Glasgow-based WS Steele has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dalgety Bay company Clear Audio Systems, known in the industry as Claude, to work together to develop opportunities.
WS Steele, established 70 years ago, is a leading provider of high-end audio-visual systems while Clear Audio Systems specialises in a niche audio market - the supply and installation of induction loop systems and audio enhancement products to assist the 15% of the population who have hearing difficulties. The two companies have a combined turnover of just under £2m and a joint workforce of seventeen.
WS Steele managing director Stuart McArthur and Claude's CEO Kim Rose say there is sound synergy and strategy underpinning the move.
"I believe that a single company is unable to dominate any technology by itself, so my approach is to develop relationships with different partners for different technologies," says McArthur. Forming this strategic alliance with Kim will ensure we become a leading player in the UK professional audio market."
He continues, "I see many benefits in the partnership, such as access to new markets and greater resources, including specialised staff and technology, cross-selling to our two client bases and leveraging under-utilised resources."
Rose adds, "The new partnership will raise the bar in our industry, since no-one else in the UK is doing what we do - from high-end AV and CCTV systems in golf courses to the most complex infra-red and induction loop installations in Universities and hospitals.
"We are both accustomed to being called in to fix botched work, so we know there is a market out there for us. The joint venture brings together a number of different strengths but the one thing that Stuart and I share is the way we do business. We are passionate about quality, integrity, professionalism and getting it right first time."
He adds, "Negotiating, tendering, specifying and installing systems, both in the public and private sectors, can be a tortuous, labyrinthine process. We will provide the clearest possible road map for our clients."
WS Steele's client base ranges from Strathclyde Police to Nike, Glasgow Cathedral, Oban College, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Rowallan Castle Golf Club and even bands like REM while Claude, established in 1993, has worked with many UK local authorities, retailers, banks, Universities and Government agencies such as HM Prisons, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Benefits Agency. They've completed contracts for BAA Heathrow Terminals Five, Four and Three, Lloyd's Bank and M&S Money and are currently installing systems for NHS Forth Valley and NHS Fife in two of the UK's largest hospital developments.
Both McArthur and Rose believe audio enhancement is a growth market, especially as many companies need assistance to comply with the new Disability Discrimination Act.
Rose explains, "If you provide goods, facilities and services to the public, the Act says organisations must take reasonable steps to ensure that their policies, practices, and procedures enable disabled customers to make full use of services they offer to the public. If you don't, you will be in breach of the Act. We see a tangible market in helping these organisations comply by having the appropriate audio enhancement products in their premises."
Stuart McArthur took over WS Steele seven years ago after a successful career during which he worked at Abbey Road and U2's Windmill Lane studios in Dublin. The 43-year-old was a bass player and producer who has worked with artistes and bands including Madonna, The Pretenders, Take That and Foo Fighters.
(Jim Evans)
