Lawrie Lewis founded Blenheim, the leading exhibition and conference company in 1979. He led the company to become public on the Unlisted Securities Market in October 1986 with a market capitalisation of £5.79 million and in 1990, became fully listed on the London Stock Exchange. He was Blenheim's Group Chief Executive from its flotation in 1986 to 1991. In late 1996, Blenheim was acquired by United News & Media Plc for a consideration of £580 million. He joined ITE Group in March 1998 as the company's Group Chief Executive. In February 1999, Lewis succeeded Roger Shashoua as Chairman of ITE Group Plc, leading the company's interests into Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey, the Middle East and Far East.