Brand of the Month – May 2022
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Scottish Veterans Awards Finalists 2022
Lairds of Troon are proud to announce that we have were shortlisted for two Scottish Veterans Awards CIC this year. We are finalists for Veteran Business of the Year Award! Plus, Mark Laird is a finalist for The Community Award!
This is very exciting for the team and we are grateful to be receiving recognition amongst some very talented people! This event is in support of the ABF The Soldiers’​ Charity and Sponsored by Joint Force Alba: ex-military recruitment in Scotland.
Scottish Veterans Awards – Results 2022
On behalf of the Lairds staff, we would like to thank the Scottish Veteran Awards for having us and congratulate all other nominees and winners. Some of the success stories are truly inspiring and we are very grateful to be one of many amazing veteran owned businesses!
Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards Finalists 2022
When the email came in Mark was ecstatic! He’s in great company with his friends from Primrose Path Tattoo Society, Andrew McGuire and Terry Lowe, who have been nominated for ‘Role Model of the Year’!
Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards – Results 2022
Brand of the Month – April 2022
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How to get the most out of Integrators
A project we have been a part of this year is a full renovation to our client’s home. I have been on a bit of a rip about getting Lairds in at the design stage of a project. And this client did. He put us in touch with his interior designer before the project began. And this is how to get the most out of Integrators. We work in conjunction with both Designer and client to renovate every room in our client’s home. Read on to learn about this project including Home Automation, & a custom built media room.
Initial Site Survey
Our client has a lovely home, even before the renovation, with many rooms. He got in contact with us and explained his plans for refurbishment, and that he was interested in a few of our services. Namely, our Audio-Visual work, installing media rooms, and audio zones throughout homes. And also Smart Home features.
We visited his home and saw the potential right away to create a wonderful set-up in every room. We noticed too, that the client had lots of tech already in his home. However, we found behind his tech, and sticking out of outlets everywhere, horrible tangles of wires and cables.
Therefore we resolved to install the tech for the client, and to create for the client an infrastructure of cabling that would be behind his walls, and therefore, be hidden, tidy and discreet.
Working with Interior Designers
Once the survey was completed, we provided a quote for the client, to which he agreed, and then introduced us to the Interior designer working on his renovation.
Those who diligently read our case studies will know by know that we are rarely involved this early in a project. We are, more often than not, working out ways to insert ourselves into a concrete schedule decided on way before we get that first phone call.
Therefore it’s a real treat to be included in the design phase, and we were able to inform the Interior Designer’s plans and work with them on how best to proceed.
As you can imagine, the Interior designer was thrilled to learn about our plan to hide all the wires behind walls, and to install discreet tech that blended with the design of the room.
Cabling Infrastructure
I speak about what Cabling Infrastructure is in more detail here. For now, all I’ll say is that a Cabling Infrastructure is a series of cables, running throughout a home to whatever room or outlet required. This allows you to power them, connect them to the same network, and allow everything to work as part of one system. It’s helpful to picture it as a central nervous system for your home.
Working with the designer, we informed them that installing the cabling infrastructure first was the best way to begin. Cabling Infrastructures can be installed behind walls, floors and ceilings. Doing this as a first step means we don’t ruin any paintwork or plastering.
So we installed the cabling infrastructure, which means all wiring is hidden and discreet. Next we got to work on the technology in each room.
Media Room
The crown jewels of this renovation was to be a custom built Home Cinema/Media Room complete with full surround sound, and a 100″ 4K TV. We worked with the designer and learned how the room should look, and we incorporated the technology into their vision. Integrators pride themselves on their ability to blend technology in with the interior of a room, as it gives that clean finish, that makes a project… muah! *chef’s kiss*
We enlisted the help our our resident joiner who built a structure to securely hold the 100″ screen. Next, we installed a wall mount and then the screen itself, and connected it to the infrastructure, keeping cables secured and out of sight. We then set up surround sound speakers. This large screen and surround sound set-up creates the perfect cinematic experience.
