The newly elevated Excellence in Furniture Awards will make its debut on Monday 19th January 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham, in conjunction with the January Furniture Show.
Building on the legacy of The Furniture Awards, the refreshed ceremony will introduce six new categories, expanding recognition beyond brands, manufacturers, suppliers and service providers to celebrate the achievements of retailers and individuals shaping the sector.
New categories for 2026 include:
- Retailer of the Year – honours businesses that demonstrate resilience, innovation, and a strong understanding of today’s furniture buyer
- Independent Retailer of the Year – shines a spotlight on smaller businesses making a big impact
- Best Furniture Start-Up – celebrates emerging players bringing fresh ideas to the industry
- Best Marketing Campaign – open to all stakeholders, recognises creativity and effectiveness in reaching audiences
- Woman in Furniture Award – acknowledges outstanding contributions by women across the sector
- Lifetime Achievement Award – celebrates an individual’s lasting legacy in the furniture industry
“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,” says Andrew Goodacre, CEO of bira and the lead judge for the retail-focused categories.
Favourites from The Furniture Awards – including Best of British, Design Innovation, Global Player, the Sustainability Award, and Superior Service – will also return.
The awards are free to enter, and businesses are encouraged to submit entries across as many categories as relevant before the deadline of Friday 3rd October 2025 at 23:55 (BST). Discover the criteria for each award and submit a free entry here.
Tickets and tables are now on sale, with early bird discounts available. Organiser Clarion Events says guests can look forward to"a glittering evening, beginning with a welcome drinks reception and a delicious sit-down meal, followed by the awards ceremony hosted by a soon-to-be-announced celebrity. The celebrations will continue at the after-party, where 350 industry peers can dance the night away!"
