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October 14, 2026

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Internal Staff EventsPeople

World Mental Health Day at Neg Earth Lights

World Mental Health Day at Neg Earth Lights 0

The Link Between Nutrition and Wellbeing 

The 10th of October marked World Mental Health Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness of mental health and encouraging support for those who may be struggling. To mark the occasion, we welcomed nutritional therapist Nicola Moore to Neg Earth to deliver an engaging workshop exploring the connection between nutrition and wellbeing. What we eat can have a significant impact on our physical health and overall mental wellbeing, making nutrition an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

With a large proportion of our workforce based in the warehouse and carrying out physically demanding roles, we felt it was important to provide practical guidance on how to properly fuel both body and mind. Nicola shared valuable insights on topics including overcoming the mid-afternoon slump and making sustainable dietary choices that support long-term wellbeing. Staff also had the opportunity to speak with Nicola one-to-one, receiving personalised advice tailored to their individual needs.

Interested in learning more about Nicola’s services or booking a workshop for your organisation? You can find out more and get in touch via her website here: https://www.nicola-moore.com/about

Putting It into Practice 

To complement the workshop, we also invited Pink Cactus to Neg Earth to serve authentic Mexican cuisine. Staff were able to choose from a selection of tacos and burritos, bringing everyone together to enjoy a hearty lunch while putting some of Nicola’s advice on balanced meals into practice. It was a great opportunity to continue the conversation around wellbeing in a relaxed and social setting.

Supporting Mental Health All Year Round 

At Neg Earth, supporting mental health isn’t limited to a single day of awareness. The health and wellbeing of our people is embedded into the foundations of our business, and we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels supported.

Earlier this year, we also marked Mental Health Awareness Week with a range of activities designed to support holistic wellbeing and encourage colleagues to take time for themselves. These included: an onsite Pilates class, massages, and a mindful calligraphy workshop. By investing in initiatives that support both mind and body throughout the year.

Our Wider Wellbeing Initiatives 

Putting our people at the centre of everything we do is fundamental to our culture. We support our employees through a range of ongoing initiatives, including trained Mental Health First Aiders who are available to provide guidance and support, a partnership with Music Support to help those working within the music industry, and facilities such as an on-site gym and complimentary breakfast bar to encourage healthy daily habits. Throughout the year, we also take part in activities that strengthen connections across the business, from our monthly ‘Tea and Talk’ sessions, where colleagues can come together for open and meaningful conversations over tea and cake, to a variety of events that celebrate and give back to the wider community, including International Women’s Day initiatives, company-wide social events and local environmental projects, such as litter-picking. Together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to creating a supportive and people-focused workplace where wellbeing is embedded in the fabric of the business and remains a key consideration in everything we do.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please visit Music Support at: helpline@musicsupport.org for advice and support.

Interested in seeing what else we got up to during Mental Health Awareness Week? Read our blog: https://negearth.co.uk/taking-action-for-mental-health-awareness-week/

If you’d like to learn more about life at Neg Earth and explore current opportunities, visit our careers page: https://negearth.co.uk/negearthcareers/

May 19, 2026

Contract

Internal Staff Events

Taking Action for Mental Health Awareness Week

Taking Action for Mental Health Awareness Week 0

Supporting Wellbeing Beyond Awareness

In 2022, mental health was the 5th most common reason for sickness absence in the UK, with poor mental health being the leading cause of work-limiting conditions among those aged 44 and under. That’s why it was really important for us to renew our partnership with Music Support – a UK-based charity that provides support to those within the music industry who are struggling with mental health or addiction issues. This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing across the music industry. This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, held from 11-17 May, focused on taking action rather than simply raising awareness. At Neg Earth, we care deeply about our community, and throughout the week we organised a combination of creative and physical activities designed to encourage staff to slow down, take a break, and engage in wellness and self-care during the working day.

Slowing Down Through Mindful Calligraphy

We kickstarted the week with a mindful calligraphy session, led by Laura Edralin, a London-based calligraphy artist and teacher. Laura showed us how mindfulness can be embodied through the art of calligraphy, encouraging us to remember our posture, and the angle of our pens and paper – or as she called them, “the 3 P’s”. The session encouraged patience and concentration, allowing each participant to carefully piece together the elements of calligraphy to create their own masterpiece. Laura compared calligraphy to “using a bunch of Lego pieces to build a sculpture”, reminding us that the beauty often comes from slowing down and focusing on the details.

Relaxation and Recovery with Workplace Massages

Our focus on wellness continued with the return of professional massage therapist, Giorgiana Marc. Massage sessions have become a much-loved annual tradition at Neg Earth. Many members of staff engage in manual labour or undertake physically demanding tasks that place repeated strain on muscles and joints, so it was important for us to provide an activity that encouraged both physical relaxation and mental reset. Staff were able to pre-book 15-minute massage appointments, giving everyone dedicated time to properly relax and unwind throughout the day. Giorgiana is also a professional canine masseuse, so as usual, we had to get our furry friends involved – Buluu said his massage was “impawsibly good.” After all, mental health affects all of us.

