Interview: We Talk to Jason Cox at the Opening of Cosentino’s City Manchester Showroom
As the vibrant city of Manchester welcomes the new Cosentino City showroom, we had the opportunity to sit down with Jason Cox, the regional general manager. In this engaging conversation, Jason shares insights into what designers and retailers can expect from this innovative space.
A New Hub for Creativity
Q: Tell us about the new showroom – what can you offer those who visit?
A: Our new venture, Cosentino City Manchester, is situated in one of the city’s most dynamic districts, known for its energy and thriving design culture. This showroom is designed to be an inspirational hub where designers, architects, and retailers can explore materials, collaborate with clients, and develop projects using advanced digital tools.
At the heart of the showroom is a comprehensive materials library. Here, professionals can access, compare, and combine our full portfolio, including Silestone®, Dekton®, Sensa®, and Scalea®. Each product is showcased within various inspiration spaces that demonstrate how these materials can be applied in real-world contexts, from kitchens and bathrooms to façades and workspaces.
Immersive Experience
The showroom features thoughtfully curated lighting and tactile displays that bring each surface to life. This setup helps users visualize how colors, finishes, and textures will work within their designs. We’re also excited to introduce Cosentino’s new offering, Eclos, a mineral surface with zero crystalline silica and high recycled material content. This groundbreaking technology offers designers a unique opportunity to experience innovation firsthand.
Specialized Zones for Creative Development
Q: Can you describe the different zones that have been created?
A: Absolutely! Cosentino City Manchester features a variety of specialized zones tailored to support creative development. The social area serves as a multifunctional space for networking, training, and industry events. Our bath studio showcases the latest bathroom solutions and trends from across our brands, while the live kitchen is a fully functional space for cooking demonstrations and culinary-focused events.
The atelier is a hands-on design workspace where users can experiment with materials and build mood boards. Additionally, the digital slab features a large 4K screen that offers a virtual catalogue of all Cosentino materials, making project planning and comparisons easier. The facades display showcases full-scale façade applications, complete with technical detailing and real project examples.
A Meeting Point for the Design Community
With a full calendar of talks, workshops, presentations, and design-led events, Cosentino City Manchester is designed to be a true meeting point for the design community. It reflects our commitment to Manchester as one of the UK’s most important creative hubs. Our city manager, Stevie, and city specialist, Ciara, are always available to provide technical guidance, creative support, and personalized advice for projects of any scale.
Retailer Support and Training
Q: Are there any retailer support offerings such as training and showroom displays?
A: Absolutely! Supporting retailers is a central purpose of Cosentino City Manchester. The space is not just a showroom; it serves as an extension of our partners’ retail environments.
Retailers can utilize the showroom as a display inspiration hub, drawing on our full-scale kitchen and bathroom installations, material libraries, and curated inspiration spaces. This is especially valuable for retailers who may lack the space to present multiple colors, finishes, or larger-format applications in their own showrooms.
A Dedicated Training Hub
The City also functions as a dedicated training hub. Teams can visit to learn about the latest product developments, technical specifications, sustainability initiatives, and installation best practices. This ensures they remain up-to-date and confident when presenting Cosentino solutions to their customers.
We also offer private meeting spaces for retailers to host their clients. Whether presenting concepts, discussing material choices, or developing full project proposals, the space provides a professional and inspiring backdrop that supports every step of the design process.
Flexible Resource for Retailers
With hands-on zones like the Atelier, live areas for events and demonstrations, and expert support from Stevie and Ciara, Cosentino City Manchester offers retailers a flexible, high-quality resource. This enhances their service offerings while strengthening their connection to the local design community.
Clare Howcutt-Kelly is the communications officer for the Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF) and can be found on Instagram @clarehowcuttkelly.
