Established TV networks come to Step winners for expertise

Nov 15 2007 by Iain Laing, The Journal

A MEDIA services company has been recognised for its contribution to technology.

JAG Productions, based on Holman Court, South Shields, was set up in 1995 by husband and wife team John and Gillian George. The business offers high quality, cost effective solutions to meet the requirements of the major TV companies, as well as many multi-national corporate establishments throughout the UK, Europe and North America.

The South Tyneside business, won the Innovation in Technology award at the South Tyneside Enterprise Partnership (Step) ceremony, now has a fully equipped TV studio with edit suites, a viewing room and duplication area – facilities that are unique between Edinburgh and Leeds.

Director Gillian said: “We started out with just a handful of clients but through recommendation and repeat business our customer base has grown extensively, so we felt it necessary to invest in some of the best equipment available in the industry.

“The TV studios are a massive coup to us and these facilities now rival the established TV networks which are now coming to us for our expertise. This gives us such a great sense of achievement and pride in what we do and how far we have come.”

To cover the costs of the studio facility, JAG Productions received support and funding from South Tyneside Means Business – a £16.2m programme responsible for encouraging businesses to start, grow and move to South Tyneside.

Gillian hopes their studio will show people what great facilities are available to them in South Tyneside.

“I think people looking to work in the media or those looking for a company that can facilitate all their media needs usually look to London or other major cities to find these type of companies. I hope our facilities and the success of our business will dispel this myth and encourage people to stay in the area. I want people to realise that they don’t have to go further afield – there are opportunities available to them right under their noses.”

Gillian invested the money from the Step award by giving her staff a bonus, as well as buying more equipment for the studio, which will only further their success in the borough. Gillian adds: “Our aim is to put South Tyneside on the map and show people what a great place it is to live and work.”

Geoff Ford, chair of South Tyneside Enterprise Partnership, said: “Together John and Gillian are leading the way in this field thanks to all their hard work and commitment. They have created a company that has put them ahead of their competitors in a fiercely competitive industry.”