The furniture industry will soon have its own 'Oscars' as the inaugural Excellence in Furniture Awards, delivered by The Furniture Shows (Clarion Events) in partnership with Furniture News, launches this January, shining a spotlight on innovation, design, and exceptional talent across the sector.
The most inspiring furniture professionals will take centre stage alongside a soon-to-be-announced celebrity host, on Monday 19th January at the NEC Birmingham. Held in conjunction with the January Furniture Show, the evening expects to welcome some 350 brands, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and service providers for "an unforgettable night of recognition and celebration".
The award 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; Superior Service; Woman in Furniture; and Lifetime Achievement.
The judging panel of industry leaders, representing decades of expertise across retail, manufacturing and design, will include: Sarah Bianchi, Arighi Bianchi; Diana Celella, The Drawing Room Interiors; Paul Farley, Furniture News; Andrew Goodacre, Bira; Brian Ahern, Debbie Johnson and Joanna Knight, The Furniture Makers’ Company; Gisela Lancaster, Sofology; Emma Leeke, Leekes; Deirdre McGettrick, ufurnish.com; Nicola Snell, Press Loft; and Malcolm Walker, First MW.
Malcolm Walker, director of consultancy First MW, comments: “Having been involved in the judging of The Furniture Awards for many years now, I believe the timing is absolutely right to introduce the Excellence in Furniture Awards. 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.”
Paul Farley, editor-in-chief of Furniture News, adds: “Having co-ordinated The Furniture Awards alongside the January Furniture Show for over a decade, I’m looking forward to helping take the programme to the next level in 2026 and celebrating more of the businesses and people that make our industry so special.”
Entries are free and open now. Submissions should be completed before the deadline, Friday 3rd October at 23:55 (BST). Entry enquiries should be directed to [email protected].
Clarion Events' portfolio director Zoe Bonser shares the excitement surrounding the launch: “We’re proud to open the awards up to the entire furniture industry, with categories designed for brands, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and service providers alike. This is more than just an awards 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.”
Tickets for the awards will go on sale this month. Sign up for an early bird discount here.
As part of Clarion Events' portfolio, which includes the January Furniture Show, Manchester Furniture Show, Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival, Top Drawer, and digital platform Retail Revealed, the Excellence in Furniture Awards aims to provide "an unforgettable evening of recognition and celebration of the furniture industry".
