Industry headliners - from AkzoNobel to Home Hardware - have lent their support to the upcoming DIY Week Awards ahead of the fast-approaching September 21 deadline for entries.
Celebrating the best products, stores and individuals across the DIY and garden sector, the awards also promise an annual dose of glitz and glamour to the industry. With entries and bookings beginning to roll in, November 13, 2012, is already shaping up to be an unmissable cocktail of celebration, networking and the very best of the trade.

The Deansgate Hilton in Manchester will once again play host to the awards ceremony following last year's successful launch of the awards' new format, which saw the amalgamation of the Product of the Year and Britain's Best Retailer awards into a single market-focused event.

Big names sponsoring the event include GIMA, backing the garden accessory product, GfK for the décor product category and Stax Trade Centres for the hardware retailer. The British Home Enhancement Trades Association (Bheta), meanwhile, has taken on hand tool of the year, garden fertiliser and chemical of the year and security product.

Sam's Trade Centre is lending some invigorating support to the power tool of the year, while Plasti-Kote is sticking to its roots by sponsoring the décor retailer category. The garden tool product is being backed by EDRA, while Home Hardware Southwest is aptly taking on sponsorship for the hardware product of the year.

The evening will include a drinks reception, sponsored by AkzoNobel, followed by a three-course dinner and awards ceremony. Compeer to be announced nearer the time.

Entry for product categories is now open for submission and need to reach DIY Week hq in East Grinstead by September 21, where they will be judged by an expert panel handpicked from the industry. The only requirement is that they must have been launched to the trade between October 2011 and September 2012.

For retail entries, all shops selling hardware, garden, DIY, tools or decorating products are welcome to enter free of charge - from tiny, single-workforce independents to 50,000 sq ft multiples, the DIY Week Awards celebrate unique excellence, innovation and triumph in the face of challenge. If there's something or someone exceptional about a business, we want to hear why.

Individuals can either put themselves forward or be nominated - Dremel is sponsoring the returning DIY superstore manager category, and this year sees the introduction of an exciting new category - the retail communicator award. Sponsored by Sterling Locks, this award celebrates initiatives focused on helping and advising the customer, whether online, face-to-face or in print.

It's not just about winning; the awards dinner provides an ideal opportunity for suppliers and retailers to come together socially, reward colleagues and network with the biggest names - and biggest characters - from the industry.

There are still sponsorship opportunities available - contact David Smith on 01342 332106 or email: david.smith@fav-house.com. For table bookings contact Denny Jassi on 01342 332118 or email: denny.jassi@fav-house.com. All retailer and product entry enquiries can be made to Fiona Hodge on 01342 332107 or fiona.hodge@fav-house.com. All product entries should be submitted to Faversham House Ltd, Windsor Court, Wood St, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1UZ. For more information visit http://awards.diyweek.net.