Shining a Light on Talent: Celebrating Commercial Interiors UK Next Generation Member Awards 2025
Following the success of the 2024 Next Generation Student Award, Commercial Interiors UK (CIUK) expanded their awards programme in 2025 with the introduction of four new categories exclusively for CIUK members. These awards were designed not only to celebrate outstanding individuals within the commercial interiors supply chain but also to provide the wider industry with a deeper insight into the skills, innovation, and leadership that drive excellence across the sector.
The Next Generation Awards 2025, sponsored by Silentnight Contract, set out to spotlight the rising stars of commercial interiors — from dynamic apprentices to visionary leaders — whose contributions ensure that design projects are delivered with creativity, precision, and lasting impact. These awards highlight just how vibrant, innovative, and thriving the commercial interiors sector is today, showcasing it as an exciting and attractive career path for the next generation of professionals.
A Night to Remember: Awards, Celebration, and Community
The awards ceremony took place at the stunning Hallé St Peters in Manchester. Guests gathered for an evening that perfectly blended elegance and celebration, beginning with a three-course meal and lively conversation. As the awards ceremony commenced, cheers of celebration filled the room with each winner and highly commended nominee announced.
The event not only recognised outstanding achievements but also created a fantastic opportunity for socialising, sharing experiences, and building new industry connections. The night ended on a high note, with guests taking to the dance floor to celebrate the success of their peers and the vibrant future of the industry.
Celebrating Excellence: The 2025 Award Winners and Finalists
The Next Generation Awards not only recognised individual achievements but also highlighted just how vibrant, innovative, and thriving the commercial interiors sector is today. These awards showcase the commercial interiors sector as a dynamic and attractive career opportunity for the next generation of talent, celebrating the wide range of skills and leadership within the industry.
Rising Apprentice Award, Sean Moss of Amtico Flooring
In the Rising Apprentice Award, Sean Moss of Amtico Flooring was announced as the winner. Sean impressed the judges with his considered and holistic approach, with judges noting:
“Sean not only considered the technical aspects of product transportation, he focused on the health and safety elements and wider impact. He importantly engaged with other industry professionals as well as visiting industry expos to increase his knowledge.”
Highly Commended in this category was Adil Zahidov from Sanipex Group. Judges praised his outstanding achievements within just 10 months, commenting:
“In only 10 months in the role, Adil has managed an initiative to reduce emissions across all group operations and written Sanipex’s first ESG report. This is a fabulous achievement in such a short time and demonstrates his commitment to continuous improvement within the organisation.”
Completing the shortlist for the Rising Apprentice Award were Ben Pickard from Moon, Joe Ferguson from Silentnight Contract, and Rowan Topen from Edmund Bell.
Production Leader Award, Ashley Garside of Hypnos Contract Beds
In the Production Leader Award, the top accolade went to Ashley Garside of Hypnos Contract Beds. His leadership qualities were highly praised by judges who shared:
“Ashley’s people-first approach, combined with a clear focus on quality and efficiency, has created real momentum at Hypnos. His ability to lead with humility, clarity, and impact makes him a standout talent and a powerful role model for future leaders.”
Highly Commended in this category was Ben Muirhead from Hill Cross Furniture. Judges recognised his achievements, saying:
“Ben’s calm, capable leadership and strong communication skills have made a real impact within his team. His ability to manage complex projects with confidence and attention to detail is truly impressive for someone so early in their leadership journey.”
Also shortlisted for the Production Leader Award were Michael White from Amtico Flooring, Robbie Williams from Newmor Wallcoverings, and Will Pelling from Andy Thornton Ltd.
Outstanding Marketeer Award, Helen Owen of Humanscale
Helen Owen of Humanscale was announced as the winner of the Outstanding Marketeer Award. Judges praised Helen’s exceptional impact, saying:
“Helen’s experience, insights and creativity have made an important impact to Humanscale. In her short 9 months in the role, she has become an essential part of the team and her team are excited to see what 2025 brings.”
Highly Commended was Rose Campbell of Newmor Wallcoverings, whose bold and strategic marketing approach impressed the judges. They commented:
“Rose lives Newmor’s values and has made an impact through collaborations and partnerships. She isn’t afraid of taking calculated risks, and they have paid off for her. Clearly a talented marketeer who isn’t afraid of challenging the norm.”
The Outstanding Marketeer shortlist also featured Federica Rodeschi from Sanipex Group, Martin Snelson from Silentnight Contract, and Nikki Fordham from Moon.
Senior Leader Award, Matt Hall from Balsan
In the Senior Leader Award, Matt Hall from Balsan took the win. His leadership style impressed the panel, who said:
“Matt’s energy, vision, and commitment to developing both people and strategy stood out straight away. His focus on innovation, trend insight and team empowerment has driven real success for Balsan. He’s leading growth and inspiring others as he does it.”
Highly Commended was Hayley Hodgson from Silentnight Contract, recognised for her inspirational leadership qualities. Judges commented:
“Hayley’s a natural collaborator, a thoughtful leader, and someone who brings out the best in everyone around her. Her passion, humility, and care for her team really stood out — she leads with heart and drives with purpose. A truly inspiring force in our industry.”
Also shortlisted in the Senior Leader category were Ashley Garside from Hypnos Contract Beds, Helen Owen from Humanscale, and Steven Dale from Hill Cross Furniture.
Next Generation Award winners with event sponsor David Lawrenson, Silent Night Contract
High-Caliber Nominations and Expert Judging Panel
The overwhelming number of nominations received this year reflected the extraordinary depth of talent within the commercial interiors sector. To ensure a rigorous and independent evaluation process, a distinguished panel of judges was assembled, including Cora Kemp, Director at Informare; John Woodruffe, Managing Director at Turn Key; Amanda Moore, Managing Director at Achieve+Partners Limited; Christine Samuelian, Director at Friends & Co; Ian Pateman from the University of Greenwich; and Jo Gibson, Vice Chair and Board Director at Commercial Interiors UK.
Judges, Cora Kemp, Director at Informare and John Woodruffe, Managing Director at Turn Key
Reflecting on the judging experience, John Woodruffe expressed his admiration for the nominees, noting:
“The privilege of being asked to judge the Next Generation Awards was enhanced by the opportunity to review all of the high-caliber applications. The strength of the nominees helped to identify why the UK is so strong in this highly competitive market of commercial interiors.”
Fellow judge Jo Gibson added:
“These are the unsung heroes of our industry today and the movers and shakers of the future, and we need to make sure they know how great they are.”
Recognising Student Excellence: Next Generation Student Award
In addition to the Member Awards, the evening also celebrated rising academic talent with the Next Generation Student Award.
Julia Gdula, Sheffield Hallam University
Julia Gdula from Sheffield Hallam University was awarded this honour for her Cotton Bloom Residences project, which responded to a complex brief centred on colour psychology in an apart-hotel design. Julia’s concept showcased clarity, heritage sensitivity, and emotional resonance, and she was rewarded with a mentorship placement at leading design practice Jolie, along with valuable industry exposure.
Looking Ahead: 2026 CIUK Member Awards
Following the success of the 2025 awards, CIUK is proud to confirm that the Member Awards will return in 2026. These awards will continue to offer a vital platform for recognising apprentices, production leaders, marketeers, and senior executives who are helping to define the future of the commercial interiors industry.
Entries for the 2026 CIUK Member Awards will open soon, and CIUK encourages all members to put forward their rising stars and innovative leaders to ensure their outstanding contributions are celebrated.