CS Gathering at Culligan - 29th January

The first CS Gathering of 2026 took place at the newly refurbished Culligan Showroom on The Clerkenwell Road - see video here.

Janet Henley’s Zip and Water Softener sales teams were onsite to present and provide demonstrations of the new Twist Vending and Water Softener solutions.

Jeremy led the presentation with CS community updates, and a focus on the bigger speaker panel for this Gathering:

Marlon - from Media 10 - presented data driven ideas around Clerkenwell Design Week and the ways it will evolve in 2026.
Paddy - from The Peel, Clerkenwell’s longest established charity and a plan to bring a much loved resource ‘The Echo’ back into print for 2026
Jade - from Design Futures provided her background experience and the launch of a new CS Specifier Tours
Jeremy - CS Founder - finished with a brief update of Clerkenwell Grad Week - inviting showrooms to partner with a design university for this event in July.

As seen from the photos, the evening was a great success, with many people meeting new contacts for the first time. Everything that we have come to expect from a thriving and dynamic business community.

CS thanks to Janet at Culligan for hosting and catering for the event.

Our thanks to the attendees from:
London Design Festival
Media 10 (Clerkenwell Design Week)
Hansgrohe Axxor
Egger
Modulyss
MagScapes
Mias UK
Gresham
Rak Ceramics
KI Europe
OE Electrics
Hawkstone Interiors

For more information on the Clerkenwell Showrooms social enterprise - please click here.

Clerkenwell Showrooms over 2025!

More Events…

More Gatherings…

This year Clerkenwell Showrooms increased trade visitors with six CS Open Events. One being our very own Clerkenwell Grad Week in July.

In addition, we've connected more people with five CS Gatherings and numerous posts via Whats App.

And finally, we've lowered costs through CS Property Sharing and Recruitment Posts.

So, a huge thank you to Clerkenwell Showrooms Members, Friends, Exhibitors, Supporters and Community! 

CS Open Events:
- CS Open - BDC Surface Design - FEB
- CS Open - BDC Workspace Design Show - MARCH 
- CS Open - CDW Clerkenwell Design Week - MAY
- CS Open - CGW Clerkenwell Grad Week - JULY
- CS Open - LDF London Design Festival - SEPT
- CS Open - BDC Light 25 - NOV

CS Gatherings:
- CS Gathering - RAK CERAMICS - FEB
- CS Gathering - GABRIEL - MARCH
- CS Gathering - MODULYSS - JUNE
- CS Gathering - SHAW CONTRACT - NOV
- CS Gathering - 5 ALBEMARLE- Xmas Drinks - DEC

Our thanks to the organisers, showrooms, speakers and of course, attendees.

We wish our members and the Clerkenwell Design Community a very peaceful break and look forward to doing so much more in 2026!

To find out more information about CS Community and Membership please contact:
 
Jeremy Lee
CS Founder
 
E: info@clerkenwellshowrooms.com
M: 07966 193258

CS Gathering at Shaw Contract - 25th Sept

This week saw another CS Gathering take place - this time at the centrally located Shaw Contract showroom in Great Central Street.

The Shaw team were in full force at this event all organised by Ani who quietly ensured all details were taken care of.

Jeremy led the presentation with the usual updates to community news, new members, and a focus on recent past events. In particular, the changing landscape of the London Design Festival - which now has Media 10 operating the Design London Shoreditch, taking over the Shoreditch Triangle district.

In addition, the attendees were treated to two new speakers:
Piers Roberts - the design event visionary who discussed his personal journey and the formation of Trinary workshops.
Gabby Kirby - a well-known recruitment specialist in the showroom and design sector discussed the challenges for employers.

As seen from the photos, the evening was a great success, with many people meeting new contacts for the first time. Everything that we have come to expect from a thriving and dynamic business community.

For more information on the Clerkenwell Showrooms social enterprise - please click here.

New Designers Show 2025

I visited the 2nd week of New Designers Show in the Business Design Centre, Islington.

