New Designers 2026 2027 is the UK's leading graduate design showcase, taking place from 30 June to 3 July 2027 at the Business Design Centre, London. This event highlights the best in emerging design talent across multiple disciplines.
Dates
30 Jun – 3 Jul 2027
City / country
London, United Kingdom
Venue
Business Design Centre
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
New Designers 2026 2027 is set to take place from 30 June to 3 July 2027 at the Business Design Centre in London. This event serves as a platform for over 2,500 graduates to showcase their innovative designs to industry professionals and the public.
With a focus on various design disciplines, including fashion, textiles, and product design, New Designers aims to represent the interdisciplinary nature of design today. New Designers 2026 2027 takes place in London, United Kingdom.
TL;DR
Attending New Designers offers a unique opportunity to discover the latest trends and innovations in design. Visitors can network with emerging talents and industry leaders, gaining insights into the future of design. The event also features workshops and talks from leading professionals, enhancing the visitor experience.
Exhibiting at New Designers provides designers with invaluable exposure to industry professionals and potential employers. This event showcases emerging design talent across various disciplines, including fashion, textiles, and product design. Attendees include industry professionals, design enthusiasts, and potential employers looking to connect with new talent.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 0QH, United Kingdom
Business Design Centre in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Business Design Centre in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Business Design Centre for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Who runs the show
Immediate Live
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
Impact
New Designers 2026 took place on 1-4 July 2026 at the Business Design Centre in London. The official July 2026 awards winners release highlights projects ranging from life-saving devices to circular design. The event is billed as the UK's leading graduate design event and includes an awards programme for emerging designers.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending New Designers offers a unique opportunity to discover the latest trends and innovations in design. Visitors can network with emerging talents and industry leaders, gaining insights into the future of design.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Latest updates from across the market.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
London Heathrow
Largest UK long-haul gateway and the simplest arrival for international visitors; the Piccadilly line runs direct to King's Cross St Pancras for the Northern line change to Angel
Approx. 20 mi / 32 km
to venue
Approx. 45-70 min by road; approx. 55-70 min by Piccadilly line and Northern line to Angel
by car
London Gatwick
Second long-haul gateway with frequent Gatwick Express and Southern/Thameslink services into central London; allow a Tube change to reach Islington
Approx. 30 mi / 48 km
to venue
Approx. 60-85 min by road; rail to Victoria or London Bridge then Tube to Angel
by car
London Stansted
Main hub for European low-cost carriers; the Stansted Express into Liverpool Street puts you two stops from Angel on the Northern line
Approx. 35 mi / 56 km
to venue
Approx. 60-80 min by road; Stansted Express to Liverpool Street then Tube or bus 73 area routes
by car
London Luton
Popular with short-haul European arrivals; Thameslink trains reach St Pancras in roughly 35-45 minutes before the Northern line connection
Approx. 35 mi / 56 km
to venue
Approx. 60-85 min by road; Thameslink to St Pancras then Northern line to Angel
by car
London City
Closest airport to Islington for European business travellers; small terminal and fast onward transfer via the DLR to Bank or Canning Town
Approx. 9 mi / 14 km
to venue
Approx. 30-45 min by DLR and Tube; approx. 30-40 min by taxi
by car
London Southend
Smaller low-cost airport east of London; rail into Liverpool Street is usually faster than road at peak times
Approx. 40 mi / 64 km
to venue
Approx. 70-95 min by road; Greater Anglia rail to Liverpool Street then Tube
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Premier Inn London Angel Islington
Approx. nightly range for late June and early July 2027. Roughly 100 yd from the Business Design Centre; breakfast, free Wi-Fi, paid parking, air conditioning, bar and restaurant listed in the hotel capture. Book early, this property sells out during London summer event weeks.
Sunny Studio in Vibrant Peaceful Angel
Approx. nightly range for a self-contained studio sleeping two with kitchen, heating and ironing facilities; about 100 yd from the venue, a practical option for course groups staying several nights.
