IPS is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, marking two decades of steady growth from a small local hire business into an established supplier of staging, structures and technical production services to the UK events industry.
IPS has grown alongside the changing demands of live events, evolving from early school theatre projects and regional shows, roots grounded in hands-on technical work and a passion for equipment, into supporting major premieres, festivals, brand activations and broadcast productions. The company’s journey mirrors the wider development of the industry itself, driven by practical innovation and long-term relationships.
Over the past 20 years, IPS has continually invested in technology, infrastructure and people, reflecting a long-standing belief in making professional equipment accessible and practical for clients on site. Expanding from its original converted barn workspace into a series of larger facilities, most recently a purpose built Milton Keynes warehouse designed to support future growth, the business has built a substantial inventory of staging, lighting, audio, video and power equipment, supported by an experienced technical team and nationwide logistics capability.
“Reaching 20 years is a proud moment for everyone involved with IPS,” said James Mason, Owner and Key Account Director at IPS. “We’ve grown step by step, investing carefully, learning from every project and building a team that understands what clients really need on site. The industry has changed hugely since we started, but our focus has always been the same. To provide reliable equipment, practical solutions and good people.”
IPS’s development has been shaped by consistent reinvestment, from early staging systems and touring grade lighting through to LED screens, large scale roof structures and expanded technical production services. Over the years, the company has contributed to a wide range of projects across the live events landscape, including film premieres, outdoor festivals, touring productions and high profile cultural events.
Like many businesses in the sector, IPS faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, but emerged with a renewed focus on efficiency, sustainability and long term growth. Recent years have seen continued expansion, including new training initiatives, industry recognition and the move into upgraded facilities designed to improve collaboration between warehouse and technical teams.
As IPS enters its third decade, the focus remains on steady, sustainable development, investing in equipment, supporting the next generation of technicians and continuing to refine services across staging & structures, technical production and trade equipment hire, building on long standing relationships with clients, freelancers and partners that have helped shape the company’s journey so far.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the clients, freelancers and partners who’ve been part of the journey so far,” added Mason. “Twenty years is a big milestone, but for us it’s really just another step forward.”
