It was great to be together again.

That sentiment pervaded the British Promotional Merchandise Association’s (BPMA) Annual Awards Dinner held the evening of Wednesday, April 13, at Merchandise World, the U.K.’s largest promo products trade show.

Not only did the ceremony honor the United Kingdom’s top distributors and suppliers, but it also gave industry pros who’ve persisted through the business challenges brought on by the pandemic an opportunity to get together again and enjoy the company of colleagues face-to-face.

“We’re back,” emphasized BPMA Chairman Haydn Willets from the awards podium – a declaration that drew big cheers. BPMA is a professional trade organization that serves the promotional products industry in the U.K.

Of course, the main spotlight was on the winners, who were determined by the votes of BPMA members. “These are the companies that have innovated and adapted – that have shown true entrepreneurial spirt and acumen during what has been a very challenging time for the industry and society,” said BPMA CEO Carey Trevill.

Congratulations to all the winners who were celebrated at the BPMA Annual Awards last night! #winners #bpma #promotionalmerchandisematters @bpma pic.twitter.com/VNBgHVTDrA

— bpma (@bpma) April 14, 2022

Those companies included Fluid Branding (asi/195718), which won Distributor of the Year for firms that do more than 5 million pounds in revenue annually. Allwag Promotions was Distributor of the Year in the 2 million to 5 million pounds range, while Mojo Promotions Ltd. earned the honor for the 500,000 to 2 million pounds category. BH1 Promotions Ltd. came out as the top distributor with up to 500,000 pounds in annual revenue.

Sarah Smith and Angela Wagstaff of Allwag Promotions Ltd. with their award for Distributor of the Year in the 2 million to 5 million pounds revenue category.

On the other side of the business, WCM+A earned Supplier of the Year in the revenue category of up to 2 million pounds. Laltex Group was Supplier of the Year in the over 2 million pounds grouping.

In addition, Steel City won the award for Marketing Campaign of the Year, Amanda Moody of firm Xindao was honored as Supplier Unsung Hero, and Navillus took home the win for top British-made goods.

Nick Ferrari, a British broadcasting personality, served as master of ceremonies. Amid some edgy jokes and banter, he paid compliments to the U.K. promo industry for persevering through COVID-related disruptions. “You’re hardworking people,” Ferrari said.