As we were working closely with the designer, we planned a lot of this ahead, and so we were get in and get out with minimal fuss. We effectively shave days off our clients project.
Kitchen
Next we installed Sonance in-ceiling speakers, and connected them to the infrastructure to create an audio zone. Sonance speakers blend perfectly with the design of the room and often go unnoticed. Why Lairds go for them though, is because of their sound quality. Our client now enjoys a relaxing atmosphere, that oozes from the walls and ceiling. And with a simple to use Smart Home interface, he can set the mood for the dining table.
Gymnasium
We installed another audio zone in the gymnasium. We also included Home Automation features, giving our client easy control. When you’re trying to keep your heart rate up, or sticking to strict intervals, you want to keep pumping. You don’t want to be stopping and starting, to control music, heating, air conditioning via a clunky set-up. That’s why, we chose an automation software that would allow for a click-and-go interface.
Conclusion
So that’s how to get the most out of Integrators. We’ve spoken many times about installations of Smart Home Features, Media Room set-ups, and audio visual installations. It’s great though to explore the benefits of getting Integrators in at the design stage of your renovation or new build project.
We left this client satisfied and with a cabling infrastructure in place that he can expand, or upgrade in the future.
Out of respect for clients, we only publish photos with their consent. To get a look at other projects with these features, click here & here.
Cabling Infrastructure
Although the pictures that do best on our social media channels are of finished products, such as these below:
The truth is that we spend the bulk of each project working behind the scenes. In this article I’m going to explain a little bit about an overlooked part of our work, and how you as a client can get the most out of our services.
If you have a new project or renovation on the horizon, then this article could be a huge timesaver for you!
Cabling Infrastructure – Brief Introduction
Whether we are installing a TV, in-ceiling speakers, a Home Automation system, or CCTV, something somewhere is going to have a wire sticking out of it and that wire is going to be plugged in somewhere. And even in an increasingly wireless world, this is still the case. Wire connections are still more robust and reliable than wireless connections, and in some cases, your tech will need to be powered via an outlet. This is true for your more powerful speakers, almost every television screen, etc (plus, I imagine clients would not be impressed with having to climb a ladder to change batteries on their security cameras, every couple of months!)
And with the necessity of wires, comes the necessity of another consideration. How to make these wires neat, and without disruption to the interior design of the home. A simple solution to this is by hiding the cables behind the walls, under floorboards, and in the ceiling. However, as you might imagine, this means cutting into walls, and ceilings, and lifting floorboards, and this might seem counter-intuitive if the goal is to minimise disruption to the interior design.
Therefore, this article will explain why Cabling Infrastructures can be beneficial for those looking to renovate, or creating a new-build. But what exactly is it?
What is a Cabling Infrastructure?
A cabling Infrastructure is quite simply, many wires running through the walls and ceiling of a home or business that can eventually be used to set-up your WiFi, your entertainment and your Smart Home features. Homes are already kitted out with circuits in the walls for lights and power outlets, however, the Cabling Infrastructure will allow for you to install improvements to your home for increased comfortability, and convenience.
Your Cabling Infrastructure will also include the ability for upgrades and future expansions on your networks. As you may have noticed in your own home, the amount of electronic devices per household has increased dramatically over a short amount of time. If this trend continues, your cabling infrastructure can handle new features being added into your home, preventing your systems from becoming redundant.
Design Phase
The very best time to install a cabling infrastructure is when the building is still bare and skeleton-like, before the plastering and painting begins. The ideal time, however, to include integrators, such as ourselves, is during the design phase of the project. Way before any ground is broken, or renovations have started, Lairds can design a comprehensive Cabling Infrastructure for your home. This design, will not only allow for features to be included, but also allow for the features to be arranged according to your lifestyle.
Whether you like to relax and tuck yourself away in your home, or you like to be active and sociable, The design of your cabling infrastructure can include adjustments to complement this.
Every project has unforeseen issues that arise, and call for rethinking, however, getting an integrator in at the design phase is a huge timesaver!
