AS WILL BE discussed elsewhere in this year’s edition of PSNLive, the live industry has lately embarked upon a new phase after more than half-a- decade of sustained expansion. After such dramatic growth, the more comfortable pace of evolution that we now witness should offer no cause for alarm, and indeed robust sales for many major tours and festivals across EMEA and the Americas this year underline the sector’s continued good health. These perceptions are
reinforced by the 2012 survey of hire/rental companies, which indicates a returning confidence after the caveat-encrusted tone of last year’s report. Paid system rental days are up and so are permanent staffing levels. There is some frustration at customers’ preoccupation with the bottom
6 l PSNLIVE 2012
line, but also gratitude that work remains in (relative) abundance. The geographical split of this
year’s respondents can be viewed in Graph H1. Many thanks to all for taking the time to share their insight and opinion.
KEEPING BUSY After the subtle slowdown evident in last year’s report, 2012 interviewees indicated an increase in overall activity levels. The estimated average number of days of paid rental per system was 141 – up from 139 in 2011, although nowhere near the 183 achieved in 2010. More encouragingly, a combined total of 81% positioned themselves in the 101 days and above brackets, marking a strong recovery from the disappointing figures registered in 2011 (H2).
road
“There will be a downwards push on price [at the same time as] the amount of equipment per job is increasing” Respondent
‘After the live music boom’ could have been the sub-title of the 2011 hire/rental company survey report, which evinced definite signs of a slow-down after an extended period of growth. But, says David Davies, this year’s overview indicates a resurgence in optimism
It should be acknowledged
that there was a decrease in the percentage of respondents predicting that the average number of days of paid rental per system would increase this year (36% vs 47% in 2011). But with a healthy 80% expecting the number of paid rental system days to either increase or remain the same, this should offer no immediate cause for concern (H3). There was a similar, minor decline in the percentage of respondents expecting the overall value of their work to increase in the present year – down from 46% to 36% (H4). Given the ever-increasing focus on minimising the cost-base, this comes as little surprise. The next area of enquiry –
regarding average rental rates – elicited a more emphatically
upbeat response. Last year, the largest single share (38%) predicted a decline. But in 2012, 56% expected rental rates to remain essentially unaltered, with the percentage of those forecasting a drop dipping to 32% (Graph H5). While these results could not be said to herald significant change, they do suggest a greater optimism emboldened by the special circumstances of 2012, notably the high number of events related to the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games in the UK.
LOUDSPEAKERS TRUMP CONSOLES In the next section of the survey, PSNLive invited contributors to reflect on the current composition of their work and plans for new equipment spend.