Commercial Interiors UK is delighted to announce the shortlisted nominees for the Next Generation Awards 2026, sponsored by Silentnight Contract.
Building on the success of the inaugural Member Awards in 2025, the Next Generation Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the rising talent within our member community. These awards celebrate the individuals whose energy, ideas, commitment and achievements are helping to shape the future of the commercial interiors sector.
This year’s shortlist reflects the breadth of talent across our industry, recognising excellence in apprenticeship, sales, leadership and marketing.
“It is fantastic to see such a strong shortlist for the Next Generation Awards 2026. These awards are designed to recognise the individuals already making a difference within our industry and to celebrate the talent that will shape its future. The quality of nominations this year has once again highlighted the depth of talent across the commercial interiors sector. We are proud to champion these rising stars and look forward to bringing the industry together in Manchester to celebrate their achievements in person.” - Sean Holt, Managing Director, Commercial Interiors UK
Judging for the Next Generation Awards 2026 took place on 24th March 2026, with a respected panel of industry professionals reviewing this year’s entries.
Commercial Interiors UK would like to extend sincere thanks to the judging panel for their time, insight and careful consideration:
- Jasper Sanders, Founder & Director, Jasper Sanders & Partners
- Cora Kemp, Director, Informare
- Chris Ellis, Founder & Managing Director, Barhatch and Box
- Steve Hanstock, Managing Director, Vigour Training Ltd
Their experience and thoughtful assessment played an important role in selecting this year’s shortlist and recognising the emerging talent making an impact across the commercial interiors sector.
Rising Apprentice Award shortlist
- Cara Swinburn – MillerKnoll
- Chelsea Parker – Silentnight
Sales Person Award shortlist
- Alex Bradford – Sealy
- Charlie Jacobs – Andy Thornton Ltd
- Dafydd Watkins – Panaz
- Max Bradley – Waterbury Bathroom Accessories Ltd
- Sophie Evans – Hill Cross Furniture
Senior Leadership Award shortlist
- Amanda Jones – HRH Contract Furniture
- Anand Gandesha – Humanscale
- Jodie Hatton – Brintons
- Mark Poulain – ABI Interiors
- Rachel Jones – Newmor Wallcoverings
Outstanding Marketeer Award shortlist
- David Bromell – Sixteen3
- Jennifer Ogden – Camira
- John Fashanu – Panaz
- Lauren Sutton – Panaz
- Jordy Wolley – ABI Interiors
The winners will be revealed at the Next Generation Awards 2026 on 23rd April 2026 at Hallé St Peter’s, Manchester.
This event is one of the commercial interiors community’s key networking occasions of the year. Bringing together designers, manufacturers, suppliers, educators and industry leaders, the evening offers a relaxed and celebratory environment in which to reconnect with peers, meet new contacts and champion the future talent driving our industry forward.
Guests can expect a drinks reception, three-course dinner, awards presentation and informal networking with a DJ into the evening.
Congratulations to all of this year’s shortlisted nominees. We look forward to celebrating with you in Manchester.
Join us on the night
If you would like to attend the Next Generation Awards 2026, tickets are available now.
Date: 23rd April 2026
Time: 7pm – 12 midnight
Venue: Hallé St Peter’s, 40 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6BF
Ticket price: £180 + VAT per person