Best Website
Easy to use website with outstanding selection of quality material with emphasis on colonial Southern Africa. All items well illustrated and described.
Easy to navigate, great offerings.
Multiple Nominations received: Easy search and quality stock, Weekly lists that are easy to use and notified by a weekly update. The site is well-organized sections and straightforward ordering. The most up to date comprehensive philatelic website out there!, Easy to navigate, particularly if you want to go back, which some websites find tricky.
Multiple Nominations received: Clear and concise catalogues, Easy to Navigate
A very ordered website listing of the Thematics stock either by subject or country. There is also a monthly feature called "just In " with categories for birds, ships and aircraft. Both Paula and Philip are both very helpful and obliging in obtaining stamps which might not be in their current stock.
For their Luxury Catalogue
A fun, light & enjoyable way to learn more about stamps.
An easy to use site with 10,000+ items for sale. Recently updated sell to us section and the ability for customers to leave a wants list. Over 140+ 5 Star Reviews.
I could spend all day on this site. It is so cool! Videos, Power Search, Census Data, an Encyclopedia, past sale information, bid online. World class auction site which also aims to help collectors build knowledge.
Spink’s website stands out as a dynamic and user-friendly platform that seamlessly combines aesthetic appeal with functionality. It provides an exceptional online experience by offering easy navigation, high-quality content, and real-time updates on auctions, products, and industry news. The site is optimized for both desktop and mobile devices, ensuring accessibility and engagement across different platforms. It also features advanced search capabilities and detailed descriptions.
Multiple Nominations received: The go to for stamps and catalogues to buy, User friendly site, Easy to Use, Professional, clear informative website, well worth a visit. With live auction viewing this website has been updated with new technology, An informative website for collectors and for casual observers whom are looking for advice on collections.
The website is concise and practical, with rich and colorful content.
Best Publication
Multiple Nominations received: The most comprehensive eye catching, detailed catalogue. The organised sections for quick reference and colour codes for new items are extremely helpful. BB have been producing price lists for many years and they are used as the industry standard for GB material.
Multiple Nominations received: Clearly a lot of effort is put into the lists that are available as hardcopy as well as online. Quality publishing and good picture quality. Key information on items provided. Excellent 'special' issues such as the recent Penny black and Reds Plates. Bill Barrell consistently produces a very high quality and very informative brochure and I particularly reference his two Penny black brochures which received international acclaim.
2024 Saw the launch of a brand-new magazine packed with over 125 First Day and Commemorative Covers illustrated in each edition. Brian Austin wants to use his new magazine to illustrate and described the best in British covers he could find, and the covers he features in each edition get better and more interesting, a challenge he is living up to with each new copy.
Multiple Nominations received: First class editorial content. Offering a variety of articles and topics this monthly publication is the one the best. Been going since 1890. Informative, interesting articles, well designed and laid out. Great value for money and has up to date supplement to Stanley Gibbons catalogue each month. A good read every month, including the Machin watch. catalogue supplement and advertisers add to the value. A beautiful magazine for collectors of postal history.
Multiple Nominations received: Great depth on a range of topics, up to date information on national and international exhibitions. The quality of research and depth of analysis is beyond anything else around
Multiple Nominations received: Good auctioneers with very prompt information and detailed coin auctions, Auction mag is full of useful info and an event in itself!, Quality Production, Nice clear print and laid out generally in price high to lower.
Spink’s publications, including the renowned Spink Insider, exemplify excellence in both content and design, seamlessly blending tradition and innovation. It stands out as a dual-format publication that combines the accessibility and immediacy of a digital blog with the tangible experience of a high-quality printed magazine. This publication provides collectors and industry professionals with the latest news, expert commentary, and in-depth analysis.
High quality print, top news, lots of content, not too many ads, always something to learn in a very accessible way. Interesting too that coins are now included in this magazine. Whilst I don't read this section, I do flick through it. I'm sure it is good that coin collectors who subscribe to this magazine also get exposure to the fascinating world of philately!
Multiple Nominations received: Very interesting article, by example : The Saar attraction. UK and International philatelic news. Good articles. Easy read and excellent articles.
Multiple Nominations received: Great catalogues. I've had nearly every edition since 1958 and every one since 1967 - and it keeps getting better every year (British Commonwealth), This book continues to be the bible for CW stamps and is a must have for any cw collector or dealer - I am not sure I know anybody without this book, The bible for British Commonwealth, could not live without that catalogue in my day to day collecting.
Best Social Media
Only recently joining the social media world it is great to be able to follow along with what's happening behind the scenes along with all the action at the shows.
Frequently updates.
Regular YouTube videos and updates on auctions.
Love the quality of the videos and and the way you can see the front and the back of the items in a very modern way.
Multiple Nominations received: The most lively and informative account on Instagram. As a new stamp dealer he had one of the largest stamp followers of any UK stamp dealer as well as more Instagram followers than PTS it's self. I think it is a clear choice who should be nominated and go on to win and that is Liverpool Stamps. Gained a huge following (for a philately social media account), posting pictures daily on all major platforms, with an interesting writeup & posting in multiple groups.
