categories & criteria
N.B. the majority of BKU Awards are decided by an industry vote but for 2024 a select number of categories will now be taken to our expert judging panel, therefore these categories will require a written entry.
bathroom categories
Products entered in these categories must be available to UK and ROI markets and meet the industry standard for quality and safety.
best shower brand
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
For brands offering all aspects of showering including enclosures, trays, shower heads etc.
best accessory brand
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
For brands offering bathroom accessories including mirrors, lighting, towel warming rails etc.
best sanitaryware brand
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
For brands offering all aspects of sanitaryware, including baths, basins, WCs etc.
best furniture brand
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
For brands offering bathroom furniture including but not limited to cabinets, shelving etc.
kitchen categories
Products entered in these categories must be available to UK and ROI markets and meet the industry standard for quality and safety.
best appliance brand
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
For brands offering kitchen appliances including ovens, ranges, filter hoods, hobs etc.
best work surface brand
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
For brands offering work surfaces in a stunning range of colours, finishes and textures.
best component brand
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
For brands offering doors, carcasses, hinges, soft closers etc.
best complete kitchen brand
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
For brands offering a complete kitchen that is both stylish and functional.
retailer categories
new kitchen
retailer of the year
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
Open to UK and ROI based ‘bricks & mortar’ retail stores that have opened within the past 5 years which sell kitchen products.
Best kitchen Design
This category is decided by our expert judging panel.
- Retailers entering must be based in the UK or Ireland
- only one design may form part of the awards entry
- Entries will not be judged on the size of the business, cost of the project or turnover
- Please submit minimum 250 words but no more than 500, clearly demonstrating and outlining excellent examples of the brief, the design, the materials used and the budget. Ultimately, what sets your design apart from the rest?
- Please upload relevant documentation to support your entry
Best bathroom Design
This category is decided by our expert judging panel.
- Retailers entering must be based in the UK or Ireland
- only one design may form part of the awards entry
- Entries will not be judged on the size of the business, cost of the project or turnover
- Please submit minimum 250 words but no more than 500, clearly demonstrating and outlining excellent examples of the brief, the design, the materials used and the budget. Ultimately, what sets your design apart from the rest?
- Please upload relevant documentation to support your entry
Best Bathroom Retailer for Customer service
This category is decided by our expert judging panel.
- Retailers entering must be based in the UK or Ireland
- Where a retailer has more than one showroom, only one showroom may form part of the awards entry
- Entries will not be judged on the size of the business or turnover
- Please submit minimum 250 words but no more than 500, clearly demonstrating excellent examples of customer service, quality after sales care, training of staff etc and include customer feedback / testimonials. Ultimately, what sets your customer service apart from other Bathroom retail businesses?
- Please upload relevant documentation to support your entry such as testimonials, reviews or other customer feedback
Best Kitchen Retailer for Customer Service
This category is decided by our expert judging panel.
- Retailers entering must be based in the UK or Ireland
- Where a retailer has more than one showroom, only one showroom may form part of the awards entry
- Entries will not be judged on the size of the business or turnover
- Please submit minimum 250 words but no more than 500, clearly demonstrating excellent examples of customer service, quality after sales care, training of staff etc and include customer feedback / testimonials. Ultimately, what sets your customer service apart from other Kitchen retail businesses?
- Please upload relevant documentation to support your entry such as testimonials, reviews or other customer feedback
general categories
corporate social
responsibility award
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
Open to both brands and retailers that demonstrate a clear commitment to the future through the implementation of sustainable, environmental and community initiatives.
best heating brand
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
Open to brands that have designed relevant products, including but not limited to radiators, towel warming rails etc, which meet industry standards for quality and safety that are available on the UK and ROI markets.
best tiling brand
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
Open to brands that have designed relevant products which meet industry standards for quality and safety that are available on the UK and ROI markets.
Best CAD Solution
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
Open to brands that have created CAD products available for use by independent retailers in the UK and ROI market. Renamed from previous years when this category was called ‘Best Software/CAD Brand” – this revised category is specifically about celebrating the Best CAD solution/product available to the KBB retail market that will be decided by those working with the software day in day out.
best distributor brand
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
Open to distributor, or a manufacturer, that distributes one or more brands from other manufacturers.
best tap brand
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
Open to all kitchen and bathroom taps, from heritage and contemporary, digital to mixers, hot/boiling water etc.
Installation Company of the Year
This category is decided by our expert judging panel.
- Open to UK & ROI based Installation companies specialising within the KBB sector. This includes retail businesses with a specific installation arm.
- Please submit minimum 250 words but no more than 500, clearly demonstrating examples of excellent workmanship, unique ideas and initiative, customer service, staff training and development etc and include customer feedback/testimonials where applicable.
- Entries will not be judged on the size of the business or turnover
- Please upload relevant documentation to support your entry such as testimonials, reviews or other customer feedback
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Best new KBB product
This category is decided by our expert judging panel.
- Products entered must have been launched on or after 1st January 2023.
- No more than two products or ranges from the same brand may be entered
- Please submit minimum 250 but no more than 500 which clearly include the launch date of the product, and a description of the particular qualities/features that make it outstanding
- Please support your entry with a selection of hi-res images
people categories
best sales representative
This category is decided by an online industry vote.
Open to any UK and ROI based sales representative that works for manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor within the kitchen and/or bathroom industry.
the david caulfield
outstanding contribution award
This category is decided by our expert judging panel.
This special award is a unique recognition of an individual working in the kitchen and/or bathroom sector that is an outstanding example of an industry professional.
There isn’t a limit on how long this individual has been in the industry, they may have already served the industry for a life time or made such an outstanding contribution in a short time and have the potential to be a leading figure in the years to come. Either way, this individual consistently goes above and beyond for the good of their company and sector as a whole. This award is taken to our expert judging panel and it will be their discretion on who will be taking this renowned industry accolade home.