Welcome to the 2026 BPMA Product Awards!

The Product Awards are back to celebrate the very best in promotional merchandise from across the UK. Now is the time for our industry to showcase its most innovative, inspirational and inventive products, recognising excellence in creativity, quality and product development.

For 2026, we’ve refreshed the awards with an exciting new Brand Product category and have separated the former Award & Exhibition category into two dedicated categories, creating even more opportunities for outstanding products to be recognised. With 11 award categories, there’s a category to suit every product, making it easier than ever to showcase your latest innovations.

As an added bonus, every eligible entry will also be automatically considered for an additional three awards at no extra cost, giving your products an even greater opportunity to shine.

Celebrating your success

This year, the Product Awards will be celebrated at the BPMA Christmas Lunch. Join us on Thursday 10th December at The Underglobe, London, for a spectacular celebration of our industry. Details for the event can be found on bpma.co.uk/events .

In addition, each Platinum Winner will have the opportunity to win the Grand Prix Award, celebrating the ultimate winner. This coveted award will be presented at the BPMA Annual Awards on 20th January 2027.

Entries open at 08:00 on 1st September 2026 and close at 17:00 on 9th October 2026.

Terms and Conditions apply. Please make sure you have read and understood the terms of entry.

Important Dates

1st September Open for entry
11th September BPMA member early bird entry rate closes at 17:00
9th October Entries close at 17:00
21st October Shortlist announced
2nd November Branded sample submission deadline for shortlisted entries
10th December Winners will be announced at this year’s BPMA Christmas Lunch taking place at The Underglobe, London. Click here to book tickets!

Categories

Suppliers can enter the following 11 categories. 

For detailed category information criteria, click below. Entries can be edited after submission, but before the final deadline (17:00 9th October) and must be resubmitted before the deadline to be counted. Any entry submitted will be vetted prior to the first round of judging. 

Covering all promotional apparel, including clothing, headwear, ties & scarves, uniforms, workwear and sportswear.

All items must be suitable for branding decoration. Face coverings and PPE are not eligible.

Standout products that showcase originality and innovation. What makes your entry different and memorable. Be sure to include details of presentation and packaging.

Including awards, gifts and executive products not covered elsewhere. Entries may feature items such as desk accessories, personal gifts (e.g. cufflinks, card cases, vanity mirrors), trophies, and curated gift packs (including mail-out packs, boxed sets, and conference packs).

“Pack” can refer to multi-item sets or products where packaging plays a key role in the overall gift experience.

We’re looking for products that celebrate reward and recognition—show us what makes your range stand out. Please include details of presentation and packaging.

This category includes all types of bags and carriers, such as folders, business bags, travel bags, backpacks, laptop sleeves, drawstring bags, totes, shopper bags, carrier bags, gift wrap, cooler bags and can coolers—anything designed to carry or present items.

We’re looking for products that combine practicality with innovation and strong application in today’s high-demand market. Show us what makes your range stand out, and include details of presentation and packaging.

This new category is for products featuring recognised consumer or retail brands that are available for co-branding as promotional merchandise. Entries may include a wide range of items where established brand appeal enhances the perceived value and impact.

We’re looking for products that successfully combine the strength of a well-known brand with effective promotional application—show us how brand equity is leveraged to create standout merchandise. Please include details of presentation and packaging.

Including all types of drinkware, such as sports bottles, flasks, reusable coffee cups, travel mugs, mugs, glasses, coasters and bar accessories, across all materials (including plastic, ceramic and glass).

As one of the most in-demand promotional product areas, we’re looking for entries that showcase fresh thinking in design, branding techniques and usability. Show us how your product stands out in a competitive market, and include details of presentation and packaging.

Covering products designed for exhibitions and events, including festive items (for all faiths), party products, confectionery and drinks, as well as promotional staples such as magnets, badges, lanyards, wristbands, medals, cards, stickers and paper-based items (excluding stationery). It also includes items like balloons, seed products, small flags, display materials and signage.

With such a broad scope, this category highlights high-demand event products. We’re looking for your standout performers—show us the items that truly capture attention and deliver impact.

Covering any edible product offered as a promotional item, either through direct branding or branded packaging. Entries may include sweets, drinks (cans or bottles), cakes, biscuits, chocolate, confectionery, rebranded licensed goods, and sachet drinks such as tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

From simple giveaways to premium gifting, we’re looking for products that deliver impact and appeal—something that truly tempts the taste buds. Show us what makes your offering stand out, and include details of presentation and packaging.

Covering a wide range of practical, wellbeing and activity-based products. Entries may include health and safety items (such as sanitisers, thermometers, first aid kits and PPE), travel essentials (including luggage accessories, adapters, pillows and document holders), and everyday personal items.

It also embraces leisure and activity products, from games, puzzles and soft toys to outdoor accessories, sports items, tools and promotional display materials like umbrellas, banners and flags.

From useful everyday solutions to engaging leisure products, this category celebrates versatility and appeal across the promotional mix. Show us what makes your product stand out, and include details of presentation and packaging.

Including all stationery items, from everyday essentials like notebooks, pads, pens and calendars to desk accessories, organisers, binders and stationery packs. It also covers activity packs where stationery forms the core, along with products made from both traditional and innovative materials.

We’re looking for entries that showcase quality, creativity and modern thinking in stationery design. Show us what sets your product apart, and include details of presentation and packaging.

