IPS has welcomed Steve ‘Shad’ Yelland as Project Manager, bringing with him more than three decades of industry experience and a track record across touring, audio, live events and large scale festival production.
Shad began his career in audio in the 1990s before moving into festival and touring roles, eventually progressing into production management for major events. His ability to solve problems under pressure, keep complex operations organised and deliver high quality productions has made him a respected figure across the industry.
Over the last 25 years, Shad has worked on some of the world’s most recognisable stages and with major artists. His long term involvement with Glastonbury Festival saw him progress from back of house audio to supplying Litedeck and Steeldeck staging, and most recently to leading the installation of pit barrier systems for the West Holts and Woodsies stages. His experience also includes key roles as a previous supplier for the Eden Sessions, providing pit barrier, staging and rolling risers, having originally started within the audio team in the early days. He has served as venue monitor engineer at the Hop Farm Festival for high profile artists such as Prince and the Eagles, and has delivered wide-ranging audio, staging, lighting and full production management across events including Beach Break Live, Boardmasters, NASS, London Freeze, Live 8’s Africa Calling, as well as various international touring projects.
From large scale youth events at the Blackpool Winter Gardens to globally recognised performances, including mixing audio at a large scale concert in Libya, Shad’s portfolio reflects the breadth and resilience of a career spent supporting festivals, tours and productions across the UK and worldwide.
Shad has described the move to IPS as “ten years in the making,” a natural continuation of the growth he has been developing nationally and an opportunity to join a team with the stock, staff and infrastructure to support the scale of projects he thrives on. His combination of concert & festival production and staging knowledge is rare, and he brings with him a deep awareness of practical realities such as loading times, site safety and critical decision-making, instincts that contribute significantly to the high service standards IPS upholds.
“Shad’s appointment strengthens our ability to deliver complex projects with confidence, clarity and the highest levels of technical assurance. His background in major festivals and touring environments gives him an immediate understanding of what our clients need on site, and his approach mirrors our own commitment to safe, well-planned and reliable delivery. Bringing Shad into the team enhances the service and expertise we can offer our clients as demand continues to grow,” said James Mason, Owner & Key Account Director, IPS
Shad will be involved in staging and structures projects as a natural focus, while also supporting wider mixed discipline productions. His technical grounding, industry awareness and multi-skilled background will be instrumental as IPS continues to strengthen its offering and expand its reach.
“IPS has the capability and forward momentum that match the scale of projects I truly enjoy delivering. The company’s standards and culture reflect the way I’ve always worked, anticipating challenges, maintaining safe and efficient sites, and ensuring clients feel supported from start to finish. I’m looking forward to contributing my experience and helping strengthen IPS’s project delivery across the UK,” commented Shad, Project Manager at IPS.
