The people behind Powerhouse

Meet the team.

Meet the Powerhouse team behind event production and AV equipment hire across London and Hertfordshire. From the first conversation to the final load-out, we plan, prepare and bring your event to life.

Our Founders

Where the Powerhouse story began.

Steve Hawkins – Founder

Steve is a founder of Powerhouse Hire, since 1978 he has developed and nurtured this company from a small shop hiring out belt-driven turntables and mixers, to what it is today. Steve has never been a stranger to hard work, even today, despite being semi-retired – when Steve is in the office he is often found with a tool or piece of equipment in hand, solving a problem or carrying out deliveries. A man with multi-faceted talents, from ensuring sales go correctly, to stock procurement and executive decisions, Steve makes sure that Powerhouse Hire grows even further.

Sonia Hawkins

Sonia Hawkins – Company Secretary

Sonia has been with us since 1991. Despite being retired, Sonia still gets stuck in with the administrative and managerial tasks that crop up, helping us quell the lists of office related tasks that constantly crop up. As a director of the company, Sonia has oversight over all areas of the business, and does so with a keen eye that only comes with decades of experience.

Leadership

Guiding the business and keeping the team supported.

Matt Hawkins – Managing Director

Since stepping into the role of Managing Director in 2019, Matt has steered Powerhouse through an extraordinary period of growth—more than tripling the size of the business in just six years. His leadership has shaped not only the scale of what we do, but the standard we deliver.

Matt isn’t the kind of director who leads from a distance. From the first ideas on paper to the final show cue, he’s involved in every stage of our major projects—designing custom elements, solving challenges on the fly, and directing our crews with trademark focus and flair. His deep technical knowledge and creative mindset mean you’re just as likely to find him behind a lighting desk as you are in a design meeting.

If you spot him at your event, don’t be surprised—he’s there to make sure every detail is flawless.

Michelle Hawkins – HR & Finance Director

Michelle joined Powerhouse in 2011 and has been a key part of the company’s growth ever since. With a strong background in sales, marketing, and operations, she now leads our finance and HR functions with clarity and precision.

Overseeing everything from payroll and budgeting to team development and business planning, Michelle ensures the company runs smoothly behind the scenes. Her experience, steady leadership, and eye for detail provide the structure that supports the rest of the team to deliver at their best.

Fred – Office Manager

Fred is, without a doubt, everyone’s favourite member of the Powerhouse family — and let’s be honest, probably the best behaved one too. As our office pug, he might not be able to fix a dodgy capacitor or run the mixing desk, but his expert nose for sniffing out trouble (or the lunchbox) is second to none. If there’s a knock at the door, Fred’s on high alert before anyone else even hears it — though we suspect he’s mostly guarding the snacks.

You’ll always find Fred waiting to greet you with his adorable, squashed face and wagging tail the moment you walk in. Whether it’s a quick cuddle, a reassuring paw, or just some good old-fashioned pug wisdom, Fred’s here to keep spirits high and the team smiling — the true heartbeat of Powerhouse.

Project Management & Warehouse

From the first plans to equipment ready for the show.

Brandon Smith – Production Designer & Project Manager

Brandon is a crucial member of the Powerhouse office and production team, combining creative design skills with hands-on technical expertise. As Head of Production Design, he leads on event planning and layout, producing detailed designs using CAD software to bring each concept to life with precision.

Alongside his design work, Brandon plays an active role in the prep and delivery of projects, often assisting on site as a skilled lighting technician. He’s highly experienced in operating lighting systems and safely rigging equipment in some of London’s most prestigious venues. His blend of creativity, technical ability, and calm professionalism makes him an invaluable asset across the board.

Grace Foggo

Grace Foggo – Project Manager & Set Operations

Grace joined the Powerhouse team in January 2023, bringing with her a strong background in TV and set production. Since coming on board, she has taken on a key role as Project Manager, overseeing a variety of hire and small production enquiries with efficiency and attention to detail.

Alongside her project management responsibilities, Grace oversees our scenic operations, planning custom builds and maximising the use of materials to minimise waste. Her creative eye and practical knowledge ensure that every detail is considered and delivered to a high standard. Whether she’s supporting clients or directing crews, Grace plays a vital part in bringing each project to life

Joe Burvill – Warehouse & Asset Manager

Joe is an experienced and highly valued member of the Powerhouse team, having joined us in 2016. Since then, he has grown into the role of Warehouse and Asset Manager, where he takes full responsibility for the organisation, maintenance, and preparation of all our equipment. With an in-depth knowledge of our entire inventory, Joe ensures every item leaves the warehouse in perfect working condition and returns the same way.

His meticulous approach and eye for detail help keep our operations running smoothly behind the scenes. Outside the warehouse, Joe plays a key role in supporting large-scale event setups, where his technical know-how and calm efficiency make a real difference to the team on site.

Andre’ Cirillo – Prep Technician & Sound Engineer

Andre joined Powerhouse in early 2026 and works across several areas of our technical and warehouse operations. As one of our Warehouse Prep Technicians, he helps ensure equipment is prepared, tested and ready for each production, while also working onsite as a Rigging Team Leader and Sound Technician.

His broad technical skillset and hands-on approach make him a versatile member of the team, equally comfortable preparing equipment in the warehouse or supporting the delivery of live events onsite.

Andre is also multilingual, speaking Italian, English, German and Spanish, which is a great asset when working with clients, venues and production teams from around the world.

Event Crew & Drivers

The people who get everything there, built and ready.