It was well attended and showcased works from students at Product, Furniture and Graphic Design Universities.

The quality of the work is impressive and I spoke with many students as well as course leaders.

Common to all was the feedback that New Designers is the single best event for students that study in the regional bases to get their work seen by London based employers.

I mentioned the Clerkenwell Showrooms is planning to host students and their work from 2026 - and will effectively become a New Designers - off site. Most were enthusiastic about utilising Clerkenwell Showrooms as a resource to showcase students and their work.
Marketed under the working title of ‘Clerkenwell Grad Week’ - Clerkenwell Showrooms will begin communications with regional design universities and their respective course leaders to establish a rosta of interested parties.

Similarly, CS members will be pairing up with Universities with a view to participating during the CGW event next year. Finally, Jeremy from CS will be seeking suitable event sponsors as well as media partners.

IE Awards at Miller Knoll in Clerkenwell

I attended the fabulous Interior Educators (IE) Awards held at The Sans Miller Knoll showroom yesterday.

IE Awards is an event that has been running for 19 years and brings together the very best British talent in the world of Interiors.

Managed by Andy Stone, trustee and director of IE, the evening featured many judges, leading designers and past winners - all who gave personal testament to the high quality of entrants for each of the seven categories.

Thanks to Maria Eastell and Martin Van Vuuren at Miller Knoll for hosting and managing the bar during the event!

I understand the exhibits shown above will become part of a travelling show that will feature around the UK. It is available to be seen on Friday 11th in London for those who missed the Awards.

And finally, the IE Awards 2025 has made a useful start to what will become a Clerkenwell annual event in future years under the ‘Clerkenwell Grad Week’ banner.

I look forward to this being a standard of the Clerkenwell Events calendar!

CS Social Media Expansion in 2026

CS Social Media Expansion in 2026

The Clerkenwell Showrooms Community is now the largest showroom member organisation in London. To expand recognition of the Clerkenwell Showroom District as well as the CS Brand, Clerkenwell Showrooms will be expanding its Social Media activities from 2026.

Current Public Postings
- CS Gatherings (LinkedIn)
- CS Open Events (LinkedIn)

Planned Basic Member Posts:
- Showroom Product News (LinkedIn, Pinterest)
- Showroom Events (LinkedIn, Pinterest)

Planned Active Member Posts:
- Showroom Interviews (Spotify, Apple, YouTube)
- Designer Interviews (Spotify, Apple, YouTube)

Please provide your thoughts on the planned CS social media activities - including thoughts on other platforms or content. Remember, every Community depends on its members feedback to grow.

CS Gathering at Modulyss - 19th June

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cs-gathering-modulyss-19th-june-jeremy-lee-iuu2c

CS Gathering at Rak Ceramics, 5th March 2025!

Big thanks to Emma, Ben and the team t Rak Ceramics for hosting another CS Gathering.

The event was well attended with over 20 guests - from showrooms, professional services and speakers.

Jeremy introduced the Clerkenwell Grad Week event planned for 9 - 11th July 2025.
Andy discussed Interior Educators Awards as a component of the event.
Urva discussed how Milliken has worked with design graduates.

The guests were treated to a terrific buffet with drinks.

CS Showroom Member - Basic Rates Increase

This is a notice to inform our members that from January 2025 we have had to increase Basic Membership from £180 to £220 per annum.

Reason for the increase is due to the additional services we have incorporated to the membership;

- CS Sharing
- CS Recruit

Additionally, CS has begun to develop The Clerkenwell Grad Week (CGW) event which will be open to Basic Members.

Note: Active Membership at £480 per annum has not increased.

LDF - Great to meet HCA Students at Fritz Fryer Reception!

Thanks to Abigail Carmichael for the invite and Ella Sibley from HCA what talent there was!

CS Gathering - Interface - 20th June 24

Interface was the showroom hosting the CS Gathering - June 20th 24.

Amina and Jovita provided a fabulous buffet and full account of Interface the company and its long history. The large open showroom has excellent daylight and was arranged with an outdoor terrace.

