Member Blog

People often ask me…”Why has the value of antiques declined in recent years?”

This is a question I get asked several times a day usually in response to me sympathetically telling a client that their much loved family heirloom is worth far less now than it was 10, 20 or even 30 years ago. It’s a sad fact of life that many areas of the market are deflated to say the least and in some cases are seemingly at ‘rock-bottom’, so let’s take a look at this and try to  make some sense of it.

To start with let’s blame the Swedes! Yes, over the past 20 years the Ikea model of clean lines and minimalism has had a major effect on how we decorate and dress our homes.  To the vast majority of the under 50’s the very thought of walls filled with pictures, cabinets full of ornaments and shelves packed with clutter is anathema and this is largely because Ikea gleefully swept all this away and told us “No, you must not have a house that resembles that of your grandparents”. This of course meant that in a virtual blink of an eye antique furniture in particular became all but obsolete to an entire generation! A Victorian chiffonier once worth £400 was suddenly £100, a Georgian bureau which would have set you back £600 in 1980 was readily available at £150, and worst of all perhaps, a good Edwardian inlaid mahogany display cabinet which many once aspired to own was now all but impossible to sell.  The reason for the latter of course is that now we were living in a clutter free world, nobody was buying the ceramics and glass to fill the darned things! That beautiful stylish cabinet which once took pride of place in every lounge in the country was now replaced as the focal point by a 50″ TV!

So it’s all about how we live our lives and view our homes today which leads me on to Art. When I started in this business many moons ago I would enter the house of an average client and there would be pictures in the hall, pictures up the stairs and pictures filling every nook and cranny in the lounge, whereas today other than the obvious family photographs the fashion seems to be to have two or three large pictures usually in the contemporary style taking pride of place and surrounded by empty walls.  Not only that but these pictures are entirely transient in that it’s not about how well loved they are, but about how well they fit the current colour scheme.  Try selling a typical Victorian English landscape today and you will seriously struggle.  Even artists that used to command prices of say £500 – £1000 can often be picked up for £100 or so. So traditional art is out and contemporary art is very much in…… but often only until you change your wallpaper!

So just what do people want to buy and collect in 2019? Well there is no simple straightforward answer to this so let’s address the point loosely. I have a theory that means looking at things from a male and female point of view.  Firstly, it seems that ladies particularly those of retirement age are largely speaking simply not collecting. Those empty shelves and lack of clutter have become heaven for the housewife and it seems that she doesn’t want to return to the days of moving copious amounts of china and glass before she can dust the shelves……, and before you accuse me of chauvinism this does too apply to the average househusband!.  So traditional feminine collectables such as chintzy bone china, figures of crinoline ladies by Royal Doulton and others, cut glass and Wedgwood Jasperware are deemed old fashioned and therefore completely undesirable. BUT if we move onto what I would term masculine or men’s’ collectables then there are areas that are thriving.  For instance in recent years there has been an upsurge in collectors of Militaria and all its off-shoots, medals and vintage cameras.  This suggests to me that whilst ladies are blissfully content in their retirement provided they are not surrounded by the aforesaid clutter, men need to shut themselves away and indulge themselves by becoming sexagenarian geeks!

Another area of course which is growing more rapidly than any I have ever seen is the nostalgia driven Vintage & Retro market.  But that’s for another day!

People often ask me…”How does a young person learn about antiques?”

Mark holding a seminar for 40 managers of the West Country’s biggest chain of charity shops. Whilst it would be easy for me to say read as much as you can and watch educational videos, and of course you will learn a certain amount through doing this, there is one definitive answer…….handling the goods!

I have found that for most people their love of art and antiques becomes rooted at a young age, say 11 or 12 years old, so by the time they’re ready to leave school they are often set on following their passion to work with what they have grown to love. So where do they start?

Naturally, the first thing they would be likely to do is look at the options available within higher education and with many universities, colleges and indeed private institutions offering courses it appears that the options are there. However, most of these courses are in Fine Art and therein lies something of an issue! Now these programs are by and large run by extremely knowledgeable academics and by the time a student has gained their degree or diploma they’ll be able to recognise and date paint types and canvases and probably be able to give a fairly respectable opinion on the whys and wherefores of whether a newly discovered El Greco is genuine or not. BUT stop and think just for a moment! Let’s go back to that 12 year old child going to the local monthly antiques fair and immersing themselves in their love of all that surrounded them. A Georgian walnut lowboy, a Beswick figure, an Edwardian nickel plated police whistle or a trio of World War One medals……..but NOT an oil painting claiming to be a lost El Greco!

