Manchester-based technical and logistical solution company STS Touring is coming off the back of a whirlwind year that saw it become the UK’s largest supplier of backline. “It’s something we have been working towards for a long time,” commented Managing Director, Pete Dutton, reflecting on the acquisition of Music Bank’s equipment following the company’s closure.
The purchase has increased STS Touring’s capacity significantly. “Buying the equipment from Music Bank has enabled us to stretch ourselves over more jobs simultaneously and means we can fulfil jobs from our stock rather than sub-hiring,” Dutton added. “It gives confidence to our clients that we can provide what they want.”
The Managing Director is keen to honour the legacy of Music Bank, which he described as a “great company with fantastic staff”. He added: “The equipment we’ve acquired is faultless and first class. We intend to invest the equipment from Music Bank to fulfil all our contracts, which is a major plus for us.”
Despite almost four years having passed since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Dutton, STS continues to face the challenge of understaffing, with many industry veterans choosing to move into different professions or retire. “We managed it in the end by employing extra warehouse staff to make sure all the jobs were prepared properly, leaving the backline technicians extra time to deliver, set up, operate and break down the gear at the venues and festivals,” he recalled.
While the company continues to grow, for Dutton, consolidation is just as important as growth. “The main focus now is to consolidate what we have,” he stated. “We have a big audio warehouse and storage facilities, so we need to ensure they are running at optimal levels and ensure that our clients wish to rebook with us.”
Looking ahead, Dutton isn’t ready to slow down yet: “I am now 65, so maybe I will retire in a few years, but I see a lot of my compatriots carrying on,” he said. “After all, what do we do, if not work in the music industry?”
After celebrating its 26th birthday in 2023, STS enters the new year with a wealth of stock, preparing its equipment to be checked and serviced ahead of a busy festival season with many tours headed out the door before that.