Including a wide range of tech-related items, such as chargers, speakers, headphones, earbuds, phone stands, USB hubs, cables, clocks, watches, webcam covers, mobile accessories, lens cloths, USB drives, memory products and mouse mats.

We’re looking for products that showcase innovation, functionality and relevance in everyday life—bringing technology into the spotlight in creative and useful ways. Show us what makes your product stand out, and include details of presentation and packaging.

This category includes all writing instruments, from everyday pens and pencils to premium pen sets and stationery kits. Entries may feature ballpoints, gel pens, rollerballs, fountain pens, highlighters and stylus pens where the primary function is writing.

We’re looking for products that celebrate the craft of writing—through design, innovation, durability and user experience. Show us what sets your product apart, and include details of presentation and packaging.

This year, all entrants will automatically be entered into an additional three categories free of charge as well as the coveted Grand Prix Award. 

Innovative Product celebrates innovation across the industry. Entries must demonstrate true originality within their sector—whether through a brand-new product, a significant evolution of an existing range, a unique or first-to-market concept, or advances in production or finishing techniques. Products must have been launched and available between January 2026 and October 2026, in line with the Awards criteria.

Innovation can also extend to branding methods and materials, from fresh approaches to enhancements of traditional techniques.

We’re looking for products that push boundaries and set new standards. Be clear about what makes your entry innovative and why it deserves to win. Please include details of presentation and packaging.

Recognising products, sets or ranges that prioritise sustainability—whether through materials, design or production. This can include reusable, recyclable, recycled or organic products (such as organic cotton).

Entries should demonstrate clear sustainability credentials in at least one area, such as materials, manufacturing or presentation (including packaging). Certification is encouraged—covering product, processes or logistics—but uncertified products may also be entered if claims are clearly evidenced.

We’re looking for genuine, measurable impact. Be sure to highlight any certifications, accreditations or memberships, and include details of presentation and packaging.

Recognising products that are proudly made in the UK. Entries must be either fully manufactured in the UK or have undergone substantial finishing or transformation here, with at least 50% of the process completed domestically.

Open to all qualifying products, this category celebrates British craftsmanship, capability and production expertise. Tell us the story behind your product—highlight the UK-based process, the business involved and the people who bring it to life.

Grand Prix

An overall winner will be awarded from all winning entries across the 11 categories, on a points basis. The Grand Prix Award will be revealed at the BPMA Annual Awards in January 2027. 

Shortlist

The shortlist will be announced on 21st October 2026. All shortlisted companies will be contacted on this date. 

Providing a branded sample 

It is a condition of entry to be able to provide a branded sample of the product entered. If you are shortlisted, you will be required to submit a branded sample to the BPMA’s office by 2nd November 2026 for the final stage of judging. A branded sample is required to demonstrate the product as a promotional merchandise item. Any entrant unable to supply a branded sample for the final stage of judging may be disqualified. 

Entry charges 

All entries are subject to a charge unless specified. Only submitted entries will be accepted and charged. 

BPMA Member rates 

  • BPMA Members receive the first entry free of charge and all subsequent entries are charged at £60+VAT. 
  • BPMA members can claim an early bird rate of £30+VAT which will be charged to all entries submitted by 11th September 2026. Please note to claim this rate, the entry must be submitted by 17:00 on 11.09.26. 

Non-members 

  • All non-member entries are charged at £160+VAT. 

Entry fees are payable no later than 2nd November 2026 and will be billed on receipt and submission of entry. Any entry that remains unpaid after this date may be disqualified. Payment can be made via debit or credit card, or invoice and entrants can choose payment method at time of entry. 

Who can enter? 

Entries are open to all BPMA member Suppliers and ‘Qualifying Supplier’ non-members. ‘Qualifying Suppliers’ are those companies with registered status in the UK or another country, have been trading for more than 12 months, trade in the UK market and are classed as Trade Only or Multi-Channel. These Awards are not open to Distributors or Agencies. 

In addition, the Marketing Campaigns of the Year categories are open for BPMA members only with entry from 1st September. For more information about these categories, please click here. 

Criteria for entry 

The criteria have been simplified but broadly the same as in previous years, asking the questions you’d expect about product USP, origin and pricing. Sustainable product credential disclosure allows our judges to assess your product’s impact on the planet. 

With a chance to provide relevant images, certificates and evidence of when your product went on the market, your entries will provide a detailed picture for our Judges of why your product stands out from the rest! 

For full terms and conditions, please click here. 

Our Judging panel 

The Product Awards are judged in three overall rounds by two judging panels. The first two rounds take place online and produce a shortlist. The final round takes place in person and determines the Platinum, Gold and Silver Awards and the coveted Grand Prix Award. 

How to enter 

All Suppliers wishing to enter these awards must register via ourawards website. Registration will open from 1st September. Please note, if you registered for last year’s awards, your login details remain the same and there is no need to re-register. To register or log in,  click here.  The awards will open on 1st September and close promptly at 17:00 9th October 2026. 

Guidance 

We provide support for entrants in our Entry Guide. It’s important to note the BPMA cannot advise you on wording or content, submit your entries for you or tell you anything about your fellow entrants. Below we set out the guidance and help available to every entrant. 

Questions? Need more help? Check out our FAQ page

Contact us today via awards@bpma.co.uk or call us on 01372 371184.