Ali Mousavi

Ali Mousavi – Scenic Carpenter / Driver

Ali joined the Powerhouse team in summer 2025 as a freelance driver. Little did we know that his true expertise is in carpentry, having completed professional training in the field. Whenever you see new or custom scenic equipment, he is the one who built and installed it.

Besides this, Ali also helps with setup, rigging, and event operations. Always eager to learn more, Ali exemplifies the drive and positive attitude that keep our crew energetic and prepared for anything.

Steve Jones – Driver

Steve Jones is a seasoned professional in the sound and lighting industry, bringing a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the team. His deep understanding of technical production and event logistics has made him an invaluable member of our driving and rigging crew.

Known for his reliability and expertise, Steve consistently delivers high-quality results, ensuring every setup runs smoothly and efficiently. His presence strengthens our team’s capability to handle complex events with confidence and precision.

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Jordi Kelly – Sound/Video Technician, Prep Technician

Jordi is one of Powerhouse’s multi-skilled technicians, working across sound, video, equipment preparation and driving as part of our event and production team.

A bass player by trade, Jordi brings a musician’s understanding of sound alongside his growing technical experience across live events. Whether he’s behind a sound desk, working with video equipment, preparing kit in the warehouse or out on the road, he approaches every job with care and professionalism.

Professional, charming and always willing to get stuck in, Jordi is equally comfortable working with clients as he is alongside the crew, making him a versatile and valued member of the Powerhouse team.

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Liam Mclinden – Driver

Liam joined the Powerhouse team in 2026 as a Driver and Event Crew member, supporting everything from equipment deliveries and collections to event builds and breakdowns.

As the lead singer of a band, Liam is no stranger to live events and knows his way around sound and lighting equipment. That hands-on experience gives him a great understanding of what goes into making an event work, both on stage and behind the scenes.

Reliable, practical and always ready to get stuck in, Liam brings his experience of live performance to the Powerhouse crew while continuing to develop his technical skills across a wide range of events.

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Dariusz Rek – Driver

Dariusz joined the Powerhouse team in 2025 and is one of our trusted drivers, helping to make sure equipment gets where it needs to be, when it needs to be there.

Always on time and with a smile on his face, Dariusz brings a positive and dependable approach to every shift. Whether he’s delivering equipment to a venue, collecting after an event or helping the team with a busy day of logistics, he can always be relied upon to get the job done.

Friendly, hardworking and consistently dependable, Dariusz is a valued member of the Powerhouse team and an important part of keeping our events moving.

Nathan Santer – Junior Prep Technician / Junior Site Technician

Nathan joined Powerhouse in the summer of 2026 as a Junior Prep Technician and Junior Rigger.

With a neat, tidy and methodical approach to his work, Nathan has quickly become a valued part of the team, supporting the preparation of equipment in the warehouse as well as working on event builds and rigging projects.

He is continuing to develop his technical and rigging skills alongside the more experienced members of the team, building his knowledge with every project. His willingness to learn, attention to detail and positive approach make him a strong addition to the Powerhouse crew.

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Zachary Morgan – Event Crew

Zachary joined the Powerhouse event crew in 2026, bringing knowledge of sound and lighting to the team.

Like Nathan, he is developing his practical experience alongside our more experienced crew, building his skills across event setup and on-site production.

Technical Specialists

Sound, lighting and video expertise for the live event.

Olun Dewever – Sound Technician / Prep Technician

Olun is a skilled and dedicated member of the Powerhouse team, working as a Prep Technician while also bringing his expertise as a fully qualified sound engineer. In the warehouse, he plays a key role in preparing and maintaining our audio equipment, ensuring every system leaves in perfect condition for each job.

With a strong technical background, Olun also supports the team on site, where his sound engineering skills are regularly put to use on a wide range of events. Whether handling complex audio setups or assisting with general production tasks, his calm, knowledgeable approach makes him a reliable and valued team member.

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Rob Stemson – Lighting Engineer

Rob is one of Powerhouse’s most experienced Lighting Engineers, bringing more than 20 years of experience in professional lighting and live events.

An exceptionally talented engineer and the consummate professional, Rob has worked on productions and events across the world, bringing a wealth of technical knowledge, creativity and experience to every project.

Whether designing a lighting setup, programming a show or delivering on site, Rob combines technical precision with a calm, professional approach. His ability to understand both the creative vision and the technical detail behind a production makes him a trusted member of the Powerhouse team and someone we’re always proud to have representing us on an event.

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Luke Jeffery – Lighting Engineer

Luke is an experienced Lighting Engineer, bringing years of experience across live events and production to the team.

An avid Avolites lighting desk technician, Luke combines strong technical knowledge with a creative eye, delivering lighting that complements everything from polished corporate productions to high-energy private events.

Equally comfortable behind a lighting desk, working through the technical details of a production or delivering a show on site, Luke brings a calm and professional approach to every project. His versatility, experience and passion for lighting make him a trusted member of the Powerhouse production team.

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Jordi Kelly – Sound/Video Technician, Prep Technician

Jordi is one of Powerhouse’s multi-skilled technicians, working across sound, video, equipment preparation and driving as part of our event and production team.

A bass player by trade, Jordi brings a musician’s understanding of sound alongside his growing technical experience across live events. Whether he’s behind a sound desk, working with video equipment, preparing kit in the warehouse or out on the road, he approaches every job with care and professionalism.

Professional, charming and always willing to get stuck in, Jordi is equally comfortable working with clients as he is alongside the crew, making him a versatile and valued member of the Powerhouse team.

Join Powerhouse

Could you be our next team member?

We’re looking for prep technicians, event crew, drivers, technicians and project managers. Explore the roles and find out how to join us.

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