In a celebration of everything that is great and good about the preschool industry, last week’s sell-out Progressive Preschool Awards 2018 was the biggest ever event in the awards’ six-year history.
More than 400 retailers, suppliers and a host of other influential partners came together for an exclusive lunchtime event last Thursday 8 November 2018, enjoying an extravagant three-course lunch in the ballroon at The Dorchester, London.
The glittering ceremony began in a typically fun preschool style, with guests being welcomed to the champagne reception by Nickelodeon’s preschool favourites Chase and Skye and tweeting their selfies to the event’s Twitter wall which ran on the big screen.
After lunch, award-winning comedian Tania Edwards took to the stage to set the tone for proceedings, quickly endearing herself to the audience with her quick wit and a fast-moving set which also embraced the ‘quirks’ of life with a two-year-old.
“This year has been the largest ever PPS Awards,” said publishing director and event organiser Rob Willis, “with a record number of entries, a record number of companies wanting to be a partner on the day and a record number of people in the room. We are so proud to be able celebrate this fantastic, creative industry and the achievements and successes which have taken place over the last 12 months.”
“The last year has been an eventful one across the whole preschool sector and the awards wouldn’t be the accolades they are without the support of the industry,” added Progressive Preschool editor Jacqui Parr. “We would like to say one final thank you to everyone for coming together to help us raise a glass to the people, products and passion that set this industry apart.”
The raffle – which is held each year to raise money for industry charity, The Light Fund – raised an outstanding £5,000 and was drawn by headline sponsor Alpha Animation & Toys’ Mark Slater-Hyndman.