Jeremy welcomed new CS Members who introduced themselves to the group. We also heard from Liz Walker who leaves Orangebox this week but will stay with CS as an honorary member.

With Clerkenwell Design Week just passed, the group discussed their experiences of the show. Generally, it was a step forward in the recovery of Clerkenwell as a trade destination despite rainy weather which always impacts visitor numbers.

The main event for this CS Gathering was to hear more about the London Design Festival (LDF) event in September.

Jeremy has had numerous conversations with the LDF Marketing team as well as other Design Districts. A plan is forming to make Clerkenwell a Design District again - this time supporting Design Graduates through various platforms and initiatives. We will engage with LDF for 2025 - to support their Launchpad programme.

The final Q&A confirmed that most of the showrooms were in support of the CS/LDF collaboration with much discussion given as to how each showroom may play a part supporting Design Students and Universities going forward.

”Clerkenwell Showrooms has exciting potential to help and nurture next generation talent - for the benefit of all” - Jeremy

So, my thanks again to Jowita and Amina at Interface and until the next…

For more information please contact:
Jeremy - Clerkenwell Showrooms for Membership and Presentation slides
Marcos Bevilaqua - Photography

CS Gathering - Frem Group - Meet to discuss Events for 2024

Another strong turnout for CS Gathering - this time in the prominent Frem Showroom on Clerkenwell Rd.

Big thanks to our generous host - Frem Group, Richard, Stephen and their team.

As usual, we began with a host introduction with Stephen discussing Frem history and new Italian alliances and Richard providing tours of the showroom.

Jeremy welcomed new CS Members who introduced themselves to the group. He also touched on fast-growing CS Share and CS Recruit Services.

With Clerkenwell Design Week just around the corner, Jeremy reminded the group to use their CS Membership resources such as; Yellow Flags (for those not using pink flags) and CS Whats App for last-minute suppliers and services.

The main event for this CS Gathering was to hear more about London Design Festival (LDF) the big Design event in September.

Our guest speaker, Lucy from LDF provided an overview of the show’s history and the wide range of activities expected for this year.

Jeremy added to LDF story with news that LDF and CS are collaborating to enable the creation of ‘Clerkenwell Showrooms District’ as the future ‘home’ for UK Design Students.

The final Q&A confirmed that most of the showrooms were in support of the CS/LDF collaboration with much discussion given to how each showroom may play a part supporting their local Universities.

”Clerkenwell Showrooms are beginning to see the power of Community and especially when we take United Action how we can raise the profile of the District - for the benefit of all” - Jeremy

So until the next…

For more information please contact:
CS Membership and Presentation slides
Jeremy - Clerkenwell Showrooms
London Design Festival 2024 Partner Programme
Lucy - London Design Festival

Stephen discussing new Italian Partners

CS Gathering - Orangebox - 26th March

Another CS Gathering has come and gone - but what an evening it was!
Big thanks to our generous host - Orangebox and the team; Liz, Molly and Jordan!
In typical fashion, we began with a host introduction from Liz and showroom tours from Molly.
Jeremy welcomed new CS Members who introduced themselves to the group. He also touched on new CS Share and Recruit Services that started this year and are growing quickly.
Our main event for this CS Gathering was to go deep on Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW 24) starting with Molly who provided ‘tips and tricks’ session for all new showroom participants.
Karen from Beacon Security described the many health and safety considerations for CDW which are often overlooked.
Jeremy touched on future events including New Designers in June and LDF in September.
A final big thanks to everyone who came - it was quite a crowd - and Orangebox for the drinks and especially to Jordan for creating the lovely cold buffet spread!
”Its lovely to see so many showroom people finding friends here at CS especially younger staff who now can find similar age groups working nearby” - Jeremy
So until the next…

For more information please contact:
CS Membership and Presentation slides
Jeremy - Clerkenwell Showrooms
CDW Tips and Tricks Presentation
Molly - Orangebox
CDW Health and Safety Consultancy
Karen - Beacon Facilities

Karen providing H&S Risk Assessment Presentation

Core Team Meet - 15 Feb 2024

The CS core group met at the Bisley showroom on 15h Feb to review 2023/4 and discuss plans for the year ahead.
Growing together as a community is at the forefront of this group.
Stay tuned for a lot more from Clerkenwell Showrooms this year and do contact founder Jeremy Lee to learn more.

