Product Awards FAQs

Who can enter The Product Awards?

The BPMA Product Awards are open to BPMA Members and ‘qualifying suppliers’ to the industry. ‘Qualifying suppliers’ means companies who are registered in the UK or another country, have been trading for 12 months or more in the UK. For more details see the Terms & Conditions.

When is the opening date?

The Product Award entries will open at 08:00 on 1st September 2023.

When is the closing date?

The Product Award entries will close at 17:00 on 6th October 2023. If less than 50 entries are received by this date, the BPMA reserves the right to extend the closing date. Please see our Terms & Conditions for more information.

Where can we find the Terms & Conditions?

You can access these here.

What has changed this year?

This year we have split The Product Awards into Category ‘A’ and Category ‘B’. Category A represents all the Product specific categories and Category B represent the two special categories.

You will be required to enter and submit 1 x Category A entry before you can gain access to Category B options.

Members can also enter The Marketing Campaigns of the Year during the same period. More details about these categories can be found here. These Award categories will be presented in January 2024.

Is there a limit on the number of entries?

You can enter as many times as you like noting the condition of entering a minimum of 1 x Category A product.

Can we enter the same product in multiple categories?

Yes, you can as long as the product is relevant to the category description. Any entry submitted which does not fit the category criteria may be rejected with no refund available.

Is there any help and guidance available?

Yes of course! You can book into our helpful online sessions in September, access the ‘How to Enter’ guide and contact us with any questions.

Do the categories only apply to brand new products?

The products which are already on the market can be entered into any category as long as you can evidence the dates on the market. The only category which requires a brand new product is the Innovation of the Year and takes into account new products on the market available from November 2022 to October 2023. Please note, if you have won a Product Award before, this product cannot be re-entered. See our Terms for more details.

What kind of evidence do we need to submit with our entries?

We are requesting evidence of your product ‘on the market’ to show the dates it entered the market place plus for any relevant certifications and appropriate images, literature or documents to support your entry.

Can we edit our entries after we have submitted them?

If you want to edit your entry(s) after you have submitted, you can ask for access to these before the entry deadline. It is important to note you must re-submit your entries before the entry deadline of 17:00 6th October 2023 for your entry to be recognised. The BPMA cannot submit entries on your behalf.

We are a BPMA member and need our discount code to claim our free entry. Where can we find this?

The code will be emailed to your main contact when the Awards open. If this has not been received, please email [email protected]

We are a BPMA member and want to apply our Early Bird rate - how long do we have to use this?

The Early Bird rate ends at 17:01 on 11th September. If you are not sure what to do, email us [email protected]

When will we find out if our entries have been shortlisted?

Our shortlist will be announced on 23rd October 2023 via email and social media. All shortlisted entrants will receive a communication in advance of the public announcement.

Do we need to supply a sample of our entered product?

If shortlisted, you will be required to send a branded sample of your product featured in the entry shortlisted to the BPMA office before 30th October 2023. You must be able to supply a branded sample as a condition of your entry so if you do not have a sample and get shortlisted, you may be disqualified.

How are the entries judged?

An extensive independent panel made up of experienced industry professionals will judge the Product Awards in two rounds across two sets of judges, concluding in a face to face final panel. Details of judges will be released in September 2023. Full details on the judging criteria can be seen in our Terms & Conditions.

Can we get feedback on our entry?

If you require specific feedback on your entry, this may be provided on request after the Awards are concluded. We reserve the right not to provide feedback. Please note we cannot comment on any submissions during the judging process and some comments may not be shared.

When and where are the winners announced?

Each category will awarded a Platinum, Gold and Silver winner. The winners will be announced in December 2023 to the industry and featured in Product Media Magazine, with exception of the Grand Prix winner who will be awarded at the BPMA Awards Dinner, 24th January 2024. These dates are subject to change.

How much does it cost to enter the awards?

BPMA members receive preferential rates which are noted below and are applied to all current BPMA members entering. All other entrants are charged a fixed rate. If you’re interested in becoming a BPMA member to take advantage of preferential rates and other benefits, get in touch with our membership team today.

BPMA Members
1st entry: Free of charge (Members receive a one use discount code via email to apply when submitting their entry).
Subsequent entries are charged as followed:
Early Bird member only rate: £30+VAT if submitted by 17:00 on 11th September 2023.
£60+VAT if submitted after 17:01 on 11th September 2023.

Non-Members

All entries: £160+VAT

Please note that all entries are payable by 30th October 2023.

What promotion and PR do we get if we win?

We provide a raft of PR and publicity around each winner to ensure every Award reaches a wide audience. This includes promotion in Product Media Magazine, through press releases and at Merchandise World. This also includes your digital winner logos which can be used on social media, promotional materials and more.

All winning products receive an ‘Award Winners logo’ which suppliers can use for their own marketing and promotional purposes before, during and after Merchandise World.

Merchandise World Pre-Show

All Platinum, Gold and Silver product winners will feature in the January/ February 2024 digital issue of Product Media Magazine alongside the Product Media Newsletter and will be featured on Sourcing City News.

Winners will be notified in December 2023, so that they can feature winning products and award logo in their marketing and communications.

At Merchandise World New Year Show January 2024

All winning products will be displayed on the BPMA stand with the Supplier’s Name, Stand No. and Product Description. (Platinum, Gold & Silver Award Winners.)

Winners are notified prior to Merchandise World, so that they can feature winning products and award logo on their stands.

Post Merchandise World

All Platinum Award presentation photos will feature in the post-show edition of Product Media Magazine and newsletter and on Sourcing City News.

Winners can ask catalogue groups who feature their products to add their winner logo next to their product entries.

We've still got questions! Who should we contact if our question has not been answered in the FAQs?

Please email awards @bpma.co.uk with any further questions.