Mark Burnett, former business development manager at Stage Electrics, has joined technical production expert, Hawthorn, to support the ongoing development of its technical equipment Hire service within the touring theatre sector.
 

Working closely with Hawthorn’s head of hire, David Slater, Mark will raise the profile of the company’s high-quality equipment Hire service to touring, regional and West End theatre productions, bolstering Hawthorn’s increasing reputation in the marketplace, in line with its commitment to delivering an excellent customer experience.
 

Mark joins Hawthorn at an exciting time for the Hire service which has seen staggering 90% growth over the last six months, of commissions to supply equipment to touring theatre productions. Hawthorn has recently worked with renowned lighting designer, Philip Gladwell to supplying lighting for a number of touring theatre productions, including the National Theatre of Scotland’s highly acclaimed ‘The James Plays’, Hairspray and Jackie the Musical. The company is also currently supplying forthcoming productions of Brideshead Revisited, Ladyboys of Bangkok and Laila – The Musical.
 

Hawthorn has invested £2.6million in new equipment in the last 18 months alone, reflecting its commitment to offering the latest technologies and meeting the needs of its expanding client base. Last year, Hawthorn saw an impressive 15% growth in its Hire service and has ambitious plans for continued growth.
 

Mark said: “This is a really exciting time for Hawthorn and I’m absolutely delighted to join the team, who are as passionate about theatre as I am. Hawthorn’s profile within the touring theatre industry is in the ascendant and with a growing reputation for providing high-quality kit and an excellent service, I’m very much looking forward to using my experience and networks to support its plans for growth.”
 

David Slater said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Mark to the team. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge and networks with him and I have no doubt he will help us take Hawthorn’s presence in the touring theatre market to the next level.”
 

Open seven days a week, Hawthorn is one of the largest independent technical event equipment suppliers in the UK, with a huge state-of-the-art range available for hire, from lighting, sound and video to staging, power, rigging and drapes. With over 6,400 types of equipment available for hire – including the latest technology from leading manufacturers – and over one million individual items, Hawthorn supplies equipment to markets including the live event, theatre and concert touring industries. Hawthorn also offers a full technical event production service, delivers bespoke permanent equipment installations and sells equipment from leading manufacturers.