Electronic Audio Systems
 

We are proud of the history of Electronic Audio Systems Ltd and we thought that you might like to know where we have come from.

 

Electronic Audio Systems Ltd was formed by Mr Eric Sawkins in 1988.

Prior to this Eric had served an electronics engineering apprenticeship with Marconi at Chelmsford and then worked for various UK Public Address manufacturers and designers.

Eric always supported the Trade Associations that have represented the UK industry that he served. In the mid 1980s Eric was a Board Member of the Association of Public Address Engineers, as was Brian Latham.

 


Together with the other Board Members they brought that association up to date with the formation of the Sound and Communications Industries Federation (SCIF).  Since then the commercial arm of SCIF has been incorporated within PLASA and the education & standards arm is now served by the Institute of Sound, Communications and Visual Engineers.

 

 


Between 1984 and 2011 Eric designed and, with his team of engineers, installed nearly 400 sound systems in churches, community centres, offices, factories, leisure centres, industrial and retail premises. Each system being tailored to meet with the specific client's requirements.

Since their meeting in the 1980s Eric and Brian kept in touch and, when Eric decided in 2011 to retire, Brian was delighted to have the opportunity to head up the firm in its next chapter.  In December 2011 the company was transferred to Wendover in Buckinghamshire where Brian led EAS Ltd until 2018.

 

 

 

Andrew Latham has also been a member of The ISCVE (formerly The ISCE) since 1998.  He has worked for a selection of audio companies, gaining a wealth of experience in the industry, after leaving school in 1990.

In 2018, following a large event, the current generation of Electronic Audio Systems Ltd was established, and Andrew took charge whilst working in Westminster.  The company moved to its third county (Kent) at the end of 2024, and welcomes enquiries and clients from the South East and further afield.

Andrew continues to support valued previous/existing customers and their equipment, and seeks new clients to further expand the diverse company activities.

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 Brian & Eric shaking hands on the transfer

 
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Brian and Andrew

  • After leaving school, Brian served an apprenticeship with the GPO (now BT) and worked for them for 13 years. 
  • Brian developed his interest in the design of sound systems and he formed his first company "Sound Advice" in 1974.
  • The industry association has been serving members and customers since it was formed in 1948. Follow this link for further details.
  • Andrew worked for Eric in a number of previous roles, initially designing & documenting systems for installation and more recently installing equipment.
  • Both Brian and Andrew have worked in a wide range of venues across the UK & Europe, providing their services and expertise to others.
  • From an early age, Andrew grew up with audio in his veins, with Brian's varied career in the industry. He operated sound systems at school for the annual productions, a drama group tour and heavy metal band concerts. He also worked with Brian, supplying equipment & fibre optic cabling for the Wembley Stadium concert and crowd safety sound system renovation work in 1989.
  • Members of the next generation of Lathams have also helped with a few projects over recent years.