MAIDSTONE STUDIOS - Key Persons
Prior to joining the Maidstone Studios, Dave studied at Ravensbourne College, graduating in 1998 with a HND in Professional Broadcasting (Engineering). Pursuing a life-long interest in electronics.
His first job in the industry was here at the Maidstone Studios, working in the electronic maintenance department. His role then involved preventative and reactive maintenance of the full range of Studio / Post equipment, along with supporting an automated Playout facility and satellite uplinks. Following this Dave then went on to work for an impressive 15 years for the London Studios in Technical Support. A role in which required working on an immense variety of kit under often intense and strict deadlines. Going hand in hand with the busy and often frantic world of television.
In 2018, Dave returned to re-join the Maidstone Studios team, taking up a new role of Technical Manager. In this role, Dave loves nothing more than listening to and providing each client with their technical requirement as close as possible to their needs. He provides the preventative and reactive maintenance measures for each and every show, displaying his flexibility and expert knowledge of the technical side of the industry. This includes, but not limited to, also maintaining, and improving the technical facilities we have here at our disposal.
In the thick of a busy variety of productions we have here at the Studios. Dave is often the first and last person on site helping with each production's individual technical needs.
Prior to joining the Maidstone Studios, Dave amassed an impressive and varied career within the building industry. Spanning over 25 years, Dave's experience at all levels of the industry has helped shape his high standard for site development and safety. Practicing his trade in the world of West End high street store renovations such as Levi's, Gap, Paul Smith, Clarks and Debenhams. This experience would help form the basis of his high standard, quick turnaround and safe building procedures.
He then moved on to head up a new build facility for the MOD Atomic Weapons establishment in Aldermaston, Berkshire. Upon completion, Dave then took up the role of Work Control Officer which involved the day to day running of the facility, overseeing all Laser Plasma Physics testing on nuclear material to ensure safety, reliability and performance around the clock. It was here that the standards for site security, maintaining a secure and multi-functioning site and working in conjunction with high pressure security requirements were refined.
During this time Dave achieved qualifications in IOSH Directing and Managing Safely, NEBOSH Diploma in H&S in the workplace and City and Guilds Certification in Building Services.
Joining the Maidstone Studios team in 2016, initially as Facilities Health and Safety Manager, Dave has overseen entire refurbishments of many areas throughout the site whilst also implementing a BSI18001 accredited H&S Management system.
Dave has since been promoted to COO in late 2020, his hard work, pride and commitment to not only the safety and well-being of all those who enter site but also diligently overseeing the maintenance, advancement and development of the Maidstone Studios, is recognised by all as a tremendous asset to the team.
Job Titles:
- Finance Director
- Treasurer
Prior to joining the Maidstone Studios, Liz built an impressive and varied 20 years' experience within the accountancy industry. At Barclays Bank, Liz travelled across the country and rose to a role in which she oversaw and managed teams in excess of 300 people across 5 different sites.
Her accounting skills were not solely limited to just her day job though. Liz also sought out volunteering opportunities in the local area, offering her experience and skills as Treasurer of CPRE (Council for the Protection of Rural England) in Kent for six years. She then becoming Treasurer for her local Village Parochial Church Council as well as helping to run the village Sunday School and successfully fund-raise for a youth worker to run fun activities for the local children. Liz took one step further and was able to set up a UK charity that supports a conservancy in Kenya, Soyasambu. This was after visiting and seeing the valuable work that is being done to help the preservation of endangers species. There is no questioning her commitment and love for the rural community and the environment.
To this day, Liz is the Treasurer of a charitable organisation, the Women of Kent. A role which she has maintained for 20 years. In addition, she is also a trustee for a charitable trust which supports many different charities by providing grants and other financial backing.
An entertainment industry veteran with more than 40 years' experience, Geoff boasts a distinguished and varied background in producing and directing in all areas of television and boasts a firm reputation as an industry leader.
Prior to his purchase of the Maidstone Studios in 2002, with his business partner Rowland Kinch, Geoff worked primarily for the BBC alongside industry greats such as Bob Hope, Elton John and Tommy Cooper. His exceptional accomplishments within the industry earned him an honorary "Master of Arts" degree from the University for the Creatives Arts in 2012.
Since purchasing the Studios in 2002, Geoff has used his impeccable diplomatic and negotiation skills to ensure the Studios is known as a hub of creative talent and leading the development of our flagship HD studio, Studio 1.
Going above and beyond his duties as chairman at the Studios. Geoff holds numerous titles and roles across the county, not only efficaciously promoting the studios; he is renowned for endorsing all local business in Kent. A hands on manager, Geoff oversees the Studios production teams guaranteeing a powerful strategic plan to make Maidstone studios a competitive alternative to production owned TV studios.
Jordan joined the Maidstone Studios in 2017 after graduating from our on-site Television Production course with a 1 st Class BA (Hons) Degree from the University of the Creative Arts.
Initially joining as a Studio Runner, Jordan showed his commitment and professional client liaison skills and has since progressed to become an integral part of the Television Team. In conjunction with his time here at the Studios he also worked on the multiple Oscar winning Sam Mendes film ‘1917'.
Now as a Studio Coordinator, Jordan works closely with Jo to help ensure each clients' production runs as smoothly as possible, from the first recce right through to the last de-rig day.
Combined with his friendly nature, Jordan strives to ensure each and every client that arrives at the studios is looked after, cared for and leaves with a positive experience.
Jo always knew from a young age that she wanted to work in TV. Fast-forward and Jo has forged herself an impressive and diverse television career spanning over 20 years across, but not limited to Live TV, Light Entertainment, Drama, Documentaries and Children's Television. It's safe to say that Jo simply loves the Television Industry.
Kicking off as a runner for iconic shows such as ‘Art Attack', ‘Sooty and Sweep' and ‘ZZZap!', through hard work and consistency Jo slowly made her way up to the role of Producer for a documentary company making time sensitive shows for the likes of Channel 4, National Geographic Channel & Discovery.
It was here where Jo really cut her teeth in the industry. Producing intensely time-sensitive, and industry leading documentaries whilst working with international teams from across the globe. Producing, to name a few, show topics such as the Science of Tornado's, Volcanic Eruptions, Microbial life on other planets, Asteroid impacts, and Lion deprivation in Africa. Most notably Jo also produced the Emmy Nominated ‘The Wave that Shook the World' on Channel 4 and a 2hr film ‘Multiples and Miracles' narrated by Liverpool Poets Roger McGough and Brain Pattern. The latter becoming the highest rated show at the time in the US on the National Geographic Channel and won the AA Science Award.
Josh joined the Maidstone Studios team in 2016, off the back of 8 years and an extensive knowledge of the FMCG industry, combined with a passion for customer service. Having worked his way up to Snr Management of a well-known and established brand Josh brought with him strong organizational and communication skills and a wealth of experience working with strict procedural controls.
Josh has since amassed 12 years of managerial experience and works closely with our Chief Operating Officer David Parker. Having been accredited with IOSH in Health & Safety and Prince2 in Project Management, and is now an integral part of a focused and dynamic facilities team within Maidstone Studios that deliver a multi-faceted, coordinated and excellently managed service to all clients.
Josh is an example of the type of manager that leads by example, he is rarely found in the office but instead across site to assist wherever needed. Usually with his unique brand of humour closely following behind.