Strengthening How Meridian Goes to Market  

This new UK & Ireland partnership aligns with Meridian’s established distribution business model across international markets, including North America, where a partner-led model taking over from direct sales has already been successfully implemented. 

By adopting this structure more broadly, Meridian aims to: 

* Strengthen its position in the UK & Ireland custom and luxury audio market 

* Enhance the overall trade customer and partner experience   

* Increase sales via a privately owned, highly motivated and expert distributor partner 

John Buchanan, CEO of Meridian, commented:  “I’m delighted that we are partnering with AV8 Distribution, which is owned and operated by Barry Sheldrick. Barry has worked with me as Meridian’s sales leader for more than 11 years and, having established and built DbM’s award-winning portfolio in-house together, this move marks an important step in the continued evolution of our working partnership and shared business growth.” 

Buchanan continued, “By moving to a partner-led model with Barry and AV8 Distribution in the UK & Ireland, we are strategically maximising business opportunities for Meridian and aligning beneficial outcomes with a structure that has already proven successful in many other markets globally. This also enables Meridian to further sharpen our focus on what we do best, delivering exceptional products & audio experiences while ensuring trade partners and customers continue to receive the highest levels of local service and support.”  
 
Barry Sheldrick, Founder of AV8 Distribution, said:  “Having worked with Meridian and our trade partners for many years, this next step is a natural progression for us. AV8 Distribution is focused on building on the strong foundations already in place, working closely with our integrators on presales, design and commissioning support. With three demonstration spaces up and running, we can help our partners experience how special audio and video can be, first-hand. AV8 is about helping to deliver the very best experiences, anywhere.” 

Sheldrick added, “I am excited to continue working with dealers on the very best audio and video installations, backed up by the best support. Thanks to Meridian, John and AV8’s partners, which include the highest performance AV brands available - this is just the beginning, and there will be much more to follow.”  

Continuity and Customer Focus   

While the UK & Ireland business model is changing, continuity remains central to the transition. Customers and partners will continue to benefit from: 

* Established relationships and market knowledge 

* Ongoing access to design and specification support 

* Technical expertise and commissioning services 

Meridian remains actively engaged with partners and customers, continuing to provide brand leadership, product expertise, and support throughout the transition and beyond.   

A New Distribution Partnership  

AV8 Distribution will operate as an independent, privately owned business focused on delivering high-quality sales and distribution services within the AV sector across the UK and Ireland.  

The business is led by Barry Sheldrick, who brings extensive (25+ years) experience with Meridian’s products, trade partners and markets, ensuring strong continuity as the new model is implemented.  

Building on Strong Foundations  

DbM, a multi-award-winning distributor, has played a significant role in establishing Meridian’s market presence in the UK and Ireland, creating a strong platform of relationships, expertise, and service. 

This new partnership with AV8 Distribution builds on those foundations, ensuring continuity while enabling a more specialised and scalable approach to sales and distribution.  

Looking Ahead   

This evolution represents a natural next step in Meridian’s ‘Future of Sound’ strategy bringing greater alignment across global markets while maintaining the quality, experience, and customer focus that define the brand.