Implementation
Once the design phase had been decided and signed off, Lairds work with other tradesmen to devise a schedule. One of the features of Lairds’ service that we take pride in, is our ability to work around other tradesmen. We can often be the last that a client calls in, and so we have had plenty of practice figuring out how to complete our jobs around the project that’s already in progress. Even if we are included at the design phase, Lairds still make sure to work tidily and efficiently to ensure we don’t hold up any other portion of the project.
Other Considerations
Cabling Infrastructures will link up all the tech in your house in a discreet way. Hidden in the bones of your building, your wires will be quietly working to give you a convenient and comfortable lifestyle.
Typically, your wires will all run towards a neat and compact AV Rack, stored in your attic, basement, or cupboard. The rack will house all of your important devices such as your video matrix for your television screens, your AV amplifier to control the speaker system, and various other devices.
The benefits of the Rack are multitudinous, and help to achieve that neat and tidy finish that our projects strive for.
Maintenance
We have recently completed installing a Cabling Infrastructure for a client who is completing a New-Build Project. The client brought us in at and we liaised with the architects, the electricians and the construction team, to get the Cabling in and up in running. We worked tirelessly to get in everything done on time and we managed to work around the other tradesmen’s schedule completely to ensure no unwanted stress was caused.
When we have completed installation, we go through a rigorous testing, to make sure the connections are sound,
Now that the project is done, we have a maintenance contract in place so that if any issues arise with elements of the AV Rack, or the Cabling Infrastructure itself, then Lairds will be back on site to make fix any problems.
The Wiring will be robust and unlikely to cause any issues.
Cabling Infrastructure – To Summarise
I’d like to stress in this article that achieving that high quality finish that we strive for in every project, a lot is done “behind the scenes”. And by scenes I mean walls and ceilings. It’s still largely unavoidable, and more often than not, beneficial.
If you have new project on the horizon for you home or business, get in touch with Lairds to find out how we can help to improve your project ten-fold!
See our other Network services here.
Voice Over IP
Networking – One Aspect
What was the Solution?
Therefore, Lairds are installing Voice Over IP. And this is a specific area of networking that Lairds can provide solutions to almost any home or business. Voice Over IP is a digital telephone that works over your broadband network. With this you can combine your telephone capabilities with the ability to direct message, video conference and voicemail.
Our clients now own an updated communications system which has a cloud for storing any voicemails, messages or information that they need to efficiently run their business. Another great feature is that they can operate their system, wherever they are connected online. All they need is their login details and they can access everything, wherever they are.
This system also includes scalability, so that it can expand along with their business, whether that be by adding new members to their team, or adding extra phones.
Is Voice Over IP for you?
This project is being completed for clients who run a large business, and live in a remote and rural area. The issues they faced, however, are concurrent in many places. For instance, when I was a student living in Partick, Glasgow, my flat was on a main road, surrounded by small flats, business such as retail and cafes, and even a police station right next door (as you can imagine, we had some wild parties). However, even in this busy and urban area, the phone lines were over 100 years old! This meant that we had to go for a specific WiFi company because they didn’t run through the phone lines, or we’d have to suffer huge slowdowns in our internet speeds at 5pm when everyone got in from work and connected to the WiFi.
Now, we were students, and if need be, we had a state of the art, 12-storey library. However, if you work from home, or own a business on a high street like this, can you afford your technology slowing and speeding at the mercy of all your neighbours?
With Voice Over IP, you’ll be on a modern system that understands just how much we use technology, compared to when your home had one landline as a method of communication. You’ll be able to ensure your system can reach everyone you need to reach. You’ll also have peace of mind that no customers aren’t getting through.
What Lairds Do
The tech team will carry out a survey on your premise. This is to determine the best way to set-up your Voice Over IP. For large buildings, or large operations, Lairds install cabling and internet access points. These make your internet secure and robust, and ensure your system runs day in and day out.
This cabling is installed with minimal disruption with extra care to keep all installed technology neat, and discreet. Cables can be ran underneath floorboards, or in walls, so there is nothing showing.
