What are the BKCA awards?
The British Knitting & Crochet Awards (BKCA) are a way of celebrating some of the best businesses in the fibre industry. Now in their 14th year, they were previously voted for only by readers of Let’s Knit magazine. But after a year in which lockdown has seen rising numbers of people turning to craft, and following the introduction of five trade-only categories, there are now eight opportunities to get your business into one of the nominated categories.
What does it cost?
There is a £50 (+ vat) charge per entry. We realise this may prevent some businesses from being able to take part, however as entries don’t close until 4th June, there is still time to fundraise sponsorship if cost is a barrier to participation. . It’s also possible to get your business nominated through the Reader Awards.
What happens next?
Those who make the shortlist and overall winners will receive an Awards Marketing Pack including the British Knitting & Crochet Awards logo that can be used in all future promotion and marketing materials. All finalists will;
appear in the awards issues of Let’s Knit and Let’s Get Crafting magazines
receive coverage in Craft Business magazine
be profiled across Aceville Publications’ online platform
Why should I enter?
This is a great opportunity to get in front of audiences who may not have discovered your business yet, and we have put together some info on entering, either in the Trade-Only categories or through the Reader Nominations. Remember Trade-Only entries cost £50 + VAT but it’s free to nominate yourself through the Reader Nominations. So there’s no reason why you shouldn’t advocate for yourself, or reach out to your audience and ask them to nominate you.
Trade-Only categories
We know the £50 + VAT charge to enter your business into any trade category may be prohibitive, but we encourage you to think about creative alternatives. For instance, you might raise funds by running an online auction, or by writing to bigger companies with whom you have a good working relationship asking if they would consider sponsoring your entry.
What are the 8 Trade-Only categories?
Best Knitting/Crochet Kit
Showcase your best pre-packaged products that offer the convenience knitters and crocheters love.
Best Knitting/Crochet Product
From yarn to notions to accessories, this is the place to show off your exciting innovations.
Best Sustainable/Eco-friendly Product
Entries welcome from all knitting and crochet products that boast environmentally-friendly credentials.
Best International Brand
An opportunity for all non-UK based knitting and crochet companies to expand their influence in the UK market.
Best New Business
A category for knitting and crochet businesses launched within the last five years.
Best Online Store
A chance to show how your online yarn shop is a cut above the rest.
Greatest Knitting Book 2020/21
Knitting titles published within the last year are eligible to be entered into this category.
Greatest Crochet Book 2020/21
Crochet titles published within the last year are eligible to be entered into this category.
Reader Awards
As we’ve said there’s no reason why you can’t nominate yourself for one of the Reader Awards. Alternatively, why not reach out to your audience through your newsletter and ask them to consider nominating you? In the past, these awards have been criticised for not being diverse and as BIPOC we know people can’t be (or in this case buy) what they can’t see. This is a great opportunity to put your work in front of a wider audience and build deeper relationships with your network.
Getting nominated for a reader-voted category is another great way to connect with your audience. And, although the nominees are chosen by the knitting and crochet public, you can boost your chances by promoting your nomination across your social media platforms. So use your IG, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube channels, Tik Tok and newsletters to spread the word. Only those brands nominated in the first stage of the awards are in with a chance of winning, and to win or be highly commended gives your brand a fantastic tool for promotion—at absolutely zero cost!
Here are the Reader Categories
Star Baby Yarn Brand
Best Value Yarn Brand
Best Indie Hand Dyer
Ultimate Toy Yarn Brand
Best Brand for British Yarn
Number One Independent Yarn Brand
Most Luxurious Yarn Brand
Best Sock Yarn Brand
Number One Overall Yarn Brand
Favourite Pattern House
Most Loved Knitting Designer
Most Iconic Crochet Designer
Star Crochet Accessories Range
Ultimate Knitting Needle Range
Best-loved Knitting Show/Event
Social Media Superstar
Best Regional Independent Stores
How to enter your business
Visit letsknit.co.uk/awards/trade click any of the ‘Enter now’ buttons and complete the online form. The Reader Nominations can be found at https://acevillepublications.typeform.com/to/s5SGkeD9
The entry period is now open and closes on 4th June 2021.
The shortlist will be announced on 15th July 2021. Winners are announced on 28th October 2021.
As we continue highlighting the contributions Black, Indigenous and People of Colour make to this industry, we know it’s essential to make our presence felt in all areas of crafting.
We hope some of you will seize this opportunity to shout about your business. To reach out to your professional network and your fans. To hone your skills marketing your amazing work, and to ensure BIPOC are more widely represented at the British Knitting & Crochet Awards.