On visiting the Lighting Show at the NEC, my colleague was overjoyed at finding an innovative new light fitting, ideal for a prestigious project he is in the process of completing.

Back at his desk, and ready to place an order, he found that the pictures in the exhibitor's catalogue were too small for him to match to the fitting that he had seen. He contacted the exhibitor to ask if someone could assist in pinpointing the fitting from its location on the stand. The response? "I'm sorry, it just isn't going to happen. After all, it depends from whereabouts you were looking." A follow-up call to the md received a similar response.

And the purpose of investing thousands in an exhibition stand was what exactly?

Lesley Jeffs, 1A Instalec

Lesley Jeffs wins this month's drink vouchers.