The foundations of our company started back in 1978, a time when my father started designing and making vehicle graphics for his own cars. By 1981 it was apparent that he had sowed the seed of what could be a successful company, in that year Car Cosmetics was formed.

Design and individuality was our distinction and became sort after in a wide range of industrial sectors leading us into projects outside of the automotive industry.

My role in the company started in my youth, attending my first trade fair in Germany in 1988 – I was 10. From that point, I was heading up the single member, “Voluntary staff contingent” within the company, taking charge of most of the less desirable tasks such as, vehicle preparation, refuse collection, workshop cleanliness – I think you get the picture.

As the company expanded so did our production facility, boasting machinery that was rare in the UK, which assisted our nationwide growth.

By the early 1990’s we separated our creative department from the production facility, as a growing number of clients were utilising our forward thinking ideas and strategies for their brand communications, product launches and exhibitions.

By 2003, I was ready for a change. The menial tasks had taught me well, but maybe it was time to upgrade the job title and take care of business. It was time to run the company myself.

I called the creative division Moving Adverts, (to reflect our automotive heritage) developed our team and brought in some specific people to target certain sectors, within which, we needed to grow our market share.

In 2008, we opened a UAE branch and have steadily built a reputable Arabic client base, allowing us to make our mark on the local markets of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Long may it continue.

Russell Howes, Managing Director.