News

Marquis Consulting Undertakes SIS Assignment

Marquis Consulting LLP Appoints Bill Connolly As New Partner

Marquis Establishes Independent Consultancy As LLP

Marquis Consulting Practice Appoints Tilly Casson As New Associate

Marquis Consultancy Appoints Dr. George Waters As Expert Advisor

Marquis Appoints Geoff Wright in Expansion of Consultancy Division

Marquis Consulting Undertakes Power Distribution Assignment for
Satellite Information Services Group

February 2010

Marquis Consulting has undertaken a major consultancy assignment for Satellite Information Services (SIS) as part of a channel expansion programme for SIS's broadcast facility in Milton Keynes.

Marquis Consulting was commissioned to conduct a comprehensive examination of the power distribution systems at the facility. The examination led to a series of key recommendations that have enabled SIS to upgrade their facility resources to better meet their projected business requirements.

Following the success of this initial project, Marquis Consulting has also been commissioned by the SIS Group to provide a detailed design for the low voltage power and earthing systems for their entire broadcast facility. Marquis will work closely in an advisory role with SIS's technical team and its installation contractors during the construction, test and handover phases of the project.

"Marquis Consulting has accumulated expertise from real experiences working with broadcasters around the world," said Paul Griffiths, Operations Director, SIS Ltd. "Their knowledge of broadcasting processes and how best to apply digital technology to attain maximum efficiencies will be fundamental to the success of our broadcasting operation."

"We are delighted to be working with SIS as they upgrade their channel operations," said Bob Gentry, Managing Partner, Marquis Consulting. "We understand the special requirements of the data-intensive, high-spec technology environments involved in modern broadcasting processes. It is vital to have a carefully designed, high reliability power distribution system that is compliant with stringent international standards, and tailor-made to match clients' requirements for use now and into the future."

Having worked with broadcasters and telecommunications companies on power system design and upgrade programmes around the world, Marquis Consulting has acquired extensive experience of high reliability power distribution systems. Marquis Consulting delivers a varied portfolio of consultancy services to the media and broadcast sectors, including advice on multimedia and IPTV technology and services, telecommunications, feasibility studies, market research for new programmes, channel start-up, auditing, training, technology transition, RFP development, human resource and recruitment practice, business continuity planning and disaster recovery.

Marquis Consulting LLP Appoints Bill Connolly As New Partner

January 2010

Marquis Consulting, supplier of consultancy services to the broadcast industry, has named industry professional, Bill Connolly, as a new LLP Partner. Connolly brings over 30 years of experience in the broadcast, cable, satellite and television industries to Marquis Consulting.

Previously, Connolly ran his own highly successful broadcast automation company, Connolly Systems, which delivered major technology projects introducing new production and transmission processes into broadcasting and television centres around the world. He has also provided extensive consultancy services via Connolly Linde, including acting Technical Director for the BBC's "OneVision" production modernisation programme. Other positions held include senior international roles with Sony Broadcast & Professional, EMC Corporation and Siemens IT Solutions & Services.

As a member of the Marquis Consulting team, Connolly will be playing a key role in further developing business growth, working closely with broadcasters and media organisations. He will also advocate the Marquis philosophy by emphasising the importance of the 'human element' when new working practices are introduced.

"We welcome Bill to the Marquis Consulting team and look forward to benefiting from his strong technical background, high level management skills and entrepreneurial flair," said Bob Gentry, Managing Partner, Marquis Consulting. "His experience, energy and knowledge will be valuable assets for our business."

Connolly is also an active participant in the wider broadcasting industry, taking part in technology conferences, and is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the Royal Television Society and the BKSTS.

Marquis Establishes Independent Consultancy As LLP

October 2009

Marquis, supplier of consultancy services and broadcast software solutions, has announced major changes to its business structure with the establishment of three separate companies, namely Marquis Consulting LLP, Marquis Broadcast Ltd and Marquis Holdings Ltd. The announcement follows the continued growth of Marquis' broadcast consultancy division and software developments and will enable their respective business interests to strengthen further while independently seeking additional opportunities in the wider media communities.

Marquis' consultancy division was set up in 2006 to advise broadcasters looking to make the change to file-based workflows. Since then it has grown significantly to represent approximately 35% of Marquis' revenues. With the restructure, the consultancy division becomes Marquis Consulting, a separate Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). By establishing autonomy from Marquis' software development business, Marquis Consulting will provide totally independent advice and thought leadership linked only to the client's business requirements."

Bob Gentry, who has headed up the former Marquis consultancy division and is responsible for its successful growth, will have overall responsibility for Marquis Consulting with close support from partners, Peter Davies, Rod Bird and Andy Palmer. All partners will share ownership of the new LLP with Marquis Holdings being the majority shareholder. "This is a very exciting move and we look forward to offering broadcasters and media professionals a truly independent service," said Bob Gentry, Managing Partner, Marquis Consulting.

