North East Design Studio SPELK Wins National Industry Newcomer Award

Dr Kelly Smith (Image supplied)

Dr Kelly Smith from North East design studio SPELK. has been named Best Industry newcomer at the prestigious BKU Awards 2026, adding a national industry accolade to a growing list of honours that have established the business as one of the region's most exciting emerging design practices.

The BKU Awards are organised by Bathroom & Kitchen Update magazine and celebrate

excellence across the UK kitchen and bathroom industry. The award was presented at a

ceremony held at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London in June 2026, bringing

together leading designers, retailers and suppliers from across the country.

This recognition follows a remarkable year for SPELK. In 2025, the studio was named

Best New Business in County Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside at the North

East Business Awards. Dr Kelly Smith was also selected for the Northern Power Women

Future List 2026, which celebrates the next generation of influential leaders, innovators

and changemakers across the North. She was subsequently invited to attend a special

reception at Downing Street celebrating female founders from across the North East.

SPELK. has additionally been shortlisted for the Northern Echo BusinessIQ Awards, the

North East Chamber of Commerce Inspiring Women Awards, and the forthcoming North

East Chamber of Commerce Awards.

Receiving the BKU Best Industry Newcomer award, Dr Smith said:

"Winning Best Industry Newcomer on a national stage is an incredible honour. To see a

young North East business recognised alongside some of the most established names in

the industry is both humbling and hugely encouraging.

"We've always wanted to demonstrate that ambitious, design-led businesses can thrive

outside the traditional centres of the industry. This award is recognition not only of what

we've achieved so far, but of the opportunities that exist for creative businesses across the

North East”.