The DIY Week Awards shines a spotlight onto the industry’s finest
Brought together to celebrate the very best that the sector has to offer, the leading professionals from the home improvement and gardening industry gathered on Friday, May 10 at The Tower Hotel in London for the 2019 DIY Week Awards.
The awards event, organised by DIY Week magazine’s publisher Datateam Business Media, is one of the leading occasions in the industry calendar, where guests come together to celebrate the innovative products and forward-thinking retailers across the home improvement and garden sector. This year proved to be no different, as the afternoon provided attendees with the opportunity to network with their peers during the exclusive drinks reception, before enjoying a three-course meal and the awards presentations.
DIY Week editor, Fiona Garcia kicked off the afternoon’s proceedings with an inspiring speech looking back at the past year and praising the quality of entries received across all categories: “Our judging panels were encouraged by the level of innovation and investment coming through from suppliers, as well as the number of retail businesses showcasing real expansion and growth, exciting initiatives and a clear mission to be the best they can be.”
Congratulating the finalists, Mrs Garcia said that the day was, “a celebration of all that they had achieved and the opportunities that creates for both their businesses and the industry as a whole”.
She added: “Having such fantastic products and retail operations to present to our judges this year, confirms what I firmly believe; that our sector has an exciting future.”
Critically acclaimed comedian Shappi Khorsandi and household favourite – the voice of The National Lottery and Strictly Come Dancing – Alan Dedicoat were on hand to present the 20 accolades to the leading suppliers and retailers that the sector has to offer.
The full list of winners on the day is as follows:
- Hand Tool & Accessory of the Year – Stanley, Track Wall System 20-piece Kit
- Decorating Product of the Year – Mitforddesign, PaintTopper
- Digital Innovation Award – Hayes Garden World
- Garden Leisure Product of the Year – Smart Garden Products, Bluetooth Solar Lighting Range
- Marketing Initiative Award – Tile Giant
- Digital Investment Award – VegTrug
- Garden Care Product of the Year – Barrettine, Anti-Slip Top Coat Decking Oil, 5 Litres
- Team of the Year – Bute Tools – General Store
- Home & Kitchen Product of the Year – Addis Housewares, Fold Flat Laundry Basket
- Power Tool of the Year – Avron, Dekton Power Cordless Caulking Gun
- Retailer Support Initiative – Stax Trade Centres
- Security Product of the Year – Yale, Sync Smart Home Alarm
- Business Expansion Award – Batley DIY Centre
- Garden Tool of the Year – Spear & Jackson, 3-in-1 Rake
- DIY Product of the Year – suki.international, Screw-It-Again
- Sustainability Award ( Turnover >£20m) – Gordale Home and Garden Centre
- Sustainability Award (Turnover <£20m) – Kingfisher
- Lighting & Electrical Product of the Year – Smart Garden Products, Bluetooth Solar Lighting Range
- Judges’ Choice Award – suki.international, Screw-It-Again
- Retailer of the Year – Kings DIY
Once all the accolades had been presented, the afternoon gave guests the chance to give a something back to DIY Week Awards’ charity partner, the Rainy Day Trust, in the form of a game of ‘Heads & Tails’. Thanks to those in attendance, the event raised £1,262 for the charity.
Following the success of the event, publication and event manager Sallie Payne said: “The award winners at this year’s event are great advocates for our thriving industry. I would like to thank everyone who entered, as well as our judges, those in attendance and the sponsors of the event – without your support, the DIY Week Awards would not be possible.”
The DIY Week Awards would like to thank the following industry heavyweights for their support: AkzoNobel, Barrettine, the British Home Enhancement Trade Association, Burg-Wächter UK, GIMA, Henkel, Home Hardware Southwest, Sam’s Trade Direct, Stax Trade Centres, Toolstream and ZEP Commercial.
To find out more information about the DIY Week Awards and to view a full gallery of photos from the event, please visit: www.diyweekawards.co.uk
