Merchandise and merchandise professionals were hailed at the industry’s premier award ceremony – the BPMA Annual Awards

The BPMA Awards Dinner 2026 delivered a spectacular evening of celebration for the promotional merchandise sector.

Taking place at the CBS Arena, Coventry, the ceremony followed a busy first day of Merchandise World, with 600 guests arriving energised and ready to celebrate the very best of the industry.

The Association hosts the Awards Dinner annually to recognise and reward the professionalism, passion and hard work within membership and the wider industry.

A total of 17 awards were presented on the night. This year also saw the introduction of two new awards: the BPMA Emerging Talent Award, recognising individuals who have entered the industry within the last three years, and the BPMA Recognition Award, honouring longer-standing individuals who have made a notable impact.

The awards commenced with a special recognition of David Long, founder of Merchandise World, who passed away in December.

A fitting event

Following networking drinks, the evening’s awards were presented by BPMA Chairman Clive Allcott and BPMA CEO Phil Goodman, assisted by host comedian Hal Cruttenden, whose high-energy performance kept guests thoroughly entertained between dinner courses. As the evening unfolded and award winners were revealed, the energy in the room tangibly buzzed.

Goodman congratulated all the finalists and winners, as well as thanking those who attended.

“The BPMA Annual Awards 2026 was amazing. Record numbers attending, Hal Cruttenden keeping us all on our toes, and a genuine night of reflection, celebration and recognition. Our industry deserves the highest calibre event to recognise the achievements of members, and it felt like everyone had made an extra effort,” he said. “The opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and achievements of David Long was a truly moving start to proceedings, and the respect in the room was tangible.”

Consistent delivery

The BPMA Awards have long been considered the most prestigious awards as they are voted for by those within the sector.

With quality and consistency particularly valued qualities in the sector, it was notable that there were several companies that received repeat rewards, demonstrating how they have delivered exceptional service over a number of years.

Preseli completed a hat trick of supplier awards this year following on from 2024 and 2025. It shared: “The award is a major endorsement of all the hard work that Preseli colleagues put in on a day-to-day basis. The win is shared amongst us all, whether in North Wales, Hong Kong, France, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire or Yorkshire.”

Impression Europe thanked its clients and industry partners for the continued trust and support which saw it win supplier of the year (£5-10m) for the second year running.

Director, Josh Stephenson said: “This recognition means a great deal to us because it reflects the trust and collaboration we have with the people we work with every day.”

In terms of consistency, Laltex’s win in the over £10m turnover category was its fifth year running as top large supplier.

In the distributor categories, Chilli Promotional Products won for the second year running in the up to £500k turnover sector.

“This is a national award, and what makes it even more meaningful is that it’s voted for by our supply chain,” said Chilli director, Jody Fletcher. “The message we received this morning said: ‘Your win is a fantastic achievement and reflects the respect you’ve earned within the industry’. We couldn’t be more grateful.”

Following the presentation of this year’s awards, guests took to the dance floor to the sounds of live band, The Indie Killers, providing a great celebration of a fantastic year for the merchandise sector.

The BPMA would like to thank the incredible support of the award sponsors: Geiger, BIC Graphic, Impression Europe, Preseli, PF Concept, XD Connects and Victorinox.

Roll of honour

Supplier of the Year up to £2m – Just Pads

Supplier of the Year £2-5m – Preseli

Supplier of the Year £5-10m – Impression Europe

Supplier of the Year £10m+ – Laltex

Distributor of the Year up to £500k – Chilli Promotional Products

Distributor of the Year £500k-1m – ASP Promotions

Distributor of the Year £1-3m – Mojo Promotions

Distributor of the Year £3-5m – Big Bear Promo

Distributor of the Year £5-10m – Allwag Promotions

Distributor of the Year £10m+ – Total Merchandise

Distributor Marketing Campaign of the Year – Tui Sand Shaker

Supplier Marketing Campaign of the Year – Senator Pink October

Briman Award – Geiger

BPMA Product Awards Grand Prix – First Editions’ Foamo reusable cup

BPMA Emerging Talent Award – Kerry Sunderland, Promo Trade

BPMA Recognition Award – Natalie Eichmann, Gilt Edged Promotions

BPMA Lifetime Achievement Award – David Long, founder of Merchandise World