21 minute read
Progressive Preschool Awards 2021 The winners
Inset: The popular ‘Higher or Lower’ game got the audience warmed up ahead of the awards.
Left: The awards were ably presided over by Sara Barron. Right: Nick Richardson, ceo of The Insights Family - and sponsor of ‘Higher or Lower’ - awarded the prize to Aykroyd & Sons’ Ffion Aykroyd-Davies.
Right: Jeremy Minchin was among the Hippychick team collecting the award for Best Distributor/Wholesaler of Preschool Product.
Above: (from left) Bethan Garton (The Point.1888), Marianne James (Hasbro), Sally Carnota (Hasbro) and Ruth Golightly (Asda).
Below: Julia Redman of BuyersEye kindly donated the star prize in the raffle in aid of The Light Fund.
Far right: The uplifting grand finale of the afternoon saw David Welsh, md of Allison Baby (second from right) awarded with the Outstanding Achievement accolade. Below: Executives from Acamar Films, Golden Bear and Trends UK enjoying the drinks reception.
BEST SUPERMARKET RETAILER OF PRESCHOOL PRODUCTS
WINNER
Asda
Right: Collecting the first award of the afternoon was Nicola McIntyre and Holly Richardson from the kids and baby buying team at George..
Left: The first award of the afternoon was presented by Rebecca Jenkins, Director of Retail and New Business at ViacomCBS Consumer Products.
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BEST MULTIPLE RETAILER OF PRESCHOOL PRODUCTS
Above: The Entertainer’s Licensing Manager Mary Lewis and ***** collected the award for Best Multiple Retailer of Preschool Products.
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Above: Faye Rashad, design and licensing manager for Misirli presented the Best Multiple Retailer of Preschool Products award.
WINNER
The Entertainer
Initial reaction: “We are proud and delighted that The Entertainer won Best Multiple Retailer of Preschool Products at the Progressive Preschool Awards 2021. We were up against some tough finalists, but it’s a reflection of how hard everyone has worked across the business to deliver a fantastic range and experience for our customers. A huge thank you to the whole team.” Geoff Sheffield, chief commercial officer
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B&M
WINNER
Right:Gary Freeman collected the award on behalf of B&M.
Initial reaction: “We are all so delighted with the award, it’s come as a real shock to us! It’s so nice to be recognised for our hard work." Hayley White, toy buyer
Right: Rainbow Design’s managing director Anthony Temple presented the award for the Best Mixed Category Retailer of Preschool Products
WINNER
John Lewis
Right: Michelle McGuire, buyer from John Lewis collected this much sought after award..
Left: John Taylor, Wildbrain CPLG’s VP Northern Europe was pleased to present the award for Best Department Store Retailer of Preschool Products to this year’s worthy winner.
Initial reaction: “We were delighted to hear that John Lewis had won Best Department Store at the Progressive Preschool Awards. We are so glad that the nursery, baby and preschool ranges that we carefully curate for our customers, as well as our service, is being recognised.” Roseanne Winthrop, partner and category lead, nursery
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BEST ONLINE RETAILER OF PRESCHOOL PRODUCTS
WINNER
Character.com
Above: Aykroyd & Son’s director Sion Aykroyd came to the stage to present the award for Best Online Retailer of Preschool Products.
Left: Character.com’s buying director Karen Hewitt, along with her team collected the award for Best Online Retailer of Preschool Products.
Sponsored by Initial reaction: “We at Character.com are always so delighted and grateful to win any award, but we are honoured to be recognised as Best Online Retailer at the Progressive Preschool Awards. It's a great acknowledgment of how hard the team work and the great partnerships we have built with everyone we work with. We are truly very thankful to even be nominated so to win is just a really great feeling.” Karen Hewitt, buying director
BEST INDEPENDENT NURSERY RETAILER
WINNER
Bumpstart Baby
Left: Collecting the award for Best Independent Nursery Retailer was Bumpstart Baby’s Associate Director, Susannah Irving, along with her team .
Right: David Welsh, managing director of Joie was next up to present the award for Best Independent Nursery Retailer.
Sponsored by Initial reaction: “It was an honour to be recognised and even make it as a finalist for Best Independent Nursery Retailer, so you can imagine our delight and surprise when Bumpstart Baby Shop was announced over the speakers. I am so glad we had our ‘dream team’ in attendance to collect the award they have all worked so hard for. We would like to thank our dedicated team, our fantastic supportive suppliers and loyal customer base (and of course Progressive Preschool!) who have all played their part in helping us win this impressive award.’ Susannah Irving, associate director
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BEST INDEPENDENT APPAREL RETAILER
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Odd Socks
Below: Mel Beer, Amscan’s Group Licensing Director presented the award to this year’s worthy winner.
