Established in 1985 , Production Plus is a well-regarded provider of technical services to the events , hospitality , corporate and private markets , with considerable expertise in video , audio , lighting , set design , construction and staging .
Providing ‘ extra layers ’ of support
With the new technical service capabilities adding to Anna Valley ’ s “ existing reputation for quality ”, the company is now able to supply its venue clients with a unique combination of services . “ Until now , it has not been common for one company to do both the events and the integration of AV ,” says Orchard . “ We are one of the few companies that is capable of providing both aspects – as well as being one of the largest independently owned AV suppliers in the UK .”
Orchard also believes that Anna Valley ’ s “ deep integration ” on-site with the venue personnel brings huge additional benefits – both to the venue operator and its clients .
“ When you are positioned at a great venue you have access to a much bigger selection of events that go on there , and you are more intimately involved with all the venue teams as well ,” he says . “ One major consequence of this – and I think we are already seeing it reap rewards at the venues we work with – is that we can provide extra layers of support that the venue might not have been able to access through us before .”
There is also plenty of indication that Anna Valley ’ s broad base of experience is helping venues to negotiate a more diverse future in terms of bookings . Emerging out of the Covid era , notes Orchard , “ we have seen events returning at a pace . However , a lot of venues are now seeing the benefits of a more diverse market offering . For instance , there were a lot of venues in the UK that would have been hosting corporate events and conferences who turned more to becoming locations for filming and virtual production during the pandemic .”
Orchard adds : “ We are not just there to facilitate the events operationally . The experience and integrity of our teams means that we can also help the client to become excited about the use of technology at the venue , and perhaps engage audiences in ways they had not considered before . And it ’ s a truly bespoke offering in that the services we provide for each location are carefully matched to its business model .”
Strengthening skills and sustainability
With the company growing so rapidly over the past two years , it ’ s not surprising that Anna Valley has been on a “ real recruitment drive that has seen our numbers rise from about 94 in 2020 to around 170 now .” Whilst he recognises the reality of the skills shortage being reported in so many areas of the industry , Orchard reveals that the company has been “ fortunate in recruiting new personnel across the business – and they are people who fit into the Anna Valley way of doing things . We look for people who have a personality , motivation and approach to the client that matches our own . But the skills issue is a challenge and I think you are going to see more companies collaborating in the future – ourselves included .”
Orchard also stresses the prioritisation of sustainable practices in Anna Valley ’ s partnerships , and points to the role that hybrid physical and online events will play in reducing venues ’ environmental footprint . “ I think the aim here would be to develop specific sustainability plans with each venue , and again that is an advantage of being on-site and integrating into the venue teams so we become an instinctive partner at every level ,” he says . “ Venues who work with us are getting a partner who is at the top of its game , that can support them through every stage of a client ’ s journey into their events space . So to put it mildly , I am hugely excited for the future of our venues business .” CN www . conference-news . co . uk