What we do
22live enters the pro-audio market as an experienced newcomer. We aim to offer boutique services providing tailored packages to our touring hire clients.
We will work to develop an equipment supply service alongside our hire offering as we grow our customer base and opportunities.
Without a legacy hire stock our systems are designed for current technology with a focus on quality and efficiency.
Our initial offering is focussed on hire systems; we have built a rider friendly inventory all packaged with intelligent infrastructure to make our systems pack well and provide flexibility whatever the application. We are now carrying PA, mixing consoles, power distribution, wireless systems and production packages.
Who we are
22live is a group of likeminded industry professionals, old enough to have extensive experience and young enough to have the drive to create something new. We have varying skillsets and specialities which makes our team highly proficient in a broad range of activities across the pro-audio space, and experts in delivering for our customer base.
All of the 22live Director’s share a common desire to not only work, but to love what we’re doing, always striving for innovation and to be the best. We are passionate about live music and the production industry.
We are defiantly independent, and prioritise not only our stock, and our systems, but our culture and heritage as a rock n roll service provider, aiming to operate at the cutting edge of live production.
We aim to always encourage a positive working environment for all that we associate with, and we want to provide a home for those that share our enthusiasm for excellence in pro-audio delivery.
We recognise that our relationships, and our people are our strength, and we will strive to deliver a great experience for all those who choose to work with and for us.
Our People
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Spencer Beard
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Spencer has over 30-years’ experience in pro-audio, he is a former Director and Managing Director of an industry leading company. Spencer worked his way to the top after starting in the industry at the age of 16, covering numerous roles from electronics assembly to mic prep, console prep, warehouse management, operations to project management before joining the board of directors at the age of 25. He has extensive experience, broad skillset and knowledge of the Live Events Industry which will be invaluable as he heads up the team at 22live.
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Alex Penn
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
Alex started to work as an audio tech on events from the age of 16, and later was asked to lead and build a pro-audio sales division which he did successfully for 14 years. In this time he gained experience, working alongside Spencer, as both a company Director and Managing Director and gained knowledge not only in relationship building, but also in business communications, marketing, strategy, procurement and general management.
Alex’s role at 22live is broad and encompasses many aspects of our operation as we continue to develop our position within the market.
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Paul Timmins
HIRE DIRECTOR
Paul is perhaps the industry veteran of our operation! His experience has covered many areas of the live sound industry beginning in the 1980’s working for a loudspeaker manufacturer. He then went on to Sound Engineering, as well as Production and Tour Managing, before finding a home at a UK Hire company where Paul spent more than 20 years. Paul brings extensive experience in Management and Hire Sales to the team. Paul will now be focussed on building on his existing relationships to develop Hire opportunities for 22live.
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Simon Gladstone
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Simon has many years experience delivering technical management within pro-audio. Simon’s role grew from technical preparation and support of pro-audio equipment, to research, design and development of bespoke products, and managing an electronic manufacturing team, not to mention developing bespoke IT software for day to day business operations. Simon is one of those guys that can naturally deliver; he understands complex systems and is at home in the digital age. His skillset will enable 22live to push boundaries technically and remain ahead of the curve in terms of our own proprietary systems.
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Stefan Phillips
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
After 17 years running operations for one of the largest and most complex audio hire companies in the world, Stefan is familiar with leading delivery teams, and co-ordinating operations including logistics, gear scheduling and prepping. Stefan is an assertive strong leader and gets the job done accurately and consistently. He will lead operations at 22live and manage a growing team as our opportunities expand.
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Ian Bidmead
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Ian is perhaps one of the most experienced, and best financial minds in the world of pro-audio. His name may not be as well-known as others within our team, but he has played a major role in the development of the UK pro-audio landscape, supporting leaders within our industry to make acquisitions and leverage financial resources. Ian has run his own accountants consultancy for more than 30 years, and has recently sold his practise. He intends to aide the growth and development of 22live as our finance director by supporting the rest of our management team and help us on our journey to success.
The Office Team
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Helen Eden
ACCOUNTS MANAGER
Joining 22live in January 2024, Helen is our Accounts Manager, previously having excelled in the accounts department for over 15 years in a major UK Pro-Audio company. With years of experience in accounts and a flair for interpersonal relations, she brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Her keen eye for financial detail and passion for the industry make Helen an invaluable asset, ensuring our events are not only successful but also financially sound.
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Claudette Barker-Dix
HR MANAGER & PROJECT SUPPORT
Claude has been part of 22live since its inception, initially working on a freelance basis, she then joined the team in a part time role in November 2024. With over 25 years of HR and Operational Management experience, including nearly two decades in the pro audio industry, Claude brings valuable expertise from working with both startups and established businesses. Her role covers HR and people management, health & safety, and project admin support, with a strong focus on enhancing operational efficiency and fostering a positive, productive work environment.
