Häfele UK celebrates ‘best in the business’ at 2025 Studio Partner Awards

Häfele, the distributor of furniture fittings to the KBB market, has announced the winners of its 8th annual Studio Partner Awards, with Stockport-based Designer Kitchens Direct (pictured with Häfele UK MD Richard Curtis) taking home the coveted Studio Partner of the Year prize. The event, held at the Earth Hall at the Natural History Museum, featured 26 studios competing for winners’ trophies, with a brand new category added to the line-up.

For 2025, the categories included Best Functional Space, Showroom Experience of the Year, Sales and Marketing Initiative of the Year, Kitchen Design of the Year, Rising Star and the top prize, Studio Partner of the Year.  For the first time, Häfele also gave an award for Kitchen Designer of the Year, demonstrating its commitment to recognising truly exemplary talent in the industry. The inaugural winner was Holly Spittal from Duncans of Grantown.

The full list of winners is as follows:

• Best Functional Space, sponsored by Abode: Ironbridge Interiors
• The judges were impressed by the drastic change in space created by this project. With a clever use of lighting to create distinct zones and hidden storage throughout, this space became a blend of multi-functionality and fun.
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• Showroom Experience of the Year: Farnham Furnishers
• This project focused on creating an interactive customer experience. Farnham Furnishers demonstrated a keen interest in the continuous development of their showroom, incorporating new product integrations and carefully considering how to showcase its range within the space. The customer reviews provided only underline their commitment to creating something truly unique.
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• Sales and Marketing Initiative of the Year: Round Oak Interiors
• This studio stood out for its ability to create a real community feel, having collaborated with other local businesses to bring their space to life. On top of this, Round Oak Interiors have embraced the history of their showroom to create a powerful brand identity, supporting their marketing efforts.
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• Kitchen Design of the Year: HBC Kitchens & Bathrooms
• One judge described this project as “absolutely a bit of wow,” with the finished design having encapsulated the client brief for ‘wow factor with everyday functionality’. The design itself incorporated a strong contrast in textures and colour for visual impact, as well as features that created a comfortable and practical space for everyday use.
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• Kitchen Designer of the Year: Holly Spittal from Duncans of Grantown
• Holly has dedicated herself to both the Duncans of Grantown business and to opportunities to learn, grow, and take on new challenges. She has a customer-centred ethos, which is demonstrated in both customer testimonials and loyalty. The judges saw multiple examples of her work and were impressed by the clever solutions and sheer transformations of these spaces.
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• Rising Star 2025, sponsored by Hailo: Alexander Paul Kitchens
• Alexander Paul Kitchens demonstrated great Häfele product and service knowledge; however, it was their clear dedication to a customer-first ethos that led to their win. Their Häfele representative described them as ‘always trying to make a customer brief happen, even when it initially seems impossible!’
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• Studio Partner of the Year, sponsored by Utensio: Designer Kitchens Direct
• The studio is truly a family affair, with multiple generations working together as one team. They are always looking for ways to elevate their customer experience, and are championed as being true advocates of the Studio Partner Programme.
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Commenting on the awards, Gareth Bevan, chief sales officer at Häfele UK, said: "This year’s awards have once again showcased the exceptional talent and creativity within our Häfele Studio Partner network. With 26 studios shortlisted and the exciting introduction of our new Kitchen Designer of the Year category, the standard of entries has been nothing short of outstanding. From fresh new voices to long-established names, every finalist brought something unique and inspiring to the table, and to celebrate their achievements at the iconic Natural History Museum makes this year even more special. Huge congratulations to all of our winners and nominees – you should be incredibly proud."

As well as the category sponsors, this year’s Studio Partner Awards was sponsored by Smeg, Samsung and Vauth Sagel, key strategic partners to Häfele.