Double recognition for Birchwood Park occupier, Haier, as the company and a top salesperson are named finalists in BKU Awards

Haier is shortlisted for Best Brand Award while Dan Heath is nominated for Best Sales Representative

Haier Smart Home UK & Ireland and a leading sales professional Dan Heath have both been shortlisted at the BKU Awards 2026, one of the most respected honours in the UK bathroom and kitchen industry.

The dual nominations highlight the company’s continued commitment to innovation, service excellence and strong retailer partnerships across the sector. The BKU Awards celebrate individuals and brands shaping the future of the KBB market, with categories voted on exclusively by industry professionals. Voting is now open: https://bkuawards.co.uk/vote/. Voting closes on 16 March with finalists announced on 31 March.

Haier shortlisted for Best Appliance Brand

Haier has also been shortlisted for Best Appliance Brand reflecting its leading place in the UK market and its commitment to delivering high-performance, innovative and design-led appliances. The nomination underscores the brand’s continued investment in technology, sustainability and retailer support.

This comes shortly after Haier was once again recognised as the world’s leading brand in major home appliances by sales volume, according to the latest data from Euromonitor International, a leading global market research institution. This is Haier’s 17th consecutive year being named the world’s number 1 major appliance brand.

This year also sees the brand continue its global flagship partnerships in the world of tennis and football. Through its sponsorship of the ATP Tour and Liverpool FC, Haier brings its commitment to precision, passion and high performance to two of the world’s most iconic sporting stages.

The BKU Awards ceremony will take place later this year, celebrating the companies and individuals shaping the future of the bathroom and kitchen industry.

Industry professionals can cast their vote at: https://bkuawards.co.uk/vote/. Voting closes on 16 March with finalists announced on 31 March.

Recognition for outstanding sales leadership

Dan Heath has been nominated for Best Sales Representative, acknowledging his standout performance over the past year. Known for his consultative, relationship-driven approach, Heath has played a pivotal role in supporting retailers through shifting consumer expectations, competitive pressures and a rapidly evolving smart home appliance market.

Dan brings over 17 years of industry experience, having represented some of the world’s most recognisable brands. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in introducing innovative products to the UK market, most recently supporting the successful launch of the new Haier iD Series 6 Oven.

Known for his deep product knowledge and genuine passion for the sector, Dan is a strong advocate for independent retail and the kitchen specialist channel. He is committed to educating customers rather than relying on a hard-sell approach, offering valuable insights that help retailers and consumers make confident, informed decisions.

His work has contributed to measurable commercial growth, strengthened regional partnerships and increased visibility for Haier’s expanding product portfolio.

“Dan’s nomination is a testament to the calibre of his sales expertise that drives our business forward,” said Dan Halfpenney, Channel Director, Kitchen Independents & Trade Distribution at Haier Smart Home UK & Ireland. “His ability to combine deep product knowledge with genuine partnership-building has made a tangible difference for retailers and for our wider commercial strategy.”

Speaking about the nomination, Dan said, “It’s an honour to be recognised by the industry. The KBB sector is built on strong relationships, and I’m proud to work with retailers who are as passionate about quality and innovation as we are. This nomination reflects the teamwork behind everything we do and achieve.”

Dan Heath: Profile Box

Name: Dan Heath

Role: National Sales Account Manager- Kitchens

Sector: UK Kitchen Retail Specialist: Retail partnerships, consultative sales, category growth, product education

Career Highlights:

• Over 17 years industry experience.
• Dan is proud to have helped launch many new products into the UK market none more so than the new Haier iD Series 6 Oven.
• Dan is passionate about the products that he sells and a strong advocate for the independent retail and kitchen channels. He offers knowledge and insights and prefers to educate the customer rather than go for the hard sell.

Dan’s Top Three Sales Tips

• The best salespeople listen twice as much as they speak. Understanding the retailer’s world like stock pressures, customer profiles, local competition. All of this creates solutions that feel tailored to solving the problem.
• Consistency is key. Regular check-ins, reliable follow-through and steady support build trust that lasts.
• Great sales reps always keep updating their knowledge. Offering insights, sharing trends and helping retailers anticipate challenges turns a supplier relationship into a valuable and formidable partnership.

For further information on Haier’s latest product launches and sports partnerships, visit www.haier.co.uk to discover more.