A branded exhibition structure at a major trade show UK event is one of the hardest briefs to get right. When Finlay came to us ahead of Hillhead, the UK’s largest quarrying, construction and recycling exhibition, they needed a structure that would genuinely turn heads on a competitive showground. This is how we delivered it.
The Brief for a Branded Exhibition Structure
Finlay’s brief was straightforward: a high-impact, fully branded environment that reflected the quality of their machinery range. Brand identity was the overriding priority. Everything about the structure had to communicate the Finlay brand consistently from the external graphics right through to the internal fit-out.
Functionally the structure needed to accommodate product demonstration areas, a hospitality zone for client meetings and a reception area at the entrance. The footprint had to work within the allocated Hillhead plot and the structure had to be installed and dismantled within the strict access windows the showground enforces.
Weeks of Collaboration Before a Component Was Ordered
From the first conversation to the finished structure on site, the design and specification process took several weeks. We worked closely with the Finlay marketing and brand team on structure configuration and dimensions, the external graphic specification covering all panel surfaces, the glass wall and balustrade design, internal branding including display panels and brand-matched flooring, and the deck and external feature design.
The result was a specification that both teams were fully confident in before a single component was ordered. That is the foundation of a project like this going well.
What We Built
The exhibition building combined our solid wall panel system with full-height glass wall sections and glazed door systems. The mix created a dynamic external appearance — solid panels providing the canvas for the full-colour graphics while the glass sections gave the structure an open, inviting quality that drew visitors in from across the showground.
A dedicated deck area with a full glass balustrade was added for the exterior. An elevated platform that served as a viewing and meeting area, and a distinctive architectural feature that made the structure immediately recognisable across a busy site.
This type of premium build is something we deliver for corporate hospitality and exhibition structure clients who need their space to be a selling environment. See also our event structures range.
The Branding in Detail
Full custom graphics were produced and applied to all external panels. That required careful coordination between our installation team and the graphics production team to ensure panels were delivered, installed and aligned correctly across every panel joint. The margin for error in that kind of work is small and the finish has to be seamless.
The internal branding was equally considered. Branded wall panels, display graphics and brand-matched furniture made the entire interior read as a Finlay space from the moment a visitor stepped through the door.
Installation and Result
Our team completed the full build within the Hillhead installation window and handed over to the Finlay team in time for their own setup before the show opened. At the close of the show the structure was fully dismantled and the plot returned clear within the dismantling window.
The structure attracted significant attention on the showground and both teams were pleased with the result.
Full project details are on our Finlay at Hillhead case study page. To discuss an exhibition or event structure, contact us here or book a free site visit.