Trade body Clarity unveils new 2025 board of directors

Clarity, the UK hi-fi industry’s trade body, has announced appointments to its board of directors for 2025.

Members of the trade association gathered for the AGM, at which the appointments to the board directors were confirmed. Taking their place on the board are Richard Coleman (KEF); Elizabeth Gould (Martins Hi-Fi); Phil Hansen (Red Sheep Communications); Paul Laville (T21 Group); Darren Sherriff (Lonestar Consulting); Geoff Mathews (Soundcraft Hi-Fi), Ian Sutton (Cadence Distribution). And joining the board for the first time is Alister Smith from PMC.

Smith (pictured), commenting on his appointment, says “It is a great privilege to join the board of the UK hi-fi industry trade association. I am looking forward to contributing ideas and thoughts to this important body, which has worked hard for many years to support the UK’s industry in the face of ever-increasing pressures on the high street and shifting consumer behaviour. Its work is very important, and I am sure the plans the board is putting in place will be of huge benefit to the industry as a whole.”

The board also voted to appoint Darren Sherriff as its chairman, following the decision by Elizabeth Gould to stand down from the position after three years. Gould remains on the board in an ex-officio capacity.

Clarity has also welcomed Dacombes of Wimborne as its latest member. Having attended the Clarity “Bacon, Bubbles and Banter” networking session held recently at the KEF Music Gallery, London, Matt Renaut, owner of Dacombes, applied for membership.

“In an industry that is fast moving and as exciting as the hi-fi and home cinema sector is, it is important that ideas are shared between the people operating within it. Joining the trade association enables us to participate in these discussions, share knowledge and cooperatively learn from each other. I am delighted that Dacombes of Wimborne is now part of Clarity.”

The Clarity board is now busy planning its annual conference – the only such event for the UK hi-fi industry in the calendar. This year’s event takes place on June 9 at the Dolby screening room in Soho Square, London. More details will be announced shortly.