The winners of this year's British Hardware Federation Awards have been announced by the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA).
Supported by both retailers and suppliers in the trade, the awards recognise and reward excellence within the hardware industry.

Members were unanimous in giving the Supplier of the Year 2015 title to Stax, whose business with members has grown substantially although the company only joined BIRA Direct last April.

Stax's wholesale depots and cash-and-carry warehouses offer genuine trade wholesale support for independent retailers and trade professionals across the UK, says BIRA, and its range includes tens of thousands of products across DIY, garden, hardware, tools, workwear, electrical, plumbing, kitchens, bathrooms and housewares.

Best Garden Product 2015 was won by Bayer's Provado Ultimate Bug Killer. This contact and systemic action insecticide offers a broad spectrum of pest control and can be used both outdoors and indoors for long lasting protection. Members say the product sells well and provides very good business.

The award for Best Tool Product 2015 went to the Ferm range of tools by Specialist. The company says it aims to provide a durable, reliable range of products at affordable prices, and BIRA members say that Ferm is an excellent quality product.

Best DIY Product 2015 is Sugru - deemed to be "a great household solution" and a good seller. And finally The Tool Shop was named Retailer of the Year 2015, suppliers having been asked to nominate a retailer based on business etiquette, professionalism, store ambience and reputation.

The Tool Shop was established in 1997 and has now grown to 11 stores across central London, plus a central warehouse. It employs 40 staff and stocks over 17,000 SKUs. The Tool Shop prides itself on having well trained, committed and empowered staff delivering high quality customer service. A strong involvement in industry, and a green trading policy are two of its key strengths.