The annual DIY Week awards are one of the highlights in the industry’s social calendar, with all the UK’s top DIY, hardware and garden retailers converging at the Manchester Deansgate Hilton – along with the cream of the industry’s suppliers and manufacturers showcasing their most innovative products of the year.

This year, recently relaunched garden tools brand, Ambassador, sponsored the Garden Retailer of the Year Award, with Frensham Garden Centre and Gordale Garden Centre jointly scooping the gold award.

Ambassador Purchase Director Simon Wright who presented the award commented,

“Following a complete rebrand, new product range launch and successful Glee show, Ambassador Tools is committed more than ever to the independent. We were therefore extremely proud to have sponsored the garden retailer category award at the show. Congratulations to Frensham and Gordale Garden Centres who were very worthy winners!”

Also in attendance and sponsoring the Hardware Retailer of the Year Award, was leading wholesaler Stax Trade Centres.

Stax Operations Director Nigel Wright was there to present the award to joint winners, and coincidently both Stax Bristol customers, Mainlys Mica Hardware and Right Price DIY.

“All the finalists in the Hardware category were outstanding and on behalf of Stax, it’s always great to see your own customers thriving. Right Price DIY have made some magnificent achievements, beating off competition from chains like DIY Express and making the most of the Stax advertising schemes like SupaValue.

Also, Mainlys as part of the Mica Group, have been proactive in attracting new customers and improving their operations, so again we’re very proud to be one of their suppliers,” commented Wright.

The awards dinner also brought together a number of the biggest brands in the industry, who were all competing to win the top product accolades in various categories including gardening, tools, hardware and DIY decorating.