What began as a lifelong passion for music and electronics has grown into a successful specialist audio business, supporting recording studios, musicians and audio professionals across the UK and beyond. With support from the Tata Start Up Fund, Lazy Lizard Labs Limited has expanded its capabilities and accelerated growth in a highly skilled niche industry.
Founded by Stephen Cole, Lazy Lizard Labs specialises in professional audio design, manufacturing, repairs and studio installations. Based in Neath Port Talbot, the business has built a strong reputation for bespoke audio solutions, high-end equipment repairs and specialist technical support for recording studios.
Stephen combines more than 30 years of engineering experience with a lifelong love of music. After starting his career as an Electrical Apprentice with British Steel in 1992, he spent 32 years in heavy industry while developing his expertise in audio electronics. What began as repairing his own equipment and helping fellow musicians gradually grew into a respected business through word-of-mouth recommendations and a reputation for quality workmanship.
Established in 2009, Lazy Lizard Labs operated alongside Stephen’s career at Tata Steel for many years. Following redundancy, he decided to focus on the business full-time, turning a successful side venture into his main source of income.
The Tata Start Up Fund helped the business take the next step by funding investments in advanced testing, manufacturing and repair equipment. This included specialist audio testing systems, precision repair tools and manufacturing materials, enabling the company to expand the range and complexity of services it can offer while strengthening its ability to diagnose, repair and manufacture equipment to professional standards.
Today, Lazy Lizard Labs provides recording studio design and installation, bespoke audio equipment manufacturing, custom cabling solutions and repairs to everything from vintage microphones and guitar amplifiers to large-format recording consoles. Stephen also works closely with world-renowned Rockfield Studios, helping maintain the high standards expected by leading producers and artists.
A key factor behind the company’s success is Stephen’s combination of engineering expertise and specialist audio knowledge. This unique skillset has allowed the business to build a reputation for solving complex technical challenges and supporting customers across the professional audio sector.
The funding has also supported plans to expand manufacturing capabilities, enabling Lazy Lizard Labs to increase production of its own audio products, reach customers beyond the UK and strengthen its position in the global professional audio market.
Looking ahead, Stephen plans to expand workshop facilities, invest in CNC manufacturing equipment and grow the company’s range of proprietary audio products. His long-term vision includes creating employment opportunities and supporting apprenticeships for the next generation of engineers.
The story of Lazy Lizard Labs demonstrates how specialist skills, passion and determination can create new opportunities after redundancy. With support from the Tata Start Up Fund, Stephen has successfully developed a thriving business that preserves specialist expertise, supports the creative industries and showcases Welsh engineering talent on a wider stage.
This project is supported by the Tata Steel UK Start-Up Grant, funded by the UK Government.
