Commercial Interiors UK held its Annual General Meeting on 24th September 2024 at the Gresham showroom in London, chaired by Carolyn Mitchell. Attendees included Board members and representatives from across the membership, with Edmund Bell, Panaz, Astro Lighting, and Karndean among those present. The meeting provided an important opportunity to reflect on CIUK’s achievements over the past year and to discuss priorities for the future.
Reflections on 2024
Chairwoman Carolyn Mitchell opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and reviewing a year that marked a significant turnaround for the association. Following the challenges of 2023, 2024 saw CIUK return to stability, with stronger finances, a clearer strategy, and a renewed focus on delivering value for its members.
A key area of progress was membership development. CIUK ended the year with 160 members representing over 200 brands, achieving a net gain through new recruitment despite the ongoing challenge of attrition. To strengthen the value of membership, CIUK introduced an improved members’ offer, locking down benefits within a dedicated online area of the website. This ensured that members could access resources, tools, and support more easily and securely.
Building closer relationships with members was another important priority. Throughout 2024, the CIUK team engaged more regularly with members through one-to-one meetings, attendance at industry events, and ongoing dialogue to listen and respond to member needs. This people-first approach helped reinforce trust, strengthen relationships, and demonstrate the association’s role as a partner in members’ success.
Design Insider, CIUK’s online magazine, played a pivotal role in amplifying members’ voices and achievements. With a growing audience of designers, architects, and specifiers, Design Insider has become a key vehicle for members to showcase products, share ideas, and contribute to industry thought leadership.
Partnerships and collaborations also underpinned progress. CIUK leveraged relationships with third-party show organisers, securing enhanced opportunities for members to participate and be visible at leading industry events. These included the HIX networking breakfast, the Cruise Ship Interiors Show networking lunch, and our Material Library launched at the Surface Design Show, as well as a significantly larger presence at Clerkenwell Design Week.
Events remained a cornerstone of CIUK’s success. The Annual Luncheon sold out in just ten days, establishing a waiting list for the first time. Regional events, including a well-attended gathering in Glasgow, further demonstrated CIUK’s commitment to supporting members across the UK.
CIUK also launched several new initiatives in 2024, including the Next Generation Awards, which shone a spotlight on emerging talent, the association’s first structured training offer to support skills development, and the Material Library, which provided members with a presence at shows they might not otherwise attend.
Progress in 2025
The AGM also provided an update on the current year’s activity. Membership continues to grow steadily, attrition rates are improving, and Design Insider’s subscriber base is increasing. The Next Generation Awards were expanded to include more categories and celebrated with a successful event in Manchester.
CIUK launched the Workplace Sector Report at Clerkenwell Design Week, providing members with valuable insights into this fast-growing market. Meanwhile, the Dublin Open Event was relaunched as the Supplier Finder Show, refreshed with a new look and an expanded audience, targeting operators and owners across the care, hospitality, and workplace sectors.
The rebranded Summer Party, once again a sell-out success, underlined CIUK’s ability to bring the industry together in exciting and memorable ways, with new sponsors joining the community.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, the AGM confirmed that Stuart Taylor will succeed Carolyn Mitchell as Chair in January 2026. Carolyn, who will step down both as Chair and from the Board of Directors, after more than 35 years of service, expressed gratitude to the board, members, and executive team for their support during her tenure.
Thanks were also extended to outgoing board members Alistair Gough, Suzana Roulton, and Angela Patterson for their dedication and service.
The AGM also confirmed that CIUK will transition to a virtual office at the end of 2025, redirecting savings into enhanced member benefits. Priorities for 2026 include diversifying income streams through sponsorships and partnerships, further investment in training opportunities, and continuing to evolve the association’s role as a partner for its members’ success.
CIUK will also maintain its collaborations with government through the Department for Business and Trade, while reviewing its role in export trade missions. Engagement with other trade associations through FIESTA will continue, particularly in supporting employers to recruit and train apprentices.
Closing the AGM, Carolyn Mitchell noted that CIUK enters 2026 with strong foundations in place: a financially stable association, a clear strategic direction, and an unwavering commitment to supporting its members. She expressed confidence that the new leadership team will build on this platform to take CIUK forward into its next chapter.
If you would like to read the AGM minutes or the Chairwoman’s Report 2024 in full, please email sean@commercial-interiorsuk.com