What is the difference between a modular and a bespoke exhibition stand?

Modular stands use reusable aluminium-frame systems with branded graphics — cost-effective and reconfigurable across shows. Bespoke stands are custom-built from materials such as wood and metal for unique shapes, finishes, and features. Marsden also builds hybrid stands that combine modular structure with bespoke elements.

Who is Marsden Exhibitions?

Marsden Exhibitions is a UK-based exhibition stand design and build agency in Loughborough. They offer cost-effective modular designs and breathtaking bespoke design and manufacture, and are an official stand builder for 16 UK and international trade-shows and exhibitions, working across the UK, Europe, USA, Canada and Asia.

Global Exhibition Stand Design & Build

Your Global exhibition & events partner

We offer a tailored end-to-end service to clients throughout the UK, Europe, USA, Canada and Asia.

Our 5 star-rated service and attention to detail means you can be confident that you are in expert hands.

our services

MODULAR
EXHIBITION STANDS

Cost-effective, reusable modular exhibition stands that can be used for multiple events with graphic panels that can be interchanged from show to show.

HYBRID
EXHIBITION STANDS

There is no more cost-effective way to create a stunning and unique exhibition space.

BESPOKE EXHIBITION STANDS

We create unique fully bespoke exhibition stands using high-quality materials to showcase your brand at its very best. Let us help you impress potential customers and stand out at any event.

Which solution

suits you best?

Answer a few short questions and see design examples suited to your budget.

Now official stand builder

16 UK and international exhibitions

Our dedication to flawless finishes and excellent services means we are trusted by organisers to deliver for their exhibitors and help elevate the show.

our clients love us

I can only give 5 stars to Marsden. Second time I work with them and they have delivered a high quality stand in time and adjusted to our budget. The team is very professional and I highly appreciate how they take care of us, replying to every email in less than 24 hours, and keeping us updated from beginning to end of the project. Thank you to Alice, Kurt, Joe, Tom and everyone else at the team!

I have been working with Marsdens for over 8 years on over 40 exhibition stands along with many other projects. No matter how big or small the project or how difficult a challenge maybe, Marsdens have supported us throughout every step of the process until we reached the desired outcome which is then executed with incredible attention to detail. An overall fantastic service from start to finish that exceeds expectations and goes above and beyond, and I cant recommend them enough.

Marsden Direct did the internal signage for our 10m x 5m stand at Goodwood Festival of Speed and it looked fantastic! The whole stand looked really smart, and the Marsden team also organised our electrics and lighting. Joe & Alice were extremely responsive which was really helpful. Would highly recommend!

Fantastic from start to finish. Stand won an award 🥇 so I think that says it all. Wouldn’t use anyone else - highly recommend and the team were super as it was our first show, they made the process seamless for us. Efficient and easy - perfect.

We have used Marsdens for many years now. They always go above and BEYOND what is expected. We have just come back from exhibiting at the BETT in EXCEL, Joe and his team did an excellent job with the Impact system.

our clients love us

loyalty speaks volumes

Our clients trust us. They return year after year, challenging us to create bolder and more innovative design.

Trusted by

Modular

Wedge Group Galvanizing

Modular

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)

Bespoke

UpGaming

Sustainability for events

We are committed to making exhibitions and events more sustainable and better for our planet. We are on a mission to use more recyclable materials and reduce our use of single-use materials.

We are the first UK-based company in our industry to fully transition our in-house print to HP Latex. This means that we use 100% water-based inks that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins, making our printed media genuinely sustainable and safe for the environment.

We are serious about the environment and continue transforming how we build exhibitions to make them more sustainable. We aim to provide the most sustainable modular solution in the industry.

Latest

A Record Year For Marsden at Packaging Innovations 2026

19 February 2026

Marsden Are Official Global Stand Build Partners

5 February 2026

Marsden Exhibitions: Now Official Stand Build Partner for 8 Major UK Shows

18 December 2025

get in touch

FOR A NO-OBLIGATION CHAT WITH ONE OF OUR TEAM

Exhibition Questions Answered

How much does an exhibition stand cost in the UK?

Exhibition stands in the UK can vary in cost dramatically. From pop-up systems that cost a few hundred pounds, to smaller modular builds that can start from £3-4,000, all the way up to large bespoke-built spaces costing hundreds of thousands.

As a very rough estimate, you could say that a modular system could be professionally installed from around £300 per square metre, with more complex bespoke built stands coming in at £900/sqm+.

What is the turnaround time for a typical exhibition stand?

The time it takes for a stand to be fully designed and built really depends on the level of complexity of the stand. Although we are capable of delivering a modular stand in just few days, we would advise at least six weeks.

Having said that, the ideal timeframe is 12-24 weeks depending on the size and specifications of the stand space.

What is the difference between a modular and a bespoke design?

Generally speaking, modular stands are constructed from pre-manufactured sections and clad in graphics reflecting your brand identity. Our modular system specifically allows for a much greater amount of freedom than most systems – giving a greater flexibility in shape and layout of the stand.

A bespoke build is exactly as it sounds. constructed from a range of specialist materials such as wood, metals and more allowing for custom finishes and textures in the design.

What makes an exhibition stand succesful?

Ultimately, it’s all about the results – interested and engaged leads for your business.

A successful exhibition stand draws attention from afar, keeps people engaged as they get near, and encourages action after entering the space. That action could be something as simple as engaging with the sales team on-stand or booking a meeting, whichever suits your sales process the best.