Interview with Limelight founder Mike Shailes
As part of our 30th celebrations we thought it would be great to reach out and hear from the original founder of Limelight Marketing Communications Ltd, Mike Shailes. We’ve put Mikes memory to the test to find out how it all began, what some of his favorite memories were and turning points that helped steer Limelight in the direction it is going today.
Why the name Limelight?
Simple – in the Limelight was where I wanted to put my clients.
What was your main objective for Limelight when it all began?
Using digital technology and traditional intelligence to offer affordable, visual marketing support for small and medium enterprises, initially concentrating on the photographic industry.
Can you remember your first client or job?
First client was my old employer. One of the benefits of my volunteering for redundancy was that they could still use those of my services that they chose, and I could afford to set up the business using the redundancy payout.
How do you think the industry has changed in the last 30 years?
One of the reasons that I felt able to launch the business is also the way that the industry has changed. I recognised that visual communication was moving from a manual graphic arts practice to an electronic digital based industry. Having spent time in Europe and the UK learning and studying some of the technical practices involved, I was confident of our ability to move within the business of providing cost effective marketing support for our clients. Of course, the brainpower part of the job remains.
Can you share some key turning points or milestones that significantly shaped the organization’s direction?
Employing Louise and gaining someone who could gain the skills and experience to take on the business when I wanted to retire! Seriously, I’m guessing that one of them was Louise’s approach to business through Covid and the lock downs. While others were foretelling impending doom, she was finding opportunities.
Is there a particular mistake or setback that turned out to be a valuable learning experience?
Every single one of them. Everything we did during my tenure was a learning process.
What are some of the most memorable moments that come to mind?
Lying in a hospital bed in Aberdeen with a broken back, knowing I had to get back to work within a week to complete a Christmas catalogue project. Yes, with a wheelchair and some help from British Airways, I made it.
Are there any specific projects or initiatives that you are particularly proud of?
Probably something that was a failure, rather than a success. We had a period when we needed to get ourselves out of the difficulty spawned by a temporary lack of work. I devised a consumer product that was a ‘Website in a Box’ – a CD with packaging and instructions for consumers to make their own website. It was basically a set of templates that enabled users to edit their choice of template, using word. I remember putting the packages together in the office, four staff and a similar number of clients, waist deep in CDs, containers, backing cards and other packaging. It wasn’t sliced bread, but it was a great (though unsuccessful) idea.
Is there anything you wish you had known when you started Limelight?
I wish I had known that there are sometimes more than 7 days in a week!
Is there anything you would now do differently?
There was something to learn from everything we did in my time and if we’d done it differently, that learning would not have been the same experience, so no. You have to travel on all the rides to get the full experience.
And finally … What message or words of encouragement would you like to share with the current team members as they continue Limelight’s journey?
I’m not surprised that you’ve all taken the business to 30 years – you’re all super talented and I’m rather in awe of your achievements. I hope you’ll continue in the same vein for many years to come – I’m proud of you all.
It sounds like a brilliant journey! Full of ups, downs, and everything in between. Thanks to Mike for taking the time to answer our questions.
Now on to the next 30 years! Let’s see what Limelight can achieve!