Marquis Consulting will deliver a varied portfolio of consultancy services to the media and broadcast sector, including advice on multimedia and IPTV technology and services, telecommunications, feasibility studies, market research for new programmes, channel start-up, auditing, training, technology transition, RFP development, human resource and recruitment practice, business continuity planning and disaster recovery.

Marquis Holdings has been established to provide marketing and financial services to Marquis Consulting and Marquis Broadcast, thereby providing both companies with valuable shared resources which will ensure operating efficiencies are maintained across the group.

Marquis Consulting Practice Appoints New Associate

July 2009

Marquis Consulting has again expanded its team with the appointment of Tilly Casson in the role of Associate. Casson brings many years of technical broadcasting experience to Marquis including 24 years in digital TV telecommunications and IT.

Casson has worked on numerous high profile digital TV projects. She played a key role as a member of the systems integration team for the launch of ITV Digital, the UK's first DTT service, and was project manager for Top Up TV, a new UK pay-TV DTT venture. She has experience of software development, new service launches and product design, and possesses strong technical, commercial and business acumen having led several major new workflow installation projects from inception through to full operation.

"We are delighted to welcome Tilly to Marquis Consulting and look forward to the many benefits her wide-ranging technical knowhow and practical experience will bring," said Peter Davies, Commercial Director. "She has first-hand experience of the many ramifications of change management and has become a much respected figure in the industry. Tilly will perfectly complement our existing team of Associates."

At the Marquis Consulting Practice, Casson will work as a key member of the company's consulting team advising specifically in the areas of IT system and application integration, and architecture design. Casson joins the Marquis Consulting Practice at an exciting time in the company's development. Earlier this year, Marquis set up a new HR and recruitment capability and is now able to offer customers interim and senior level staff search and selection services, team recruitment for start-up organisations, training, and skill set auditing and development.

Marquis Consultancy Appoints Expert Advisor

June 2009

Marquis Consultancy, provider of consulting services to the broadcast industry, has expanded its team with the appointment of Dr George Waters to the newly created position of Expert Advisor. Waters, a long serving authority on the broadcast industry, will enable Marquis to offer customers specialist advice on strategic and regulatory matters.

With a career in broadcasting that began in 1956, Waters started out with Irish public broadcaster, RTE. By 1968, he had become the company's Director of Engineering and went on to serve as Director General from 1978 to 1985. Under his leadership, RTE expanded its network, introduced colour television, and added a second channel and two national radio services.

In 1982, Waters organised the first demonstration of HDTV in Europe and was elected Vice President of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). On completion of his 7 year contract as VP, he became the EBU's Technical Director. His many responsibilities included standardisation of systems and operational practices, and the design and operation of the Eurovision Network, the world's most extensive terrestrial and satellite network for the transmission and exchange of television programming. He has also worked closely with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the European Telecommunications Standardisation Institute (ETS). He was a founder member of the DVB Project and remains a member of the DVB Steering Board. Waters co-founded the International Academy of Broadcasting and has been its President since 1993. He will continue to work in this capacity alongside his new role at Marquis Consultancy.

Dr Waters' many industry honours include a Life Fellowship with SMPTE, a Fellowship with the IET, the IBC Award, the Award of Honour of the NAB, and the Presidential Proclamation of the SMPTE.

"We are highly honoured to welcome Dr Waters to Marquis Consultancy," said Bob Gentry, Associate Director, Marquis Consultancy. "His illustrious career and professional experience will be of enormous benefit to us and to our customers as together we investigate, enhance and implement new broadcasting workflows, processes and technology, and respond as efficiently and appropriately as possible to the many consequences of change management."

At Marquis Consultancy, Waters will work as a key member of the company's senior consulting team advising on the intricacies of the many facets and consequences of introducing new digital technology into existing and new broadcasting processes. He will use his vast knowledge of the industry to give strategic advice for the successful implementation of new working practices from technology, efficiency and human viewpoints.

Waters joins Marquis Consultancy as the company expands in response to the continuing trend by broadcasters to adopt digital technology. Earlier this year, Marquis set up a new recruitment facility and is now able to offer customers interim and senior level staff search and selection services, team recruitment for start-up organisations, training, and skill set auditing and development.

Marquis Appoints Industry Veteran in Expansion of Consultancy Division

March 2009

Marquis has again expanded its Consultancy Division with the appointment of the highly respected industry veteran, Geoff Wright, as its newest Associate. Geoff will be based out of Marquis' Pangbourne head office.

Geoff started his career in broadcasting over forty years ago when he joined the BBC as trainee engineer and was assigned to BBC TV News. In the late 70s, he moved to Visnews as Operations Manager where he oversaw the migration from film to video tape. Geoff joins Marquis following 16 years at GMTV, where he was Chief Engineer and a member of its senior management team.

"We are delighted to welcome Geoff to our Consultancy Division," said Bob Gentry, Associate Director, Marquis Broadcast. "His vast knowledge, experience and insight will further strengthen our growing business and provide a very valuable resource at a time when our customers face ever greater technology, creative and financial challenges."

Geoff will work alongside broadcasters, media organisations and content producers, providing a range of professional services for the implementation of new digital production and broadcasting workflows.