The Challenge
Gymshark is a leading fitness fashion brand that has skyrocketed in growth since its humble founding in 2012 by university student, Ben Francis, becoming one of the UK’s fastest growing companies. Gymshark’s forward-thinking embrace of e-commerce and social media platforms have garnered massive exposure worldwide, defining their success in over 170 countries. As such, new headquarters were built to accommodate the rapid expansion of the business – future-proofed to house over 500 employees.
Head of Infrastructure, Rob Ash, enlisted AVM to design a solution that would complement Gymshark’s ambitious image, using cutting-edge audio visual technology and digital signage to make their new HQ come alive.
The AVM Solution
Office-wide Digital Signage UK
Firstly, Digital Signage screens were installed across the 42,000 sq ft building, all chained and synced together using a BrightSign Network solution. This would emphasise the brand by allowing the creative team to send striking, dynamic content anywhere in the office, updated with new videos weekly, serving as an impressive showcase to visitors, no matter the occasion.
BSN allows segmentation of the network by permissions, meaning that the catering staff, for instance, can easily log-in and update the breakfast and lunch menus without the risk of crossing over and making changes to signage screens beyond their zone. A dynamic presentation was also created for the canteen screens, to automatically switch between menus depending on the time of day and day of the week, automating the process so the caterers could simply ‘drag and drop’
LED Video Wall
Next, a major requirement within the solution was the install of an impressive 12 foot LED Video Wall. Gymshark needed a system that had big impact when presenting to staff and guests, while being versatile enough to receive several different inputs and double-up as a cinema. The Video Wall was custom built for purpose, boasting a crystal clear HD resolution using 1.9 fine pixel pitch LED technology, and acts as an eye-catching focal point to the space.
High-fidelity sound surround using Bose DSPs and speakers were fitted and zoned, so that audio can be contained either exclusively within the Cinema area for smaller presentations between departments, or be opened up to the entire hall for large gatherings.
A BrightSign encoder allows a presenter to capture whatever is displaying on the LED wall and stream it to all screens with a signage player behind them – opening up the entire office.
Tablet Control
A crucial consideration when designing a complex system of this nature was ease of use. Control needed to be as intuitive as possible so that staff could easily get to grips and interact, present and showcase without any training necessary. To achieve this simplicity, AVM designed a tablet control system, comprising a custom app that would allow universal remote control of video sources (Sky, Apple TV, Blu-ray and Digital Signage), HDMI wall plate so presenters can plug in a laptop and send to the big screen, volume control of microphones and switching of audio across zones.
We also offer amazing IPTV services.
Client Feedback
We got in touch with Rob after the completion of the works to get his feedback:
Did you find the project installation to be carried out satisfactorily?
“AVM carried out the install to a tight timeline and delivered.”
Have you found the office signage / LED video wall to be a success?
“Very useful for Staff to see content before it goes live on the Website/Social Media.”
Have you been satisfied by the level of support AVM has provided?
“Absolutely, Aaron (Lead Engineer) in particular has been great and very accommodating to last minute changes and adaptions.”
Would you recommend AVM?
“Absolutely.”