Kick-Start Publishing has announced that the 2026 CFJ Awards will take place on Friday 11 September at the NEC, Birmingham, marking another high-profile fixture in the contract flooring calendar.
Now firmly established as one of the industry’s flagship events, the CFJ Awards recognises excellence across contract flooring, celebrating best practice, innovation and achievement from manufacturers, contractors, distributors and individuals operating throughout the sector.
Entries for this year’s awards are now open and will close on Friday 27 February. As in previous years, submissions will be assessed by an independent judging panel drawn from across the flooring and construction industries, ensuring credibility, balance and practical insight in the judging process.
The judging panel for 2026 includes independent flooring consultant Richard Renouf; Tony Mathe of Hillside Contracts; Kelly Gayle of AG Flooring; flooring contractor Shane Moore; and chartered surveyor Graeme Dewar. Together, the panel brings a broad mix of technical, commercial and onsite experience, reflecting the diversity of roles and perspectives within contract flooring.
In addition, the Sustainability Initiative Award will be selected by Cathie Clarke, chief executive of the UK Sustainable Flooring Association (UKSFA). This category continues to highlight the growing importance of environmental responsibility within the sector, recognising initiatives that demonstrate measurable progress in sustainability, transparency and responsible practice.
The NEC is a familiar and accessible setting for the awards, enabling the industry to come together to recognise achievements while also networking with peers from across the supply chain. The event is expected to attract a wide cross-section of attendees, from contractors and manufacturers to specifiers and distributors.
Kick-Start Publishing says the CFJ Awards remains focused on maintaining high standards of judging and presentation, reinforcing its position as a benchmark for quality and professionalism in contract flooring.
‘The CFJ Awards is about recognising the professionalism, skill and commitment that underpin contract flooring at its best,’ says Kick-Start Publishing CEO, Johnny Miller. ‘Bringing the industry together at the NEC gives us the opportunity not only to celebrate outstanding projects and people, but also to reinforce the standards, collaboration and innovation that continue to move the sector forward.’