Excellence in Furniture Awards Launches at January Furniture Show

The UK furniture trade is set to celebrate innovation and creativity across the sector with the inaugural Excellence in Furniture Awards, scheduled to take place on January 19, 2026, at the NEC Birmingham. The awards, created by The Furniture Shows in partnership with Furniture News, aim to recognize outstanding contributions across every part of the industry. The ceremony will run alongside the January Furniture Show, with 350 industry leaders attending a glamorous evening of recognition.

Key Takeaways:

The Excellence in Furniture Awards will be held on January 19, 2026, at the NEC Birmingham, in conjunction with the January Furniture Show.
The awards ceremony will recognize innovation, creativity, and outstanding contributions across the furniture sector, with categories including Best Furniture Start-Up and Lifetime Achievement Award.
The judging panel consists of industry experts, including Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre, Brian Ahern, Sarah Bianchi, Paul Farley, Andrew Goodacre, Gisela Lancaster, Emma Leeke, and Deirdre McGettick.
Entries are free and open now, with a deadline of October 3, 2025, at 23:55 BST.
Tickets for the event will go on sale in early September, with early bird discounts available.
The awards ceremony is expected to bring together industry leaders, retailers, brands, and suppliers to recognize true excellence in the furniture sector.

Statistics:

The awards ceremony will be hosted by a celebrity guest to be announced.
350 industry leaders are expected to attend the awards ceremony.
The judging panel consists of eight industry experts with decades of expertise.
Entries for the awards are open now and free of charge.
The deadline for entries is October 3, 2025, at 23:55 BST.
Tickets for the event will go on sale in early September.

Sources:

British Independent Retailers Association, September 8 - Original Press Release