd explained. "AMX and Media Matrix are products we know inside out. Pup's skills enable him to think, create and develop new ideas and concepts and implement them in a user-friendly fashion."
Another core field under GDS's umbrella is control systems development, an area that is being explored and developed on a dramatic scale by Cuthbert. "We're moving into networking control systems and pushing forward advancements in remote access," he explained, having just completed work on a multi-million pound design and installation for a residential property.
Globally, this has a gigantic potential for the retail market such as leisure centres, theme parks and shopping centres, and working light systems for theatres, and stadia and arena. "These things can really make a striking impact in any environment; it's about integrating different areas of electronics together and you can apply this within the entertainments, commercial or residential industries."
GDS can and will look at anything within its skill base around the world, as the team believe the combination of what they offer is something that's pretty rare on the international events and venue scene. "We're not afraid to push boundaries and we think outside the boxes," surmised Lloyd.