Sometimes, I find it helpful to take a trip down memory lane—not just for nostalgia’s sake, but to remind my clients that my career isn’t just about photography. With over 30 years in marketing, graphic design, and advertising, I’ve had the chance to work on some pretty large and complex projects. In this post, I want to share one of my more memorable experiences managing a high-profile marketing project for Anglian Home Improvements at the Ideal Home Show 2007. And while this story isn’t about photography, I think it’ll give you a better idea of who I am and the depth of experience I bring to the table. So, let’s dive in!

My Role at Anglian: The Marketing Project Controller

Back in 2007, I wasn’t yet working full-time in photography. Instead, I was the Marketing Project Controller for Anglian Home Improvements. My role was all about making sure that big, high-impact marketing projects ran smoothly. We’re not talking about flyers or brochures here. My focus was the large-scale stuff—the kind of marketing that needed to catch people’s attention in big public spaces like exhibitions. Anglian was known for their home improvement products, from windows and doors to conservatories, driveways, and kitchens. It was a household name in the industry, and they relied on major events like the Ideal Home Show to showcase their latest innovations. Looking back, it feels like the perfect training ground for what I do now. Whether it’s a massive exhibition stand or a complex photography shoot, the skills are the same: planning, attention to detail, managing teams, and delivering on time and on budget.

Planning the 140-Square-Meter Exhibition Stand

For the Ideal Home Show 2007, we were tasked with building a 140-square-meter exhibition stand in a triangular shape. It needed to showcase Anglian’s wide range of products—windows, doors, conservatories, kitchens, and, most importantly, their new driveway range. This was a last-minute addition, and it was crucial to get it right. Now, when you’re given a space that large, you don’t want to just fill it with random items. You want something that draws people in and makes them say, “Wow, I need to check this out.” That’s what we aimed for, but as with any project of this scale, it wasn’t all smooth sailing.

The Last-Minute Challenge: The Driveway

The new driveway range was a late addition to our product lineup, so it didn’t get the prime space allocation it probably deserved. We had to figure out how to make it a focal point without compromising the flow of the exhibition stand. After a few initial ideas (some better than others), we landed on the concept of placing the driveway on the floor and then having it run vertically up a 6-meter-high wall. It sounded wild at the time, but I liked the idea. It would turn heads, that’s for sure. The trouble was, it wasn’t quite enough. Even with the driveway running up the wall, it still felt like we were missing something.

Making an Impact: The Decision to Add a Car

So, there we were, scratching our heads, trying to figure out what could add that final “wow” factor to the stand. We considered gluing a few bicycles and tools onto the driveway as props. Cost-effective, simple to implement, and it fit the home improvement theme. But I knew we needed something more dramatic. Something that would stop people in their tracks. That’s when the idea hit: why not park a car on the driveway?

But How Do You Park a Car on a Wall?

Of course, this was easier said than done. While placing a car on a flat surface would’ve been a breeze, parking one on a driveway that runs vertically up a wall was a whole different challenge. We needed a light car—one that looked cool but wouldn’t strain the structure or cause a health and safety nightmare. Being based in Norwich, I immediately thought of Lotus. Their factory was just down the road, and they made light, sporty cars that would be perfect for this kind of display. I reached out to them, and after some meetings, negotiations, and number-crunching, we got the green light (pun intended).

The Lotus Europa: Getting it Right

We ended up selecting a 2006 Lotus Europa for the stand. This wasn’t just any car; it had to be modified for the exhibition. Internal shows have strict health and safety regulations, so everything needed to be carefully planned. This part of the project required a lot of coordination. From visiting the Lotus factory to hammering out the deal, to getting sign-off from Anglian’s finance director, it was a lengthy but rewarding process. In the end, we had the car modified and ready to go. The final display—this sleek, stunning Lotus Europa parked halfway up the wall on a driveway—looked incredible. People stopped in their tracks to check it out, and that was exactly what we wanted.

Managing the Logistics: Keeping Things on Time and on Budget

This is where my experience as a project manager really came into play. It’s one thing to come up with a great idea, but it’s another thing entirely to execute it flawlessly. There were so many moving parts—logistics, health and safety approvals, working with external partners, and, of course, keeping the costs under control. I remember countless late nights and early mornings, making sure everything was progressing according to plan. The stakes were high. We had to get everything ready in time for the Ideal Home Show’s opening day, and there was no room for error. But that’s what I thrive on—the challenge of pulling everything together and delivering something that makes an impact. When I look at my work in photography now, I see a lot of similarities. Whether it’s managing a large-scale shoot or organizing a complex corporate event, it’s all about precision, planning, and creativity.

The Big Reveal: Success at the Ideal Home Show

The stand turned out to be a huge hit. Not only did it showcase Anglian’s products in an innovative way, but the Lotus Europa stole the show. People were fascinated by how we’d managed to park a car on the wall, and it became a talking point at the exhibition. Even George Clarke, the now-famous TV presenter of shows like Amazing Spaces, was there for the opening. I remember shaking his hand and thinking, “This is what it’s all about—creating something memorable.”

Lessons I’ve Carried Forward: What It Means for You

So why am I telling you all this? Because I want to emphasize that my career in photography isn’t just about taking pictures. It’s about bringing the same level of thoughtfulness, creativity, and project management experience to every job I take on. Whether you’re hiring me for commercial photography or private work, you’re not just getting someone who can frame a good shot. You’re getting someone who knows how to manage large-scale projects, solve problems, and deliver results on time and on budget.

Applying the Ideal Home Show Experience to Photography

Here’s where the dots connect. In photography—just like in large-scale marketing projects—there are countless variables to manage. The lighting, the composition, the timing, the team, and sometimes even the unpredictable elements like weather or location challenges. When you hire me, you’re not just hiring a photographer—you’re hiring someone who can handle the entire process, from initial concept to final delivery, ensuring everything runs smoothly. It’s the same skill set I used back in 2007 at the Ideal Home Show, just applied in a different way.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Talk About Your Next Big Project

I hope this throwback to my time at Anglian Home Improvements and the Ideal Home Show gives you a better sense of what I bring to the table. Whether it’s photography or project management, I’m all about delivering exceptional results that make an impact. If you’re a marketing manager looking for someone who can help elevate your brand with stunning visuals and seamless project execution, let’s chat. I’d love to see how I can bring the same level of creativity and professionalism to your next project. And while you’re here, take a look at some of the photos from the Ideal Home Show 2007. They’re a reminder of what’s possible when you think big and execute flawlessly.   Thank you for taking this trip down memory lane with me—I hope you found it insightful!    

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