The preschool product and retail sector gathered virtually to see the retailer, manufacturer and wholesale winners crowned, as well as the 2020 Outstanding Achievement award presented at the Progressive Preschool Awards 2020, which took place as a special virtual ceremony this evening (November 12).
“It was wonderful to bring everyone together this evening; an industry united, not separated by distance. Well done to all the winners and worthy finalists. While not the same as a physical event, the banter and camaraderie in the Session Rooms and in the busy chat log that certainly engendered a lively feeling of togetherness,” commented Rob Willis, director of Max Publishing, which owns and organises the event.
The Apprentice former contestant and now tenacious indie retailer, Fran Bishop (of The Pud Store) inspired the 500+ attendees with her story and impassioned views on retailing in a special pre-awards interview, while Alan Dedicoat – the ‘voice of the balls’ for the National Lottery and Strictly Come Dancing announcer – acted as the official finalists’ announcer.
The winners of The Progressive Preschool Awards 2020 are:
Best Supermarket Retailer of Preschool Products
Sainsbury’s
Sponsored by ViacomCBS
Best Multiple Retailer of Preschool Products
The Entertainer
Sponsored by Misirli
Best Mixed Retailer of Preschool Products
Argos
Sponsored by Rainbow Designs
Best Department Store Retailer of Preschool Products
John Lewis & Partners
Sponsored by Walker Books
Best Online Retailer of Preschool Products
Character.com
Sponsored by Aykroyd & Sons
Best Independent Nursery Retailer
Adorable Tots, Rochdale
Sponsored by East Coast Nursery
Best Independent Gift Retailer
Soup Dragon, Crouch End
Sponsored by Hippychick
Best Independent Apparel Retailer
Popsy and Peanut, Towcester
Sponsored by Amscan International
Best Independent Toy Retailer
Toys ‘n’ Tuck, Southend on Sea
Sponsored by RH Smith & Sons (Smiffys)
Best Preschool Apparel and Accessories Range
AW20 Collection from Blade & Rose
Sponsored by Hasbro
Best Preschool Toy Range
PlanToys Detective Set from Little Concepts
Sponsored by BBC Studios
Best Preschool STEM Range
Botley Coding Robot Range from Learning Resources
Sponsored by Dr. Gummer’s Good Play Guide
Best Preschool Publishing Range
The Gruffalo’s Child Musical Advent Calendar from Danilo
Sponsored by Redan Publishing
Best Preschool Home or Furniture Range
Oasis Oval Cot from Boori
Sponsored by Harrogate International Nursery Fair
Best Preschool Gift Range
Sustainable Toy Range from Bigjigs Toys
Sponsored by Centum Books
Best Wheeled Goods/Car Seats Range
CRUZ V2 Stroller from UPPAbaby
Sponsored by Vista Public Relations
Best Preschool Kids Lifestyle Range
About Friends Collection from Lassig
Sponsored by Poetic Brands
Best Infant Development Range
That’s Not My… Collection from Rainbow Designs
Sponsored by Azaria PR
Best Preschool Essentials Range
Zed from Rockit
Sponsored by Media Snug and Nursery Online
Best Wholesaler or Distributor of Preschool Product
Hippychick
Sponsored by London Toy Fair
The Outstanding Achievement Award
Lisa Bryant, founder of Bump PR
Sponsored by Toymaster
Those who missed this evening’s event can catch up on the Max Publishing YouTube channel.
Sponsors include: Amscan, Aykroyd & Sons, Azaria PR, BBC Studios, British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA), Centum Books, East Coast Nursery, Dr. Gummer’s Good Play Guide, Harrogate International Nursery Fair, Hippychick, LicensingSource.net, London Toy Fair, Media Snug, Misirli, Nursery Online, Poetic Brands, Rainbow Designs, Redan Publishing, RH Smith & Sons (Smiffys), Toymaster, ViacomCBS, Vista PR, Walker Books.
Catch up on the action online using the hashtag #PPSA20 as well.