So these courses are fabulous if the intention is to move into the world of high brow fine art but not particularly useful if you see yourself working in a provincial auction house, which rather ironically is where most of these graduates end up! So, on leaving school where should they be looking? Well lets use me as a perfect example, not a perfect example of manhood of course…..although I do have my admirers!…..but a perfect example of the ideal route to follow. Like many others before and since I really had no idea what to do once I had finished my education but I had always been interested in history and ‘old things’ so when my father came back from the local auction house and told me that they were looking for someone to fill in for six months and perhaps I should approach them I jumped at the chance. I was duly taken on as a temporary junior porter and ended up many years later as their Senior Valuer!

From day one I learnt ‘hands on’, so for instance after a short while I was able to recognise different woods through not only looking at the polished finish but by being able to open a drawer and look at the interior where it was unpolished. After a year or so I was able to tell from sight alone whether a piece was likely to be solid silver or silver plated or if a porcelain figure was German or French by looking at the scroll work on the base. After a while I was trusted to do some basic cataloguing and within a year or two of this I was lotting our entire general sales which included the lesser antiques and art as well as household goods. And so it went on, although obviously it did take a good few years before I was cataloguing entire antique and fine art sales which encompassed everything from furniture, through paintings, ceramics, glass, silver, rugs, militaria, toys and much, much more!

In my line of work you really do learn something new every single day and this still applies with me, even though I’m now well into middle age. In fact, the one piece of advice I always give to young valuers is “Don’t ever think you know it all…..because you’ll learn something new tomorrow.”

So, once again lets go back to that 12 year old who wants to learn about and maybe forge a career in antiques. Approach your local auction house and offer to work at their evening viewings or perhaps during the school holidays. You’ll be starting at the very bottom but theres a lot to learn and you’re lucky enough to have a whole lifetime ahead of you. ​ You will never learn it all………..but you’ll have a lot of fun trying!

Having worked in sales and sales management for most of my career, I know how the demand and expectation of a sales role can affect physical and mental health. The sales industry sometimes has a reputation for being fast-paced and stressful. I regularly worked evenings and weekends and would always be available for customers and my bosses, as did many of my colleagues. This is still common place for many with detrimental effects. 

Employers must be focused on wellbeing to ensure employee health and efficiency are peaked at all times. Remember that your sales team are the face of your business. How they conduct themselves reflects directly on your brand.  Do whatever you can to ensure your customers are presented with a happy employee.

Here are a few tips on how to assess your sales teams’ wellbeing needs:

My first tip is to communicate. It seems obvious but we often presume we know what our employees want but we haven’t actually asked them. So, ask and ask again so that your staff feel that their needs are being considered.

Another tip is to hold 1-2-1 wellbeing meetings. Once a month or quarter is fine but they will help you make sure your staff feel supported by you the manager, and the business.

Finally, consider appointing a wellbeing or mental health champion who can provide support to those suffering from mental health issues.  They can support your wellbeing programme by letting your staff know they have someone to talk to, without being judged and in confidence.

andrewdennyconsulting.co.uk

London’s space scarcity means homeowners can strike gold by renting out their garage or driveway. The heart of the metropolis packs the most coveted spaces that net handsome cash per month. However, unused storage areas on the fringes of the city still attract space-hungry denizens in droves. Whether you have space to lease as a parking or warehousing, peer-to-peer platforms provide a limitless marketplace to seal the deal. With a neat, shipshape garage, landlord permit and a simple contract, you should come out smelling like a rose by the end of the month.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the considerations you must mull over for an extra stream of income from leasing garage or parking space.    

Important Considerations Sprucing up the Garage

Making your storage space more efficient with upgrades or renovations can help increase its value. Clutter could scare away prospects making cleanliness a top priority in your checklist. Unlike other spots, heavily-used driveways fall prey to stubborn oil stains, grease, and grime deposits. Rather than soil your hands with grime, hiring a dedicated company like Ben and Jerry give you peace of mind. With premium cleaners, sanitation specialists and affordable cleaning solutions, Ben & Jerry offers a safe pair of hands to spruce up your garage. Ben and Jerry cleans, organizes and removes trash leaving your space in apple-pie order before you hold it out in the market.

