Opening Keynote | Colour, Creativity & Community

Ryan and Marc from Larsen Architecture, alongside Design Central founder Cath McCubbin, will set the scene for Design Central's 10th anniversary, introduce this year's themes and explain how the enhanced Talk Space programme has been designed to help interior professionals learn, connect and grow. Whether you're joining us for one session or spending both days in Talk Space, this opening keynote is the perfect place to begin. Meet Ryan and Marc Ryan Wenham and Marc Prats are the founders of Larsen Architecture and the creators of the UK's first coaching and mentoring programme dedicated specifically to design professionals. Together, they combine real-world design experience with expertise in psychology, communication and business development to help designers build stronger, more successful and sustainable businesses. Rather than offering generic advice, their approach is centred around practical strategies that help creative professionals attract the right clients, communicate their value with confidence and build businesses that genuinely work for them. As Design Central's Talk Space partners for 2026, Ryan and Marc have curated an enhanced programme of conversations, interviews and business-focused sessions designed to leave visitors with practical ideas they can take straight back into their own careers and businesses. Inside Talk Space This year’s show will feel a little different as we celebrate Design Central’s 10th anniversary. The exhibitors remain at the heart of the event, with an expanded Talk Space programme featuring business-focused sessions, interviews and live Q&A throughout both days. All talks are free to attend, but spaces are limited and must be booked in advance. There will also be a daily raffle designed to encourage you to explore the show, meet exhibitors and make new connections. General entry remains free. A paid VIP Experience will also be available as an optional upgrade for those who would like to make the day even more special, with added comfort, access and anniversary extras. Planning your visit To help you make the most of your visit, please note: ✔ This ticket reserves your place for this Talk Space session only. ✔ If you're attending more than one Talk Space session, please reserve a ticket for each session you'd like to attend. ✔ A Design Central North West 2026 admission ticket is also required to enter the show. Standard admission is free, with optional DC Extra and DC VIP upgrades available. ✔ Talk Space sessions are free, but advance booking is essential as seating is limited. ✔ Please arrive a few minutes before the session starts so we can welcome everyone comfortably. ✔ All Talk Space sessions take place inside The Queen Anne room of Capesthorne Hall. What people love and say about Design Central: "So many fabulous suppliers" @upholsterybybetty "Always happy when surrounded by fabrics!!" @miriaminteriors "Another great show at Design Central. Thank you so much for putting together such a great event in the North West." @larissgreatrexdesign "Thanks Design Central for all your hard work bringing these fabulous suppliers to us." @fionawdesign "The 'Luxury Interiors Trade Show' at Capesthorne Hall did not disappoint" @singletonbespoke "Exciting to have a interior design show close to home!" @aimeebalcombe.interiors "A really great day at Design Central meeting suppliers and connecting with designers" @_txtured_ "Rooms full of goodies" @live_by_george "Was great to meet so many interesting people" @rew_interiors "Really excited to see new trends, fabrics and furniture...Beautiful surroundings" @cole_and_fox_interiors "Busy day meeting up with some fellow designers and getting inspired by lots of lovely wallpapers and fabrics at Design Central. Fab location at Capesthorne Hall" @kparslowinteriors "Fantastic event at Design Central UK. Great to see some well known brands and some new ones alike" @biddis.lifestyle_design "If there's anything already in the diary, it's cancelled to go to this show" @designfixuk "A very inspiring day held in beautiful surroundings. Great to see so many exhibitors closer to home" @JMiltonUK "Great to see some of my design friends and look at new collections" @clairelouisedesigns "A great day at Design Central UK...caught up with design friends old and new" @Curve_Interior "Great day out at Design Central... Beautiful venue and fantastic fabric exhibitors. Discovered new designers I love and will blog about them soon!" @kregandesigns PLEASE NOTE: BY REGISTERING TO ATTEND DESIGN CENTRAL NORTH WEST YOU ARE AGREEING TO CBM DESIGN CENTRAL LTD SHARING YOUR DETAILS WITH OUR EXHIBITORS.