So, if you have achieved something in the last year that you really want to shout about, or you want to nominate a customer or supplier, don’t delay – log on to the website for a free entry form and get the recognition you deserve.

Sponsorship opportunities for the individual awards are also available and we are delighted to announce the first two sponsors on board – Continental Clothing, which has sponsored the Garment Decorator of the Year Award, and The British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA), which has sponsored the Promotional Product of the Year Award.

The newly launched awards from Datateam Publishing will bring together the entire decorated garment and promotional products industry in a celebration of the companies, innovations and people that are achieving the highest professional standards and helping to drive the sector forward.

The Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner will coincide each year with the Printwear & Promotion Exhibition, and for 2008 will take place at the National Motorcyle Museum on the evening of Monday March 3rd.

They will recognise and promote best practice in the key areas of: technical innovation, customer service and support, garment decoration, promotional products, and energy saving and environmental concern. There will also be awards for the important disciplines of manufacturing and distribution, along with a special award for truly outstanding accomplishments, dedication and service to the industry.

The judging panel will be looking for evidence of genuine excellence and will select four finalists in each category. These finalists will then be presented to the market through the editorial pages of Printwear & Promotion magazine and via its associated website. Readers will then be asked to vote for the winners.

AWARD SPONSORSHIP & TABLES

Award sponsorship – £6,000
Table for 10 – £950
Individual place – £110
(Prices exclude vat)

THE CATEGORIES

1. TECHNICAL INNOVATION AWARD

Awarded to the company that has successfully introduced technically innovative garments, machines, or ancillary equipment onto the market within the last 12 months

2. CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

Awarded to the company (manufacturer, distributor or supplier) that best demonstrates its commitment to customer care and satisfaction and in meeting its clients' needs

3. ENVIRONMENTAL/ENERGY SAVING AWARD

Awarded to the company (manufacturer, distributor or supplier) that best demonstrates the benefits of good environmental management through energy saving and/or environmentally sound business practices and manufacturing techniques, including the development of sustainable or recycled products

4. PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by the BPMA

Awarded to the most innovative or successful promotional product or item introduced onto market within the last 12 months

5. GARMENT DECORATOR OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by Continental Clothing

Awarded to the individual or company that best demonstrates the most effective application of decorating techniques, excellent customer service and an ability to accurately interpret the customer's requirements

6. MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

To be awarded in each of the following areas:

• Clothing
• Decorating Machinery
• Ancillary Products

Awarded to the clothing, machinery and ancillary product manufacturer that has achieved recognition from distributors and customers alike for its service, technical expertise and ability to meet specific customer requirements

7. DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR

To be awarded to each of the following:

• Small (stocks 1-5 brands)
• Medium (stocks 6-15 brands)
• Large (stocks 16+ brands)

Awarded to the distributor (small, medium and large) that has achieved recognition from manufacturers and customers alike for its innovation, overall service, on-time delivery and understanding of the market

8. JUDGES' SPECIAL AWARD – Sponsored by Printwear & Promotion

Awarded for outstanding contribution and achievement, the recipient is selected by the judging panel for what they believe is an entry worthy of recognition but which falls

For more information on sponsorship or to enter, log on to www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk