SME Service Manager - Brian Laker


Dear All,

To anyone interested, I have some unfortunate news: Brian Laker, Service Manager at SME Ltd, has left the company, not of his own volition, but following numerous layoffs by the new owners of SME Ltd.
I exchanged emails with Brian, who explained what happened. SME Ltd previously had a workforce of over 80 specialized employees, and following staff cuts, there are now only 12 left.
This is a truly difficult and unfortunate situation. Especially considering that Brian, in particular, had been in service for approximately 39 years and had become a true point of reference (he is known worldwide) for his professionalism, technical expertise, kindness, and helpfulness.
He has therefore opened his own SME technical assistance company, and below is how to contact him, as he asked me to share this news.
His email address: [email protected]
Obviously, Brian will not be able to perform warranty service work, but he will remain available for any clarification, just as he always has.
He's truly a fantastic person and a true gentleman.
Best regards

Alessandro

alessandrocat

I am greatly saddened to read this. It doesn't look good for the future of the company.

When SME announced that they were not going to sell tonearms anymore, it seemed clear to me that the inmates were running the asylum and that it would be only a matter of time before all would be gone.  I really hope I am wrong about this.

Hi, @billstevenson that's exactly what worries me too. They've also raised the prices of their products beyond any reasonable limit, so much so that only a few can afford them. It almost seems like they've wiped the slate clean, practically erasing the entire history of the company and its founder, ARA. It's a real shame.

Regards

Alessandro