Hilton London Angel Islington
Approx. nightly range. Full-service hotel on Upper Street within walking distance of the halls; a sensible base for recruiters and buyers who need meeting space close to the show floor.
Verv Islington
Approx. nightly range. Premium property about 0.2 mi from the Business Design Centre, with free Wi-Fi noted in the hotel capture; the closest higher-tier option for visiting press and awards guests.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
rail
About 55-70 minutes door to door with one change at King's Cross St Pancras. Contactless bank cards and phones are accepted at the gates and are capped daily.
rail
Gatwick Express is fastest but dearest; Southern and Thameslink services cost less and still reach central London in 35-50 minutes before the Tube leg to Angel.
rail
Roughly 50 minutes to Liverpool Street, then two stops on the Northern line to Angel or a bus along City Road and Upper Street.
rail
Thameslink runs direct to St Pancras International in around 35-45 minutes; from there Angel is two stops south on the Northern line.
rail
The DLR connects to the Jubilee and Northern lines; total journey is usually 30-45 minutes depending on the change point.
rail
Trains run into Liverpool Street in about an hour; continue by Northern line to Angel or by bus toward Islington.
taxi
Door-to-door convenience for luggage or stand materials, but the Piccadilly and Northern line route is far cheaper and often similar in total time at peak hours.
taxi
Best reserved only for late arrivals or groups splitting the fare; rail plus Tube is usually under an hour and a fraction of the cost.
Weather
London in late June and early July is warm but changeable: expect daytime highs around 20-24 C, cooler evenings near 13-15 C, and passing showers across the four show days. Daylight lasts well into the evening, which helps if you are walking between Angel station and the Business Design Centre after the halls close. Carry a light rain layer and a compact umbrella rather than heavy kit.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK mobile networks EE, O2, Vodafone and Three sell prepaid SIMs and eSIMs at the airports and in central London. Most EU plans no longer include free roaming in the UK, so check your operator before travelling. Coverage around Islington and the Business Design Centre is strong on 4G and 5G, but venue Wi-Fi access for visitors varies by event, so confirm with the organiser if you plan to demo online work or live-post from the floor.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Currency and payments
The UK uses pounds sterling. Contactless cards and phones work on the Tube, buses and in nearly every venue and cafe, so cash is rarely needed; keep a small amount for market stalls.
Greetings and introductions
First meetings are usually informal: a handshake, first name and a short outline of your role. Course leaders and studio recruiters respond well to a specific question about the work in front of them.
Photography and IP
Graduate work is often unregistered intellectual property. Ask before photographing a stand, and credit the designer and course if you publish images.
Tipping
Restaurant bills often include a discretionary service charge; otherwise 10 percent is normal. Tipping is not expected in pubs at the bar.
Show hours and punctuality
Trade, press and recruiter visitors usually arrive early on the opening day for the preview. Arriving at the Business Design Centre before the doors open avoids the Upper Street crush.
Around Islington
Upper Street runs from Angel to Highbury and Islington with cafes, pubs and small shops; the venue sits directly on it, so lunch options are within a few minutes' walk during show breaks.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: LHR
Book flights into Heathrow (LHR) if you want the simplest transfer, since the Piccadilly and Northern line route reaches Angel with one change; compare Gatwick and Stansted only if the saving is substantial, because the onward rail leg adds cost. Late June is a busy London period with graduations, Wimbledon fortnight approaching and summer tourism, so fixed-date fares rise quickly inside eight weeks of departure. Aim to arrive the day before the 30 June opening, allow at least two hours for UK border clearance on long-haul arrivals, and check whether an Electronic Travel Authorisation is required before you book.
