The Excellence in Furniture Awards: Setting a New Standard for the Industry

This January, the UK furniture sector reaches a new milestone with the inaugural Excellence in Furniture Awards. The ceremony takes place on Monday, 19 January 2026, at NEC Birmingham, alongside the January Furniture Show, and is presented by The Furniture Shows in partnership with Furniture News. The event will bring together 350 leading brands, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers for a night dedicated to celebrating achievement and innovation across the sector.

About the Awards

Billed as the “Oscars of the furniture world,” the Excellence in Furniture Awards build on the legacy of the longstanding Furniture Awards, celebrating excellence across design, innovation, retail leadership, and marketing. Organised by The Furniture Shows in partnership with Furniture News, the programme is part of a portfolio that includes the January Furniture Show, Manchester Furniture Show, Home & Gift Buyers Festival, Top Drawer, and the digital platform Retail Revealed.

New Categories Spotlight the Sector’s Evolution

For 2026, six new categories have been introduced:

• Retailer of the Year – recognising innovation, resilience, and customer focus.

• Independent Retailer of the Year – celebrating smaller businesses making a big impact.

• Best Furniture Start-Up – spotlighting fresh talent and bold ideas.

• Best Marketing Campaign – open to all, rewarding creativity in audience engagement.

• Woman in Furniture Award – for outstanding contributions by women in the sector.

• Lifetime Achievement Award – honouring individuals whose legacy has shaped the industry.

Returning favourites include Best of British, Design Innovation, Global Player, Sustainability Award, and Superior Service, ensuring every corner of the furniture ecosystem is recognised.

Judging and Industry Support

A distinguished panel of experts will decide the winners, including Brian Ahern, Sarah Bianchi, Diana Celella, Paul Farley, Andrew Goodacre, Debbie Johnson, Joanna Knight, Gisela Lancaster, Emma Leeke, Deirdre McGettick, Nicola Snell, and Malcolm Walker. Their combined expertise spans design, retail, manufacturing, and sustainability, giving credibility and weight to every decision. Industry leaders have praised the programme as a vital way to recognise and inspire talent across the sector.

Entry Details

Entry is free and open now. Businesses and individuals across the UK sector are encouraged to submit for relevant categories ahead of the 3 October 2025 deadline (23:55 BST). Winners will be celebrated at a gala ceremony with a sit-down dinner, a celebrity host (to be revealed soon), and an after-party bringing together all 350 guests.

Why It Matters

These awards send a clear message: the UK’s independent retailers and rising innovators are shaping the future of furniture through creativity, resilience, and ambition. By recognising marketing, retail, and personal excellence alongside design and innovation, the programme highlights the full range of what drives exceptional customer experiences and sector growth.

Retail Revealed will be following the awards closely. Look out for features on nominees, exclusive interviews, and insights into trends shaping the industry. Submit your nominations, secure your tickets, and be part of this exciting new celebration.