A well-established North Wales live events company has been acquired by two long-serving employees, securing the future of the business and safeguarding local jobs.
Gwyn and Mandy Hughes, a husband-and-wife team from Bethel, Caernarfon, have taken ownership of MAD Sound and Lighting.
The pair have worked for the company for almost three decades between them. Gwyn has been with MAD for 17 years, while Mandy has worked there for eight years.
Their acquisition will keep the company under experienced local ownership while providing continuity for its customers, venues, partners and event organisers.
MAD was founded by Arwel Hughes in 2000 and has grown into one of North Wales’ leading providers of professional sound, lighting and staging services.
During its 25-year history, the company has supported community events, concerts and major festivals, including the National Eisteddfod of Wales.
Earlier this year, Arwel announced plans to step back after more than two decades in the live events industry and began looking for suitable people to take the business forward.
Speaking about his decision to sell MAD, Arwel said: “The company has been a huge part of my life since I was in my twenties. Now, in my fifties and the father of two young children, I want to focus on our family’s main business as funeral directors.
“I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved over the past 25 years, and I’m delighted that Gwyn and Mandy are taking the business forward. They’ve been an integral part of MAD for so long, they understand exactly what makes it special, and I’m confident they’ll continue to build on everything we’ve achieved.”
Gwyn and Mandy bring decades of combined experience in the live events sector and have developed long-standing relationships with customers, venues and event organisers across North Wales.
The new owners intend to maintain MAD’s existing team and service standards while continuing to invest in the company’s future growth.
Gwyn said: “I’ve worked as a sound engineer since 1992 and have spent many years working alongside Arwel. During that time, we’ve built lasting relationships with customers and event organisers across north Wales, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of. As someone who’s local to the area, I know how important those relationships are.
“We’ve worked with many of the same customers year after year, supporting everything from local food festivals and community events to some of the region’s biggest occasions. That local connection is a huge part of what makes this business successful.
“We know our customers, we know the venues and we understand what’s expected. People can expect the same dedicated team, the same professional service and the same commitment to quality that have made MAD one of north Wales’ most trusted event production companies.
“We want people to know that we’re still here, and we’re committed to building on the reputation Arwel has established over the past 25 years while continuing to invest in the future of the business.”
The change in ownership marks a new stage for MAD while retaining the experience, local knowledge and customer relationships developed during its first 25 years.
