The ERT Awards are officially back for 2026 – with entries opening on March 16th.
Celebrating excellence, innovation and achievement across the electrical retail sector, the ERT Awards once again provide a platform to recognise the very best retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and individuals driving the industry forward.
For 2026, the awards programme has been expanded with a number of brand-new categories, reflecting the evolving priorities of the sector and shining a spotlight on emerging talent, industry service and product innovation.
The event takes place on October 16 at the Grand Connaught Rooms, in London.
Editor of ERT, Will McGill, said: “The ERT Awards are honestly one of my favourite parts of the year. It’s the one time we get to properly celebrate the people, products and businesses that keep this industry buzzing, and there’s always so much to shout about.
“Every year I’m blown away by the quality of entries, and slightly relieved I’m not the one having to judge some of those tough categories! I can’t wait to see what 2026 brings.”
New for 2026
Among the new additions is Best New Product – Floorcare, recognising innovation within one of the most dynamic product categories in the market. Entries should outline the product’s launch timing, the need it addresses, and what makes it stand out in terms of design, performance, features and ease of use. Evidence of market response, marketing support and commercial success will be key.
The awards also introduce Best Industry Service & Support Provider, created to celebrate businesses delivering outstanding services to retailers and the wider industry. Judges will be looking for demonstrable impact, innovation in service delivery and measurable business performance over the past 12 months.
In recognition of the individuals who have shaped the sector, Distinguished Industry Contributor of the Year will honour long-term commitment, leadership and influence within the industry, while Industry Personality of the Year will highlight an individual who has made a significant impact over the last 12 months through leadership, advocacy or innovation.
Retailers will also have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent with two new people-focused awards: Retailer Social Media Campaign Star of the Year, celebrating impactful and engaging campaigns, and Retailer Best Breakthrough Talent Award, recognising rising stars who have made a measurable difference to their business in the past year.
Stacey Boyce, ERT Publication Manager and ERT Awards Event Manager, said: “Every year the ERT Awards remind us just how much talent, passion and innovation there is in this industry. We’ve introduced some fantastic new categories for 2026 to reflect how the sector continues to evolve, and to make sure we’re recognising the people and businesses who really deserve the spotlight.
“It’s always inspiring to read the entries and see the stories behind the success, so I’d really encourage everyone to get involved. We can’t wait to celebrate with you all!”
Returning retailer categories
Alongside the new additions, the ERT Awards will once again celebrate the very best in independent retailing.
Returning categories include:
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Best Independent Electrical Retailer Shopfront
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Best Independent Consumer Electronics Retailer – Large
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Best Independent Consumer Electronics Retailer – Small
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Best Sustainable Independent Electrical Retailer
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Sales Excellence Award
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Best Independent Kitchen Retailer Showroom
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Best Independent Electrical Retailer Website
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Best Independent Electrical Retailer – Custom Install
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Best Independent Domestic Appliances Retailer – Small
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Best Independent Domestic Appliances Retailer – Large
These categories recognise excellence in everything from showroom design and digital presence to sustainability, sales performance and customer service.
Importantly, retailer categories are judged by ERT’s top-tier expert panel – made up of highly respected industry figures with decades of experience across electrical retail. Their expertise ensures entries are assessed rigorously and fairly, with genuine insight into what defines best-in-class performance.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CATEGORIES CLICK HERE
Manufacturer and supplier categories
Manufacturers and suppliers are also firmly in the spotlight, with returning categories including:
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Best New Product – Small Domestic Appliances
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Best New Product – Major Domestic Appliances
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Best New Product – Consumer Electronics
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Best Industry Training Provider
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Best Manufacturer/Supplier Customer Service
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Best Industry Distributor
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Best Manufacturer/Supplier Sustainability Initiative
Crucially, manufacturer and supplier categories are voted for by retailers themselves, placing products and brands directly in front of the people who matter most. Being shortlisted means gaining prime visibility among independent electrical retailers across the UK, while winning represents endorsement from the shopfloor.
Why enter?
The ERT Awards are more than just trophies. They are an opportunity to:
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Showcase innovation and business success
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Gain industry-wide recognition
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Motivate teams and reward hard work
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Position your business or product in front of key retail decision-makers
With new categories reflecting industry evolution and returning awards continuing to celebrate excellence across the board, the 2026 ERT Awards promise to be bigger and more competitive than ever.
Now is the time to put your business, your products and your people firmly in the spotlight.
For more information about how you can get involved please contact:
ERT Awards Manager and Publication Manager, Stacey Boyce: SBoyce@datateam.co.uk
ERT Editor, Will McGill: WMcGill@datateam.co.uk
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