A HUSBAND-AND-WIFE team aiming to become “the name” for live event technology across the country is in the running for the Small Business title at the region’s premier awards for enterprise.

Owned by Dan and Sharon Dawson, Technical Stage Services Ltd (TSS), based in Sherburn-in-Elmet, provides sound, lighting, staging and video products for hire, sales and installation to a wide range of customers.

“Our vision is to be the name for live event technology across the UK, because of our energetic, knowledgeable and passionate staff, and our forward-thinking approach to the industry.

“We have a commitment to listen to our customers and fulfil their needs by offering a wide selection of products and services,” says its entry in The Press Business Awards.

“We provide full technical solutions to a range of sectors, particularly educational establishments, churches, museums, theatres and other event companies. For some customers, we simply provide the equipment or service that they have specified as they know exactly what they want.

“For others we will start with their vision of what they want to achieve, and work with them to design and build the event or the system that works for them within their budget, including training and ongoing help and advice to make sure they get the most out of the equipment.” Mr Dawson first got interested in sound and lighting by getting involved on the technical side in school productions and church sound.

He went to Derby University in 1999 to study live performance technology, and graduated with a first-class honours degree in 2002. He began working as a freelance engineer for various audio visual and sound companies in York, then spotted a gap in the market for a reliable lighting hire company, and founded TSS in 2003.

He started working with a business coach in November 2011, and started to set clear goals and create a defined plan for the future. In December 2014 Mrs Dawson joined the business on a ful- time basis, leaving her job as an accountant at Leeds City Council. “With Sharon and Dan working on the business together, the last 18 months have seen systems and processes put in place to drive the business towards its future growth targets.

“Our long-term goal is to continue to grow the existing branch of the business, create a system that works, and open more branches across the country to replicate the success we have had in Yorkshire.

TSS adds: “Our advantage over our competitors is that we don’t just sell products, we provide solutions. We work with our customers to find practical solutions that are right for them, not the easiest one for us. As we provide hire, sales, installation and servicing across a full range of technical products we are a one stop shop for our customers’ technical requirements.

We also relish a challenge, and take on jobs that other companies say aren’t possible. We think creatively to achieve the desired results for our customers.”

In 2012 TSS was awarded the UK and Ireland sole distributor rights for a new product called Edge Safe, a product that significantly improves stage safety for performers and technicians. It has also won contracts with prestigious local organisations.