As the UK’s nursery industry awaits the return of Harrogate International Nursery Fair in October, the Baby Products Association launches its industry show awards – the Baby and Nursery Trade Awards (BANTAs).

Judges assess products on criteria they believe make them attractive to consumers. This includes safety, functionality, desirability and value for money. This year, there are nine categories to enter: Travel, Child carriers, Furniture, In the Nursery, Textiles & Soft Accessories, Baby Essentials, Safety, Toys & Educational and Best New Product.

Commenting is Julie Milne, membership and technical support manager for the Association. “The BANTAs are very different from consumer awards. They take into account specific elements of a product that the judges believe will make them retail effectively – as well as being safe and desirable to the consumer.

“For example, a fabulous new pushchair with an RRP three times higher than similar products might well win a consumer award for outstanding features. However, the BANTA judges might consider it less marketable for retailers due to the prohibitive price point. It is because of this, that colleagues in the industry place the BANTAs with such high esteem.”

Entries will only be accepted from companies exhibiting at Harrogate International Nursery Fair on 16-18 October 2022. Entry forms can be downloaded here. The deadline is 12.00pm on Friday 30 September 2022. Attendance at Harrogate International Nursery Fair is free and online registration is available here.