Meet Jack Quddus, the founder of NeonCow, an independent start-up in Stirchley that’s also created one of the incredible installations for this year’s Birmingham Light Festival

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

I’m the founder of NeonCow, a Birmingham-based neon sign store. I didn’t take a traditional route into business or the creative industries – NeonCow started from experimenting in my mother’s kitchen after an eye-opening trip to New York. What began as a side hustle turned into a full-time business working with brands and venues over the world – the likes of NFL team Atlanta Falcons, Harvey Nichols, Aston Villa, ITV Studios, Ja Rule, SEGA. Being part of the Birmingham Light Festival with ‘My Heart Belongs in Birmingham’ feels like a real full circle moment and almost like a homecoming.

IT’S WHAT I DO

I design and create custom LED neon artwork for businesses, events and public installations. My role sits between creativity and production, turning ideas, words and emotions into something physical that people can experience. I love working on pieces that live in public spaces, where anyone can stumble across them and feel something, even briefly.

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE

I want to continue working closely with brands and individuals, listening to their vision and helping turn their ideas into something tangible. There’s something incredibly rewarding about sitting with a customer and showing them their logo or message in neon for the first time. And I’d love to keep expanding into more large-scale public work and installations.

BIGGEST SUCCESS

Being part of Birmingham Light Festival is certainly up there. Creating a piece that sits proudly in the city and is experienced by so many people feels incredibly special. Alongside that, working with Birmingham Museum on the MADE IN BIRMINGHAM neon sign was a huge moment for me, it felt like a real acknowledgement of both my work and my connection to the city. Building NeonCow from the ground up and seeing how people emotionally connect with what I create is something I’m deeply proud of.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED

Always make sure you can see the bigger vision, especially when things feel challenging. It’s easy to focus on what’s next or what isn’t working, but I’ve learned how important it is to stop, look back, and be grateful for how far you’ve come, no matter the situation.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM

Birmingham has always felt like home to me. I’ve been lucky enough to travel and experience different cities across the UK and around the world, and it really makes you realise just how friendly people are here.

DOWNTIME

I love helping out at Derek and Pauline’s corner shop in Cotteridge, my grandparents, which has been part of the community for over 60 years. It’s a great way to slow down and stay grounded. I also enjoy supporting local independents around me, especially GlassHouse Brewery in Stirchley, a taproom specialising in craft beers.