Craft Focus - August/September 2020 (Issue 80)

32 Creative Retail Awards postpone ceremony Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and for the safety and enjoyment of all participants, the organisers have decided to postpone the upcoming Creative Retail Awards ceremony until 10 th June, 2021. The Creative Retail Awards are original in their blend of celebration, networking and entertainment. Following government guidelines there’s significant doubt that large scale indoor events will be able to operate in September, even with social distancing observed. Since its inception, the Creative Retail Awards has always been an experience led occasion with its characteristic twist on conventional award ceremonies, and the organisers strongly feel if they’re unable to provide the highest quality event it’ll do a disservice to all entrants, their projects and those attending. With a worldwide audience, the awards attract attendees from all over EMEA and North America who wish to celebrate the industry’s achievements which wouldn’t be possible in the current environment. All entries for 2020 will be automatically submitted in to the 2021 awards, with the judging range expanded to projects that were completed during 2019 and 2020. The Creative Retail Awards’ Partnerships with leading bodies including Shop & Display Equipment Association, National Association of Shopfitters, British Display Society and the London Design Festival has helped to solidify the awards’ position as the pinnacle showcase of worldwide retail design & display, with the UK as its centre. The Creative Retail Awards’ Partnership with London Design Festival will continue for the 2021 Awards by showcasing all shortlisted entries alongside category winners when they are announced. Entries for Awards close on 28 th February, 2021 for all projects completed by the end of 2020. For more information or to request a media pack, please visit the website www.creativeretailawards.com Recognition for indie retailers who adapted their business to combat Covid-19 The Independent Retailers’ Confederation (IRC), a group of multi- sector trade organisations representing more than 100,000 indie retailers throughout the UK, has announced a special category in its search to find Britain’s Best Small Shop of 2020. The Best Small Shops Competition relaunched post lockdown on Independents’ Day, Saturday 4 th July, celebrating the return of Indie Retail to UK high streets and shopping parades. The judges will be seeking entries from independents that are demonstrating specific innovation to combat the impact of Covid-19 in a new award category sponsored by booost, the loyalty, gifting and promotions app. “It’s widely recognised just how challenging it has been for many independent retailers during the months of Covid-19 lockdown – those who have had to close their doors and those considered essential who were able to trade throughout. The pandemic has not only brought about challenges such as reduced income but also extensive complexities resulting in the evident need for re-invention” explains Mark Walmsley, Chair of the IRC. “We’ve witnessed and continue to see extraordinary examples of innovation and ingenuity in being able to adapt a business to continue trading in some form. This is unsurprising, given the agility and commitment of independent retailers to their local communities and, in this extraordinary year, it’s something we’re determined to recognise and celebrate.” The annual competition highlights the best of Britain’s independent retail sector, celebrating the commitment and creativity of independent retailers and the central role they play in their local communities. Previous winners have included Bristol-based delicatessen Papadeli, the 2019 winner, and The Mainstreet Trading Company, a combined bookshop, café, deli & homeware shop based in St Boswells, in the rural Scottish Borders, which won in 2018. “Despite the challenging retail environment, there’s bountiful evidence that people value and believe it’s important to support their local independent retailers,” adds Walmsley. “These shops are at the heart of communities up and down the country, offering a meeting place, not to mention choice, diversity, innovation and genuine customer service.” Entries for all award categories in this year’s competition close on 11 th September, 2020. For more information about the Best Small Shops competition, visit www.indieretail.uk.