With just over a week to go to the Progressive Preschool Awards, which take place at a London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on Tuesday November 15, it’s a nail-biting time for all finalists, to include the six retailers shortlisted in the Best Independent Giftware Retailer category and the eight suppliers shortlisted in the Best Preschool Gift Range category.
The Best Independent Gift Retailer finalists are:
- Ele And Me, Wells Next The Sea
- Gently Elephant, London
- Say It Baby, Strathaven
- Soup Dragon, London
- Toys 4 You, Sutton Coldfield
- Whippersnappers, Deal
The Best Preschool Gift Range finalists are:
- Bamboo Plate Gift Set from Eco Rascals
- Disney Baby Collection from Enesco
- Disney Classic Pooh Always & Forever Collection from Rainbow Designs
- Early Learning Centre Eco-Plush Soft Toys from Addo Play
- Rachel Ellen Thermos Range from Thermos
- The Gruffalo Baby Collection for Primark from Fizz Creations
- Tiny Tatty Teddy 2022 Everyday Gifting Range from Carte Blanche Greetings
- Woodlies from Rosa & Bo
All retail finalists reflect the cross-category focus of the Progressive Preschool Awards, spanning a broad selection of retailers which have made their mark within the preschool aged industry over the past year. Retailers were nominated from all over the UK in the months leading up to the judging, and included self-nomination plus record levels of nominations from suppliers, reps and agents.
“Yet again we received a record number of nominations this year, with each and every one of those nominations showing a real passion for independent high street retailing – going above and beyond to service their customers,” enthused Jo Pilcher, publication and event manager at Progressive Preschool. “We cannot wait to celebrate with the industry on 15 November and find out the worthy winners in each of the categories.”
This year’s prestigious product categories see eight finalists lining up for each of the 12 accolades, underlining the wealth of top products in the market across the board and the strong number of entries received through the awards online portal.
New this year is the introduction of a special Eco Award, with accolades for both licensed and non-licensed toys.
Adds Jo: “We really have been blown away with the quality and volume of entries we had this year for the PPS Awards – it really has been exceptional. While there are undeniably issues facing business across the board due to the cost of living crisis, the preschool sector is nothing if not resourceful and resilient. We cannot wait to come together on 15 November to celebrate everything the industry has achieved and have a huge ‘preschool’ party!”
Adding to the occasion is that Progressive Preschool Awards is celebrating their tenth anniversary this year, with a move to the Royal Lancaster London as part of the celebrations.
The Awards are endorsed and sponsored by a raft of leading names, with sponsors of the 2022 event including: Acamar Films, Amscan International, Aykroyd & Sons, Azaria PR, Bébélephant, BBC Studios, BTHA (Toy Fair), Centum Books, Geomag, Good Baby Guide/Good Play Guide, Hasbro, Harrogate International Nursery Fair, Hippychick, Ideas International, The Insights Family, Jazwares, Joie, Jura Toys, Media Snug, Misirli, Online4Baby.com, Paramount Consumer Products, Penguin Ventures, Poetic Brands, Rainbow Designs, Redan Publishing, RH Smith & Sons (Smiffys), Toymaster, Vista PR, Walker Books, WildBrain CPLG.
Tickets and tables for the event can be reserved easily and securely online by visiting Max-Tickets.net or by contacting Clare Hollick at Create Events: clare@createvents.co.uk or +44 (0)1183 340085.
www.progressivepreschoolawards.co.uk | #PPSA22
