What we do

Martin Audio WPL SXHF218 O2 Arena

22live enters the pro-audio market as an experienced newcomer. We aim to offer boutique services providing tailored packages to our touring hire clients.

We will work to develop an equipment supply service alongside our hire offering as we grow our customer base and opportunities.

Without a legacy hire stock our systems are designed for current technology with a focus on quality and efficiency.

Central Cee - Alexandra Palace - DiGiCo Q225

Our initial offering is focussed on hire systems; we have built a rider friendly inventory all packaged with intelligent infrastructure to make our systems pack well and provide flexibility whatever the application. We are now carrying PA, mixing consoles, power distribution, wireless systems and production packages.

Martin Audio IK32 Racks O2 Arena
  • "We’re not looking to be the next big thing. We just want to do what we do, and we want to have a good time doing it. We’re honest, straight-up people, and our experience and enthusiasm for live audio we know will help us to deliver great results for our customers"

    SPENCER BEARD, MANAGING DIRECTOR

  • We hope to maintain a culture nostalgic to our ‘rock n roll heritage’, but also pushing the boundaries forward with technology to become a true next generation PA Hire company.

    ALEX PENN, COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

  • "Without the legacy of older connectors to integrate, or a mountain of flight cases from different decades, we’ve had complete freedom to start afresh with how we do things."

    STEFAN PHILLIPS, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

  • "We have adopted new concepts for our line system and infrastructure. We have worked to manufacture as much as possible initially to ensure capacity, enabling 22live to react quickly adding more equipment to the inventory as demand dictates."

    SIMON GLADSTONE, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Who we are

22live is a group of likeminded industry professionals, old enough to have extensive experience and young enough to have the drive to create something new. We have varying skillsets and specialities which makes our team highly proficient in a broad range of activities across the pro-audio space, and experts in delivering for our customer base.

All of the 22live Director’s share a common desire to not only work, but to love what we’re doing, always striving for innovation and to be the best. We are passionate about live music and the production industry.

We are defiantly independent, and prioritise not only our stock, and our systems, but our culture and heritage as a rock n roll service provider, aiming to operate at the cutting edge of live production.

We aim to always encourage a positive working environment for all that we associate with, and we want to provide a home for those that share our enthusiasm for excellence in pro-audio delivery.

We recognise that our relationships, and our people are our strength, and we will strive to deliver a great experience for all those who choose to work with and for us.

Our People

  • Spencer Beard

    Spencer Beard

    MANAGING DIRECTOR

    Spencer has over 30-years’ experience in pro-audio, he is a former Director and Managing Director of an industry leading company. Spencer worked his way to the top after starting in the industry at the age of 16, covering numerous roles from electronics assembly to mic prep, console prep, warehouse management, operations to project management before joining the board of directors at the age of 25. He has extensive experience, broad skillset and knowledge of the Live Events Industry which will be invaluable as he heads up the team at 22live.

  • Alex Penn

    Alex Penn

    COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

    Alex started to work as an audio tech on events from the age of 16, and later was asked to lead and build a pro-audio sales division which he did successfully for 14 years. In this time he gained experience, working alongside Spencer, as both a company Director and Managing Director and gained knowledge not only in relationship building, but also in business communications, marketing, strategy, procurement and general management.

    Alex’s role at 22live is broad and encompasses many aspects of our operation as we continue to develop our position within the market.

  • Paul Timmins

    Paul Timmins

    HIRE DIRECTOR

    Paul is perhaps the industry veteran of our operation! His experience has covered many areas of the live sound industry beginning in the 1980’s working for a loudspeaker manufacturer. He then went on to Sound Engineering, as well as Production and Tour Managing, before finding a home at a UK Hire company where Paul spent more than 20 years. Paul brings extensive experience in Management and Hire Sales to the team. Paul will now be focussed on building on his existing relationships to develop Hire opportunities for 22live.

