Case study – ACE

In brief

AV2events managed the replacement of an end of life PA system at ACE’s UK head office in central London. Working out of hours and against extremely tight timescales, the installation was completed within just five weeks and with zero disruption to normal operations.

Context

Since moving into its 88,000 square foot head office in central London 12 years ago, ACE undertook a series of changes to the interior fit-out which subsequently compromised the integrity of the internal messaging system. When preparing for a major refurbishment programme therefore, Facilities and Project Manager, Paul Hatterall, decided it was the ideal time to replace the legacy system with a more modern solution: “Quite simply the messaging system was not fit for purpose anymore. There were a lot of areas that had no coverage at all while others suffered with constant hissing. As an old system, it wasn’t really an option to upgrade – it had to be a complete overhaul.”

As a seven storey building with three floors sublet to commercial tenants, the installation of a completely new PA system was not going to come without its challenges: “As a landlord we have health and safety obligations to our tenants as well as our own employees. It was essential that we got the installation right first time and with minimal disruption to the 1,000 people who work in the building.”

Having drawn up the scope of works, Paul set about finding an installation partner that not only had the expertise to work with a highly sophisticated PA system, but could also deliver when it came to the extremely tight programme. After seeking advice from existing videoconferencing partner, VIJU, AV2events was appointed as the specialist AV installer on the project…

Delivery

Following an initial site evaluation, AV2events agreed the installation schedule with ACE, which spanned five consecutive weekends. Paul explains: “The only way to deliver this project was out of hours working, which AV2events were more than happy to do without charging us a premium.”

Although the PA system had already been specified, changes to the building layout during the refurbishment meant that the original designs no longer matched what AV2events would be working with on-site. As such, AV2events worked with ACE to translate the designs into a new workable and robust plan.

“AV2events very quickly assessed the system and were able to adapt the installation plans accordingly. I have to say, we were extremely impressed with the speed and accuracy at which they did this. Their attention to detail and knowledge of AV is impeccable.”

In spite of working to an accelerated installation programme of just five weeks, AV2events delivered the project to the highest quality standards: “This was the first time in my career that there was not one snagging item post-completion. The installation was absolutely spot on, so much so when we held our first fire drill, there were zero complaints about lack of coverage or sound quality.”

Paul was equally impressed with the professionalism of the team: “AV2events are in a league of their own. Their professional conduct, both on-site and during planning communications was nothing but excellent.”

With the PA system installation far exceeding Paul’s expectations, plans are already underway to work with AV2events on additional projects: “Now we have a reliable partner to work with, I have the confidence to look at more ambitious ways of upgrading our AV facilities, and will definitely be doing this in collaboration with AV2events.”