Giving Back Through Our Charity Plant Sale

Continuing the green streak from our World Earth Day celebrations last month, we also hosted our annual Charity Plant Sale, organised by our very own Matthew Alston. Staff could choose from a range of home-grown produce, including cucumbers, chilli and squash plants. With mental health challenges continuing to affect many people within the live music industry, all proceeds from the sale were donated to Music Support – a charity dedicated to supporting those affected. Any remaining plants were donated to a local allotment, helping us to continue to invest in and support our wider community.

Strengthening Mind and Body with Pilates

To round off the week, we held a Pilates class led by Liene Cole. The session focused on strengthening and restoring the body through low-impact movement, helping to relieve stress and improve posture. It also brought out a healthy sense of competition, particularly when it came to seeing who could hold a wall sit the longest.

Building a Culture of Care and Connection

At Neg Earth, Mental Health Awareness Week is about more than simply acknowledging the conversation around mental health. It is an opportunity to actively support our community and reinforce the importance of caring for ourselves and others. Whether through creativity, movement, conversation, or simply taking a moment to pause, we remain committed to building a workplace culture where people feel supported and valued.

Mental health and wellbeing matter. If you or anyone you know within the music industry needs support, visit www.musicsupport.org for confidential help and guidance.

May 8, 2026

Contract

EducationInternal Staff EventsWork Culture

Rooted in Change: How We Marked World Earth Day at Neg Earth Lights

Rooted in Change: How We Marked World Earth Day at Neg Earth Lights 0

Did you know that gardening is considered a form of ‘green exercise’, and can reduce stress levels by 4.2% and enhance feelings of well-being by 6.6%?

In many ways, gardening is both earth care and self-care, with benefits that grow in both directions.

World Earth Day: A Celebration with Purpose

This year, we celebrated World Earth Day with purpose – engaging in a series of activities across two weeks that brought community together while making a positive impact on our environment. From litter picking along the Grand Union Canal to supporting local wildlife initiatives and reimagining our monthly Tea & Talk, each activity reflected our shared commitment to sustainability and community.

Caring for Our Community: Grand Union Canal Clean-Up

We kicked things off with a walk along the Grand Union Canal, equipped with litter pickers, gloves and bin bags, ready to clear any waste left behind. It was a simple but meaningful way to give back to our local area. At Neg Earth, community extends beyond our workplace, and by helping restore the canal, we’re also creating a cleaner, more enjoyable space for those who live nearby, as well as for local wildlife. Encouragingly, we found less litter than last year – a small but important sign that collective efforts are making a difference.

Supporting Wildlife & Local Ecosystems

Our focus on wildlife continued as we encouraged participation in the Ealing Beaver Challenge – an initiative dedicated to reintroducing beavers into flood-prone areas. These animals play a vital role in restoring natural ecosystems and helping to reduce flooding for local residents. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes the most effective solutions come from working with nature rather than against it.

Sustainability in Action: A Greener Tea & Talk

We also gave our monthly Tea & Talk a sustainable twist. Led by our very own Matthew Alston, the session brought colleagues together to plant a selection of pet-safe herbs, while learning practical ways to care for plants and adopt more sustainable habits at home. It was a chance to connect and learn something new, as well as enjoy some therapeutic gardening. Even our sweet treats stayed on theme…

Looking Ahead: Growing Our Impact Together

Our World Earth Day activities show that sustainability can be both hands-on and genuinely enjoyable. Whether it’s cleaning up your local community, supporting nature reserves, or simply getting stuck into a bit of gardening, every small action contributes to a bigger impact. Together, we’re continuing to build a workplace culture that values both people and the planet.

If you’re interested in learning more about our sustainability initiatives, head over to our Sustainability page to see our journey so far. There’s always room to grow.

April 21, 2026

Contract

Internal Staff Events

An Egg-cellent Easter at Neg Earth

An Egg-cellent Easter at Neg Earth 0

The Hunt Begins

Before the Easter Bank Holiday started, some special visitors decided to pay us a visit at Neg Earth and spread some festive cheer around the building. Neg Earth employees arrived on Thursday morning, to find that over 100 eggs had been hidden across the office and warehouse. The hunt began to see who could find the most chocolatey treats…

Sweet Treats & Stronger Teams

This egg-citing hunt helped us to foster team bonding and boost morale amongst our community, just in time for the long weekend. However, with everyone on the lookout, the eggs didn’t stay hidden for long…Our marketing bunnies handed out even more eggs, making sure everyone had something to indulge in over the Easter weekend, because after all, there’s no such thing as too much chocolate.

Treats for Every Team Member

And of course, being a dog-friendly company, we had to get our furry-friends involved too (with the help of some treats)!

