That night marked the big reveal – stars of the 2026 Pump Industry Awards stepped into the spotlight during a dazzling dinner at The Hilton, St George’s Park, on March 19th. Glitz filled the air as top names in pumping gathered under one roof. Into its 26th run, the occasion still pulls crowds like magnets. Bright ideas shone just as hard as the trophies. Recognition flowed freely among those shaping what comes next.
More entries came in than ever before this time around, showing how strong and varied the field really is. Not just new products but also efforts in training people and protecting the environment stood out clearly. What got submitted wasn’t just wide in range – it was solid in substance too. Clearly, those involved are aiming ahead, ready to handle what comes next. Firm steps toward tomorrow showed up plainly in the work sent in.
Opening the evening, the BPMA President, Lee Tebbatt praised the calibre of entries and the collaborative spirit of the industry: “The Pump Industry Awards continue to showcase the very best our sector has to offer. This year’s record-breaking participation is testament to the innovation, resilience, and talent that defines our industry. Every finalist and winner should be immensely proud of their achievements.”
One highlight late in the day went to Selwood, claiming top prize for their SelTank – backed by DFA Media Group under the title Product of the Year – for blending fresh thinking with real-world usefulness. Though quiet at first, Simon Finlay eventually shared thoughts as head of Solutions and Electrical Development: “To see this honour land on our doorstep feels like proof that steady work pays off.” That early drawing, barely more than lines on paper, now stands shaped by hands throughout Selwood and the wider Workdry team. Each step forward built something others now call groundbreaking.
ABB won the Environmental Contribution of the Year award, backed by SPP Pumps, thanks to its IE5 SynRM motor line – a sign of how much weight energy savings now carry. Though many overlook motor design, this one pushes boundaries quietly. Richard Gee, who leads UK sales for ABB’s low-voltage motors, called the nod meaningful. Recognition from fellow players in pumping circles adds depth to the achievement. At its core, their approach has always leaned on sustainable choices. That others see it too? Well, that shifts something internally. Small steps often go unseen; today was different
Awarded top honors, Metcor Pumps took home the title of Distributor of the Year through a joint sponsorship from Calpeda and Caprari. Recognition came John Crane’s way too, thanks to ABB’s nod for Contribution to Skills & Training, spotlighting collaboration with The University of Sheffield. Growing expertise in the field gains momentum when companies back education this directly.
Baker Hughes walked away with Project of the Year, backed by World Pumps, thanks to its dependable pumping setup for combined cycle facilities – a journey from blueprint to real-world function showing strong engineering skill. On hearing the news, Roberto Pirro, who leads Pump Water Solutions there, called it a moment of deep pride; one that underlines how far the group has come, pushing fresh ideas forward step by steady step. Though quiet in delivery, the win speaks volumes about staying focused when solving tough challenges
Outstanding results marked the night when SPP Pumps took home Manufacturer of the Year, backed by WEG UK. Not far behind, WEG UK grabbed Supplier of the Year, a title supported by Wilo. Recognition shifted smoothly between both firms, each stepping into the spotlight after years of steady work. The event unfolded without grand gestures, just clear nods to consistent effort. Success arrived quietly, measured in peer respect rather than loud proclamations.
A fresh wave of skill stepped into the spotlight through the Rising Star Award, backed by Innometics, where Luke Norris from John Crane UK claimed top honours. When asked about the win, he shared that seeing his work acknowledged alongside driven colleagues felt deeply rewarding. For him, the field holds vast potential – one he now moves forward in with clear enthusiasm
A quiet moment of recognition came when Apex Pumps received The Sustainable Contribution for a Better World Award, backed by AESSEAL. Not just another prize, it highlighted real steps toward greener practices and fresh thinking in engineering. Liam Peacock, working in OEM Sales at AESSEAL, passed over the trophy without fanfare. Behind his words stood years of company effort – supporting change that doesn’t wait for permission. He noted how this year’s shortlist showed entire parts of the industry shifting faster than expected. Progress isn’t always loud; sometimes it hums inside pumps and seals built differently. Seeing so many inventive companies gathered reminded him why small actions add up. No grand speeches needed – the work speaks while others watch
Another sponsor, Patrick Tantum, Group Director, UK & Ireland at Calpeda and Caprari, summed up the evening’s significance: “We are honoured to support the BPMA’s Pump Industry Awards programme, which continues to showcase the very best of innovation, engineering excellence, and collaboration across our sector. It was a pleasure to be part of the evening once again, bringing the industry together to recognise success, reconnect with peers, and highlight the strength of the community behind it. Not only does it celebrate achievement, but also sets the benchmark for standards, drive progress, and inspire the next phase of growth within our industry. We are proud to play our part in supporting that journey.”
A lively evening unfolded around the award presentations, where guests mixed conversation with old friends while raising glasses to achievements large and small. Moments stretched into laughter under warm lights, building connections without rush or formality. The air hummed with ease, letting milestones settle naturally among plates of food and steady talk.
Later on, thoughts drifted ahead. Because progress keeps moving, while eco-awareness leads the way, the Pump Industry Awards keep mattering – spotlighting what truly shifts the field forward. Then quiet settled in.
Looking forward, the team behind 2027 feels sure the sector will rise even higher after this year’s strong performance.
