The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has launched its 2024 trade awards, also known as the BETAs, to celebrate the best that the industry had to offer.

The BETAs are divided into 12 different awards, with an awards ceremony held at the BETA Gala Dinner on 22 September, after the first day of the BETA International trade fair.

“We’re really excited to launch these awards for 2024,” said Claire Williams, Executive Director of BETA. “We see them as a great opportunity to celebrate the industry and highlight the high level of professionalism and dedication that runs throughout those who are real ambassadors for the trade.

“After the nomination process, each award has additional judging in the form of secret shoppers, mystery calls and panels as appropriate, so rest assured that the winner really has earned it. The awards are presented at the BETA Gala Dinner which we’re so excited about. We brought this back for the first time last year post covid and the response was incredible. We can’t wait to do it again.”

Nominations are now open and the categories for the 2024 awards are:

  • Safety Equipment Fitter of the Year Award, sponsored by BETA. This award recognises excellent hat and body protector fitters with nominations accepted from consumers as well as retail shops who can nominate their own team members. Deadline 30 June 2024.
  • Zebra Products Retailer of the Year. This award is divided into three: Equestrian Retail Store, Online/Mail Order Retailer, and Best New Retailer, to celebrate the diversity of the retail side of the industry and new businesses starting out. Customers are asked to nominate their favourite store. Deadline 23 June 2024 for all three awards.
  • Stubbs England Nutritional Helpline of the Year. This award rewards excellence in nutritional advice and service, helping customers to make the best choices for their horses. Customers are encouraged to nominate their favourite helpline for this award. Deadline 23 June 2024.
  • Equine Fitter Award. Including saddlery, bits and bridles, this award recognises the important work that fitters do. Nominations are encouraged from customers of independent and employed fitters. Deadline 16 June 2024.
  • Equine Careers Sales Representative of the Year. This award is open to employed and self-employed sales representative who provide an outstanding service. Retailers and suppliers are asked to nominate for this award. Deadline 30 June 2024.
  • Holdsworth PR Marketing Effectiveness Award. Celebrating effective and innovative marketing, this award shines a light on exceptional campaigns across platforms. Retailers and suppliers can nominate for this award and are also invited to put themselves forward too. Deadline 30 June 2024.
  • Weatherbeeta Group Retail Employee of the Year. This award seeks out truly exceptional retail team members who go the extra mile with product knowledge and customer service. Nominations are sought from employers and sales representatives. Deadline 30 June 2024.
  • Export Award. Celebrating those who have grown the export side of their business, nominations are encouraged from British based companies exporting products from inside the UK. Deadline 5 July 2024.
  • Citation Trade Supplier of the Year. This award is open to manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors with the winner showing excellent customer service, delivery, product knowledge and more besides. Retailers are encouraged to nominate their suppliers. Deadline 30 June 2024.
  • BETA Lifetime Achievement Award. This award celebrates a long-standing individual who has made a substantial contribution to the industry. Nominations are invited from all areas. Deadline 30 June 2024.

All awards can be nominated through the BETA website here

Lead image: Tim Smalley of Bedmax receives the BETA Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Equestrian Trade Awards