Why was this the opportune time to move to a new warehouse?
Our first premises were small and we’d outgrown it within the first year of 22live’s launch in January 2023. We knew if things went as we hoped, we’d need to move after our first three years, but things went better than we could have hoped. We needed to move to a bigger space as soon as possible. For the first half of 2025, we were looking at a building that was roughly double the size, but then the opportunity came along to take a fully refurbished premises that were five times the size in the perfect location, with all the right credentials. We took the bold step on the building we’re now occupying, and we haven’t looked back.
The new space has meant we can service larger shows and operate efficiently. At our peak approaching the August bank holiday weekend, we loaded 10 trucks out for 10 festival stages in two days. That is a busy couple of days for us, but this summer, and with these premises, it has felt like we’ve ratcheted up a gear. We were already competing at the top of the market but the difference with this new premises means that we are able to deliver for the largest shows with quick turnarounds.
With this bigger space, have there been any new investments?
We’ve continued to invest in d&b audiotechnik and Martin Audio systems. We now have a pretty large inventory of both brands adding more infrastructure and control into the mix. It’s quite remarkable when you look at how much we’ve had to acquire in such a short space of time. We now carry most console brands, a large stock of outboard and RF systems, all packaged in our 22live standard to deliver consistency across the inventory. We are also developing the sales side of our business which is growing year on year too. With the new premises we have a dedicated training space. We now have dealers for various manufacturers including Shure, Sennheiser, Martin Audio, d&b audiotechnik, Allen & Heath, Yamaha and Link as well as being the UK Rational Acoustics, and KLVR distributor, so it is necessary for us to host regular sessions.
This year, we have added several new staff to support all of our functions in sales and installations, electronics manufacturing and service, general warehouse operations, a driver, as well as a management accountant, and another hire project manager. We are in our second year of an internship programme which we have been running collaboratively with Birmingham City University. This again is another way of connecting with young talent which is paying dividends for us as a company and the students alike.
What was the response like from the sector following your 22live Test Drive open day?
Our idea was to try and do something a little bit different, to give people an opportunity to get hands-on with the latest kit. We wanted to announce our arrival at our new premises and show the market what we’ve been able to achieve and where we are. We had well over 100 visitors on the day, and it really felt like a fantastic start to life in our new premises.
How has the festival season been?
This has been our busiest summer to date. We’ve been the house provider for Live at Chelsea, Blackweir Live, Live at Powderham, Lytham Festival, British Summer Time (BST) – Hyde Park, Reggae Land, Cropredy, Beautiful Days, Creamfields and All Points East (APE). At the same time we’ve had tours out with Tori Amos, The Australian Pink Floyd Show, and Bluey Live, and we’ve provided numerous touring control packages for a number of artists. Download Festival’s Opus stage was the highlight. It’s been a job we have a long association with, although this was the first year we provided as 22live. It was fantastic to be appointed as provider to BST and APE just down to the sheer scale of these events.
What’s next for 2026?
We’re already stacked out for the autumn, which kicks off in September with a large-scale arena tour. We are looking forward to announcing some other news soon too with regards to new reseller arrangements we have been working on for a while. We’re firing on all cylinders. Our biggest problem is funding the growth as fast as we would like to, but we keep finding ways to get it done. One of our favourite phrases round here is ‘good problems to have!’
