Axiom Events

The Challenge

Axiom Events is a Middlesbrough-based live events production company delivering full technical support for concerts, festivals and large-scale events across the UK and Europe. Operating from its base at Skippers Lane Industrial Estate, the company provides AV hire, lighting, rigging, staging and full venue production services.

With the business continuing to grow, Axiom needed to expand its workforce to meet demand. Like many specialist firms, the company faced the challenge of recruiting new staff with the right attitude and aptitude, while allowing enough time for training and development in technical skills ahead of busy periods.

The Solution

Earlier this year, Axiom Events engaged with the Tees Valley Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, a UK Government-funded programme supporting young people aged 18 to 21 who are not currently in work, education or training. The Trailblazer offers businesses access to paid work placements and work taster opportunities, helping employers bring new talent into their teams while supporting training and onboarding.

Through the programme, Axiom Events welcomed two young people from Middlesbrough, Layla Agiadis and Joshua Hugill, into the business. The Trailblazer enabled the company to bring both recruits on board, giving them valuable time to train across different areas of the operation.

“The Trailblazer has allowed us to bring two new people into the business at the right time. It’s given us the space to train them properly and prepare for future growth.”
– Peter Shorten, Director, Axiom Events

Josh and Layla have hit the ground running at Axiom Events

The Results

Since joining the team, both recruits have quickly become valuable members of the Axiom team. Under the guidance of the firm’s experienced production and warehouse staff, they are being trained across multiple roles within the business, building a broad skillset aligned to the demands of the live events industry.

The additional capacity has already delivered benefits for the company, supporting day-to-day operations and strengthening its readiness for major jobs. Over the past 12 months, Axiom Events has supported high-profile events, including providing production services for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

The business now plans to retain both recruits on a long-term basis, helping to future-proof its workforce while developing the next generation of skilled technicians within the Tees Valley.

Looking Ahead

The Youth Trailblazer supports businesses to grow by helping them access new talent, subsidise training costs, and build a sustainable workforce. For growing companies like Axiom Events, the programme aligns with long-term recruitment needs while creating clear pathways into skilled employment for young people across the region.

Businesses across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool can benefit from tailored support to recruit, train and develop staff through the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

The Trailblazer is funded by UK Government.

To find out more about the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, and getting involved, go to: Youth Guarantee Trailblazer – Business