Compute the Rental Price

Spying on prices for other driveways and parking spaces gives you a bird’s eye view of the marketplace. The price depends on a cluster of factors such as size, floor type and climate-controlled capabilities. Luckily, specialized sites online allow you to crunch the numbers by typing details such as postcodes for a comparative estimation of price for storage areas. The price tags should avoid usurious rates or onerous conditions.  

Pitching

List your storage space on fast-paced marketplaces with a crystal-clear description of the dimensions, location, price and extra facilities such as lighting. Flesh it out to the last detail to match the description of potential tenants with precision. Demands vary as some thirst for a garage to mothball a classic car or personal belongings. They should identify with your offer at a glance.

Showcasing the Storage Space

Once a prospect gives you a call or accepts your offer, answer their queries in good faith and exhaustively. If they go the extra mile to visit your premises, it’s time to close in for the kill. Meeting the other party face-to-face allows you to throw more light into the deal and get more acquaintance with them. Try to clear up grey areas like variations or breach of contract for efficient dispute resolution. A meeting of minds should represent a win-win for both parties. For example, a discount or flexible terms sweeten the deal.

Legally Enforceable Contract

English law vindicates a simple or oral contract but having a written agreement irons out contentious issues like termination, arbitration or compensation. Standard parking agreements incorporate key clauses addressing these issues. The contract will stipulate the terms, time of payment, and fixed period. A signed contract acts as a shield and sword in a legal tussle down the road.

Legal Effects

Renting out your parking space may require planning permission based on your jurisdiction. The UK Government maintains you don’t need this consent while some local authorities hold the contrary view. If a council slaps you with a planning enforcement notice, you can challenge this decision at a superior tribunal. Seek other consents from your landlord or mortgagor. Onto taxation, note the income raked in attracts levy.

Final Thoughts

In a city of clutterers like London, acres of unclaimed space pave every inch of the metropolis with gold. Traditional self-storage lacks the convenience of proximity rendered by peer-to-peer spaces. This makes empty space scarce and escalates demand in favor of commercial or residential proprietors. Londoners are already smiling all the way to the bank with peer-to-peer self-storage earnings. All you need is to let someone clutter up your garage or driveway for cash. Thanks to cleanup specialists, a robust marketplace and garage rental companies that handle all incoming queries, you can make your killing in a trice.   

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Tudor Lodge Consultants is delighted to announce that we have recently started working with business funding company Capital on Tap. Capital on Tap offer excellent business loans and credit cards, and have now lent over £1 billion to more than 65 thousand UK businesses.

Our team of SEO specialists have been working with the client to help boost their online visibility, implementing a range of different tactics to optimise the site and thereby improve its search engine rankings.

What are we doing for Capital on Tap

Tudor Lodge Consultants have been introducing a variety of different SEO techniques to the Capital on Tap site, helping to optimise the site and improve upon its rankings. Some of the main ways in which we are achieving this are through the following methods:

Link Reclamation – Capital on Tap have been mentioned in many different articles and online pages, however many of these sites have not included links back to the Capital on Tap website. Getting linked by as many reputable sites as possible can help to optimise a site and further improve its rankings on the Google search engine pages.

Our team went to work finding all mentions of Capital on Tap that did not include a link back to their site. After compiling a list of these sites, we then emailed them thanking them for their mentioned, and asking if they could kindly put a link back to the Capital on Tap homepage.

Introducing a Site Map – Tudor Lodge also advised the team at Capital on Tap to introduce a clean and concise site map onto their website. A site map provides a clear and concise list of all the site’s content, helping Google to crawl the website. After the sitemap was put up, the site’s search engine rankings went up significantly.

Guest Blogging – We have also started to write informative, high-quality content on other sites about Capital on Tap. Links and mentions of our client on other, reputable sites with a good trust flow can help to improve optimisation, and further help to boost the search engine rankings and online visibility of the site.

Keywords and further optimisation – We discussed with Capital on Tap the list of keywords they wanted the site to focus on, and have integrated these into the site’s content to help optimise it for these said keywords. One of the next steps in our optimisation of the Capital on Tap site is to introduce informative, high-quality landing pages with optimised content. This can help to make it easier for Google to recognise and digest the site’s content, integrating the list of keywords to help in this optimisation.

