Presented at the Gala Dinner held at the Pavilion at the Tower of London on Friday 28 June, the Special Recognition Award is a brand new category, created by CEDIA to recognise and celebrate the contribution of individuals to the work of CEDIA, and the development and growth of the residential custom installation industry.

“The first recipient of this Award is an individual who stands out as an inspirational industry figure,” says CEDIA executive director Wendy Griffiths.

“He is also a renowned technology expert who is passionate and committed about education. For his contribution to the custom installation industry and the work of CEDIA, Simon Buddle unquestionably deserves special recognition and we are delighted to present him with this Award.

“I feel very honoured and humble to receive this award for work that actually brings me a huge amount of pleasure,” Simon adds.

“I couldn’t have done it without the support of the whole team at SMC, so I’d like to say a special thank you to them. Raising the professional standards of our industry remains a goal that I am committed to and to receive such an award to recognise that is great.”

Simon has been an active volunteer in CEDIA’s education work for many years, teaching both at UK Expos and at events across the world. His knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm were also critical in the development of the recently launched CEDIA Wiring Guidelines.

Having spent six years as a signals instructor for the Parachute Regiment, Simon moved into the hi-fi industry via a leading North London store. He has spent twelve years in the custom install business, starting as an installation engineer and moving to installation manager at the world-renowned hi-fi specialists, Linn Products, before joining SMC as a systems designer and programmer, where he is now head of technology.