Southampton UK based lighting rental company – and newest member of the
growing HSL Family – just celebrated 20 years at the sharp end of the pro lighting
and entertainment technology industry.

Staged at the award-winning Dancing Man Brewery, housed in the charismatic old
Wool House dock warehouse in the historical heart of the town’s thriving port
facilities, the event was attended by close to 100 guests, prompting GLS MD Ian
Turner to declare, “Finally after 20 years in business … we are proud to say that we
CAN organise a piss-up in a brewery!’

HSL’s MD Simon Stuart, right at the forefront of the party, commented, “It was an
absolutely cracking evening marking this great achievement with many industry
friends and family … and here’s to the next 20 years!’

Guests were entertained by rhythmic gymnastics dance performance troupe,
alienZoo, and the multi-talented multi-instrumentalist and singer, Neil Kelso …
together with of the finest craft beer, lots of lively conversations and socialising
that stretched well into the night.

Party people included clients and staff who had worked with GLS back in 1995
(when Ian founded the company with his wife Jac) some of whom are no longer in
the industry and others who are … and who have stayed loyal to the company
throughout as it has flourished as a boutique operation offering the highest levels of
service and support.

GLS’s first ever employee Karen Brown was among the revellers. Currently out as
crew boss on the new Motorhead tour, Karen and her team hit the celebrations after
closing the truck doors back at the warehouse and seeing the truck off to
Millennium Studios for production rehearsals ahead of the tour which started in
Europe.

Other guests included long term suppliers like Ian W Brown (no relation to Karen)
from Robe UK, who has supplied GLS with various kit and brands of moving light
since they started! Amongst the staff and freelancers from far and wide there were
also plenty of friends and colleagues from other lighting companies around the
country, reflecting the great popularity and respect for Ian, Jac and GLS.

The pair founded GLS to fill a gap in the local market at the time with a quality-
driven rental company offering the latest technologies, innovative solutions,
imaginative designs and enjoying excellent relationships with its clients.

Ian is also an experienced lighting designer with bands like the Flaming Lips, the
Pogues and Tenacious D on his CV. The company now employs 12 full time staff and
has a large pool of regular freelancers.

To expand the scope of its work and guarantee a progressive future, GLS recently
joined the HSL Family in a unique working partnership that benefits from access to
HSL’s considerable resources, skills and infrastructure … making it among the most
prominent and proactive lighting and video rental facilities in Europe.