Preparing for a no-deal Brexit

HMRC have already provided guidance on certain steps that will help businesses prepare for a no-deal Brexit. These include making sure you have a UK EORI number (businesses already importing or exporting should already have one of these, but those who are only involved in intra-EC trade may not have). If you haven’t already got an EORI number, you’ll need one to ensure movements of goods into and out of the UK can continue uninterrupted post Brexit. In addition, if you’re going to continue to import goods in the EU post Brexit, you’ll need to apply for an EU EORI number as the UK number will no longer be valid for EU imports once we leave the EU. HMRC have recommended applying for an EORI number in the member state with which you do most business. You should be aware that HMRC have recommended businesses apply now. However, a number of member states have refused to issue an EORI as the business only requires one EU EORI and the UK number already satisfies that requirement (although certain member states have agreed to provisionally issue numbers, which will only have effect in the event of a no-deal Brexit).

HMRC have also suggested importers (and businesses that will be importers post Brexit) apply to use Simplified Transitional Procedures regarding imports and import taxes in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Businesses will also need to be aware that the EU member states may not introduce reciprocal simplified procedures, which may result in import VAT and duty needing to be paid before goods are released into free circulation, creating both a delay and cash flow impact on goods sent to the EU.

Both of the above steps are relatively straightforward, but they provide limited or no benefit if a Brexit deal is negotiated. However, the next steps are good practice regardless of the outcome of negotiations.

Preparing for Brexit with or without a deal

Understanding the supply chain and where goods originate from and how they reach your business is both good practice and crucial in understanding the potential impact of Brexit. We would recommend reviewing your supply chain to understand where goods originate, at what point they are brought in to the UK, the potential additional tariffs which would become due and where any potential shortages may arise.

Whilst we’re aware of a number of businesses stockpiling goods to mitigate the risk of shortages, this can tie up working capital at a time where businesses may need cash most. In addition, this may require additional warehousing and is unlikely to work for businesses trading in perishable goods.

We would advise any business directly involved in moving goods cross-border to review the commodity codes being used on declarations (either customs or intrastate declarations) to make sure the code being used is current and accurate. Thereafter, we would recommend businesses compare the commodity codes against HMRC’s list of post Brexit tariffs (with approximately 87% of tariffs set at 0% for a transitional period) and World Trade Organisation rates to understand the potential impact of additional, irrecoverable duty charges.

Any businesses who are moving goods within the EU, without the goods entering the UK, may be benefiting from simplified procedures such as triangulation or an intra-EU cross-border refund claim. If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, then simplifications such as triangulation may no longer work and EU VAT registration requirements may arise. Similarly, the process for EU businesses making cross-border refund claims is currently more straightforward than the process for non-EU businesses, which may result in changing deadlines and processes of which businesses will need to be aware.     

Finally, we would suggest reviewing agreements with EU customers/suppliers to understand who is responsible for the delivery of the goods. If your business is arranging collection or delivery, you’re likely to be the one who is responsible for the cost of additional declarations and taxes arising from the cross-border movement of goods.

Need help?

Our VAT team has worked with a wide range of businesses in preparing for Brexit and discussing their cross-border transactions. We’d be pleased to talk to you about any issues or concerns you may have. In addition, we have access to customs duty and VAT specialists throughout Europe and the rest of the world through our national network, MHA, and our international network, Baker Tilly International.

Call 0330 024 0888 or email enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk

Managing your finances can be tough, and sometimes you may need immediate assistance to help provide some relief. Some may consider taking help from friends and family to make ends meet or taking up a second job, but this is not a good idea. If money is not returned on time, then it can change an amicable relationship into a sour one, and undertaking a second job will only exhaust you of energy and be an added burden to the already present concerns in life. On occasions when money is direly needed, you can always take out a personal loan.

In this article, we will discuss some important reasons that should compel you to take out a personal loan instead of reaching out to other options. In case you are new to loans, you can always apply for a loan with Smart Loan.

1. Pay Off Credit Card Bills

On advantage of taking out a personal loan to pay off your card debts is that you will get lower interest rates. With lower interest rates, you can lower the amount of interest you pay, and the time it takes to repay off the credit card debt. This will allow you to pay off credit card debt as soon as possible.

