The deadline for entries for the Retail Week Rising Stars Awards, retails leading awards for industry staff, has been extended to May 23.

The Retail Week Rising Star Awards are the leading awards for retail industry staff and aim to recognise emerging talent in the sector.

The Retail Week Rising Stars 2014 are the leading awards for retail industry staff and aim to recognise emerging talent in the sector, and there is only one week left to enter.

Rising Stars is thrilled to have Paphitis as its ambassador again this year and be able to offer a complementary place at the Oxford Summer School for the winner of the overall Rising Star Award.

To identify tomorrow’s leaders of retail we have assembled a top panel of judges made up of experienced retailers and experts in the field, including the chief executive of HobbyCraft Catriona Marshall and senior directors from retailers including Debenhams, Morrisons and Pets at Home.

The awards, which are free to enter, not only help boost morale among staff  but also highlight retailers’ own career development plans, and help put the spotlight on retail as a career of choice.

Retail Week has revamped the awards this year and launched five new categories to reflect the crucial role played by every department in retail today, as well as the immense contribution graduates make to the industry.

Retailers can enter a total of 18 categories and the winners, chosen by a panel of expert judges, will be announced at a special awards ceremony in at the Grosvenor Hotel in London’s Mayfair in September.

To enter, go to www.retailweekrisingstars.co.uk.

The entry deadline is May 23.