Once all the cabling and access points have been installed, then its a quick set-up and you’re ready to go. Lairds will test the entire system and maintain an open dialogue so you’re in the loop on every step of the job, and of course, we’ll make sure you know how to use your kit!
After we’ve tidied and packed away and left, we are just one call away should any issues arise. Our maintenance contracts mean, you’ll never be left in the lurch if anything unforeseen happens.
See also Network Security and Cyber Security
Announcement – Scottish Veteran Awards Finalists 2022
Lairds of Troon are proud to announce that we have been shortlisted for two Scottish Veterans Awards CIC this year
We are finalists for Veteran Business of the Year Award! Plus, Mark Laird is a finalist for The Community Award!
This is very exciting for the team and we are grateful to be receiving recognition amongst some very talented people!
This event is in support of the ABF The Soldiers’​ Charity and Sponsored by Joint Force Alba: ex-military recruitment in Scotland.
You can find out who else was shortlisted here: https://veteransawards.co.uk/2022/02/27/meet-our-shortlisted-finalists-for-the-scottish-veterans-awards-2022/
Brand of the Month – March 2022
Assisted Smart Home Living
Are you a carer or have someone in your life who has reduced mobility and you want to offer them a solution to live in their home easily without 24 hour supervision and care? Then Lairds could help by offering a Assisted Smart Home Living System that would give the person their independence at their own comfort.
Home Automation
Home Automation is a fast-growing industry that looks to improve the homes and lives of people in more ways than one. From Smart Appliances, to central control over heating and electricity, Home Automation allows for those with reduced mobility to be comfortable and in control of their lifestyle with just a simple touch of the button.
Security
Another thing that we can give you with assisted living is your security! Peace of mind is important for everyone, which includes you and your loved ones. With limited visitation possible, especially through a pandemic such as Covid-19. Lairds can expertly install CCTV and alarm systems in your residence which allows you to feel safe and secure from anywhere with viewing access from anywhere at the touch of a button on your phone.
Connectivity
The next thing that is available in Assisted Living is better connectivity with your family, especially when visitation is limited! Zoom Calls and FaceTime are more important now than what they ever were, and the last thing you want is poor connection and buffering. With Home Networks and WIFI , expertly installed by Lairds AV, never waste a moment catching up with loved ones!
Virtual Reality
The last thing that we can offer as part of our Assisted Living systems looks to the future and the bigger picture! Make global efforts local efforts with Virtual Reality Offices and Laboratories. Modern Office Solutions allow for more connectivity, better research and more efficiency, whether it’s to help with day-to-day business, or innovative medical research. Allow yourself or your loved one to independently work and join meetings without having to move from their seat.
So, if this sounds like something you need for your yourself or your loved one, get in contact with the team for a bespoke system tailored to your needs.
Lairds Announcement 2021
Lairds of Troon has some very exciting news to share as we take a large step forward despite what has been, for us and many more, an arduous year. However, on this day Lairds of Troon would like to focus solely on what can only be described as highlights for the company.
Firstly, the team has more than doubled since January and each new member of Lairds has brought a fresh perspective to the company, a unique skillet and has created opportunities for Lairds that just were not possible before. Lairds has always taken pride in its close-knit team and its family values, and we are proud to say that these aspects of the company remain intact while our team has grown. Great investment has been made in the team and ensuring that we continue to improve and offer valuable services moving forward out Technical Team will be undertaking a Cyber Security degree over the next few years this will not only add to their current skill set but allow them to continually provide a first-class service to our valued customers.
Secondly, Lairds have secured the contract for our most ambitious project to date. Lairds will be installing everything from music systems to CCTV, to Digital signage and more in the soon to arrive Beresford Lounge. This will be a luxury venue that will include a bar/restaurant, cafe, and nightclub over three storeys in one of the most iconic locations in Glasgow. Blending modern luxury with an art deco style, this project will breathe life back into the world renowned Sauchiehall Street – the life and soul of Glasgow’s city centre that has seen some hard times in the past few years. Lairds are extremely proud to be a part of this exciting project and consider it a historic moment for our company.
