The Company

Sound Associates was formed in 1958 to provide sound recording and dubbing services, initially as an independent consultancy, but eventually through the opening of sound recording, editing and preview facilities in Bayswater in 1966.

In 1979 Sound Associates was awarded the contract to install the first twelve Dolby four track optical stereo cinema sound systems in the UK, including in the Odeon Leicester Square, for the premiere of the original Star Wars.

The company’s ties with cinema exhibition continued to strengthen and develop until 1984 when we were appointed the sole authorised distributor for Cinemeccanica projection equipment in the UK, a relationship that has continued to this day.

The next major milestone in the company’s history happened the following year when we were appointed to install the projection and sound equipment in the first purpose built multiplex in the UK at The Point, Milton Keynes.

Since 1985 and the introduction of the American multiplex concept into the UK, Sound Associates has continued to be at the forefront of cinema development as the preferred equipment supplier for major operators such as Apollo, Odeon, UCI (now part of Odeon) and Vue Cinemas (formally SBC, Warner Village and Ster Century), as well as for smaller independent and Local Authority run venues.

The last 20 years has seen significant development in the technology of film exhibition, none more so than the introduction of digital cinema. We have always endeavoured to meet these new challenges with enthusiasm and commitment. In 2005 we formed part of the consortium awarded the contract to install the first 50 digital cinema projectors for the UK Film Council’s Digital Screen Network.

Sound Associates is an authorised dealer or distributor for all major cinema industry manufacturers and suppliers, including:

  • Cinemeccanica (sole authorised UK distributor)
  • Dolby Laboratories.
  • DTS Digital.
  • Barco, Christie, NEC and Sony SXRD digital cinema projectors
  • Dolby, Doremi, DTS, GDC, Qube and other major digital server manufacturers.
  • JBL, Martin Audio and QSC speakers.
  • Williams Sound Hearing Assist Systems.

Graham Lodge - Managing Director

Graham has been involved in the family business for well over 20 years. As Managing Director, he controls many of the day to day functions of the company. Graham has a keen interest in the mechanical and electronics of cinema technology and can regularly be seen on-site working with projectors and sound systems.

Graham is well known within the industry. His first role with Sound Associates was the installation of the UK's first multiplex in Milton Keynes. During the last 21 years he has overseen the installation of well over 1000 screens. Today, this knowledge and experience is used to assist in the design and specification of cinemas worldwide.

Andrew Robertshaw – Projects Director

Having started in the cinema industry as a trainee projectionist, Andrew's 20-year career with the Odeon group developed to 'Head of Sound and Projection' for the group. Andrew joined Sound Associates in 1997 and project manages all of the cinema installations. In addition, Andrew is responsible for our team of installation engineers. He is key in winning new business opportunities for the company. He also acts as a senior consultant for a number of projects.

Jerry Murdoch - Sales and Marketing Director

With over 20 years in the electronics and telecommunications industries, Jerry was appointed at the beginning of 2000 to oversee all corporate activities, including the promotion of the company's services, and to develop a number of new business areas.

Derek Soden - Engineering Supervisor

Derek moved from professional musician to sound engineer to director of a 24 track recording studio. He joined Sound Associates in 1984 as a cinema installation engineer and now runs the Northern installation team.

John Stephens - Engineering Supervisor

John joined back in 1969 and his first role was as the projectionist for the dubbing theatres which Sound Associates owned. John has been installing sound and projection equipment in cinemas throughout the world since 1976 and now runs the Southern installation team.

Our Office

Our 16,000 square foot freehold building

Main Office

The Main Office houses our reception area, together with our sales, marketing, accounts and administration departments.

Workshop area

Our fully equipped workshop allows us to construct sound racks, assemble projectors and test equipment prior to installation. We also offer service, refurbishment and repair facilities.

Increasingly we are used to “stage” digital installs – all of the equipment is assembled and tested as a complete multiplex prior to installation. This ensures all of the bugs are eliminated off-site.

Warehouse and storage

Across two floors we have over 8000 square feet of storage. We hold approx. £300,000 of Cinemeccanica spare parts to service the requirements of our installed base. In addition, we despatch all supplies catalogue items. We also hold a range of additional items including Lenses, Dolby Processors and cards and Infra Red equipment.

The Sound Associates Office

Job Specification: Cinema Engineers

Sound Associates continues to be at the forefront of cinema sound and projection installations and service for a wide range of clients - including the multiplex operators and the independent cinema exhibitors.

With a number of recently secured contracts - including one of the largest digital cinema rollouts planned for the UK - we are keen to hear from anyone in the cinema industry who is looking further their career. Our order book for 2011 and beyond ensures that we can offer a secure environment for new and existing employees.

We are seeking individuals who:

  • Have some experience of 35mm cinema projection and sound equipment
  • Have some knowledge of digital equipment
  • Are keen to enhance their skills by attending in-house and manufacturers training programmes
  • Are computer literate
  • Are a team player, but who are also able to work on their own initiative
  • Have a full driving license and a passport
  • Have a genuine interest in providing a high quality of workmanship to our varied clients.

We work across the UK and there will be overseas opportunities. You will be willing to travel and be able to regularly stay away from home during the week.

This is a demanding, but rewarding position. Whilst we are keen to employ people with the correct technical skills, we will provide full training to ensure that you are comfortable and competent in the role.

We offer a competitive remuneration package including company performance bonus, vehicle, mobile telephone, medical and travel insurance, pension contribution – and a great environment in which to work.