  • Simon Gladstone

    Simon Gladstone

    TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

    Simon has many years experience delivering technical management within pro-audio. Simon’s role grew from technical preparation and support of pro-audio equipment, to research, design and development of bespoke products, and managing an electronic manufacturing team, not to mention developing bespoke IT software for day to day business operations. Simon is one of those guys that can naturally deliver; he understands complex systems and is at home in the digital age. His skillset will enable 22live to push boundaries technically and remain ahead of the curve in terms of our own proprietary systems.

  • Stefan Phillips

    Stefan Phillips

    OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

    After 17 years running operations for one of the largest and most complex audio hire companies in the world, Stefan is familiar with leading delivery teams, and co-ordinating operations including logistics, gear scheduling and prepping. Stefan is an assertive strong leader and gets the job done accurately and consistently. He will lead operations at 22live and manage a growing team as our opportunities expand.

  • Ian Bidmead

    Ian Bidmead

    FINANCE DIRECTOR

    Ian is perhaps one of the most experienced, and best financial minds in the world of pro-audio. His name may not be as well-known as others within our team, but he has played a major role in the development of the UK pro-audio landscape, supporting leaders within our industry to make acquisitions and leverage financial resources. Ian has run his own accountants consultancy for more than 30 years, and has recently sold his practise. He intends to aide the growth and development of 22live as our finance director by supporting the rest of our management team and help us on our journey to success.

  • Helen Eden

    ACCOUNTS MANAGER

    Joining 22live in January 2024, Helen is our Accounts Manager, previously having excelled in the accounts department for over 15 years in a major UK Pro-Audio company. With years of experience in accounts and a flair for interpersonal relations, she brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Her keen eye for financial detail and passion for the industry make Helen an invaluable asset, ensuring our events are not only successful but also financially sound.

  • James Gebhard

    TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR

    James joined our team in March 2023 as the Technical Supervisor, a role that perfectly harnesses his extensive 25-years+ experience in the industry. An award-nominated engineer with a background spanning from front-of-house and monitor engineering to production management and studio/broadcast mixing, James has done it all. His experience ranges across diverse areas, including motor sport broadcasting and headline stadium tours. In his current role, James applies his broad technical expertise to guide our preparation processes, ensuring every 22live event is technically flawless.

  • Andi Appleby

    WAREHOUSE SUPERVISOR

    In June 2023, we welcomed Andi as our Warehouse Supervisor. With 13 years of experience in building facilities and fabrications at a major UK live events company, Andi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to 22live. His role is crucial in supporting the warehouse operations, ensuring that our equipment and logistical processes are maintained at the highest standards. His arrival marks a significant strengthening of our operational backbone.

  • Aaron Boothe

    HIRE CONSULTANT

    Aaron Boothe is a familiar name to many in pro-audio, he is a sound engineer, production manager and even manages his own loudspeaker brand Aaron B. Aaron has gained respect and credibility with touring professionals including many within the UK rap and grime scene where he is trusted as a consultant to help deliver tours and events.

    Aaron is working with 22live as a Hire Consultant collaborating to support his extensive network of Hire clients.

  • Chris Wilcock

    TECHNICIAN

    Chris began working as a freelance technician in early 2023, during and after his studies in Sound Engineering and Production at Birmingham City University. His natural talent and skillset quickly shone through, leading to his full-time role as a Technician in November 2023. Chris is a versatile member of our team, adept in both preparing equipment in our warehouse and serving as an essential crew member on client sites. His dual expertise ensures that our events are equipped with the best, both technically and operationally.

Our Home

22live’s headquarters is centrally located in the Midlands (UK) and in close proximity to other industry service providers including Fly By Nite and their ‘Studios’ Production rehearsal facility.

We have occupied this warehouse and offices since Jan 2023, designed to provide an efficient rental preparation and distribution base. We welcome all who want to visit and intend to maintain high standards on site.

At 22live, we are committed to sustainability, understanding its critical importance in today’s world. As we conclude our first year in the live events industry, we’re proud to share the strides we’ve made and our plans for a greener future