Chris Burton Named as Rising Star in Prestigious Awards Ceremony

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Home Media’s very own Chris Burton has recently been honoured at an awards ceremony recognising the best of the UK’s hi-fi industry.

Chris was at The Bristol Hi-Fi Show on Friday 20th February when he was asked to attend the Clarity Awards being held in the evening. Clarity is the UK hi-fi industry’s trade body, an alliance of home entertainment professionals, and the honours were awarded by a panel of judges.

It was a pleasure to see so many of Home Media’s reps and manufacturers being recognised this year, including Gold Note, who won the title of Manufacturer of the Year, Henley Audio who won Distributer of the Year and Stuart Marchant of REL Acoustics who took Manufacturer Salesperson. Michell Audio took the honours for the Most Significant Product Launch for the new Gyro and Revolv turntables (voted on by members of the public and industry professionals).

And to cap off an excellent day at the Hi-Fi Show and evening at the Awards, Chris was also honoured with an award this year, winning the Rising Star award – something that was a genuine surprise on the night.

Chris said: “Winning the award was a really nice surprise. It’s always lovely to be recognised, but honestly, I’m just doing my job. I genuinely love helping people find great sound and get more enjoyment from their music. If I can make that experience better for someone, then that’s what it’s all about.”

Chris certainly is, and always has been, an absolute star to all of us at Home Media, as well as our customers – so we’re absolutely delighted for him. Simon Burton, Chris’ father and the Managing Director of Home Media, said: “I am so proud. I see how he works day in, day out and the award is so deserved. I really am as pleased as punch.”

Chris, 26, joined Home Media in 2018, after leaving school – but his love of music began much earlier. Simon said: “To be honest, I have spoon fed him music from birth. We would often sit watching performances and groups with him playing air guitar while sitting on my lap. By the time he was three-years-old he could identify whether it was Roger Daltrey or Pete Townshend singing on a variety of The Who tracks.

“Throughout his teenage years he had a real passion for music and it really developed from there. He came to work at Home Media after leaving school and he absolutely loved it; he said he could not imagine doing anything else.”

Chris’ knowledge of the evolving hi-fi technology grew exponentially, fuelled by his enthusiasm. Simon said: “He has this charm and ability to converse with people from all walks of life.”

Chris’ enthusiasm is infectious. Simon recalled how one customer came into the shop looking to spend about £1,000 but after trialling some of the equipment available, ended up spending a total of £40,000.

Simon said: “Every single part of that spend was carefully considered and justified. It was not a case of making the customer spend more – that is not what we do. Rather the customer was just so impressed with what he saw and Chris’ enthusiasm was infectious.”

A huge congratulations to Chris for his well-deserved achievement!

Anyone wanting advice on any aspect of hi-fi or home cinema, is welcome to call into the shop in Union Street, Maidstone, or call us on 01622 676703.