WINNER
Right: Terry Wallace* collected the award on behalf of Odd Socks.
Initial reaction: “I was over the moon to get the news we had won the category! Retail is full of highs and lows and just when I needed a pick me up this happened!! I’m delighted for me and my team and for high street shopping! Thank you so much and I hope this will help boost our profile and lead to greater things.” Julia Warnes, owner
BEST INDEPENDENT TOY RETAILER
Above: Dominique Peckett, director at Smiffy’s presented the afternoon’s next award for Best Independent Toy Retailer
WINNER
Kids Stuff
Above: Lee and Sarah Borastero, owners of Kids Stuff were thrilled to be presented with the award for Best Independent Toy Retailer.
Initial reaction: “We are absolutely blown away at winning the Best Independent Toy Retailer. Thank you to everyone that voted for us. We haven’t quite been able to wipe the smiles off our faces yet and still cannot quiet believe it. We would also like to thank our children Jasmine, Thomas, Meghan and Florence who all help to run our toy shop. It is a whole family effort.” Sarah and Lee Borastero, owners
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BEST INDEPENDENT GIFTWARE RETAILER
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WINNER
Small Stuff
Initial reaction: “Winning this award came as an incredible surprise, and after a difficult few years within retail - it couldn’t have come at a better time! I can’t wait until it takes pride of place in our window display!” Hellen Stirling-Baker ,founder
Above: Lisa Bryant collected the award on behalf of Small Stuff.
Right: Hippychick’s managing director, Jeremy Minchin was thrilled to be presenting the award for Best Independent Giftware Retailer.
BEST PRESCHOOL APPAREL RANGE
WINNER
Peppa Pig team GB Daywear Range for Character.com from Aykroyd’s & Sons
Right: Ffion and Sion Aykroyd, from Aykroyd’s & Sons collected the award, bringing several of their team members with them!
Below: Presenting the first of the afternoon’s product categories for Best Preschool Apparel Range is Sally Carnota, Hasbro’s Director of UK Licensing.
Initial reaction: “Wow! Cannot believe we’ve just won the Best Preschool Apparel Range Award at the PPSA’s! We’re absolutely delighted with this and are massively thankful to the Aykroyds wider team who worked on the product and brought it all to life! Thanks also to the organisers of the PPSA for arranging such a fantastic event during these challenging times.” Sion Aykroyd, director
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@Prog_Preschool@Prog_Preschool
PreschoolNews.net is the new online PreschoolNews.net is the new online resource for the preschool product and retailresource for the preschool product and retailsector. From the publishers of Progressivesector. From the publishers of ProgressivePreschool Magazine and the organisers ofPreschool Magazine and the organisers ofthe Progressive Preschool Awards, this the Progressive Preschool Awards, this new website and e-newsflash portal willnew website and e-newsflash portal willprovide the very latest news, views, andprovide the very latest news, views, andanalysis across the preschool productanalysis across the preschool product and retail sector. and retail sector. Launching with an unrivalled emailLaunching with an unrivalled emailsubscriber base of 12,087 readers, a subscriber base of 12,087 readers, atwice weekly newsflash will landtwice weekly newsflash will landdirectly in the inboxes of everyonedirectly in the inboxes of everyonein this fast-paced industry. in this fast-paced industry. A modern, easy to navigateA modern, easy to navigatewebsite will provide a centralwebsite will provide a centralresource for the trade too, offering resource for the trade too, offering news, in-depth articles, an industry news, in-depth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues ofjobs board, retail analysis, digital issues ofProgressive Preschool, and much much more.Progressive Preschool, and much much more. The magazine and awards do a great job inThe magazine and awards do a great job injoining the dots between toy, nursery, gift,joining the dots between toy, nursery, gift,apparel, publishing, and of course licensing -apparel, publishing, and of course licensing -and this digital offering will further enhanceand this digital offering will further enhanceour position as a trade media partner thatour position as a trade media partner thatoffers a tangible response to advertisingoffers a tangible response to advertising investment. investment.
PreschoolNews.net is the online resource for the preschool product and retail sector. From the publishers of Progressive Preschool magazine and the organisers of the Progressive Preschool Awards, this website and e-newsflash portal provides the very latest news, views, and analysis across the preschool product and retail sector. With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 12,087 All advertising on the website is readers, a twice weekly newsflash lands directly in the All advertising on the website isduplicated to each and every inboxes of everyone in this fast-paced industry. duplicated to each and everynewsflash, giving advertisers A modern, easy to navigate website provides a central resource for the trade too, offering news, in-depth newsflash, giving advertisers huge visibility and direct impact to retail buyers. huge visibility and direct impact to retail buyers. articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Preschool, and much much more. PreschoolNews.net is published PreschoolNews.net is published by preschool sector experts, for PreschoolNews.net is published by preschool sector experts, for preschool trade experts. by preschool sector experts, for preschool trade experts.preschool trade experts.