Many nationalities can visit the UK visa-free for business under the Standard Visitor route; check GOV.UK's visa requirement guidance for your nationality before booking travel.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Standard Visitor rules allow attending conferences, trade fairs and business meetings; carry your show registration and an employer letter. Non-visa nationals still need to satisfy the border officer that the trip is for permitted business activities.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: London Heathrow (LHR): Approx. 45-70 min by road; approx. 55-70 min by Piccadilly line and Northern line to Angel; London Gatwick (LGW): Approx. 60-85 min by road; rail to Victoria or London Bridge then Tube to Angel; London Stansted (STN): Approx. 60-80 min by road; Stansted Express to Liverpool Street then Tube or bus 73 area routes; London Luton (LTN): Approx. 60-85 min by road; Thameslink to St Pancras then Northern line to Angel. Allow road or rail time to Business Design
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Business Design Centre: Angel / Islington: Premier Inn London Angel Islington; Angel / Islington: Sunny Studio in Vibrant Peaceful Angel; Angel / Islington: Hilton London Angel Islington.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing is widely used in London: Uber, Bolt and FREE NOW all operate, and black cabs can be flagged or booked through apps. Pick-up around the Business Design Centre is easiest on Upper Street or Liverpool Road rather than directly at the entrance, which gets congested at opening and closing times. A short 2-3 mi trip across central London typically lands around GBP 12-25 depending on traffic and surge; confirm the fare in the app before you ride.
Public transit: Angel station on the Northern line is the closest Underground stop, about five minutes' walk from the Business Design Centre along Upper Street. From King's Cross St Pancras it is two stops south, and from Bank or London Bridge it is a short Northern line ride north. Bus routes along Upper Street and City Road, including the 4, 19, 43 and 73, stop within a few minutes of the venue. Pay with a contactless card or phone; single fares are around GBP 1.75 for buses and GBP 2.80-5.90 for Tube journeys from Zone 1, with daily caps applied automatically. Confirm current fares and any line closures on the TfL journey planner before travelling.
Parking: The Business Design Centre operates an on-site car park with a limited number of spaces, so pre-book if you plan to drive and allow extra time for the Upper Street approach on weekday mornings. Islington sits just outside the central London Congestion Charge zone, but the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) covers all of Greater London, so check your vehicle and any daily charge before setting off. For larger deliveries or stand materials, arrange a timed unloading slot with the venue rather than relying on street parking.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: Late June to early July 2027
Temperature: Approx. 14-24 C by day and 12-15 C overnight, based on typical late June London conditions; confirm the forecast in the week before travel
Seasonality: Late June and early July are usually warm but unsettled in London, with long daylight hours and showery spells possible on any of the four show days. Rain rarely lasts all day, so plan for quick changes rather than a washed-out visit, and expect the halls to be warm when the galleries fill up.
Packing: Light layers for warm galleries and cooler evenings, a packable waterproof and compact umbrella for the walk from Angel station, comfortable shoes for two floors at the Business Design Centre, a notebook or tablet for portfolio notes, and business cards if you are scouting graduates or meeting course leaders. Add a smart-casual outfit if you are attending an awards or preview evening.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at New Designers 2026 2027 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
confirm your registration or ticket type, check whether your visit falls on an industry or public day, and print or download your badge confirmation.
download the exhibitor list from newdesigners.com and mark the courses, disciplines and One Year In designers you must see first.
book rail or flight tickets to London; late June is a peak period, so fixed fares disappear quickly.
reserve an Islington or Angel hotel within walking distance of the Business Design Centre rather than commuting from outer London.
plan your route from the arrival airport, including which Tube line and change you will use to reach Angel station.
check the UK entry rules for your nationality, including whether an Electronic Travel Authorisation is needed before boarding.
check the London forecast and pack layers plus a compact umbrella for the walk along Upper Street.
set up contactless payment on your phone or card for Tube and bus travel, and note the daily fare cap.
draft your questions for course leaders and recruiters, and prepare a shortlist of graduates whose work you want to discuss.
confirm opening hours for your visit day, charge devices for photographing and note-taking, and pack business cards if you are recruiting.
Registration and hall orientation at Business Design Centre
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
New Designers 2026 2027 registration concourse
Business Design Centre
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Business Design Centre
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether New Designers 2026 2027 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For New Designers 2026 2027, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Fashion and costume design showcasing new trends. solutions and benchmarking suppliers at New Designers 2026 2027 in London.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Fashion and costume design showcasing new trends. products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the London show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
