Retailers invited to enter inaugural Excellence in Furniture Awards

The UK furniture trade is set to welcome a major new industry celebration in January 2026, as the inaugural Excellence in Furniture Awards launches at the NEC Birmingham, offering retailers, brands, and suppliers the chance to be recognised for their achievements.

Taking place on Monday 19 January 2026, the ceremony will run alongside the January Furniture Show, with 350 industry leaders gathering for a glamorous evening of recognition, hosted by a soon-to-be-announced celebrity guest.

Excellence in Furniture Awards

Created by The Furniture Shows in partnership with Furniture News, the event has been designed to spotlight innovation, creativity, and outstanding contributions across every part of the sector.

Awards categories include Best Furniture Start-Up, Best Marketing Campaign, Best of British, Design Innovation, Global Player, Independent Retailer of the Year, Retailer of the Year, Sustainability Award, Superior Service, Woman in Furniture Award, and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

A panel of respected judges will decide the winners, bringing together decades of expertise from across retail, manufacturing, and design. Among them is Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre, who will make up part of the judging cohort.

Mr Goodacre said: “These awards play an important role in celebrating the very best of the furniture industry, shining a spotlight on businesses that are truly ‘best in class.’ It’s fantastic that they also recognise retailers and marketing campaigns, as these are such a vital part of the overall customer experience.”

Alongside Mr Goodacre will be Brian Ahern (The Furniture Makers’ Company), Sarah Bianchi (Arighi Bianchi), Paul Farley (Furniture News), Andrew Goodacre (Bira), Gisela Lancaster (Sofology), Emma Leeke (Leekes), and Deirdre McGettick (U.Furnish).

Industry voices have already welcomed the launch. Malcolm Walker of First MW called the timing “absolutely right” for celebrating talent across retail, manufacturing, and design, while Furniture News’ Paul Farley said he was excited to help take the awards programme “to the next level in 2026.”

Entries are free and open now, with the deadline set for Friday 3 October 2025 at 23:55 (BST). Tickets will go on sale in early September, with early bird discounts available.

Portfolio Director Zoe Bonser said the awards will be “more than just a ceremony – it’s a chance to honour the individuals and businesses shaping the future of furniture, and to come together as a community to recognise true excellence.”