Brought to you by the publishers of
Jacqui Parr jacquip@max-publishing.co.ukJacqui Parr jacquip@max-publishing.co.uk Rob Willis robw@max-publishing.co.uk Rob Willis robw@max-publishing.co.uk ADVERTISING AND COMMERCIAL Sam Loveday saml@max-publishing.co.ukSam Loveday saml@max-publishing.co.uk Jo Pilcher jop@max-publishing.co.uk Preschoolnews.net is published by preschool sector experts…Preschoolnews.net is published by preschool sector experts…Rob Willis robw@max-publishing.co.uk
EDITORIAL AND CONTENT Sam Loveday saml@max-publishing.co.uk Katie Roberts-Mason katierm@max-publishing.co.uk
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BEST PRESCHOOL TOY RANGE (12m+)
PAW Patrol Range from Tonies
Above: BBC Studio’s senior licensing manager Julie Kerwick presented the award for Best Preschool Toy Range.
WINNER
Right: Liz Peters, International Portfolio Manager for Tonies UK was pleased to collect the award.
Initial reaction: “I was so excited to hear the tonies name called out as the winner! We are still a fairly new brand in the UK, and we were up against some stiff competition. The prize is really a testament to how hard the whole of the team has worked this year to bring our Paw Patrol range of Tonies to market.” Liz Peters, portfolio manager, international
BEST PRESCHOOL STEM OR EDUCATIONAL RANGE
WINNER
MathLink Cubes Numberblocks 1-10 Activity Set from Learning Resources
Right: Evolution PR’s Account Manager Georgie Dobie was next on stage to present the award for Best Preschool STEM or Educational Range. Above: Coming onto the stage to collect the award was Learning Resources’ Head of Product Development, Allan Lennon.
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BEST PRESCHOOL PUBLISHING RANGE
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Fun To Learn Standalone Magazine Range from Redan Publishing.
WINNER
Right: Julie Jones, Redan Publishing’s managing director came to the stage to collect the award.
Initial reaction: “It was a very special moment as the ‘Fun To Learn Standalone Magazine Range’ was announced as the winner. It is a true testament to the creativity, passion and hard work that everyone puts in. I’m immensely proud of the team and I know that our founder Robert Sutherland would have been beaming with pride that Redan has been recognised by the industry with such a prestigious award. We are all chuffed to bits!” Julie Jones, publishing director
Below: Amanda Jenner, managing director of My Carry Potty was pleased to announce the winner of the Best Preschool Publishing Range.
BEST PRESCHOOL HOME OR FURNITURE RANGE
WINNER
Right: ickle Bubba’s head of Product Development Lindsay Reardon and was thrilled to collect the award.
Teepee Playtime 4 piece Play Bundle from Ickle Bubba
Left: Exhibition organiser Adrian Sneyd presented the award for Best Home or Furniture Range.
Initial reaction: “We are delighted to see our first step into the interiors category recognised by Progressive Preschool. The Teepee Playtime 4 Piece Play Bundle is a fantastic example of how affordable style is key to the success of Ickle Bubba. This commendation recognises how we’ve achieved this through added value themed bundles which offer convenience and ease to parents at all budgets.” Jenna Shorter, global communications manager
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BEST PRESCHOOL GIFT RANGE
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Peter Rabbit Baby Collection from Enesco.
WINNER
Above: Fiona Macmillan, managing director of Centum Books presented the award for Best Preschool Gift Range. Right: Enesco’s Licensing Manager Wendy Addison come to the stage to collect the trophy.
Initial reaction: “We were delighted to be nominated for two Progressive Preschool Awards for the Peter Rabbit range and to win the Best Gift Range for the Peter Rabbit Baby Collection was amazing. It was wonderful to be part of the team who created the Peter Rabbit Baby Collection and a big thank you to Thomas Merrington and Penguin team for their help & support in making it happen.” Wendy Addison, licensing manager
BEST WHEELED GOODS OR CAR SEAT RANGE
WINNER
Gazelle S Pushchair from Cybex
Above: Luke Burns, General Manager UK & Ireland and David Roberts, Head of Sales UK & Ireland from Cybex came onto the stage to collect the award.
