TCS&D, the UK’s Cold Chain Awards. Now in its 13th year. Come and join us to celebrate the companies, services and people that are keeping the temperature controlled supply chain moving.
The TCS&D Awards were created to recognise companies and individuals who have really made a difference in the temperature controlled storage and distribution industry.
Join us at the #coldchainoscars in 2026!
Welcome to the 2026 TCS&D Awards Entry Form
All entries are treated “Private & Confidential” and will only be seen and judged by the TCS&D Awards Judging panel.
All entries are free, and companies can nominate themselves or their suppliers’ multiple times for as many categories as they choose.
The deadline for entries is Tuesday 30th June and winners will be announced at the TCS&D Awards Dinner on Thursday 24th September 2026 at The Midland Hotel, Manchester.
How to enter:
TCS&D Awards Criteria 2026
UNSUNG HERO
Do you know someone in the temperature-controlled supply chain who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Do you know someone that is devoting their time to another industry or charity alongside their demanding daytime job. If you know a special someone, please submit a nomination for them, so we can all give them the recognition they deserve.
ENVIRONMENTAL & SUSTAINABILITY
In this category, the judges look to expect more from companies year on year and for companies to demonstrate a key transition to environmental stainability. Please supply an example of your environmental and sustainability achievements.
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
Open to any manufacturer supplying the industry, the judges were looking for a range of products (or possibly a single product) which demonstrates the customers’ needs and enhances the work environment of a site.
INNOVATION
This award is all about showing the progress businesses that supply to or operate within the temperature-controlled sector are making to support and enhance the sector. The judges are looking for innovation that will make a difference not just for now but also into the future.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Driven by customer’s experiences this award is always a factual account of outstanding levels of service and highlights the culture of a “customer first” focus within the winning organization. The judges are looking for client testimonials.
PARTNERSHIP AWARD
Nominations should come from companies who have collaborated with other organisations to produce innovative products and/ or services for the cold chain sector.
LIVERY OF THE YEAR
The judges are looking for clean and crisp standout designs that help to amplify the business message or the goods supported by the business, and one that helps to provide a striking portrait for the transport sector.
RENTAL & CONTRACT HIRE COMPANY OF THE YEAR
It’s all about the offerings in this sector, and the focus on providing the right equipment in the right condition, that’s right for the customer and delivered to the right place with the right customer support. Never a simple task.
COLD STORE CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR
This award category is not just about demonstrating how you work and the great products and services that you offer, it’s driven by client experiences. So, if you know a cold store contractor that deserves to win this category, please submit a testimonial for the judges to consider.
TRANSPORT REFRIGERATION MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR
For this category, the judges are looking for examples that the transport refrigeration sector is moving forward with innovation and technology. Please submit entries including photos and technical information for the judges to consider.
TRANSPORT REFRIGERATION SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
The judging panel will be looking for an example of outstanding customer service or achievement in this category from independent transport refrigeration dealers only from across the UK. This award is not open to manufacturers. Manufacturers please refer to the “Transport Refrigeration Manufacturer of the Year” category.
REFRIGERATED PANEL VAN OF THE YEAR
Innovative builds with a link to high quality products, linked to customer aftermarket support are the key factors in this sector. Please submit your suggestions for a winner. The judges will need details of why this panel manufacturer stands out from the crowd.
REFRIGERATED RIGID OF THE YEAR
The market for rigid vehicles continually evolves and the judges are looking for a company that has taken the gauntlet and exceeded expectations to deliver outstanding quality and innovation to their customers new and old.
REFRIGERATED TRAILER OF THE YEAR
The trailer market is slowly getting longer and taller, and the judges are always looking for the subtle differences in this high-quality sector.
REFRIGERATED FLEET MANAGER OF THE YEAR
The judges will be looking for an outstanding achievement in this category.
REFRIGERATED COURIER OF THE YEAR
Candidates are expected to be operators of direct A to B courier services for the food and pharmaceutical sectors.
HOME DELIVERY OPERATOR OF THE YEAR
Tell us which company you think stands out in the competitive home delivery sector and why.
TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED STORAGE OPERATOR OF THE YEAR
Judges are looking for examples of customer quality and care within this highly competitive sector of the temperature-controlled storage and distribution industry.
COLD STORE TEAM OF THE YEAR
Do you know of a team that has turned around a previously struggling operation or have just excelled within your cold store operations? A cold store team with a proven record of excellent cold store management will have every chance of winning this category.
REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT OPERATOR OF THE YEAR
Nominees may also operate other related services, but nominations in this category must focus on transport only.
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP
Do you know someone in our industry who is a great leader? Does he or she excel at their role within their leadership position in their company? If so, please nominate him or her.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
The category title says it all. Do you know someone in our industry who has left her (or his) imprint on our industry and is now likely to be nearing retirement – or recently retired? If so, please nominate him or her.
INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Do you know someone within your company that deserves this prestigious award? If you do, please send us a nomination highlighting their achievements or if it’s just a single recognition of their hard work inside or outside of their workplace, please let us know.