April 2, 2026

Contract

Internal Staff EventsPeople

Challenging Thinking, Inspiring Change: Inside Our Steps Drama Workshop

Challenging Thinking, Inspiring Change: Inside Our Steps Drama Workshop 0

Investing in How We Work Together

At Neg Earth Lights, being a forward-thinking, wellness-driven company means continually investing in how we work together. Because of this, we invited Steps Drama to lead an interactive workshop here, focused on strengthening our organisational culture and supporting a safe, collaborative environment.

Reflecting on Behaviour and Workplace Culture

With community at the heart of what we do, the session encouraged us to reflect on how our behaviour shapes the workplace. Through creative, drama-based scenarios, we explored how stress can surface in our actions, how to recognise it early, and how to respond in a way that prioritises both safety and respect.

Encouraging Open Dialogue and Growth

The workshop encouraged us to challenge uncomfortable behaviour, and spark honest debate about ways of navigating different workplace dynamics – reinforcing the importance of speaking up, being open to feedback, and staying committed to personal and collective growth.

Moving Forward with Excellence

Thanks to Steps Drama, we were able to better understand how to steer challenging situations while holding ourselves to the high standard of excellence we value at Neg Earth. Excellence is reflected not just in what we achieve, but in how we show up for each other every day.

Thank you again to Mark and the team for delivering this thought-provoking session, and to all who attended to help nurture our culture at Neg Earth.

http://www.stepsdrama.com/

June 30, 2025

Neg Earth IT

BehindTheScenesBespokeLightingSolutionsConcertLightingCrewChiefEventTechImagineDragons2025LightingCrewLightingDesignLiveEventsIndustryLiveProductionNegEarthLightsProductionTeamRoadCrewStadiumTourStageLightingTourLife

Internal Staff EventsTouring

Behind the Lights: A Crew Chief’s Perspective.

Behind the Lights: A Crew Chief’s Perspective. 0

Interview with Harry Smith

Imagine Dragons Stadium Tour 2025

 

 

Q: Harry, can you tell us about your role on the stadium tour with Imagine Dragons?

“As the crew chief, my main responsibility is to oversee the lighting operations and coordinate with the entire production team. I manage a team of eight talented professionals, each with their own roles, and ensure that everything runs smoothly across all the venues we visit.”

Q: What makes stadium tours different from arena shows?

“Stadium tours are uniquely exciting—they’re grand in scale and bring a different energy each day. However, they also come with distinct challenges. Weather is a huge factor; working outdoors means dealing with the elements, which can impact setup, safety, and motivation. In contrast, arena shows are typically held indoors, so the weather isn’t a concern. But stadiums require us to be more flexible and adaptable, especially since every show features a different stage design and layout.”

Q: I understand that the staging is provided locally for each show. How does that affect your work?

“It adds a layer of complexity. Since each venue supplies its own stage, we’re faced with different configurations every day. The lighting rig, in particular, changes each time—so I need to ensure my team can adapt quickly to new setups. Flexibility is key. We work closely with the design team, production, riggers, and stage crew to coordinate and execute these changes efficiently.”

Q: Can you tell us about the custom lighting solutions used on this tour?

“One of the most striking features of our setup is the large back walls of lights. To achieve this, Neg Earth has developed bespoke, custom-manufactured solutions. These are incredibly heavy and require meticulous planning and effort to install and ready for each show. Unlike an arena with a permanent roof structure, our stadium stages are temporary, which makes safety our top priority at every step.”

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your role?

“Managing and motivating the team is what I find most fulfilling. On this tour, I oversee a diverse team working under sometimes challenging conditions—adverse weather, tight schedules, and complex setups. Seeing the team come together and execute a flawless show is incredibly satisfying. The crew is the backbone of the operation, and my job is to support and coordinate them effectively.”

Q: How does the lighting rig set up evolve over the course of the tour?

“At the start, we could get the rig up in about 8 hours and take it down in 4. By the end of the tour, we’d hope to improve this significantly, setting up in roughly 6 hours and bringing down in 3. This efficiency is a testament to the team’s experience and our continuous refinement of procedures.”

Q: With 20 stadiums on this tour, each very different, what has been a personal highlight?

“The final London show stands out as a highlight. The atmosphere there is electric—there’s nothing quite like a home crowd. It’s always a special moment to see everything come together in such an iconic setting.”

Q: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a crew chief in live events?

“Be adaptable and ready to think on your feet. Every venue, every show is different, so flexibility and strong communication are vital. Building a reliable team and fostering good relationships with all departments make the job not only smoother but more enjoyable. And remember, the success of the show really depends on your crew—support them, and the show will shine.”

Q: Any final thoughts?

“I did not imagine, when I started at my local 200-seat theatre fifteen years ago, that one day I would have the opportunity to collaborate on and lead projects of this scale. Each stage of my career has presented a new set of challenges, and I have developed both as an individual and a professional alongside them. It has been hugely rewarding and a privilege to work on these projects.”

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