2.      Pay for a Wedding

We all know the expenses that accompany a wedding, such as paying for a photographer, flowers, food, cake, etc. It’s not easy to manage a wedding and taking out a personal loan can prove to lessen the burden of having to take care of the expenses on your own.

3. Remodeling Your Home

If you are planning to remodel your home, either a specific area of the house or the whole home itself, then taking out a loan would be a good option. Refurbishing your home can be pricey, but it will be beneficial in the long run.

4. Funeral Expenses

It’s sad losing a loved one, and we all would love to pay one last act of kindness. The funeral home services, casket, burial plot, and other expenses can add up to a few thousand dollars. Cremation can be expensive too. Taking out a loan in such a case will bring you happiness that you could help someone out one last time.

5. Go On Your Dream Vacation

Carrying out the same mundane routine can be a real bummer and have a bad effect on your health, thereby reducing productivity. Therefore, taking out a loan to go on that one dream vacation would prove to be wholesome and invigorating.

6. Pay for Your Medical Bills

This is another great reason to take out a personal loan. In present times, looking your best is probably something people are most concerned about due to which shows by the great increase in the rise of cosmetic and dental procedures each year. If you are interested in looking your best and feel that a surgical procedure will do the trick, then taking out a loan will help.

Conclusion

Taking out a personal loan should not be a deterring factor, especially when it’s something you can benefit from in the long run such as, renovating your home, getting a cosmetic or other medical procedure, going on vacation, etc. Investing in yourself is something you will not regret, so go for what you wish to do now; don’t let money hold you back.

In an ever-competitive job market, candidates are pulling out all the stops to stand out from the crowd. If you’re hoping to go up the career ladder, securing the role of your dreams will take time, preparation, and perseverance. Doing all that you can to beat other candidates is crucial, so here are 5 quick tips that will help you get hired fast.

Create a Strong CV

Employers see dozens upon dozens of CVs when finding candidates for a role, so it’s more important than ever to take your time to build a CV that catches the employee’s eye. Instead of relying on a generic format, you may be interested in visiting myperfectcv.co.uk where you can use a CV builder. My Perfect CV has a range of pre-written examples to help you build a CV that is interesting and relevant.

Tailor Your Cover Letter

When applying for your dream role, it’s only natural that you will want to do all that you can to impress employees. Instead of sending a generic cover letter, try and tailor it towards the role you’re applying for. For example, if you’ve applied for a business position, you should have a look at the job specifications of the role and incorporate it into your cover letter. Employers want to know you’ve taken the time to do research, and as they will have seen thousands of others before yours, they will be able to tell if it’s generic or not.

Dress the Part

If you have been given an interview for a role, dressing the part can be the make or break when it comes to securing the job. First impressions count, so from the moment you walk into your interview, you will want to feel confident and prepared. Before you go for your interview, make sure that you have a good night’s sleep and shower before heading out the door. It goes without saying that when we look good, we feel good, too, so make sure that you are well prepared.

Stay Consistent

With so many jobs being posted online every day and so many candidates fighting for the same position, it can be disheartening if you don’t land the role. However, you need to be realistic in your efforts. You’re not going to get every job you apply for, so if you stay focused, committed, and consistent with your job search, your hard work should pay off in the end.

Get Your Name Out There

The more people who see what you have to offer, the better. The internet is a powerful tool, and with so many job boards to check out, you may want to go one step further by creating your own LinkedIn account, enabling you to build and engage with your professional network.

No matter what sort of field you’re hoping to go into, it’s crucial that you have a CV that stands out from the crowd. Your cover letter should also be tailored towards the role you have applied for in order to impress employers. Dressing the part for your job interview, researching into the company, and staying consistent are all quick tips that will help you get hired fast.

We are excited to announce that we have chosen the Make-A-Wish Foundation as our charity partners!

Make-A-Wish works to create life-changing wishes for critically ill children; their One True Wish made a reality at a time when they need it most.

From meeting celebrities, swimming with dolphins, and going on holiday, to being a superhero for the day, walking with dinosaurs, and even having a bedroom makeover, Make-A-Wish go above and beyond to make sure that each wish is personalised and life-changing to each individual and their families.

When a child is critically ill, the effects that these wishes can have on a child bring back the wonder, joy, and hope into their lives, whilst also building confidence, creating memories of a lifetime, as well as providing the necessary respite from the daily struggles of living with a serious illness.

