Independent retailers bestowed prizes on star suppliers in the latest bira direct awards, presented at the bira High Street Conference on 11 May.
The trophies presented were:

bira direct Best Marketing: Winner - Stax Trade Centres

This award recognises suppliers that have invested in marketing to the independent sector through bira direct channels and demonstrating "creativity, flair and passion."

Revealing the winner, commercial marketing manager Matt Froome commented that Stax, "is a supplier which has built upon its success of last year and continued to look for opportunities in the independent market, put value on the sector and targeted it with an organised and structured approach."

He added: "Stax has shown commitment to their audience, refusing to go the easy route and creating real value by providing genuine offers with real margin opportunities. Exactly what the independent retailer looks for when competing with the multiples."

bira direct Best Growth Hardware, Garden, DIY & Pet: Winner - SKS

SKS beat a strong field to win this award, presented by bira direct's director of buying, Steve Akers.

He said that SKS, also a winner in 2014, had "seen a 27% increase in sales whilst at the same time growing the number of members buying from them by over 30%."

The finalists in this section also included:
· Chain Products
· Newsome Tools
· Marshall Brushes & Rollers

bira direct Best Growth Cookshop, Housewares, Tabletop & Gift: Winner - Meyer Group Ltd

Unveiling his second winner of the evening Matt Froome lauded the supplier for delivering close to 60% year on year growth and commented: "This supplier has shown great commitment to bira direct promotion inititatives. Offering a great rebate scheme for members, their field sales team has shown a continuous dedication to engage with bira members."

The finalists in this section also included:
· Bodum
· RSN UK
· Stow Green

bira direct Awards Supplier of the Year (Hardware, Garden, DIY and Pet): Winner - Stax Trade Centres Ltd

Managing director Jeff Moody joined Steve Akers in presenting the first of two prizes awarded on the strength of bira member votes alone.

Garnering its second title of the evening Stax was commended by members for: "Their continued support of the independent retailer and their ease of use through bira direct, as well as their excellent range and availability." Members have also praised their polite service from delivery drivers.

bira direct Supplier of the Year, Cookshop, Housewares, Tabletop & Gift: Horwood Homewares

Members had commented that they have continued to receive excellent service from this supplier, with many long-standing employees having built up very good relationships with bira members. Products are presented in strong packaging and the range is, members commented, excellent.