The very best from across the DIY, home improvement and garden markets gathered at London’s Park Plaza Victoria Hotel on Friday, May 11 to recognise excellence across the breadth of the vibrant industry, from forward-thinking companies to innovative products and inspirational people.
The luncheon began with an exclusive drinks reception sponsored by Decco, which served as a prime opportunity for guests to catch up and network with industry friends, colleagues and a room full of potential clients before major British comedy talent Marcus Brigstocke got the awards proceedings underway.
Winning a trophy at the prestigious DIY Week Awards is a momentous achievement – and this year, several companies had even greater cause for celebration after bagging awards in more than one category.
It was a big day for Henkel, who picked up three awards, with its Unibond No More Nails Click & Fix being named DIY Product of the Year, its Unibond Aero 360 Moisture Absorber & Scented Refills going home with gold for Home & Kitchen Product of the Year, and the company also clinching the accolade for Retailer Support Initiative.
Bosch also came out on top in three categories; taking home Electronic DIY Product of the Year for the UniversalInspect while its EasyCut12 was the winner of both the Power Tool of the Year and overall Judges’ Choice award.
AkzoNobel’s Dulux Roller Tester was honoured as the Decorating Product of the Year, with Dulux also clinching the accolade for Digital Investment.
The Security Product of the Year award went to Yale for the Conexis L1 Smart Door Lock and Olympia Tools UK took home the Hand Tool & Accessory of the Year award for the Gorilla Block Buster Bolster.
In the categories designed specifically for the garden market, the QEP Homelux Colour Changing LED Cube/Stool was recognised as the Garden Leisure Product of the Year and Riverco Trading’s Frogsuit Wood Treatment secured the title of Garden Care Product of the Year.
As always, retailers from across the diverse home improvement and garden sector were also honoured for their achievements at this year’s DIY Week Awards. D&M Tools became the first recipient of the brand new Website/Digital Initiative Award and Hafod Hardware picked up the Marketing Initiative Award for its #DeliverMagic campaign.
Axminster Tools & Machinery’s Cardiff branch picked up the Team of the Year accolade, the fast-growing Walton Flooring Centre was honoured with the Business Expansion Award while Tool Shop took home the coveted Retailer of the Year Award (turnover < £10m) and Bents Garden & Home was named Retailer of the Year Award in the higher turnover category.
A special presentation was made to Tool Shop owner Vin Vara, who was named Industry Personality of the Year for his stellar work as BIRA president and for the independent retailing community.
The luncheon not only served as an opportunity to recognise excellence and innovation across the sector, but also a chance to give something back. A collection was made on behalf of The Rainy Day Trust, with generous guests helping to raise much-needed funds for the UK’s only charity supporting the home improvement workforce and their families in times of need. The total amount raised will be announced on the DIY Week Awards website shortly.
The DIY Week Awards was sponsored by The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA), Brookes & Co, Burg-Wächter, Decco, Dulux, Everbuild – A Sika Company, GIMA, Henkel, Home Hardware Southwest, Sam’s Trade Direct, Stax Trade Centres and Sterling.
For more information on the DIY Week Awards and to see the full gallery of photos from the ceremony, visit www.diyweekawards.co.uk.
