Our MD Richard Bowden caught up with TPi magazine;
Could you explain what first sparked your interest in the events sector?
I grew up with events, from as young as I could remember I was roadie for my Dad’s mobile disco, on larger gigs there would be production companies involved which exposed me to the world of technical production and I knew that was what I wanted to do. I never really played with toys I was more interested in speakers and par cans.
Could you describe how Sterling Events first came into being? What were the original goals for the company?
In my last year at school I set up Sterling Sound, we had a small amount of kit that I had built so I sent out some hire price lists to contacts I’d met working with my dad. The original goal was to provide PA systems for corporate events. We very soon began supplying, lighting, vision and staging to all sorts of events, at this point the company name was holding us back so we rebranded to Sterling Event Group. I could never of imagined where we are now 20 years on.
What were some of your highlights from those early days of Sterling Event Group?
There has been so many highlights and milestones over the years, from successfully delivering our first international event for a major brand to providing production to pop stars. No two days are the same and that’s what keeps things exciting.
How has the company expanded over the years?
It doesn’t seem that long ago when we took on our first premises and the £100 a week rent was daunting. Fast forward to today we now occupy several units by Manchester Airport with facilities designed to accommodate our specialist audio, lighting, vision, rigging and custom build stage and set departments. The team has also grown somewhat, we now employ 50 fulltime staff and we’re looking to expand this further in the coming months.
What is next on Sterling events schedule as we move into 2020?
2020 kicks off with a bang, the busiest January to date which sets to feature a European roadshow for a beauty brand, a large scale corporate awards, conferences for the government and even a party for a Premier league footballer to mention just a few. Alongside delivering these productions there will be further investment in kit and also further development for our custom build staging and set department.
You supported Production Futures this year. What were you opinions on the event?
I wish it was around when it started out! It was a great event with some really bright young people in attendance, a lot of which were genuinely looking to start a career in our industry and keen to call upon the experience of others. I think it’s really important that we all make an effort to give opportunities to the next generation as the industry needs them.
Read the article in the December issue of TPi Magazine – https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/tpidec19_digitallr/98
