To celebrate 15 years of the Junior Design Awards we decided to do something a little bit different this year. We created a bonus Best JDA Small Business category so we could recognise the incredible kitchen table companies, the me, myself and I teams and the midnight oil burners who we know work so hard to follow their dreams, fulfil their creativity, move with purpose and make a difference in an increasingly challenging market.
We shortlisted 15 brands (see the shortlist below) out of the hundreds who checked the small business box on the Junior Design Awards entry form  – an incredibly difficult process – and then came the even tougher challenge of choosing just three winners.
The JDA Small Business Award 2026
Gold Winner: Talou
Talou – Best Children’s Knitwear Collectuion
Our GOLD winner is Talou. The Junior Editorial team felt that founder, Ellie Whitehead not only had a distinctively fresh and contemporary aesthetic that really stood out in the children’s knitwear market but had created a brand with a truly ethical heartbeat. The tenacity required to commit to a circular and biodegradable fashion label designed for longevity is remarkable here but not content with being brilliantly green, Talou’s new initiative with Mary’s Living & Giving for Save the Children, recycling 85kg of unsellable wool and cashmere into a new pioneering yarn collection with 10% of proceeds going to the charity, brings philanthropy into the mix. This is a small business with a real point of difference, making a difference.
The JDA Small Business Award 2026
Silver Winner: Huddle Baby
Huddle Baby –Â Best Crib/Pod/Moses Design
The SILVER award goes to Huddle Baby. Recognising the incredibly short life span of a bedside crib, Huddle co-founders and furniture designers Paul Buckley and Christian Ritson set about creating an amazing 4-in-1 bedside crib that extends the life of this piece of furniture from 6 months to 12 years. The crib can be used as a bassinet and then converts into a desk and bench. With a pared back Nordic feel, this is a beautifully made product and we can’t wait to see what comes next from this County Down based furniture brand.
The JDA Small Business Award 2026
Bronze Winner: ODA London
ODA LONDON – Best Interiors Product Design (Soft Furnishings)
The BRONZE award goes to ODA London. Crafted for little dreamers, loved by all is their strapline and this certainly was the case at the Junior Design Awards. A really original and exciting brand in the world of children’s décor this bedding collection tapped into our judges’ imaginations and really stood out for its warm and friendly approach to bedlinen with a delicious touch of eccentricity. Cleverly photographed product and a clear brand identity made this a winning small business entry. Congratulations to founder Issy Drosa.
Congratulations to the Winners...
Our gold winner received a three-month membership to PR platform Press Loft as well as a brand consultation with the Junior Team. Our Silver and Bronze winners also receive a brand consultation voucher with the Junior Team.
