Leading industry names lend their support to the Product of the Year Awards 2011, as sponsor list is confirmed.
The entry date has now passed and the judges are convening to choose the winners of 2011's Product of the Year Awards. The event will take place at the Park Lane Hotel, London on Friday, May 13 and has already lined up support from key industry names.

Among them is Brintex, organiser of the Totally shows and sponsor of the DIY category this year. Exhibition director James Murray commented: "We're delighted to be sponsoring - in our experience it's the clever re-inventions, as much as the brand new, that really captures buyer interest."

Meanwhile Nigel Wright has once again pledged its support to the awards event by sponsoring the training category. David Lovenbury explained: "We have been sponsoring the event in one way or another for many years now. The event is a marvellous opportunity for us to keep abreast of sector innovations and of course it provides a great opportunity to network with our existing and potential future clients."

Industry guests will enjoy a drinks reception and three-course lunch on the day, as well as the awards presentation itself. Entertainment will be provided by award-winning comedian Adam Bloom, who is hosting the event, courtesy of power tool brand Black & Decker. The company said of the event: "The Product of the Year Awards is important to Black & Decker as it recognises new product ideas and innovations, which offer real consumer benefit. It is great that we can represent the power tool industry at this event."

The Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA) was pleased to confirm its sponsorship of the garden sundries category at this year's awards. Director Neil Gow praised the event for its celebration of product innovation across the DIY, hardware, home and garden sectors. "As an association, we embrace members who manufacture and supply the vast array of products found in most garden retail outlets today... We have members producing everything from DIY products to housewares, clothing, food and books. To ensure products achieve their maximum for retailers and suppliers, good support in brand and supply is vital, and the opportunity to recognise the achievements of manufacturers in this through these awards is an honour."

Home Hardware Southwest is also keen to celebrate the industry's achievements at the prestigious awards event. Managing director Martin Elliott explained: "We are delighted to once again sponsor the hardware category. This is a key part of our industry and it is important that exciting new products receive the recognition they deserve. More suppliers should put products forward for judging. Suppliers should be proud of their new product development and use the awards as a high profile national showcase."

Bosch is sponsoring the quiz at the event. Brand manager Gemma Gill said of the awards: "Bosch Power Tools are very excited about sponsoring and we are very pleased we have been given the opportunity to be a part of the event."

Kiss Communications md Simon Fryer echoed her sentiments: "Sponsoring the security category in Product of the Year is a real honour for us and we are looking forward to seeing the innovative products being put forward this year."
Sam's Trade Centre is proud to be sponsoring the power tools category at this year's awards. Director Robert Milliken is looking forward to the 2011 event and stresses its importance to suppliers and manufacturers in the industry. He explained: "Sam's sponsors these events as it motivates companies to be innovative, and to create products, that we, the user did not know we needed! The quality of products that have won these awards in the past are a credit to their R&D departments, and each year we look forward to seeing what the latest item will be in our store."

Fermoys Garden Centre, sponsors of the garden chemical and fertiliser category, knows only too well what winning an award can do for your business. Company development manager Sarah Dumont said: "As winner of Britain's Best Garden Retailer Award in 2011, we are aware of the benefits of winning such a prestigious title both to our local customers and within the garden retail industry.

"Winning an award boosts staff morale, sends out a positive image to our customers and improves our credibility within the trade. We wish all entrants good luck and hope that the eventual winner will be proud of their achievements."

For a full list of awards sponsors, and for full details of the event itself, visit www.productoftheyear.biz To book your place at the awards contact Rachael Lyon on 020 8651 7181.