About Pro Media Solutions
Who are Pro Media Solutions?
Pro Media Solutions is a privately owned, Limited company based in Chertsey, founded in August 2012 [UK company registration number 08184341].
We hold liability insurance of up to £5 million and have over 30 verified 5 star Google reviews – and counting.
Our History
Originally set up by two friends, Giles (owner of an AV hire company) and Simon, who were always approached by friends and family to help with their audio visual needs. From product choices to physically hanging TVs and installing speakers, AVRs and amplifiers. Simon has always had a passion for AV and an avid reader, keeping on top of the latest trends and technologies.
This then made them think, perhaps others might need suitable assistance with their home set ups and this is the humble beginnings of Pro Media. It started slowly whilst both men had full time jobs, doing simple set ups and providing guidance in their spare time.
Russound
In mid 2012, Simon came upon a whole house audio distribution system with multi amps and on-wall touchscreens from the popular US manufacturer Russound . He investigated further, found a UK supplier and enrolled on their ‘Certified Installer Program’. In early October that year, he carried out his first full installation in Egham, Surrey.
Control4
After realising the potential for distributed systems, Simon looked at matrix video solutions from Pulse-Eight and formed an early partnership with them, giving further scope to his clients for larger, whole property projects.
The next, logical step – and something very much in its infancy in UK at that time – was the means to bring all these solutions together to create a single environment, controllable via one interface rather than multiple remotes. This then became to be known by the terms ‘Smart Home’ or ‘Home Automation’.
Attending an AV event Simon heard a final speech giving an introduction of Control4 and he wanted to learn more.
Signing himself up on the ‘Certified Technician’ training in late 2013 and committing to purchase the minimum starter kit, was a milestone in the history of Pro Media.
And beyond…
Simon utilised all the hardware in his own home in Surrey. Realising the power and simplicity of using a single app and smart on-wall keypads and touchscreens to control his home, it quickly grew into a full house project. Realising that Control4 could easily integrate with a large range of the most popular brands across a variety of sectors – not only AV but lighting, security, door entry, HVAC, blinds and shutters made Simon understand how he could grow and develop Pro Media Solutions into a full company.
Pro Media – Our People
Whilst Giles focussed on his AV hire company, Simon knew he could not develop the company alone.
In June 2015, Sarah Hayward came on board establish Pro Media as a creditable company. Sarah had worked in the IT industries for over 15 years, in a successful sales capacity, but had recently taken a break to start a family and wanted something she could focus on.
Around this time a local electrical engineer, Stephen Cooke, himself with a passion for building and AV approached us looking for work. He also could see the need to move toward a integrated approach for clients and brought a wealth of experience and knowledge.
In July 2016, we brought on a young, enthusiastic junior in the form of Toby Goree. This was his first job from school and we supported him in attending initial electrical training then the Control4 technician certification.
Toby has been with us for over 10 years and through hard work, hands on project work, training and a strong sense of dedication, he is now an integral part of our company as Technical Manager. His role involves liaising with clients on requirements, compiling drawings and quotations and managing our projects. He also often continues to get ‘his hands dirty’ onsite.
More recently, Paul O’Connell has joined our team helping to support our electrican installations, CCTV, door entry and alarm installations.
And, not forgetting, Donna Chassar who have been working with us behind the scenes in Accounts since 2017.
Training and Certification
Pro Media Solutions, in an industry where everything is always evolving, believe our staff should continue to grow and learn and in doing so have received formal training and/or certification with a number of industry leaders, including:
- 2026 Control4 Circle of Excellence Award winner
- Control4 training:
- Certified Technician
- Centralised Lighting Certification
- Certified Network Administration
- Lutron Homeworks QS
- Sonos
- DoorBird
- Ubiquiti
- Pakedge
- Russound
- Texecom
- Rako
- RingX
- QMotion Blinds
- Lilin
- ICRealtime
- Hikvision
- CEDIA
Simon Martin
Simon is an avid AV enthusiast, who between 2000-2006, alongside a full time job, completed his Engineering qualifcation earning himself an Honours degree.
Sarah Hayward
Sarah worked in the IT industry for a number of years until reaching a top sales role before taking a break to start a family. Extensive travel for client meetings were no longer suitable but she still wanted something that challenged her whilst utilising her organisational and personal skills. Taking on the day-to-day set up and Management of Pro Media has been her focus ever since. Working in an ever changing landscape, every day is a learning day…
Toby Goree
Toby started as an apprentice electrician with zero background in AV, but quickly developed a knack for system architecture, automation, and programming. Being a lifelong musician gave him an intuitive ear for sound, making high-end audio calibration and dedicated cinema design second nature. Over the years, he grew alongside the business, stepping up from Lead Programmer to Technical Manager, and now serving as Technical Director. For him, the magic of music, film, and cinematography lives in the fine margins; obsessing over the small details is what turns a good setup into an unforgettable experience.
Stephen Cooke
Known as ‘Cookie’, Stephen is a self employed electrician who has been working with Pro Media, initially almost exclusively from 2014-2021, and then again on a regular basis from 2024 onward.
Beyond his electrical knowledge and experience, Cookie is an excellent craftsman with both practical and creative vision. He is a born problem solver who brings our clients solutions to any number of issues and problems that may arise. From AV and technology set ups and programming to carpentry, plumbing and fabrication, Cookie is a valued member of the team (even if he does like an early start – and finish ;-)
Paul O’Connell
Paul is a highly qualified, self employed electrician, whom we met whilst working on an extensive property rennovation in Buckinghamshire. Pro Media had installed a comprehensive Control4 home automation system, media room and cinema in the property in 2018-19.
When the property was sold in 2025 the new home owners wanted to make significant changes and additions whilst retaining the smart technology and we worked with Paul on this project. He has since worked with us on a regular basis to support our clients with electrical, CCTV and alarm installations, while developing his AV and home automation skills.
Areas We Serve