Our goal will be to work closely with the charity and a chosen family in order to make their One True Wish come true, and our teams have been incredibly forthcoming with plenty of fantastic fundraising ideas to put in place over the next few months.

Speaking about the charity partnership, our Director Paul Kitley says: “We have been planning to do something where we can give back to the community for a while, but with so many charities out there it was hard picking one to support. We chose Make-A-Wish because they really do help put smiles on the faces of vulnerable children who have had the worst luck in life. We want to raise as much money as possible and help this amazing charity make some of these wishes come true.”

Shaun Campbell, Senior Community Engagement Manager at Make-A-Wish said: “When I first met with Paul and the team at TEC Partners, it was clear to see that they want to make a difference for children living with life-threatening illnesses”. He went on to say, “It’s a privilege to have the support from an energetic and forward-thinking company, we are really excited to show you the very real difference your fundraising will have on a local wish”.

Of course, none of these wishes could come true without the help of donations and sponsors, so if you’d like to help us raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, please visit our JustGiving page.

The world is constantly changing, so it comes as no surprise that there is a constant need for training. What we learnt even five years ago may no longer be relevant. Technology and legislation have changed. We now have a multi-generational workforce and mix of preferred ways of working and learning. It’s no surprise that staff may be overwhelmed by all the new stuff they have to learn, and more importantly, remember. Therefore, the key to successful staff training is to see it as an ongoing process, not a single event.

Think of the way performance appraisals are changing. They used to be a one-off meeting each year. Now performance management is an ongoing process of support and appraisal. And think how the job of selling has changed over the last few years because of technology and the way customers now make purchasing decisions. Outdated sales tactics no longer work and different approaches are needed to gain the clients needed to survive in today’s competitive market.

Business owners, department heads and HR leaders need to take a strategic approach to training, so it’s no longer a one-off, tick-box event, but an on-going process of coaching, assessment and skill development. Training needs should be based on business/organisational need and aligned with identified business outcomes.

Here are a few things you can do to keep training front of mind: 

1. Coach your people. Successful training means a change in behaviour. Coaching will help employees to use their new knowledge in their daily work and not go back to their old ways of doing things. Studies show that good training can increase effectiveness of the learning by around 30%. Training, combined with follow up and coaching, increases effectiveness by over 80%.
2. Build on knowledge by encouraging social learning within the workplace, helping employees to embrace the learning and help others.
3. Show employees how the learning links to the business needs and praise them for positive changes that are a direct result of training and changed behaviours.
4. Follow-up by asking employees to review their learning and reinforce knowledge and skills through self-development activities.

Successful training is a continuing, ever-evolving process. If you empower your employees and create a culture where training is the norm and ongoing, you will build up the team, support staff and business growth and develop skills.

andrewdennyconulting.co.uk/lead-programme 

andrewdennyconsulting.co.uk/support-packages 

Murmurs of excitement over the course of the past year leading up to Epic Studios’ installation of Martin Audio’s MLA PA system reached their natural climax at their Norwich premises. The investment of over £250,000 in the revered sound system stencils the venue in amongst the elite, global clique of spaces with the capacity to claim this class of state-of-the-art audio technology. Martin Audio specialises in bespoke British sound engineering boasting an international reputation for supplying award-winning, industry-benchmark loudspeaker systems across the full spectrum of live sound and installation applications; offering unrivalled sound coverage, consistency and control through a combination of deftly-crafted acoustic designs and prediction & optimisation software of pin-point accuracy.

Included in the investment was Allen & Heath’s snazzy, flagship dLive s7000 mixing board to maximise sound quality by giving incredible fidelity through the MLA rig. This offers a great deal of flexibility for the venue escalating audio performance of the system to dizzying levels.

Epic Studios’ installation of the globally-acclaimed PA system follows a push by management to establish the venue as the best, most technologically-advanced in East Anglia. The initiative – which began last year with an additional previous quarter million-pound investment in lighting and effects apparatus – is part of a drive to instil Epic Studios as a top-tier small arena to take its rightful place on the national stage. Further efforts include road-mapping plans to increase capacity towards a full-scale 3000-strong audience area. Such activities are all aimed at fulfilling the venue’s vision of pioneering spotless, emphatic acoustics and dazzling optical displays lifting the local music scene into the Golden Age of 21st century audio-visual spectacle whilst championing greater exposure for local talent.

