My interest in regeneration has been fundamental to my photography since the beginning of my career. In 1991, my first major project on Manchester’s rejuvenation was not about construction but about those who would ultimately decide how the ‘new’ Manchester would look and feel.

City Shapers was a non-commissioned series of portraits presented as a traveling exhibition that toured seven non-gallery venues across the city. It featured architects, entrepreneurs, town hall officers, developers, landowners and city councillors.

Many of my subjects are still working in the city today and our paths have crossed on many occasions.

The City Shapers exhibition was designed by Hemisphere. It was staged at the Arndale Centre and The Palace Hotel, amongst other venues.