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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