Commercial Interiors UK (CIUK) recently hosted its much-anticipated annual dinner and the inaugural Next Generation Awards, marking a significant evening in the commercial interiors sector. Held in the vibrant North of England, the event not only brought together industry professionals to celebrate achievements and network but also spotlighted the emerging talent that promises to shape the future of commercial interiors.
A Warm Welcome in a Vibrant Venue
Sean Holt, Managing Director of CIUK and the evening's host, opened the event with a warm welcome. The choice of location and the beautiful venue added to the allure, creating an ideal backdrop for an evening dedicated to innovation and accolades. Sean's opening remarks reminded everyone why the CIUK annual dinner is considered to be one of the highlights of the association’s calendar.
Carolyn Mitchell, Chair of CIUK also followed with a speech that delved into the re brand of the association and its improved member benefits. She emphasised that tonight was about celebrating the future and having fun!
Spotlight on Emerging Talent
The highlight of the evening was the Next Generation Awards, a new initiative aimed at recognizing and nurturing new talent within the industry. Universities from across the region participated, showcasing the creativity and innovation of their students. The standards were exceptionally high, as noted by the judges.
The ceremony acknowledged the following students for their exceptional work:
- Maddie Benn-Banham from Sheffield Hallam University received the 2024 Next Generation Award for her innovative bee-inspired design, reflecting the themes of community and individuality.
- Lydia Harrison, also from Sheffield Hallam University, was highly commended for her thoughtful use of space and materials in her design.
- Aleenah Ahmed and Maria Abdellaoui, both from the University of Central Lancashire, received commended prizes for their creative and insightful projects.
CIUK extends its congratulations to these students for their achievements and contributions to the field of commercial interiors.
True to CIUK’s commitment to fostering professional growth, winners like Maddie were offered unique opportunities for professional development, including a week’s work experience with leading design firms such as SpaceInvader. This thoughtful approach ensures that the awards have a lasting impact on the recipients' careers.
As the awards concluded, Sean invited guests to enjoy the rest of the evening on the dance floor!
Looking Ahead
With promises of expanding the award categories next year and a call to keep the momentum going, Sean’s closing remarks encapsulated the essence of the evening: a blend of celebration, anticipation, and inspiration. As CIUK members and attendees left the venue, the air was filled with a sense of accomplishment and excitement for the future.
The CIUK annual dinner and Next Generation Awards event was a resounding success, highlighting the association's role in leading the commercial interiors sector through recognition, development, and community engagement. It was a night that celebrated the past, enjoyed the present, and looked forward to a bright and innovative future.
Sean said: "This year's CIUK annual dinner and Next Generation Awards were a great success. It was excellent to see so many professionals and students come together, showcasing the strength and creativity of the next generation in commercial interiors. We're pleased with how the event turned out and look forward to future collaborations and innovations in our industry."
We would like to say a big thank you to our 2024 sponsors, without your support this would not be possible: Agua Fabrics and Hypnos Contract Beds.
Please see a selection of photos from the event below - the full event photos will be available on our facebook page.
