Sally Bent
Event Director, New Designers
The UK’s most celebrated graduate design showcase returns — bigger, bolder and united under one roof for the first time.
For over 40 years, New Designers has been the UK’s defining showcase for emerging creatives. This July, it enters a new chapter.
One roof, every discipline
For the first time, all disciplines — from fashion and ceramics to UX and product design — will come together for one week at the Business Design Centre in London, running 1-4 July 2026.
The shift in format reflects design’s evolution. Boundaries between disciplines are dissolving, and the new format mirrors that reality, creating a richer, more collaborative environment for the 2,500+ exhibiting graduates each year.
“The new one-week format demonstrates design’s interdisciplinary nature today,” says Sally Bent, Event Director, New Designers. “It creates a more collaborative environment that better mirrors how design operates in the real world.”
Connecting graduates with industry
At the heart of the 2026 programme is ND Connects — one-to-one sessions, portfolio reviews and workshops placing graduates in front of leading industry professionals. In an age increasingly shaped by AI and digital tools, these in-person encounters offer real dialogue, authentic connection and the kind of spontaneous opportunity that changes careers.
The ND Educates programme adds further depth, bringing together design tutors, industry experts and education leaders for seminars and networking sessions tackling today’s design education challenges — with a particular focus on jewellery, silverware and precious metals craft skills.
It creates a more collaborative environment that better mirrors how design operates in the real world
The prestigious ND Awards return with over 50 prizes, supported by industry partners including John Lewis, Hallmark, Oliver Bonas and PriestmanGoode. The awards evening on 1 July offers graduates unparalleled access to industry figures who can shape their futures.
Last year’s New Designer of the Year, Jake Inglis, credits the event with transforming his trajectory: “Exhibiting at New Designers significantly increased visibility around my work. It led to conversations with clinicians, investors and manufacturers that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.”
New Designers 2026 takes place 1-4 July at the Business Design Centre, London. Tickets are available now, from £13.95 for a Thursday Late pass to £25.95 for All Access. Trade tickets are £6.95.
Book at newdesigners.com.
