Its time to recognise the best of the best in the industry

It’s time to get your entries in for this year’s BPMA Product Awards and with some changes in this year’s entry criteria, more suppliers can now take part in these internationally recognised Awards.

Previously only exhibitors at Merchandise World could exhibit, the BPMA have opened entries to any supplier in or supplying the UK market. This change has been made to make the BPMA Product Awards truly inclusive. ‘The Product Awards have represented some of the best in the industry for many years and we’re now including the whole industry to be representative of what products are available in our vibrant marketplace. We’re really looking forward to seeing the quality of the entries and now it’s open to all, we’re expecting some great levels of competition for our judging panels to consider! We’ve also introduced a Grand Prix for this year’ commented CEO Carey Trevill.

Who can enter this year?

The BPMA have opened the Product Awards to any supplier who has registered status in the UK or another country, have been trading for more than a year and trades in the UK market, are trade only or multi-channel suppliers. By expanding the remit of suppliers who can now enter these sought-after Awards, the BPMA aims to recognise a wider market and represent the industry.

Which products can enter this year?

With a range of revamped categories, suppliers will find something for every product in the scope of the Product Awards. Suppliers can enter any qualifying products on the market which were available between January and November 2022, produced, marketed, or manufactured by the supplier presenting the product. There is no limit to the number of entries a company can submit (noting the charges that apply after the first entry submission unless stated otherwise) and you can, where relevant, enter the same product into more than one category. Entrants are advised to follow entry instructions carefully and include all requested and relevant images, information and certifications to ensure your entry stands a great chance of success.

Updated categories recognise every shape, size, and type of merchandise

This year’s categories range from the traditional product specific and innovation awards to new sustainability awards. With winners announced in early January 2023, just in time for those exhibiting at Merchandise World, the BPMA will be showing off all the Award winners at the show. ‘It’s been an important part of the Product Awards to keep recognition going across the year when they are winners’ says BPMA’s Membership Director, Tom Robey. ‘The winners awarded earlier this year are still featured and talked about in places like Product Media, winners proudly displaying their certificates and trophies at trade shows as well as highlighted by distributors to end users as industry recognised products.’

This year, one overall winner will be crowned the winner of winners awarded by the final panel judges. The lucky winner of this award will have to wait though to receive their Grand Prix as this won’t be revealed until the BPMA Awards Dinner in January 2023.

What are the judges looking for?

In every category, the BPMA have supplied the range of products related to the category, the evidence they look for to support the entry including images, videos, presentations and certifications plus prices of course.

And you’ll need a physical product available too

The BPMA have asked PM readers thinking about entering the Product Awards that they have to be able to produce a physical item as part of the entry process. Any entrant unable to produce a product when requested is likely to face immediate disqualification so it’s an important criterion to note!

Who is judging this year?

With a crack team of judges ranging from industry professionals and experienced BPMA distributors, there are two panels who will be looking for originality, innovation, creativity, ethical and sustainable credentials, value for money and any other criteria specified in the category. In addition, entrants will also be asked to submit trade prices available to BPMA distributor members to understand the value proposition.

Judging takes place over two rounds: two online rounds and a final face to face panel. With different judges in each round of online judging, the selection process is rigorous and aimed at making sure every round is assessed in line with the criteria set out. The BPMA Product Awards is administered by the BPMA team, but they don’t get involved in judging, only ensuring the competition is run fairly – and of course settling the odd judging dispute!

Brian Hayward of PAGE is this year’s Product Award Chair and told PM ‘We love these Awards. It’s a great high point in the year as we gather our judges together to really put these products through their paces, recognise and reward the extraordinary too. Like many Awards, we’ve evolved again this year and we can’t wait to see what comes through. I’m Chairing the final panel session where we bring the round two judges together to examine the shortlist and the products in person so we can examine the scores and allocate the Awards. With a Grand Prix now in the mix too, it’s going to be exciting!’.

Where can you enter?

To enter these year’s Product Awards, visit bpma.co.uk and search for Awards for more information, terms and conditions and the prices to enter. Please note, BPMA members receive a complimentary entry and an early bird rate with non member entries attracting a fixed fee.

The BPMA Product Awards open on 01.09.22 and close on 01.11.22. All entries are subject to an entry fee unless otherwise specified and the fee will be determined on your BPMA member or non-member status. Only complete entries can be submitted. Each entry will be subject to vetting prior to judging. Winners announced in January 2023 and Grand Prix winner will be announced at BPMA Awards Dinner in January 2023.

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