Harman Pro UK, distributors for the Harman Group of pro-audio manufacturing companies in the UK and Eire, have announced a new deal to make it easier for tour sound companies to finance the direct purchase of two of their most popular high-ticket equipment lines: Soundcraft's Vi-series digital consoles and JBL's VerTec-series line array systems for stadium-scale sound reinforcement.

Since the introduction of JBL's VerTec speaker systems in 2000, the range has become a popular choice for live sound audio production companies, and although only released last year, Soundcraft's Vi6 digital console and its smaller sibling the Vi4 have already proven popular with some of the best-known UK tour sound companies and live venues, such as the Adlib Audio Group and Camden's KOKO. However, Harman Pro UK recognise that financing the purchase of such high-value equipment can be a challenge for tour sound companies, so they've arranged the new 0-percent deal to help spread the impact of re-equipping.

Various types of agreements are possible under Harman Pro UK Finance, depending on the requirements of the company applying. 0-percent finance is available over two years but exceptionally low rates are offered over longer periods. Deferred payment schemes can be arranged for the purchase of Vi6 and/or VerTec systems, which might for example suit a company with guaranteed festival work coming up several months down the line.

"We know from experience that cashflow can be a problem for even the largest tour companies," comments Harman Pro UK's Gary Dent. "Things go well when you have a couple of big tours happening and then business can be quiet for a patch. That's not very conducive to paying off a large loan, with interest, on a regular basis. But with our new finance schemes, you could defer payment for a period, or pay it off completely interest-free within a set timeframe if your cashflow situation is favourable. We think this flexibility will prove very attractive to our tour sound clients."

As with all finance arrangements, Harman Pro UK's 0-percent deals for VerTec and Vi6 or Vi4 purchases are subject to conditions and credit checks. For more information or to discuss terms, contact Gary Dent at Harman Pro UK on 01707 668222.