Inspirational Women: Accelerating Action with Nickie West, Managing Director at Montgomery Group

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, Design Insider is proud to present a special series highlighting Inspirational Women leading the way in commercial interiors. These visionary professionals are shaping the industry through experience, their unique approach, and a commitment to driving meaningful change.

This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, underscores the urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers and fast-track progress toward gender equality. At the current rate, full parity won’t be reached until 2158—five generations from now. By amplifying the voices of women who are making a tangible impact, we aim to inspire industry-wide action and showcase effective strategies that help move the needle faster.

In this exclusive interview series, we speak with Nickie West, Managing Director at Montgomery Group, to explore her journey, insights, and the initiatives she supports to create a more inclusive and equitable commercial interiors sector. From championing rising talent to breaking down barriers in leadership, she shares how we can all contribute to a future where women thrive.

Can you start by introducing yourself, your role, and your business? What drives your passion for the work you do?

I’m Nickie West and I work for Montgomery Group, organisers of Surface Design Show (SDS) in the UK. I have worked in exhibitions for many years in sales, marketing, operations and management. I’m driven by a passion for seeing businesses who exhibit grow and flourish as a result of the connections they make. I also absolutely love the theatrical nature of organising events – No two days are the same and you get to meet hugely talented and interesting people and see first hand the most beautiful designs and products.

The 2025 International Women’s Day theme is “Accelerate Action”—a call to urgently address systemic barriers to gender equality. In your experience, what are the most pressing challenges women face in the commercial interiors sector, and how do you think these can be addressed faster?

I really believe that the challenges women face in the commercial interiors sector are mirrored in almost every other sector. Women tend to be underrepresented in leadership roles in almost all construction related industries. Many of the major decisions and procurement choices are still influenced by men and I don’t think we’ve gone far enough in removing gender bias in hiring and career development.

Women are judged too often on the unasked questions around children – If you’re young enough to be planning children companies can dread the maternity/parental leave impact. If you have young children, the assumption is that you will be the main carer and prioritise them over your career.

There needs to be global determination and appetite for positive change at government level and beyond. As women we need to get better at voicing our successes, leading by example.

Supporting organisations that uplift women is a cornerstone of this year’s campaign. Are there any groups, initiatives, or movements within the commercial interiors industry—or beyond—that you actively support or draw inspiration from? How can individuals and businesses in this sector help accelerate their impact?

There are a number of organisations that support and promote women within our sector. I’m a member of Women in Exhibitions and I have long admired Women in Office Design and Women in Construction. I try and facilitate engagement via the shows I run, we have worked with Women in Office Design at SDS and the passion and energy of Harsha Kotak and Joanna Knight is contagious. I feel that all women should join at least one organisation whose aim is to elevate women and all businesses in the sector should look to sponsor and support at least one woman focussed association or group.

Which other inspirational women are disrupting the commercial interiors sector or related fields right now, and what impact do you think their work will have on the future of the industry—or society as a whole?

Barbara Chandler, not only is Barbara an award winning journalist but also the founder of Green Grads which we supported at this years SDS. Green Grads is an ongoing UK initiative that platforms recent UK graduates who are confronting the worlds most pressing eco issues. The eco issues include sustainability, climate crisis, circular production, waste and pollution, depletion of resources, biodiversity and much more. The Green Grads that Barbara brought to the show were amazing we saw sound-absorbing screens made from waste tennis balls, furniture from foraged timbers along with sustainable woven and printed textiles. I really admire how Barbara champions these recent graduates and supports and nurtures them in the early stages of their careers.

One of the IWD principles emphasises understanding what works and doing more of it. What strategies, tools, or practices within the commercial interiors sector have you seen that are effectively advancing women in leadership, design, or business? How can these be scaled to make a broader impact?

In the events industry we need to support women by committing to gender-balanced speaker line ups and ensure that women are not just panellists but also keynote speakers, facilitators and decision-makers.  We also need to encourage women-focused panels at design and business conferences, networking events, exhibitions and awards that recognise female leaders.

On a broader note, mentorship and sponsorship programmes are key, pairing emerging women leaders with senior professionals, whilst sponsorship goes a step further by advocating for women in decision making spaces. Whilst companies offering remote work, flexible hours, and clear pay equity policies attract and retain more women in leadership. Industry-wide reporting on pay gaps and flexible working adoption can create accountability and encourage more businesses to adopt these practices. Finally promote commercial interiors as a career of choice at grass roots level, demonstrate the accessibility and the breadth of roles available. Companies can commit to visiting local educational establishments, holding open days, inviting students to attend the exciting elements of our business so we can show it in its best light.

What advice would you give to young women looking to make their mark in the commercial interiors sector? How can they contribute to the global effort to accelerate action for gender equality?

Be vocal in a positive way about your achievements. Find someone in the organisation that you admire and ask for help and mentoring. Network as much as you can, go to trade shows, awards and industry events – Always say YES. Join organisations that represent and uplift women and support your female colleagues. Be resilient and persistent, challenges will arise, but resilience is a powerful tool. Keep pushing forward seek solutions and don’t let setbacks define your path.

At the current rate of progress, full gender equality won’t be achieved until 2158. If you could accelerate one key change within the commercial interiors sector that would have the greatest impact on closing the gender gap sooner, what would it be? 

There needs be more women in leadership and decision-making roles in the commercial interiors sector now, by actively promoting women into leadership the industry can create more inclusive environments that challenge biases and opens doors for the next generation of women in commercial interiors. In order to accelerate change there needs to be more transparency and industry-wide reporting on the pay gap – All companies/practices and firms need to promote equity policies.  

Finally, what message would you like to share with the global community this International Women’s Day to inspire collective action toward gender equality? 

Commit to turning awareness into action, all of us have the power to challenge bias and advocate for inclusivity. Progress is possible when we work together look into women focused groups within the industry and lend your support in solidarity.