After the huge success of our first-ever Member Awards in 2025, Commercial Interiors UK (CIUK) and Design Insider are delighted to announce the Next Generation Awards 2026, proudly sponsored by Silentnight Contract.
These awards shine a spotlight on the people driving our industry forward, the emerging talent whose creativity, innovation, and leadership are shaping the future of commercial interiors.
And this year, we’re going even bigger! Alongside our existing categories for Apprentices, Production Leaders, Senior Leaders, and Marketeers, we’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new category: the Next Generation Sales Person Award. Plus, nominees (except Apprentices) can now have up to four years in their current role, giving even more rising professionals the opportunity to be recognised.
2025 Award Winners
Entries are open now — submit your nomination here!
Why You Should Enter
The Next Generation Awards are your chance to celebrate the exceptional individuals in your business, the people who go above and beyond to make a difference.
By nominating your team members, you’re recognising their achievements, supporting their development, and helping raise the profile of the commercial interiors sector as a dynamic, thriving, and inspiring place to build a career.
Judging & How to Enter
Each category will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts who will review every nomination carefully, looking for creativity, leadership, and real impact. Up to eight nominees will be shortlisted in each category, celebrating a broad range of emerging talent across our membership.
You’re welcome to enter multiple team members into the same or different categories, simply complete a separate nomination for each person. There’s no fee to enter, and we encourage all CIUK members to take this opportunity to spotlight the people driving your business, and our industry, forward.
The 2026 Award Categories
Next Generation Rising Apprentice Award
This award recognises an apprentice who has shown outstanding promise, dedication, and enthusiasm early in their career. If you have an apprentice who’s gone the extra mile and is already making a real contribution, this is their moment to shine.
Next Generation Production Leader Award
Celebrating leaders on the production floor who are already making an impact, this award spotlights individuals who inspire their teams, deliver results, and drive improvement across their department.
Next Generation Senior Leadership Award
This category highlights new senior leaders who bring vision, innovation, and impact to their organisations. If someone in your team is transforming how you work through strategic thinking and leadership, now’s the time to celebrate them.
Next Generation Outstanding Marketeer Award
This award recognises marketing professionals who are making waves with creative ideas and bold campaigns. If your marketing team includes a rising star who’s helped launch or grow something special, they deserve this spotlight.
NEW: Next Generation Sales Person Award
Our newest category celebrates sales professionals building strong relationships and driving measurable success. If you have someone whose energy, insight, and performance stand out, nominate them for this exciting NEW award.
Key Dates for 2026
Submission Deadline: Monday 2 February 2026
Shortlist Announced: Monday 2 March 2026
Awards Ceremony: Thursday 23rd April 2026 at Halle St Peter’s, Manchester
Entries are open now — submit your nomination here!
About Our Sponsor
The Next Generation Awards 2026 are proudly sponsored by Silentnight Contract, experts in scientifically proven sleep solutions for hospitality. Handmade in the UK and built on innovation, quality, and sustainability, Silentnight Contract continues to set the standard for comfort and performance.
If you’re ready to celebrate the people shaping the future of commercial interiors, we can’t wait to see your entries!
For questions or support
Awards & Entries: alys@designinsiderlive.com
Let’s celebrate the next generation of industry leaders at the Next Generation Awards 2026!
Attend the Awards Event
Celebrate the next wave of talent shaping the future of commercial interiors at the Next Generation Awards 2026 Ceremony, an unmissable evening of celebration, fine dining, and networking in the heart of Manchester.
Join us on Thursday 23 April 2026, from 7pm to midnight, at Hallé St Peter’s, 40 Blossom Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6BF.
While entry to the awards is free, tickets to attend the ceremony are £180 + VAT per person (non-refundable). The evening will feature award presentations, a three-course dinner, music, and plenty of opportunities to connect with industry peers. The dress code is lounge suit or cocktail dress.
Experience an inspiring night as we honour outstanding student and member achievements, a true celebration of our sector’s future leaders.