Dutch broadcast services provider Broadcast Rental has launched Broadcast Rental UK.

The new UK operation will officially begin trading in June and will be led by former Gravity Media executive Matt Coyde, who joins the business as Managing Director.

Broadcast Rental UK will initially focus on wireless camera systems, RF services and dry hire rental equipment, while also supporting overseas flypack projects for UK-based clients.

Paul Chamalaun, Chief Commercial Officer at Broadcast Rental, said the UK expansion had been under consideration for several years as the company looked to build on its international growth and that, across Europe, including in the UK, there is a need for “smaller and more agile companies that can adapt quickly without the complexities often associated with very large organisations.” Chamalaun added that Brexit had made the UK a distinct market requiring a local presence and that the UK is a hugely important market for broadcasting, sport, live music and events.

The company plans to establish a stocked UK base during the second half of the year, with initial investment focused on RF systems and dry hire rental equipment. Additional equipment may initially be supplied from the Netherlands operation before further dedicated UK investment later in the year. The UK operation would work closely with the Netherlands business, with both entities sharing resources and services.

The business will target a broad customer base including broadcast facilities providers, production companies, broadcasters and rights holders.

The company will explore opportunities to introduce specialist camera technologies and services into the market through strategic investment and partnerships with manufacturers and suppliers.