Developed by The Furniture Shows and held alongside the January Furniture Show, the inaugural Excellence in Furniture Awards are set to gather leading retailers, manufacturers, brands and service providers to honour the industry’s brightest stars.
“We are excited to bring the entire furniture industry together and offer a night like no other,” says The Furniture Shows of the awards’ debut, taking place on Monday 19th January in the NEC Concourse Suite 1 & 2.
A marked step up from The Furniture Awards programme of previous years, and open to the entire trade, the awards will recognise innovation, design, and exceptional talent across the sector.
Head of sales at The Furniture Shows, Paddy Wallace, comments: “The inaugural Excellence in Furniture Awards represent a meaningful moment for our industry. These honours recognise the brands and professionals who are setting new benchmarks in design, innovation and performance. It’s inspiring to see the level of creativity and commitment shaping the future of furniture, and we’re proud to celebrate those leading the way.”
A panel of industry leaders, representing decades of expertise across retail, manufacturing and design, were recruited to judge the entries. The panel comprised: Malcolm Walker, First MW; Paul Farley, Furniture News; Andrew Goodacre, bira; Brian Ahern, The Furniture Makers’ Company/FIRA; Debbie Johnson, The Furniture Makers’ Company; Deirdre Mc Gettrick, ufurnish.com; Emma Leeke, Leekes; Nicola Snell, Press Loft; Gisela Lancaster, Sofology; Joanna Knight, The Knight Partnership; and Diana Celella, The Drawing Room Interiors.
The entries were reviewed across multiple official judging days, with the process carried out under strict confidentiality. Final votes were cast by secret ballot, with the winners to be revealed live on the night.
“We’re proud to have such a distinguished panel on board, and we thank them for helping make this landmark event possible,” adds Paddy.
Sponsorship support for the event included: Snap Finance (headline sponsor and sponsor of the Retailer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award categories); Furniture News (lead media partner and Design Innovation category sponsor); and The Furniture Makers’ Company (charity partner).
Judge Malcolm Walker comments: “This fine industry of ours deserves a celebration of the quality in our retail, manufacturing and design arenas. Recognition, and encouragement of talent now, will protect the future of our wonderful industry.”
The evening is set to welcome some 350 guests, from brand leaders and retailers to manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, for "an unforgettable night of recognition and celebration". The programme kicks off at 6pm with a drinks reception, before a meal from 7pm. The award winners will be announced from 9pm, before an after party closes the evening from 10-12.
Read our exclusive preview to discover what some of the finalist thought about making the cut …
