AWD Group working with Edge Vision to develop AV strategy at flagship LSE offices

Integrated approach to communications in all areas

Three years ago the AWD Group, one of the largest Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) in the UK, was planning a move into new offices at the London Stock Exchange (LSE) building and Mark Kay, head of IT, took the opportunity to introduce a multi-channel AV solution into the new facilities at this time.  He provided the business requirement to Edge Vision who designed and specified the systems, before implementing them, training the staff and, ultimately, supporting the equipment. 

The timing of the project was ideal for Edge Vision as AWD Group was at the planning stage of its move to the new premises.  With an empty floor to work with, Edge Vision was able to design the AV facilities to meet the business objectives of the company while ensuring that the installation was aesthetically correct and pleasing.  This meant that all cabling infrastructure could be hidden from view behind panels in the floor, walls and ceiling, and all communications throughout the office could be integrated to use one structured cabling system.  The AV installation services meeting rooms, boardrooms and public areas of AWD’s flagship office and the content and its distribution is managed from a central control room along with the other office communications.  In fact, the AV systems run over the company’s existing LAN/Cat 6 cabling infrastructure, integrating seamlessly for ease of use and management. 

Mark Kay comments, “The Edge Vision team has done an extremely professional job for us, from the initial specification and design phase, right through to implementation, training and support. Their engineers had to work around the LSE’s satellite systems which added a layer of complexity to the project, but they delivered on the requirement and proved great value for money into the bargain.  They also worked with a team of interior designers to ensure that everything looked just right while working effectively.” 

The AV systems are used for TV distribution (Sky and in-house TV channels) and presentations to desktops and public areas.  The presentation suite has speakers in the ceiling, remote control facilities and a built in 42” plasma screen.  The boardroom has the same plasma but the control panel is touch screen.  And, the public areas have plasma screens for business TV and presentations.  All equipment is fitted with attention to detail.  In fact, even on bright days there is no need to close blinds to watch the plasmas as they have been installed with this in mind. 

Mark Kay concludes, “Many companies see AV as a luxury but it is very much a necessity these days, especially in companies, like ours, that need information and news available 24x7 all year round.  We will continue to build our AV infrastructure, integrating new facilities with our existing systems as budgets allow.  Our relationship with Edge Vision is on-going as they support us in our AV developments.”

About AWD Group
Founded in the UK more than thirty seven years ago AWD Group is now one of the largest Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) in the country, with twenty nine offices and over 400 professional advisers.  The company has maintained its core values that caused its successful growth - independence and a determination to offer a transparent, comprehensive service to all clients.

AWD Group is an acknowledged expert in the UK financial services marketplace and in that increasingly complex world, the company acts as a guide for private individuals and companies.  It seeks to ensure a prosperous financial future for individuals and to help companies benefit from loyal, committed workforces through original, tailored employee benefit programmes.

About Edge Vision
As a company, Edge Vision delivers AV solutions that integrate seamlessly into a company’s existing IT and corporate systems.  It provides the support and consultancy to ensure that they continue to work and scale as the organisation grows and changes.  The company offers the market a unique blend of skills, combining expertise gained within the IT, networking, communications and AV environments.  All of its people are experts in their field, capable of delivering systems that meet a business’s needs precisely, carefully balancing the commercial demands and the technical infrastructure that is in place.

For further details please contact Fiona Keys at Edge Vision on 07814 727211 or email fiona.keys@edgevision.co.uk  

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