Home > News > April 2011 > 08 April 2011

Entries open for Skillsmart Retail Rising Stars 2011 Awards

Entries have opened for this year's Skillsmart Retail Rising Stars Awards. The awards are organised by Retail Week and headline sponsored by Skillsmart Retail, the sector skills council for retail.

The Skillsmart Retail Rising Stars Awards are designed to recognise the best talent in all areas of retail, from the shop-floor to head office, and include categories for HR / Training Professional of the Year and Retail Apprentice of the Year.

For the first time retailers can also enter a new customer service award category. This award celebrates the highest service standards in retail, recognising those who have shown they understand the need for delivery of consistent, top-quality customer service across their business.

Anne Seaman, chief executive of Skillsmart Retail said: "These awards are an excellent way to recognise the breadth and depth of skills in retail. We want to celebrate those individuals and teams who not only work hard, but make a real difference to the companies they work for.

"The awards cover all sections of retail. Whether you are an independent or high-street store this is your perfect chance to recognise those who have been a real asset to your business."

Skillsmart Retail says two awards, the Skillsmart Retail Apprentice of the Year and National Skills Academy for Retail Learner of the Year, give special praise to learners in retail who have chosen to fast-track their careers and gain qualifications while at work.

Skillsmart Retail patron and apprentice champion, chairman of Ryman and Dragons' Den star Theo Paphitis, will be attending the awards ceremony. He said: "Work-based learning is a way to learn while you're actually being paid, in an environment where you know you're going to progress and, most importantly, see your achievements at work every single day. These awards will celebrate those who have shown passion, enthusiasm and commitment through their learning and have the potential to be great leaders in retail."

The Skillsmart Retail Rising Stars Awards 2011 categories are:

• Buyer / Merchandiser of the Year
• Store Support Manager of the Year
• Head Office Support Team of the Year
• Customer Service Professional / Team of the Year
• Online Team / Individual of the Year
• Marketing Professional of the Year
• HR / Training Professional of the Year
• Store Manager of the Year
• Area Manager of the Year
• The Retail Week Rising Star of the Year
• Skillsmart Retail Apprentice of the Year
• National Skills Academy for Retail Learner of the Year
• National Skills Academy for Retail Trainer of the Year
• National Skills Academy for Retail Ambassador of the Year

The closing date for entries is Friday 3 June 2011. The winners will then be announced at an awards ceremony held on 8 September 2011 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

External links

Entries to the Skillsmart Retail Rising Stars Awards can be made online at: www.retailweekrisingstars.co.uk

Skillsmart Retail

Training Reference is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites.

Related information

Visit our awards feature for information and news about UK learning, training and development awards.

Learning and development store

Visit our Learning and Development Store for everything from books and e-learning to laptops and projectors.

Source suppliers

Visit the Training Reference Directory to view supplier details for a wide range of courses, products and services.

Back to top