Formed in 1989 as a spin-off organisation from Queen's University Belfast, Audio Processing Technology (APT) develops innovative audio compression technology and products, which are sold to blue-chip companies and major broadcasters worldwide.
The company was originally owned by Oxford-based Solid State Logic Ltd but in 2005, with backing, Noel McKenna and business partner Jon McClinton completed a management buyout. Since then APT has created more than 20 highly skilled jobs, currently employing 30 staff at the Belfast headquarters and six others based across Europe, Asia and the United States.
APT experienced a 57 per cent increase in turnover in 2006, with exports accounting for 93 per cent of the total turnover during this period.
Products/Services:
The company offers a full suite of licensable technologies that enable the compression of high quality audio samples for ease of delivery or storage. APT's hardware products provide broadcasters with efficient and cost-effective ways to transport audio programming from radio studios to the transmitter site over standard telecom links.
Its apt-X® algorithms enable high-quality, low-delay audio data compression. A recent breakthrough deal with leading Bluetooth chip manufacturer, CSR, ensures that APT is now poised to capitalise on the expanding market for consumer wireless audio devices.
Customers:
APT's broadcast products have been sold into the networks of many leading broadcasters worldwide, including the BBC, BT, YLE Finland, European Broadcasting union, Adlabs India, CRI China, NRJ Japan, KBS Korea, ABC Australia, Clear Channel and CBC Canada.
A focus on aggressively targeting large-scale projects has helped secure some major sales success notably with new FM Broadcasters in India, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the European Broadcast Union.
Q:Which personal attributes do you think have contributed most to your success?
A:I am a finisher and feel that my determination to get the job done has been a major contribution to both my own and APT's success. I also believe that I am tough but fair in negotiations with customers and suppliers, and this has helped improve margins. With an electronics degree I also have a strong technical understanding of the issues facing both the customer and our engineers.
Q:What is your biggest business achievement?
A:Last August APT signed a multi million-dollar licensing deal with Shure Microphones in Chicago to supply new compression IP for their next range of products.
