Congratulations to all the Retail Assistant shortlist

Leeds Retail Skills Academy (sponsors of the Retail Assistant category) would like to congratulate all the shortlist – that’s Chloe McGenn  (Life’s Big Canvas); Faranak Rezaei  (Harvey Nichols); Jared Myland  (OK Comics); Laura Byrne  (Shabby Chic); Oliver Pickles (OK Comics) and Sarah Bentley (Paper Dress Vintage).  You’re all winners in our minds! Special congratulations though to Laura Byrne from Shabby Chic for her deserved win and Chloe McGenn for her Highly Commended result.

2011 Leeds Retail Awards results

The results from last night are here …

Best Homeware

Winner: ASDA Living

Highly Commended : TK Maxx

Best Footwear

Winner: Office

Highly Commended : Kurt Geiger

Best Health & Well Being

Winner: Boots

Highly Commended : Neal’s Yard

Best Lingerie

Winner: La Senza

Highly Commended : Fit to Bust

Best Music

Winner: Jumbo

Highly Commended : HMV

Best Hi-Fi & Electrical

Winner: Richer Sounds

Highly Commended : Bose

Retail Assistant of the Year

Winner: Laura Byrne; Shabby Chic

Highly Commended : Chloe McGenn; Life’s Big Canvas

Best Sports & Hobbies

Winner: Hobbycraft

Highly Commended : Ok Comics

Best High Street

Winner: Topshop

Highly Commended : Gap

Newcomer of the Year

Winner: Liz Earle

Highly Commended : Layne’s Espresso

Best Jewellery & Accessories

Winner: Life’s Big Canvas

Highly Commended : Form Bespoke Jewellery

Best Shopping Centre & Arcade

Winner: Kirkgate Market

Highly Commended : Victoria Quarter

Best Specialist Retailer

Winner: Fashion Pony

Highly Commended : Rose & Co

Best Department Store

Winner: Harvey Nichols

Highly Commended : Bird’s Yard

Best Vintage

Winner: Birdshell Boutique

Highly Commended : Pop Boutique

Local Designer of the Year

Winner: Bozena Carter, Bo Carter

Highly Commended : James Steward

Best Menswear

Winner: Accent

Highly Commended : Kiosk 78

Best Womenswear

Winner: Urban Outfitters

Highly Commended : Joy

Best Independent

Winner: Lou Lou Puchalka

Highly Commended : Accent

Outstanding Customer Service

Winner: Whittakers

Highly Commended : Layne’s Espresso

BACIL Retailer of the Year

Winner: USC

Outstanding contribution to the Environment

Winner: St John’s Shopping Centre

Retail Legend

Winner: Accent

Gain qualifications in Retail with Leeds Retail Skills Academy

Leeds Retail Skills Academy (sponsors of the Retail Assistant category) offers a range of nationally recognised, accredited qualifications in Retail, such as NVQs and Apprenticeships.  These courses are for both new and existing employees.  The training courses develop and assess knowledge and competence in their work role as well as improve literacy and numeracy skills if required.  We can also advertise and recruit new apprentices for you.  For more information about Apprenticeships, visit the Apprenticeship website http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Employers/The-Basics.aspx

Congratulations to all Retail Awards Winners!

We’re a bit weary this morning after a late one at the Leeds Retail Awards last night. All in all a great night and a special congratulations for all winners and highly commended businesses. Keep checking for the results coming soon!

The WorldHost™ Customer Service Programme

As a retailer, great Customer Service is a must. Leeds Retail Skills Academy (sponsors of the Retail Assistant category) can offer retailers The WorldHost™ Customer Service Programme aimed at all levels of staff. The programme, designed to help retailers gain competitive advantage, can be customised to meet specific retailer needs.  WorldHost™ Preview events will be held very soon in the Leeds area.  To find out more look on our website http://www.theleedsretailskillsacademy.co.uk/index.php/worldhost-retail-service-training/

Introducing Gravy Digital – creators of the Leeds Retail Awards website

From websites to mobile apps and social media, everything tastes better with Gravy.

They’ve got all the right ingredients – great design skills, an in-depth understanding of usability best practice and a results-focused approach.

So if you want your digital marketing to look great and work even better – just add Gravy.
A simple approach to success

Every projects starts with a plan. First they’ll get to know your company, then your customers and finally, your competitors, so they can create a digital solution that will put you at the front of the pack.

Designs revolve around the customer, making it easier for them to get to and through the checkout. And they look good enough to eat, so you’ll get instant trust and come-back-for seconds results.

Visit http://www.itsallgravy.net/ for more details.

Leading Leeds nightclub joins forces with Leeds Retail Awards

Club nights, stand up comedy and live music are all on offer at The Hi-Fi Club who are proud to become a sponsor for this year’s Leeds Retail Awards.

Three times winner of both the “Best Nightclub” and “Best Live Music Venue” at the annual Leeds Bar & Club Awards, this versatile city centre venue is a friendly and welcoming spot with an emphasis on quality music and drinks. Since opening it’s doors in 2000, HiFi has played host to some of the biggest and best acts imaginable! Everyone from Corinne Bailey Rae to Alan Carr has graced the stage of HiFi, with plenty more lined up for 2011! There are loads of club nights on offer too with the likes of MoveOnUp, FunkSoulNation and Boogaloo. Expect to hear everything from funk, soul and motown to hip-hop, electroswing and disco! Whatever your fancy The HiFi Club will have something special in store.

visit www.thehificlub.co.uk for details of upcoming events

The Voice of Leeds Retail

The Leeds Retail Association is a passionate representative voice for retailers in Leeds with a focus on current issues and a forward thinking approach to the future. The group is specifically tailored to retailing both independent and high street businesses & works alongside existing partnerships from other sectors across the city. The group is led by a small committed board with experience across all retail sectors & meetings take place on average once a month. The group is enthusiastic and works together to ensure that Leeds continues to be one of the main shopping destinations in the country.

If you want to join the Association or want to find out more please contact Beth Ward at beth@tippeymarketing.co.uk or on 07894 634178

ASDA chief announced as new chair of Marketing Leeds

Marketing Leeds has appointed a new Chair and Deputy Chair; Asda Chief Executive Andy Clarke is to take on the role of Chair of Marketing Leeds along with Roger Marsh of PwC, who will become Deputy Chair.

The pair will lead the board of Marketing Leeds as it widens its focus to include attracting new business and tourists to Leeds – taking on work previously done by Locate in Leeds, Visit Leeds and Conference Leeds.

Andy and Roger will take up their posts when outgoing chair, Nigel McClea retires in October 2011.

The Mary Portas Guide to Successful Retailing Master Classes

Leeds Retail Skills Academy (sponsors of the Retail Assistant category) offer The Mary Portas Guide to Successful Retailing Master Classes.  Staff from the Academy met Mary Portas in London last week at a ‘Meet Mary’ event to celebrate the success of the Mary Portas Master Classes across the UK. We can offer retailers all seven of Mary’s Master Classes ranging from Selling and Service Skills through to a Visual Merchandising inspired Class – Creating Desire. We currently have funding where we can offer 50% discount on some of the classes.  To find out more look on our website

http://www.theleedsretailskillsacademy.co.uk/index.php/mary-portas/