The Retail Week Supply Chain Awards take place on September 28. Matthew Hanson, head of marketing and product at Hermes, explains how it’s the most hotly contested to date.

Now the days are getting shorter, the children have returned to school, and the weather has taken a turn for the worse, we can safely assume that autumn is upon us.

September is always a crucial month for the retail and logistics industries, as it signifies the beginning of the “home stretch”, which concludes with Black Friday and the Christmas holidays – our most critical period of the year.

“The UK’s retail industry continues to set an incredible example to the rest of world”

Celebrating UK retail

However, September is memorable for another reason – it is the month that the good and the great from the UK’s retail sector descend upon London’s Hilton Park Lane for the industry’s very own version of the Oscars – yes, The Retail Week Supply Chain Awards, proudly sponsored by Hermes.

2017 is the sixth year in a row that we have been the headline sponsor, and we are honoured to continue to support an event that celebrates excellence in one of the most highly competitive and innovative industries.

I firmly believe that the quality of the applications gets stronger each year, and 2017 is no different.

Looking through the shortlist, the evening of Thursday September 28th promises to be the most hotly contested Retail Week Supply Chain Awards to date. You can read the shortlist here.

“We are committed to helping promote supply chain expertise while supporting the ongoing growth of our retail clients”

In terms of its commitment to overall customer experience and innovation, the UK’s retail industry continues to set an incredible example to the rest of world – and every company shortlisted should be extremely proud of their accomplishments over the last 12 months.

As the leading provider of consumer delivery solutions within the UK, we are committed to helping promote supply chain expertise while supporting the ongoing growth of our retail clients.

These are exciting times, but we must work hard to maximise the opportunities that currently exist.

A night to remember

Last year’s winners – including Chain Reaction Cycles, Boohoo, John Lewis, Missguided and Asos – continue to push the boundaries.

Their entries proved to be of outstanding quality, each demonstrating dedication and originality during a challenging time for the sector as a whole.

I’m certain that the 2017 winners will be equally as inspiring. The Hermes team is looking forward to contributing to another successful event, and celebrating best practice during what is known as the most prestigious night in the industry’s calendar.

Matthew Hanson

Matthew Hanson is head of marketing and product at Hermes