EN recently sat down with James Rook, managing director of Nimlok, to talk about the remarkable journey of one of the biggest names in the exhibition industry.
From its pioneering beginnings to its cutting-edge digital engagement strategies today, Nimlok has consistently evolved to stay ahead of the game and is celebrating its 55th anniversary in doing so.
The Evolution of Nimlok: From Modular Stands to Global Exhibiting Solutions
James, take us back to the beginning—how did Nimlok’s journey start?
Nimlok’s first premises in 1970
“Nimlok’s story began in 1970 with the invention of a groundbreaking display panel system. That spirit of innovation has been in our DNA ever since. Over the past 55 years, we’ve transformed from being the go-to brand for modular exhibition stands into a leading global design and build contractor, delivering high-impact exhibition experiences worldwide.
Today, our approach still leverages that modular legacy. Our Bespoke Hire formula blends hired modular frameworks with custom architectural featuresand finishes—giving clients exceptional flexibility, sustainability, and value while creating unforgettable brand experiences on the show floor.
Innovation has always been the driving force behind Nimlok, and that includes digital engagement. We first delivered a bespoke digital game for a client 14 years ago—long before digital engagement became a buzzword! Fast forward to today, and we have a dedicated digital engagement team of seven specialists within our 86-strong workforce. This means we can develop cutting-edge engagement tools that drive ROI in ways we never could have imagined back in the early days.”
Marking 55 Years: A Milestone Worth Celebrating
55 years is a major milestone—how is Nimlok celebrating?
“Reaching 55 years puts us in a pretty exclusive club—only 1.3% of British companies make it past the 50-year mark! We’ve marked the occasion in style, starting with a cake-cutting ceremony and commemorative jackets for the entire team. And in the same week, we were thrilled to win Best Stand of the Show at Confex—a perfect way to showcase what we do best!
But the big celebration is still to come—this summer, we’re treating the whole team to a BBQ cruise through London. It’s our way of saying thank you to the incredible people who make Nimlok what it is today.”
A stand for Sky at Olympia in 1989
The Future: Innovation, ROI, and the Power of Face-to-Face
What’s next for Nimlok? What are the key themes shaping the future?
“For us, the future is all about innovation and laser-focused exhibiting ROI. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible—pioneering new stand features, integrating the latest technology, and creating high-impact environments that help our clients outperform their competition.
The perfect formula? It’s a combination of bespoke engagement tools, stunning physical environments, and highly trained client teams—all underpinned by powerful data and analytics that drive ongoing success.
But beyond the tech and innovation, we remain passionate about the power of face-to-face engagement. In today’s post-COVID, screen-saturated world, the value of real human connections has never been greater. Every time I step onto an exhibition floor, I’m reminded of the vital role our industry plays in driving business forward and showcasing UK plc to the world. And at Nimlok, we’re excited to be at the heart of it.”
Nimlok won Best stand Award at International Confex 2025
