Silentnight Contract: Championing the Next Generation of Commercial Interiors

At Design Insider, we are passionate about sharing stories that inspire, educate, and elevate the commercial interiors sector. That’s why we’re thrilled to be the official media partner for the Next Generation Awards 2025, an event organised by Commercial Interiors UK, dedicated to recognising the brightest emerging talents shaping the future of our industry.

This year, Silentnight Contract is proudly sponsoring the awards, reinforcing their dedication to fostering the next generation of designers, manufacturers, and innovators. Silentnight Contract has long been a leader in the hospitality and contract sector, providing high-quality, sustainable sleep solutions for hotels, student accommodations, and commercial spaces. But beyond their expertise in sleep innovation, they are also passionate about nurturing new talent and ensuring the industry remains an exciting and rewarding career path for young professionals.

We spoke to David Lawrenson, Sales Director at Silentnight Contract about their commitment to emerging talent, the opportunities available in the sector, and why supporting the Next Generation Awards is so important to them.

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David Lawrenson, Sales Director at Silentnight Contract

Why is it important for the next generation to see the commercial interiors sector as a positive and rewarding career choice?

David Lawrenson: The commercial interiors industry is an exciting and dynamic space where creativity meets functionality. It’s about designing and delivering spaces that people truly experience—whether that’s a hotel room, a student accommodation, or a workspace. For young professionals, it offers a chance to make a tangible impact, shape environments, and work on projects that blend design, sustainability, and innovation. Plus, it’s a sector that’s always evolving, meaning there’s plenty of room to grow, learn, and make your mark.

What kind of career progression and entry-level opportunities does the industry currently offer for young professionals?

DL: There’s a huge variety of roles in commercial interiors—whether you’re into design, project management, manufacturing, sales, or even sustainability. Many businesses, including Silentnight Contract, offer apprenticeships, graduate programs, and mentoring to help young people get started. Because the industry is so hands-on, you can quickly gain experience and work your way up. If you’re ambitious and eager to learn, there’s no limit to where a career in commercial interiors can take you.

How could the industry work together to better attract and retain young talent in commercial interiors?

DL: We need to shout louder about how rewarding and diverse this industry is! There’s so much more to commercial interiors than people realise. Offering more internships, mentoring, and real-world project experience would help young professionals see the opportunities available. But it’s also about creating the right culture—making sure workplaces are inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking so that young talent feels valued and motivated to stay.

What skills do you think are essential for those starting a career in the commercial interiors sector today?

DL: A mix of creativity and problem-solving skills is key. Whether you’re in design, sales, or manufacturing, having an eye for detail and understanding how things work together is really important. Communication is also huge—you’ll be working with lots of different people, from designers to suppliers to clients, so building relationships is essential. And with sustainability and digital transformation shaping the industry, staying up to date with trends and new technologies will help you stand out.

Can you tell us about Silentnight Contract and its role within the commercial interiors industry?

DL: At Silentnight Contract, we’re all about delivering the best sleep solutions for the hospitality and contract sectors. Our mattresses and beds are designed to be super comfortable, durable, and sustainable—helping hotels, student accommodation providers, and commercial operators give their guests the best possible sleep. We’ve been doing this for decades, and we take a lot of pride in setting the standard for quality, safety, and innovation in the industry.

How does Silentnight Contract support your emerging talent through initiatives like apprenticeships, skills training, or mentoring?

DL: We know that the future of our industry depends on investing in people, so we take skills development seriously. Silentnight Contract offers apprenticeships in different areas, from manufacturing to sales, giving young professionals hands-on experience in a real-world environment. We also provide ongoing training and mentoring to help our team grow and develop their careers. For us, it’s not just about filling roles—it’s about building future leaders.

What inspired Silentnight Contract to sponsor the Next Generation Awards 2025?

DL: We’re always looking for ways to support new talent, and the Next Generation Awards are the perfect way to do that. It’s inspiring to see young professionals pushing boundaries and bringing fresh ideas to the industry. We wanted to be part of recognising and celebrating that talent—because these individuals are the future of commercial interiors.

How does this partnership align with your company’s values and long-term vision?

DL: At Silentnight Contract, we believe in innovation, sustainability, and excellence—values that we see reflected in the nominees for these awards. Supporting the next generation of industry professionals aligns perfectly with our mission to drive the commercial interiors sector forward. We want to see young talent thrive and bring fresh thinking into the industry, so partnering with these awards just made sense.

What advice would you give to young professionals looking to build a successful career in commercial interiors?

DL: Be curious, get stuck in, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is an industry where hands-on experience is everything, so the more you can learn and get involved, the better. Networking is also key—building strong relationships will open doors and create opportunities. And most importantly, find what excites you about the industry and run with it. Passion and enthusiasm will take you a long way.

What would you like to say to the shortlisted nominees and the businesses they work for?

DL: A massive congratulations to all the nominees! Being shortlisted is a huge achievement and a testament to your hard work and talent. Keep pushing boundaries, keep learning, and keep bringing your fresh ideas to the industry—because you are the future of commercial interiors. And to the businesses supporting these individuals—thank you for investing in young talent and helping to shape the next generation of industry leaders.

As we come together on 24th April 2025 to celebrate the brightest emerging talents in our industry, we’re reminded of just how exciting the future of commercial interiors is. With companies like Silentnight Contract championing young professionals, the next generation is in great hands!

Don’t miss the Next Generation Awards 2025! Secure your tickets now and join us in recognising the future leaders of commercial interiors. Click here to find out more and book your tickets