Favourite Sound Rental Company

Winnner: SSE Audio Group

Sonsored by Midas

Founded by John & Heather Penn in 1976, SSE Hire has grown to encompass a number of complementary business operations.

Whilst the original, core company continues to offer its sound rental services for events, tours and music concerts worldwide, SSE Sales supplies a wide range of pro audio equipment from leading manufacturers, as well as manufacturing flightcases and line systems, and installing complete audio systems in venues, schools and colleges.

SSE Structures offers risers, delay towers and rigging for sale and hire, and SSE London (introduced after the acquisition of Tarsin Entertainment in 2006) handles a range of contract hire installations. The SSE Audio Group extends to France, where sister company Melpomen provides PA hire and sales throughout Europe from its three offices.

Last year proved to be a milestone for the Midlands-headquartered Group, with the acquisition of north London rental firm Canegreen, which celebrated its own 25th anniversary. Group-wide clients in 2008 included the Reading & Leeds festivals, Download, Linkin Park, Lostprophets, Squeeze, The Kooks, Duffy, Mark Ronson, Proud Galleries, Stevie Wonder, Paul Weller, Van Morrison, Morrissey, Jay-Z and Kanye West.

Runners up:

Wigwam Acoustics • Britannia Row Productions • Major Tom • RG Jones • Ampco Pro Rent