The Commercial Interiors UK Annual Luncheon 2025 brought together more than 540 members and guests at London’s prestigious Royal Lancaster Hotel for an afternoon of connection, celebration, and reflection on the strength of the commercial interiors community.
As guests gathered for welcome drinks, the sound of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” signalled the start of the afternoon, inviting attendees into the grand ballroom for a day that perfectly balanced formality with warmth, and business with camaraderie.
Once seated, guests enjoyed a three-course menu featuring dishes such as twice-baked cheese soufflé and slow-braised beef bourguignon, paired with Italian wines, while conversation and laughter filled the room.
A Warm Welcome and a Poignant Farewell
The afternoon began with a warm welcome from Carolyn Mitchell, who delivered her final address as Chairwoman in a heartfelt and inspiring speech.
Speaking to a full house, Carolyn reflected on the values that unite the Commercial Interiors UK community - collaboration, creativity, and care - and the vital role the industry plays in shaping spaces that bring people together. She reminded attendees that true success is never built alone, but through teamwork and integrity, ensuring that everyone we work with feels their lives are enriched by what we do.
Her address was met with admiration and emotion, capturing both the legacy of her leadership and the collective ambition of the association’s future.
To honour Carolyn’s 35 years of service and her remarkable contribution to CIUK, Tony Attard OBE DL, Chairman of Panaz Group, took to the stage to present her with flowers and a farewell gift on behalf of the industry - a touching moment.
Tony Attard OBE DL and Carolyn Mitchell
Before lunch was served, Alys Bryan, CIUK’s Marketing and Editorial Director, offered a reflective moment by reading “The Orange” by Wendy Cope in place of grace.
Honouring Visionary Design: The Lifetime Achievement Award
The Commercial Interiors UK Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Panaz, was presented to Amanda Rosa, recognising her extraordinary career and the creative partnership she shared with her late husband, Ken McCulloch.
Rollie Attard presenting award to Lesley Osborne on behalf of Amanda
Together, Amanda and Ken transformed the landscape of modern hospitality with projects such as One Devonshire Gardens, Malmaison, The Columbus Hotel in Monaco, and the Dakota Hotels collection - all defined by Amanda’s philosophy of “simple ideas, brilliantly executed.”
Her continued dedication to intuitive, human-centred design stands as a powerful reminder of how creativity and character can shape experiences that resonate far beyond aesthetics.
Laughter and Connection
Following the formal proceedings, Master of Ceremonies Ian Irving returned to the stage with a burst of humour, delivering a sharp, light-hearted comedy set that perfectly set the tone for the entertainment to follow.
The energy continued to rise with an unforgettable performance from Abandoman (Rob Broderick), the Irish freestyle rapper and comedian whose quick wit and improvisational genius had the ballroom roaring with laughter.
Inviting audience guests including Steven Davies (Waterbury), David Baldry (Hypnos Beds), Ashley Mooney (Blue Moon Hotels Procurement), Annie Wearn (Seventh Chapter), Michael Smith (Populous Design & Build), and Kelly Hopper (Hilton) to join him on stage, Rob’s set captured the energy, humour, and creativity that define this annual celebration.
As the afternoon transitioned into evening, guests moved to the bar to continue networking and reconnecting with friends and colleagues long into the night - a fitting close to a day that reaffirmed the strength and unity of the CIUK community.
Acknowledging Our Sponsors
Commercial Interiors UK extends its sincere thanks to the 2025 event sponsors - Vescom, Hypnos Contract Beds, Edmund Bell, EGGER, and Panaz - whose continued partnership and support make this flagship gathering possible.
The 2025 Annual Luncheon once again proved why it remains the highlight of the industry calendar: a day not only to honour excellence and legacy but to celebrate the shared purpose that drives the commercial interiors community forward - shaping, together, the spaces that shape our lives.
See below for a photo gallery of images.