The ethos of Martin Audio’s research & development is a commitment to quality ensuring any application offers ultimate performance with distinguished sound characteristics being inherent to the acoustic design rather than dependent on any subsequent electronic correction. The Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array, or ‘MLA’ as it’s commonly abbreviated, is the flagship technology of the celebrated audio experts having revolutionised sonic performance amongst high-end loudspeaker systems in their category, full technical specifications are available here. Key benefits include:

SOUND PERFORMANCE

A crisp, flawless sound affirms MLA as the industry benchmark of audio technology. The challenge of a professional PA/loudspeaker system is to create as neutral a frequency response as possible to result in a ‘flat’ sonic signature to uniformly preserve the loudness of musical elements without over or underemphasising any frequency band. Essentially, this allows music to be enjoyed as true to the original recording as possible since there is little-to-no forced changes to its reproduction. In the case of live music this allows a meticulous authenticity using pure, untainted acoustics as a foundation and minutely adjusting equaliser (EQ) levels to enable a personalised frequency response unique to the artist’s own specific sound.

NOISE POLLUTION REDUCTION

MLA software enables precise venue mapping and sound containment. Fine control of how each component of the MLA covers its designated audio area allows the highest sound levels to be experienced by the audience without exceeding noise pollution levels beyond the perimeter. Intelligent software controls each array to project sound directly at the audience and then cuts it off sharply just beyond the noise perimeter, allowing a dramatic reduction in noise pollution. This means artists can play considerably louder than ever before without a reduction in sound quality or breaching noise pollution regulations. The technology effectively allows an invisible line to be drawn around a site outside of which sound tapers off so quickly and sharply that it would be inaudible.

INTELLIGENT SOFTWARE

The system allows quick, optimised setup arrangements for any venue layout whilst still allowing complete control over equaliser (EQ) settings for fine-tuning, significantly reducing the time and complexity with installation and sound checking. Unique optimisation software enables production companies to plan and visualise coverage and then achieve exact results from switch on regardless of the acoustic properties of the venue and without the requirement to fine tune upon installation.

SOUND REACH

The MLA affords exceptional blanket sound quality across the entirety of an audience space through exact sound-mapping and coverage. Autonomous software specifies exactly what sound settings are required at multiple locations within the sound area (such as the front rows, the mix position, the rear seats etc.) and then uses this information to automatically control the array to produce this result. Hence MLA technology allows the audience to be united as the same sound quality and volume is achieved throughout the defined area, from front-to-back and side-to-side. In short, the PA sounds identical at the back of the room than as if you are standing directly in front of the speaker cabinets.

The vision behind the ground-breaking MLA system is to allow artists to play to larger audiences without any detriment to sound quality being evident anywhere within the arena. From a sound engineer’s perspective, the MLA offers the benefits of extreme coherence and responsiveness from a mixing standpoint – minute fader or EQ adjustments will be extremely noticeable.

The MLA celebrates proven success across a diverse belt of prestigious installations with a client base ranging from Glastonbury, Hyde Park and Alexandra Palace and has won various industry awards for performance and innovation, including: PLASA Gold Award for Innovation; MusikMesse International Press Award and Parnell: Indispensable Technology Award.

“Over my years in business, I’ve always strived to offer the best possible service to my customers and partners. In the same stead, at Epic Studios we are now following through ambitions of increasing capacity and installing state-of-the-art facilities to cement our reputation as a world-class small arena and the best in East Anglia, offering the ultimate experience for both the audience and performing artists alike.” 

– Jonathan Thursby, owner – Epic Studios

Installation of an MLA system at Epic Studios affirms the venue as in league with very few others with the ability to offer state-of-the-art, revolutionary sound performance at unprecedented levels of volume with no detriment to quality and the added benefit of minimum disruption to the local neighbourhood. Epic Studios looks forward to welcoming acts in joining us to enjoy the unrivalled sonic experience allowed by this exclusive, avant-garde sound system for events such as for the screening of trademark show ‘That Music Thing’ (TMT).

For information about what’s on at Epic Studios please visit our Events page.

THE RISE OF PODCASTS AND WHAT SPOTIFY HAS TO DO WITH IT

As we all know, the rise of podcasts has grown significantly over recent years and Spotify, one of the leading streaming platforms in the world, has recently adopted a new strategy for tapping into this craze. They have mastered their personalisation to produce targeted content for their music listeners. It seems to be that their next major focus is on podcasting which Spotify users have noticed since the beginning of the new year. If you are a regular Spotify user, you may be wondering why podcasts are all over your browse page?

