In the latest instalment of our new blog series – which focuses on the brilliant people behind the scenes at Leach – we enjoy 60 seconds with Mike Willshaw, who describes his role, how his colleagues would describe him and where you will find him when he isn’t at work…
Name: Mike Willshaw
Role: Head of innovation
Briefly describe your role:
In essence, it’s my job to lead the product design team in developing new offerings – finding innovative solutions to customers’ briefs, solving any challenges we are tasked with and creating the ‘wow factor’ in the process.
How long have you been with Leach?
Just over three years – and it’s flown!
What’s been your favourite project to date?
There have been lots of really amazing projects since I’ve been here, so my favourite changes quite often! At the moment, I’d have to say that it’s our newly released ‘Thinesse’ lightbox – an ultra-thin and beautifully illuminated product we’ve added to our collection. This is a real stand out display solution that our innovation team has brought to life.
In terms of favourite client projects, it’s hard to pick only one. I love the fact that we’re involved in schemes across the retail, heritage, exhibition and construction sectors and it’s great to hear the feedback from the clients when they see our solutions for the first time.
Describe Leach in 3 words:
Innovative, quality, reliability.
And how would your colleagues describe you in 3 words?
Practical, innovative, show-off!
The best thing about working at Leach is…
Without a doubt it’s the variation – one day we’re creating a huge 30m-long, curved, illuminated, modular suspended exhibition display for a blue-chip client, the next we’re working with retail customers to integrate POS systems and digital LEDs into their bespoke in-store graphics. No two days are the same, and although it’s pretty intense and fast-paced, it’s also very rewarding.
What top tip would you give to a client?
That they give us as much information as possible about what they’re trying to achieve at the very start of the process – and leave the rest to us! Once we understand their objectives, timescales, and budget, we can help create a truly individual solution that often exceeds expectations.
And finally….
What’s your favourite food?
I love curries – cooking them as well as eating them!
What’s the one thing you couldn’t live without?
Challenges – I get bored easily!
When I’m not at work you’re most likely to find me…
Out somewhere with my family – or apologising for something my dog has done (he’s an idiot).