Agenda:

1. CS New Members:
Modulyss - Flooring
MDK - Chairs
Fritz Fryer - Lighting
Shaw Contract - Flooring
Susannah Hall - Tailor
Interface - Flooring 

2. CS Gatherings Lining up CS Members for CS Gatherings...
- no charge for events
- will seek a guest speaker for each event
- other inclusions to the agenda?
- next CS Gathering at Orangebox in March

3. CS Open Events
- BDC Workspace design
- CDW briefing
- New Designers - JL to discuss student showroom idea with ‘Immediate’ the event organisers.

4. CS - New Services
- CS Share - now running for exhibitors and showrooms
- CS Recruit - now set up for members
- CS Forum - new idea to garner intelligence on wide range of topics from members

Attending:
JEREMY - Clerkenwell Showrooms
EMILY - Bisley
LIZ - Orangebox
MOLLY - Orangebox
URVA - Milliken

Thanks to Emily at Bisley for Hosting the CS Core Team Meeting on 15th February 2024!

CS Social - The Fence - Tuesday 12th Dec, 5pm Onwards

Big thanks to Molly for arranging a table at The Fence.

It was the first CS Social - a gathering with no agenda beyond enabling a place to meet and catch up with news.

We plan to do more in 2024 - with a new venue for each occasion.

CS Gathering at Camira - A Colourful Occasion!

September 7, 2023

Big thanks to all who attended the Clerkenwell Showrooms Gathering this week at Camira Contract Showroom. It was a colourful and unusually warm Summer evening!
In particular, my persona thanks to Agnese, our wonderful host and Ray O Neill our guest speaker.

Over 20 attendees meant this event was well attended by local showroom managers inc; Wagstaff, Bolon, Bisley, Ocee+Four, Milliken, Orangebox, Frem, Altro, Ideal Standard, Verco, Vescom and more.

Itinerary for the Camira CS Gathering:

Jeremy - Clerkenwell Showrooms overview
- The full CS Presentation will be sent to all attendees.

Host
Camira Fabrics - Agnese provided an overview of Camira’s brand and long history.

Forthcoming Events:
London Design Festival - a preview of the 16-24th September event activities
Clerkenwell Design Trail - a preview of the 4-5th October event activities
- JL encouraged CS Members to support events with the view that next year we will make a greater commitment to LDF.

Learning Event:
CS - Video Podcast Concept (Ray from Strip Studios)
- Ray provided an overview of professional video podcasting set-up and outcomes.
- He also offered to visit all showrooms to identify video opportunities
- JL suggested that CS will be happy to discuss; Media Training, Facilitating, Video Production ideas as needed.

Other News:
CS - Welcome to new Members (Mashkhura from Ocee Design, Emily from Bisley)
CS - WhatsApp SOS Test Day - Date TBC
Open floor for any other business/suggestions

- JL touched on the necessity for showroom marketing to support all CS Open events. To that end, CS will be preparing template marketing material to help showrooms support future CS Open events.

CS WhatsApp Group - User Guide

Finally, we have taken on board the ideas expressed at the Gatherings to pull together a super simple CS WhatsApp User Guide.

How simple?

A mere three TXT codes to remember and you will be good to go!

1. Security Protocol

Please use the following TXT protocol at the beginning of urgent security messages:

• SOS - {name of showroom} for immediate assistance from other showrooms

IMPORTANT: Upon seeing this text we ask that all showrooms nearby reply and send someone quickly to assist.

2. Social Protocol

Please use the following TXT protocol at the beginning of social messaging:

• FYI - for general information sharing

• ASK - for any info/help assistance

Full Guide Here.