The up and coming talent in the retail sector gathered last night for the Skillsmart Retail Rising Star Awards, held at Grosvenor House Hotel.
Hosted by comedian Chris Ramsey, retailers including New Look, Pets at Home, Asda and Next picked up gongs at the event, organised by Retail Week.
Special guest and long-time supporter of the event Theo Paphitis, owner of Ryman and star of Dragon’s Den, helped to hand out awards.
The big winner of the night was Francesca Hewitt of New Look, who won the overall Retail Week Rising Star of the Year gong.
Paphitis said: “These people are a shining example and inspiration to the industry showing the drive, commitment, enthusiasm and passion you need to make it in retail.
“I have no doubt that those on the stage will go on to become tomorrow’s leaders. I look forward to seeing them develop their careers in what I believe to be the most dynamic and exciting industry in the world.”
The Winners
The Retail Week Rising Star of the Year
Winner: Francesca Hewitt, New Look
Area Manager of the Year
Winner: Rachel Hornsby, Signet
Highly Commended: Campbell McArthur, Iceland
Buyer/Merchandiser - Team/Individual of the Year
Winner: Francesca Hewitt, New Look
Highly Commended: Gemma Scarfe, Warehouse
Customer Service Team / Individual of the Year
Winner: Claire Barron, Vodafone
Highly Commended: BHS Customer Service Team, BHS
Head Office Support Team/Individual of the Year
Winner: Joanne Dixon, Coast
Highly Commended: Rachel Arkell, Boots
HR/Training Team/Individual of the Year
Winner: Mairi Probin, Iceland
Marketing Team/Individual of the Year
Winner: Christina Richardson, Claire Webber & Helen Buckle, A Suit That Fits
Highly Commended: Tim Dowling, Pets at Home
Online Team/Individual of the Year
Winner: Richard Johnston , Vodafone
Highly Commended: Katy Brown, Oasis
Store Manager of the Year - Midland, Wales & South West
Winner: Matt Fox, Pets at Home
Highly Commended: Lucy Allen, Topshop Topman
Store Manager of the Year - North of England
Winner: Ian McEvans, Asda
Store Manager of the Year - Scotland & Ireland
Winner: Annie Campbell, Pets at Home
Highly Commended: Craig Barker, Debenhams
Store Manager of Year - South East & East Anglia
Winner: Emma Taylor, Topshop Topman
Highly Commended: Aneesh Shah, Boots
Store Support Manager of the Year
Winner: Karl Steele, Ryman
Skillsmart Retail Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Jodie Donald, Next
Highly Commended: Nathan Lane, Asda
National Skills Academy for Retail Learner of the Year
Winner: Rickie Strevens, The Learning Shop Bluewater
National Skills Academy for Retail Trainer of the Year
Winner: Natalie Kay, Manchester Skills Shop
National Skills Academy for Retail Ambassador of the Year
Winner: Salina Gani, Paul UK
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