WHAT IS A PODCAST?

Podcasts offer a way to tell stories to the listeners which can be educational or entertaining. They are the perfect duration for a commute to work, something to listen to whilst getting ready in the morning or even whilst doing household chores. Other than music, podcasting is a great way to connect with an audience for a long period of time and they capture an audience’s imagination as podcasts do not have visuals.

Podcasts are an attractive way for someone to educate themselves on a subject-matter as they are much less daunting than textbooks. As well as being used for educational use at home, podcasts are also being used in schools as a method of engaging students as part of their homework task or catching up on a missed lesson for classes they are unable to attend. On the other hand, podcasts offer the ability to share personal stories on an endless list of topics ranging from relationship advice to mental health issues to changing career paths; enabling listeners to relate to someone else who has been through a similar situation as they have. Young people are contributing to the rise in the popularity of podcasting as they like to stay on top of what is happening in the world relevant to their subjects of interest. This could also add a personal element to podcasts by helping young people make connections with other like-minded individuals. 

HOW ARE SPOTIFY ADDING TO THE PODCASTING INDUSTRY?

Spotify was not the first company to act upon the rise of popularity in podcasts in the market as they have been running on iTunes since 2005 and have been around since 2000. However, in October 2018, Spotify opened podcasting for all their users and by the end of the year podcast listening grew on Spotify by 175%. For the convenience of users, Spotify observed that it would be beneficial to add podcasting as another feature of their application to allow users to listen to all their audio from the same platform. One of the most notable new features is the addition of podcasts to the discovery page for music; a functionality they are introducing within the app and are going to continue to develop at a similar level as new music discovery.

At the beginning of the year, Spotify announced that they have bought Gimlet Media and Anchor for just under $340 million. Gimlet and Anchor are two leading companies in the podcasting industry, Gimlet being one of the top content creators and Anchor being one of the best audio creators in the world. They have brought these companies on board to add to their original content and offer something unique to other streaming platforms. Spotify, so far, has invested almost $500 million on podcasting. They aim to increase revenue by using advertisements within podcasts, as users spend more time on the app than a regular music listener, as well as creating additional income from new subscriptions. These factors all contribute to maintaining Spotify’s status as one of the best audio platforms in the world.

BUSINESS BENEFITS OF PODCASTING

Spotify uses podcasting to help the business thrive by featuring podcasts for different audiences as well as keeping their listeners engaged for longer, factors that can put Spotify ahead of its competitors such as Apple Music and Tidal. 

‘Spotify Dissect’ is a podcast series that ran throughout 2018. The idea of the podcast was to enable listeners to understand the underlying aspects of making a great album, enhancing the reach and understanding behind the musicianship. The artists’ featured include Frank Ocean, Lauryn Hill and Kanye West. Another Spotify own podcast is Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith. The idea behind this podcast is to allow listeners to hear about the lives of Amy Schumer and her three friends involving topics that interest them such as pop culture and politics. These two podcasts attract different audiences, although some may overlap, evidencing how Spotify will be equipped to personalise ads as well as personalise music browsing. 

CASE STUDY: THE PIXIES

A prime example of a musicians’-focused podcast can be seen in the Pixies, who are using podcasts as an accompaniment to their newest album with a series of ‘behind the scenes’ features. Sometimes older bands who are still making music often use different methods of keeping their listeners engaged, as well as increasing revenue, by releasing limited edition albums with extra tracks or a limited-edition box sets. Some artists have also created television shows and films to coincide with a latest album release. An example of this is Foo Fighters’ TV Show ‘Sonic Highways’ which was released shortly after their eighth studio album. The Pixies are taking a different approach by releasing their own set of podcasts about the making of the album which are being released in the build-up to its official release. This will provide The Pixies with a new channel to connect with their audience as well as giving fans an insight into all the details that go into making an album. Their podcast will be on all major platforms, including Spotify, which could increase exposure to younger audiences by helping them learn about The Pixies and their impact on music.

Keeping up with the trend in podcasting, Epic Studios held a live studio show of world-famous podcast ‘Welcome to Night Vale’ in January 2019. For more information about what’s on at Epic Studios please visit our Events page.