The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) has been awarded Magazine of the Year in the prestigious Trade Association Forum (TAF) Awards 2024, as well as being highly commended in categories for Publication of the Year and Association / Supplier Partnership.
The Guild won Magazine of the Year for its quarterly magazine Architectural Ironmongery Journal (AIJ). AIJ was relaunched in 2023 with a new design, editorial innovation, and increased emphasis on its digital presence via www.aijmagazine.co.uk.
The Guild’s Architect + Designers’ Guide to Architectural Ironmongery was Highly Commended in the Publication of the Year category. Structured around an innovative overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work, this new document has introduced unique clarification on where the architectural ironmonger can add value at each stage of this industry-standard model for the design and construction of buildings.
The GAI was also Highly Commended in the Association / Supplier Partnership category for its work with The Leader Marketing Partnership on these projects as well as its wider marketing delivery and services.
Emily Wallace, Chief Executive of the Trade Association Forum and one of the head judges on the panel, said: “The judges were really impressed with how the Guild has built the skills of its team through an embedded partnership to transform their marketing and communications material.
“The Architectural Ironmongery Journal is a case in point – excellent design and a good range of interesting practical and general content for its readers.”
Now in its 21st year, the Trade Association Forum (TAF) Awards 2024 are supported by the Department of Business and Trade, and recognise excellence, innovation and best practice among trade associations in the UK. This year’s awards attracted a record number of entrants, with the winners announced at an event hosting 350 representatives from more than 50 different associations, held at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London’s Covent Garden on Thursday 22 February.
GAI President Kaz Spiewakowski said: "We are delighted to receive this recognition from our first year at the Trade Association Forum Awards.
"With more than 50 trade associations submitting a record number of entries, securing a win and two commendations provides an important benchmark of the quality and best practice to be found across all our work at the GAI."
Photo: Collecting the TAF Awards on behalf of the Guild (l-r): Philip Goldberg, Treasurer (GAI); Marc Sanderson, Head of Marketing (The Leader Marketing Partnership); Nicky Roger, AIJ Editor (Atom Publishing); Douglas Masterson, Technical Manager (GAI).