The Government Property Agency (the GPA) is responsible for leading the transformation of the UK Civil Service office estate, consolidating and modernising government buildings nationwide with a focus on reducing the office footprint, improving sustainability and workplace experience, and ultimately saving taxpayer money. Lightware’s signal management solutions are a key feature in the GPA’s toolkit as the agency rolls out new technology standards across government offices nationwide.
On a project of this scale, the GPA found standardisation of technology to be the most efficient route, compatible with its longer-term technology strategy and overall scalability. Following an 18-month research and development phase, the GPA procured Lightware’s Taurus products as part of its solution that enables hybrid-ready, multi-use meeting environments for a multi-tenant user base.
Designed with the GPA’s core principles of user experience, accessibility, security, supportability and sustainability in mind, a technology standard based around Lightware’s Taurus TPX transmitter and receiver bundle (TPX-2x1-TX20-RX107 Bundle), in conjunction with Sony Bravia displays, a Logitech Rally video conferencing solution and a presence sensor, was established. Smaller, non-video conference solutions use the Taurus Smart Dock (UCX-1x1-C40) for a simplified Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) experience.
Across any of the UK Government offices with the GPA’s audiovisual equipment installed, the user experience remains the same. Upon entering a standard meeting room, a presence sensor, integrated with the Lightware switchers, powers on the display to show a welcome screen, which includes handy instructions for starting a meeting, connecting to centralised Wifi (GovWifi), and IT support contact details. Users then connect their laptops via USB-C to the Taurus unit, giving them a true BYOD experience and full control of the meeting room equipment. As all rooms differ in size and device placement, the Taurus TPX bundles enable high-resolution signal transmission over longer distances of up to 100 metres.
With reduced conference table clutter and no more multi-cable solutions to navigate, users have a simplified yet functional experience, and through minimising hardware, the potential points of failure are also reduced.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
