When you design and install diverse, tailored audio-visual systems for a living, a bit of creative problem-solving becomes par for the course. And it’s that nimble and flexible approach that has helped Wellington firm Audio Workshop soften the blow of Covid while continuing to grow turnover and profit.
Managing director Matt Chapman established the firm in 2015 as a specialist audio systems provider. It was a natural progression for Matt, who built up his knowledge of the industry as a touring musician, sound engineer and as a sales representative for audio wholesale businesses.
The five-person firm, based in Porirua, specialises in designing and installing audio and audio-visual systems for a variety of settings, such as school halls, hospitality businesses, theatres, conference venues, corporate offices and – recently - netball courts in need of an audio upgrade.
About 90 percent of their work is in Wellington, Matt says. Recent projects outside the capital have included a marae and community centre fit out at Mawhitiwhiti-Kanihi Pā in Hawera, and an overhaul of the sound system at the National Aquarium in Napier.
The firm provides residential solutions – but usually only by special request. One example is a system for the residence of the Australian High Commissioner, after the Audio Workshop team had been contracted to upgrade the systems at the High Commission itself.
Audio Workshop also has a production arm, which provides equipment rental and video production services for local events and performances.
“We do everything from hiring out a speaker for a 21st right through to livestreaming services for government, such as the memorial service for Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh, and the celebrations for the Queen’s Jubilee this year.”
When Covid put the kibosh on live events, the company invested heavily in livestream equipment and high-end cameras, Matt says.
“That was one of our get out of jail cards. Livestreaming dropped off when we got to the orange setting and event restrictions lifted, but we do have clients who have realised the power of livestreaming performances and that it’s not just a Covid solution. You can reach a wider market with a hybrid approach.”
An expected tightening of the purse strings by businesses did not happen after the first Covid lockdown, says Matt. Many hospitality businesses, for example, invested in new systems and technology to draw customers back in. Audio Workshop also had a good pipeline of projects that were not pulled due to Covid.
But wavering business confidence and indecision on projects, and Covid-caused supply constraints and price rises have posed challenges for the company this year, Matt says.
“The timelines to get product can be significant and prices have increased – anywhere between 20 and 50 percent on some products.”
In response Matt has invested significantly in the company’s hire equipment, so that it can ramp up its event rental service if system installs are delayed due to product supply issues.
“Although this year has been the hardest financially, we’re still tracking well on paper.”
Helping Matt keep track of the firm’s financial health is Moore Markhams Wellington director Abbey Warner.
Moore Markhams Wellington was recommended to Matt when he was establishing Audio Workshop, and the tip was a winner, he says.
“Abbey is a great people person and an excellent communicator. It’s important to us that we deal with people who are not only on top of their game professionally but are also responsive, personable and genuinely care about what we do.”
Abbey “ticks all the tax and compliance boxes off” and is also a trusted sounding board on some of the trickier decisions the company needs to make, Matt says.
“She’s been a great help with some of our purchasing decisions and we ask her to provide cash flow reports to help us with our decision-making. For example, we might be wondering whether to buy or lease another vehicle and Abbey has helped us through that. We really value her input.”
Audio Workshop has also benefited from Abbey’s knowledge of and connections in the wider professional community.
“She’s been really helpful with things outside Moore Markhams’ usual scope of business. We have needed a lawyer at times and her referrals have been excellent.”
Despite the disruption and challenge of Covid, the business is on sound footing and has some significant projects to turn its expertise to, Matt says.
One such project is the Newtown Community Centre upgrade, for which Audio Workshop will supply a full audio-visual solution, lighting, in-house rigging, and theatre fit-out.
“We’re providing the full turn-key solution; it’s pretty significant for us.”
www.audioworkshop.co.nz
Audio Workshop managing director Matt Chapman and subwoofer Ted.