Thinking of an AV installation? Here’s some advice...

Over the years, APi Sound & Visual have installed simple-to-use sound and projection systems in many churches, village halls and heritage buildings. The team at APi pride themselves in making technology work for people. Specialising in the design and installation of projection, sound and streaming systems, they are also installers of hearing loop systems and CCTV.

In this first of two Q&A sessions, APi’s managing director Andy Pidsley explains how he worked his way up through the industry and offers some tips on choosing and funding a system.

I’ve been interested in electronics for as long as I can remember – which started by taking many things apart as a child! I then studied and became an associate member of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) and full member of the Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers – holding further qualifications in acoustics and building acoustic measurement from the IOA. Having been involved in operating church sound equipment for over 40 years, I started APi Sound & Visual in 2003 after 14 years in the AV industry.

For me, one key question to ask any potential AV specialist is whether they are familiar with the church and heritage environment. These are buildings with thousands of years of history, so you need to be certain they are going to respect and care for the building during the installation. As an advisor on the Exeter Diocese, I understand the faculty process and make sure my team are trained and have the right tools to be able to mount screens onto columns without using any permanent fixings, for example.

Something that I always speak to clients about during a site survey is how they would like to use the system and what it needs to do for them. I have seen too many examples of systems that have been installed and on paper are incredible, but actually it doesn't work for the people who are using it. We always make sure that our clients have the training they need after an installation to get up and running with their new system, and provide ongoing support to them for the lifetime of their equipment.

I would also recommend using a supplier who can offer a warranty and excellent aftercare. At APi Sound & Visual, installations benefit from our own three-year warranty, providing peace of mind to churches.

The good news is there are a number of potential sources of funding which could help to support any sound and visual equipment you require. Unfortunately, many have restrictions as to how the equipment is used, amongst other criteria, and these will vary dependent upon each grant.

It is therefore always advisable to contact each organisation before submitting a full application to see if your project is a good fit and likely to be successful. Most organisations will be honest with you and tell you if your bid is worthwhile pursuing and spending time on.

The team at APi can supply a list of potential funding streams from a variety of grants, which offer funding to churches – such as AllChurches Trust and the Joseph Rank Trust. q • Please contact the team at APi if you require a quote as part of your grant application or would like to discuss your AV requirements. Call 0845 557 8350 or visit www.churchsoundsystems.co.