Active Facebook and Instagram pages
Multiple Nominations received: I have been actively following the account since 2020.Its highly interactive, interesting, and informative. I love the daily a-z themes and stamp of the day posts. The community following this account is widespread and lively. It helps to keep the hobby alive. John is very meticulous and acknowledges the contributions of all his followers. I really feel this account deserves an award. John keeps me opening my albums to share my items with his group.
Spink’s social media presence is a powerful tool for engagement and education. Through a well-crafted strategy, Spink effectively uses platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to connect with its audience, showcase new auction items, highlight industry news, and engage with collectors and enthusiasts. Spink's social media feeds are filled with high-quality content, including behind-the-scenes looks at auctions, educational content on numismatics and philately.
Multiple Nominations received: Always creating new content and answering questions from member of the public. Very active social media site, with great content and knowledgeable presenters. Updated with latest catalogue releases and offers.
Best Physical Space
Multiple Nominations received: Having the largest stand at all philatelic shows is great to see such an array of displays, stock options and availability. This stand is always a a pleasure to visit with seating , sweets and a happy team always on hand to answer any questions. Incredible stock on display.
Not located in the narrow area as most stands were at Stampex moves room
Spink’s physical space exemplifies the company’s commitment to providing an exceptional environment for collectors, clients, and staff alike. The Spink office and auction space is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere for high-profile auctions, private viewings, and client interactions. The space is designed to highlight Spink's world-class collections, allowing visitors to engage with items up close and view them in a sophisticated setting.
The new format was fabulous. Much more intimate and atmospheric alongside great philatelic materials.
Multiple Nominations received: The shop offers the ability to view stamps and publications in person, as well as staff on hand to assist with any query. Helpful staff. Modern, lots of stock and expert knowledge is always available. An informal space and appreciated the complimentary coffee also. Well laid out, well stocked, interesting place to visit. Great staff.
Multiple Nominations received: Every offline philatelic exhibition held by the Royal Philatelic Society of London is very exciting. Through these activities, we can learn about the world's rare philatelic products. At the same time, through these activities, we have the opportunity to communicate face to face with the world's top collectors, which is amazing. Always friendly. Abchurch Lane is an asset to philately. The library is exceptional. Every collector should visit at least once!
Contributor of the Year
He has alone and single-handedly written, illustrated, researched and published (on his own !) a complete specialized catalogue of Lithuania with an immense depth of variants, plate and cliche errors, color varieties etc. The catalogue is - amongst members of the Lithuanian Philatelic Society - THE standard to determine stamps by. In my opinion a truly titanic achievement for a single person to produce such a volume with contents of such depth.
Multiple Nominations received: For the communications, emails, videos etc that are highly informative. Plus being really approachable with a wealth of knowledge and keen to discuss philatelic matters. Bill support’s stamp collectors with good advice, free plating service, friendly team and keeps us all informed of shows and new stock. A true ambassador of philately.
Great work on behalf of FEPA, constant source of wisdom and encouragement in all things philatelic.
Multiple Nominations received: Brian has been in the industry full time for 36 years and has worked tirelessly over this period to ensure the hobby is continued and enjoyed as much as possible. With endless hours in the office planning, prepping and publicising all major philatelic events year after year, looking at ways to reach and engage with new collectors is fantastic. Brian Bayford for his commitment, friendliness and enthusiasm.
For his work on editing and curating new and refreshing content every month as Editor of Gibbons Stamp Monthly.
Hugh has been a long standing figure in philately who was awarded an MBE for his services to it and is always willing to share his knowledge. has worked for many years on Stanley Gibbons catalogues and regularly contributes to Gibbons Stamp Monthly
I think Mr. Jack Zhang is always very responsible in planning the pre-event publicity for each event and taking photos and writing copy on the day of the event. He is very dedicated and his selfless dedication deserves my applause.
Chair of Stamp Active. The only one doing something to secure the future.
He is creative in trying to make the hobby more interesting. Practical knowledge, skill in bringing people together to talk about stamps.He's a great person! He's really helped me get back into the hobby as I was feeling a little like an outsider as a woman in her twenties. John sends out monthly packs to his patrons and always writes such a lovely letter to us all. His social media is always somewhere where philatelists of all kinds can go and feel at home. A kind and gentle community.
Leven now has over 100k followers on TikTok and has expanded to YouTube and Instagram. His content is interesting and factual. He talks about basics like soaking stamps and valuing collectors as well as specific areas of interesting showing that there is something for everyone in philately. He is doing the thing we all seek to do but don't know how to do - reach new audiences, in particularly younger people.
For integrity, honesty, great customer service and consummate knowledge of his profession
As a young man in the stamp scene which is looked on as an older person's hobby it is good to see it carry on to younger generations and recognising this would be a great boost to the hobby itself. His hard working attitude and business knowledge is a perfect pick