Jon has over 35 years’ experience as a live sound engineer. His touring career has included working with artists as diverse as Pulp, Radiohead and, for 20 years, The Prodigy, taking him to major venues and festivals around the world.

Stepping back from touring in 2019, Jon now lectures on a wide range of audio and entertainment-related areas, sharing his extensive industry knowledge with the next generation of practitioners.

Jon has also worked in television and radio, further broadening his understanding of audio production across different media.

He is the co-owner of a five-room studio complex in Sheffield, which he designed and built with his business partner and where he continues to be actively involved in recording and production projects.

Jon is currently studying part time for a PhD in audience auditory experiences, bringing together his professional practice and research interests to explore how audiences perceive and engage with sound in live and mediated environments.

Jon helped found HELA Initiative after recognising a widespread need for clearer knowledge and understanding of key sound concepts across the industry.

HELA Initiative

Recent investigations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Audio Engineering Society (AES) highlight a significant lack of unbiased scientific research in key areas related to the live event sector, such as engineering, acoustics, audience experience, environmental impact, and the health and wellbeing of audiences, staff, and neighbouring communities.

To address this, the AES Technical Committee on Acoustics and Sound Reinforcement outlined 25 critical knowledge gaps and recommended creating the HELA Initiative to unite researchers and industry professionals, drive essential scientific research, and support safer, more sustainable sound practices.

Officially launched on World Hearing Day in March 2025, HELA Initiative aims to advance safe, health and sustainable sound practices though education, research and collaboration.

HELA Initiative focuses on education and research.

Through HELA Certification, venues and individuals can access evidence-based training, empowering them to manage sound responsibly, considering audiences, staff, artists and neighbouring communities.

The HELA Research Cooperative, launched in September 2026, brings together experts from industry and academia, to address the impacts of live events on audiences, staff and neighbouring communities.

Through collaboration with industry and academia, HELA Initiative builds on the World Health Organisation’s Make Listening Safe initiative and aims to bridge the long‑standing divide between research, regulation, and real‑world practice.

Empowering evidence-based sound practices for live events