Experiential production company Illusion has expanded – making a fresh acquisition, new senior hires and establishing a larger base in south-east London.
The company said the changes respond to rising demand from clients who want one partner to help develop ideas early, then deliver them through production and build. As is a recurring theme throughout the industry, brands and agencies want fewer handovers between creative teams and delivery teams.
Acquiring Southern Van Lines Storage
Illusion’s acquisition is of Southern Van Lines Storage. The production company said that the deal increases its operational footprint and makes it one of the larger event-focused production businesses in London. With added space, Illusion reports that it will be able to support longer client programmes, storage and build capacity.
Large-format 3D printer
The business has also invested in a large-format 3D printer. The machine is intended to produce complex shapes at scale while reducing material waste.
Several senior appointments have also been announced. Ellie Muir is becoming internal operations director, while Simon McGrath takes on the role of client services director. Jack Nevill will be projects director, and Reiss Coleman will become production director.
Dedicated client services team
Illusion has also created a dedicated client services team (pictured in lead image).
The company said it has recently received recognition at The Drum Awards, International Confex, the AAA Conference Awards and the Event Production Awards 2026, where it won Event Production of the Year.
Simon McGrath, client services director, said: “There’s a clear shift happening. Production is no longer something sits at the end of the process, it’s part of the thinking from day one.”
Rory Evans, co-founder, added: “Clients need partners who can connect the dots across creative and delivery without friction. This evolution is about building a business that does exactly that, joined-up, scalable, and built for the future.”
Founded in 2011, Illusion is based in Belvedere, south-east London. It describes itself as a design, production and construction company working with agencies, brands, IP owners and creative teams on live and experiential projects worldwide.