Left: Jane Pavia-Davis, Vista Public Relations’ managing director, presented the award of Best Wheeled Goods or Car Seat Range. Sponsored by
BEST PRESCHOOL ESSENTIALS RANGE
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Stages 1-3 Children’s Cutlery from Nana’s Manners
WINNER
Right: Nana’s Manners directors Kathryn and Chris Baldry-Chourio were delighted to win the award for Best Preschool Essentials Range.
Initial reaction: “We were delighted to hear that Nana’s Manners three stage cutlery range had been shortlisted in the Best Preschool Essentials category. To be selected as winner of this prestigious category is amazing! Hearing we’d won made us so happy! Nana’s Manners supports families but this range focusses on children’s development and growth from weaning, through toddler and primary school ages and so this award, is something we are very proud of. Thank you so much!” Chris Baldrey-Chourio, director
Below: Bébélephant’s managing director Elliot Bishop presented the award for Best Preschool Essentials Range.
BEST PRESCHOOL KIDS’ LIFESTYLE RANGE
WINNER
Little Tikes Traveller from Idea’s International
Right: To collect the award for Idea’s International was Isabella King and Simon King..
Left: Poetic Brands’ commercial director Anne Bradford presented the award to this year’s winner of the Best Preschool Kids Lifestyle Range.
Initial reaction: “The moment our name was called I was in complete shock and utter disbelief, I will be forever grateful to the team at Max Publishing for a memory I will carry with me for the rest of my life.” Isabella King, brand development manager
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BEST INFANT DEVELOPMENT RANGE
WINNER
ELC Blossom Farm Range from Addo Play
Above: Amanda Gummer, Dr Gummer’s Good Play Guide’s CEO and founder came to the stage to present the final product award of the afternoon.
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Above: Claire Loxley, Senior product Development manager for Early Learning centre and Pete Fuller, marketing manager for Addo Play, collected the final product award.
Initial reaction: “I just wanted to say what a fantastic event you put on yesterday. Even better as we won an award! It was great fun and really well organised but also so good to actually talk to people in the preschool / licensing industry again face to face.” Pete Fuller, marketing manager
THE MARKETING AWARD
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Above: Azaria’s managing director Amber Steventon presented The Marketing Award to this year’ winner.
WINNER
Hasbro’s Unicef x PJ Masks Bedtime Heroes campaign
Initial reaction: “We were especially thrilled when PJ x Unicef won the Marketing Award – since we were up against our very own Peppa Pig. Partnering with Unicef on the PJ Masks Bedtime Heroes monthly pack is something we’re so proud of and it’s fantastic to have that recognised by the industry – thank you!” Esra Cafer, Senior Vice President, Global Brand Management, Family Brands
WHAT PARENTS LOVE
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LEGO
Below: Nick Richardson, founder and CEO of the Insights Family came to the stage to present the What Parents Love award,
WINNER
Above: Stephanie Freeman from LEGO was pleased to collect the What Parents Love award.
Initial reaction: “Although initially shocked at hearing the LEGO name read out as the winner against such massive global brands, I then felt very proud to work for such an honoured and recognised company. When an award is given by the general public, it means more than those voted by industry experts and is a testament to how the company is managed and still remains a family owned business with amazing values.” Stephanie Freeman, senior licensing manager, retail & marketing
Above: Redan Publishing’s managing director Julie Jones came to the stage to present this hotly contested category.
WINNER
Hippychick
Above: Alex Molyneux, Alan Houghton, Julia Minchin and Jeremy Minchin from Hippychick all came to the stage to collect the award for Best Distributor or Wholesaler of Preschool Products.
Initial reaction: “We feel very blessed and proud of our team – they have put in a huge effort here at work and frequently at home over the last 12 months and it is great that it is recognised by the customers……without whom we would cease to exist, so they really are the most important people in our daily lives.” Jeremy Minchin, managing director
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OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
WINNER
David Welsh, managing director, Joie
Right: David Welsh, managing director Joie is awarded the Progressive Preschool Awards 2022 Outstanding Achievement Award.
Presenting the award was director and co-owner at Max Publishing, Rob Willis, who spoke fondly of Mr Welsh, describing him as a true industry magnate, whose ability to understand the importance of brands to parents, as what sets him apart. “What set David apart from a very early age was his ability to understand the importance of brands, to parents. Brands are just as vital in their positioning, as the quality and functionality of the product – it’s an essential partnership with very few special people being able to understand the unique intricacies of both, and how to twine them.” said Rob. Speaking at the event, David Welsh said: “To be recognised for something I love, is great – it’s not work for me. With Joie, in nine years, we have gone from zero to £70million – but it’s not me, it’s the products and the people I employ. At Joie we invest in talent, and without that talent, even with good products, we are nothing. “I owe this award to all of the people who supported me at Chicco and all of those who support me at Joie – they make life easy for me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
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