Lairds is also proud to announce or partnership with Soluis as we join them in providing AV support and technological solutions for their immersive reality portal. This partnership demonstrates the versatility of the Lairds portfolio and the expansive expertise that we provide.
Furthermore, Lairds has begun cooperative partnerships with Architectural Firms, Hoko, Thomas Robinson Architects, & Thompson Hunter Architects. This is through a shared vision that the houses of the future are the houses of today and that Smart-Home Technology will become commonplace in modern building and thus incorporated into the design at the earliest stages. This mutual recognition marks a step-forward for our business and our industry.
Lairds are also finalists for two prizes at this year’s Scottish Veterans Awards. Recognition like this is always appreciated here at Lairds, however, what truly resonates with us is being a part of a community such as the UK wide Veterans Awards, which support the businesses and business ventures of those who have served in the UK military. It is no secret that veterans can be among the most vulnerable members of society and so it is with great pride that we are part of a community that seeks to support and uplift the veterans in this country. The awards will be held on the 6th of October in Edinburgh and in support of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
Finally, Lairds’ most exciting update is the expansion of our company from Regional to National as we open up our second office in Glasgow. One of the most vibrant cities in Europe, we look forward to setting up shop alongside some of the most exciting businesses in the UK. We see this expansion as a solidifier of our status as a national company and as one of the leaders of our field in this location. We can’t wait to explore the new opportunities that this will lead to and the relationships we will build with the people of Scotland’s liveliest city.
Overall, Lairds has enjoyed many Ups this year, and seen as many lows, but with the continued support and effort of the entire team, Lairds now gets to look forward, as it becomes safer for businesses to operate again.
Lairds would like to thank those who have supported us over the years. From valued customers to our wonderful partners and suppliers, all of whom have made lasting relationships with us.
Here’s to them, to us and to the future!
Mark Laird | Director & Founder                                          Johanna Laird | Business DirectorÂ
The Invisible Speakers Series from Sonance make it possible to have high quality sound, with no compromise to style and interior design. Seeing, or rather not seeing, is believing. For total concealment, mount these beauties into the wall, then plaster and paint over them! Additionally, cover them with wallpaper, wood veneer, or even venetian plaster.
This series is the ultimate combination of quality, versatility, and concealment!
How is that possible?
The Invisible Speakers contain tweeters and woofers and subwoofers, just like ordinary speakers The output from these speakers produce a range of frequencies, treble, natural midrange and bass. Their output is via the flexible material of the wall they are installed in. This is because, the speakers create frequency vibrations, which disperse evenly through the wall or ceiling, and the sound seemingly emanates from nowhere.
Additionally, the speakers are able to perform when under 3 whole millimetres of covering, and they boast a shallow design of two inches. You can virtually install these anywhere!
Durable and Reliable
The Invisible Speakers Series are durable and long-lasting. This is due to a high quality extruded aluminum chassis and injection molded polypropylene diagram. Therefore you can be safe in the knowledge that once the speakers are in the wall or ceiling, they will last.
Furthermore, at Lairds of Troon, we installed Invisible Speakers into a home sauna. In a large scale project, where Lairds provided audio zones in every room in the house, one of the challenges we faced was to install speakers in the sauna/steam room. The obvious obstacles are that you need a speaker that can withstand steam and intense heat. Unfortunately, we found that even the most resilient speakers, will eventually corrode or diminish in quality. With the exception, of course, of the Invisible Speakers. The speakers totally avoided all of these problems as they were placed in a synthesised material and then tiled over. Thus, we were able to deliver high quality sound to our clients.
To summarise, the Invisible Speakers series from Sonance ticks all the boxes for high quality audio without intruding on design. The result is a long-lasting audio set up that makes music cascade from the room.
The Invisible Speakers Series from Sonance are in the stores of Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Miu Miu, Fendi and Dior! The team at Lairds are able to expertly install them in your commercial or residential property too!