Pair start audio business

A new audio hire business has opened on the Peninsula.

CenCoastal Live hires audio equipment, including as amplifiers, speakers and microphones.

Business partners Paul Karton and Neil Smith began the company recently after Paul completed his small business certificate.

The idea came after Neil's band found it could not afford to hire equipment elsewhere.

"I couldn't find a cheap PA hire for my band," he said.

"Everything is like 500 bucks, and bands don't usually get paid that much to play."

The pair decided to fill the market for affordable audio equipment hire.

Recently, the group helped out with audio equipment at the Umina Beach Folk Festival and the Acoustic Lounge at Wyong.

In the coming months, the business will provide sound for an industry night at the Art House in Sydney and also at Pacific Palms in Taree next year.

The pair said they were also willing to travel with local musicians.

"We love doing it which is the best part, meeting cool people and listening to people, and hopefully making some money out of it," said Neil.

They said they hoped to get into band management as a recording label in the future, as their next business step.

Lyle Stone, October 27