Global expansion

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Misner pictured at Studios 301 in 2006.

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SAE graduates operate a Solid State Logic XL 9000 console installed at the organisation's Byron Bay studio facility.

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Tom Misner addresses the media in Jordan.

This month will see the SAE Group, the industry's largest technical services training provider, relocate its global headquarters from Australia to the UK.

SAE founder Tom Misner speaks to Sound & Stage about the company's plans for expansion in the education, production and technology sectors.

Why have you decided to relocate SAE's headquarters from Sydney to Oxford in the UK?

There are several strategic reasons for our decision. Obviously, Oxford is very well known as a centre of academic excellence. But more importantly, our business is enjoying unprecedented growth in Europe and the Middle East.

The time difference separating these territories and Australia created too many logistical challenges. To run an efficient operation you have to be based in a similar time zone to your key markets.

Why did you choose Oxford over London?

It came down to the fact that we were offered the opportunity to purchase a really unique building in Oxford, which was formerly a hospital and dates from 1858. It has been fully converted into a modern office space and boasts all the infrastructure we require to operate our business globally.

When will the new facility officially open for business?

The office will open this month and will house 60 full-time administration staff along with our internet operations.

The school itself will welcome its first intake of students in October.

Are there any special plans for the school given that it will be attached to the headquarters?

The Oxford school will function exclusively as a degree centre. It won't cater to thousands of students.

It was always designed to be a small school but very luxurious and with high-spec equipment. Students who have completed their first year at an SAE school located anywhere in the world will be offered the opportunity to attend the Oxford school in their second year, or part of the year. It will only offer our degree and Masters programmes.

Several pro audio technology specialists, including Sony, have research and development operations based in Oxford. Did that factor into your decision?

It was a consideration. We have been thinking about relocating the AMS Neve HQ to Oxford as well. Solid State Logic already has a base there.

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