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Tom De Brabant
AUDIO ADVISOR
Tom joined 22live as Audio Advisor in June 2025, bringing over 17 years of experience in live sound engineering, acoustic consultancy, and production management. His career spans festivals, stadium tours, venues, and education, with a background in systems design, FOH engineering, and venue operations. He also specialises in noise management for large-scale events, offering expert support in SPL monitoring and control. With a clear, consultative approach, Tom supports our clients by guiding purchasing decisions and delivering technical solutions that meet complex audio needs.
The Technical Team
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Andi Appleby
RIGGING & ASSETS MANAGER
In June 2023, Andi joined the team as our Warehouse Supervisor, before he progressed into a management role in 2024. With 13 years of experience in building facilities and fabrications at a major UK live events company, Andi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to 22live. His role is crucial in supporting and overseeing warehouse operations, ensuring that our equipment, workflows, and logistical processes are maintained to the highest standards. His arrival marked a significant strengthening of our operational capability and the overall efficiency of our technical delivery.
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James Rose
SERVICE & MANUFACTURING MANAGER
James joined 22live as Servicing and Manufacturing Manager in January 2025, following a long-standing freelance relationship with the company that began in early 2023. Prior to that, he spent over a decade managing a production team within the pro audio manufacturing sector, gaining extensive experience in leading, coordinating, and delivering high-quality work across servicing and fabrication. James brings a wealth of hands-on expertise and a meticulous approach, ensuring our hire and sale stock consistently meets the highest standards of performance and reliability
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Chris Wilcock
TECHNICIAN
Chris began working as a freelance technician in early 2023, during and after his studies in Sound Engineering and Production at Birmingham City University. His natural talent and skillset quickly shone through, leading to his full-time role as a Technician in November 2023. Chris is a versatile member of our team, adept in both preparing equipment in our warehouse and serving as an essential crew member on client sites. Increasingly relied upon as a crew boss, he’s becoming instrumental in delivering quality on site and upholding the high standards we’re known for.
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Jessie Ryan
SENIOR TECHNICIAN
Jessie joined us in March 2024 on a fixed-term contract for the summer season, with her impressive work leading to a full-time Technician role and promotion to Senior Technician in 2025. She studied Live Sound at dBs Music and Sound Institute, building a strong foundation in music technology through college studies and early experience shadowing sound engineers. Jessie works in our warehouse and on client sites alongside sub-contracted crew, where her dedication, proactive attitude, and passion for live audio make her an invaluable asset to every project she supports
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Ewan Ceney
SENIOR TECHNICIAN
Ewan joined our team as a Technician in April 2024 before stepping up to a Senior Technician role, bringing a strong foundation in live audio and over a decade of freelance experience. With a degree in Popular Music, he has worked on everything from musical theatre productions to TEDx events. His technical skills cover building and mixing audio systems, prepping and servicing equipment, and managing risk assessments. Ewan’s adaptability and enthusiasm for learning make him a key part of the team, ensuring our projects run smoothly and to a high standard.
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Stephen Russell-Haime
SENIOR TECHNICIAN
Stephen brings a wealth of technical and managerial experience to his role as Senior Technician, having worked across theatre, education, and live event production. With a background in advanced audio engineering, team leadership, and venue operations, he has supported a wide range of productions with a focus on quality and detail. His experience includes everything from technical troubleshooting to mentoring junior staff and managing health and safety. Stephen thrives in fast-paced environments and is driven by a passion for delivering exceptional live audio experiences.
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Ben Rollins
TECHNICIAN
With over six years of experience in live and corporate sound engineering, Ben brings a strong technical foundation and a BA (Hons) in Live Sound from dBs Institute in Bristol. He first worked with 22live on a freelance basis before officially joining the team, having built a confident freelance career supporting events from solo performances to large-scale festivals. Ben is known for his organised, proactive approach and his ability to adapt seamlessly both on-site and in prep. His passion for audio and calm professionalism make him a valuable part of the team.
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Dan McLaren
TECHNICIAN
A first-class graduate in Sound Engineering and Production, Dan brings creativity, hands-on experience, and a deep-rooted passion for live music. He has engineered hundreds of grassroots gigs, worked on high-profile sporting events, and freelanced across venues and festivals. Outside of audio, he’s developed skills in electronics, including amplifier repair and system design. Whether in a technical or support role, Dan approaches every project with enthusiasm, flexibility, and a strong team spirit—qualities that perfectly complement the collaborative environment at 22live.
Our Home
22live’s headquarters is centrally located in the Midlands (UK) and in close proximity to other industry service providers including Fly By Nite and their ‘Studios’ Production rehearsal facility.
We have occupied this warehouse and offices since Jan 2023, designed to provide an efficient rental preparation and distribution base. We welcome all who want to visit and intend to maintain high standards on site.
