AWARDS NEWS The ultimate seal of approval The first Footwear Industry Awards - run by the industry for the industry - united the trade and


brought real credibility to the process. Becci Knowles caught up with some of last year‚s winners to find out how the event has benefitted them and the industry as a whole...


“Not having a Board of Judges has made these Awards extremely fair, as


personalities involved cannot be accused of bias. I have always sympathised with the Judges of Awards as it is never an easy job and certain companies both in supply and retail will always stand out, which is disheartening to smaller ones or those who are so specialised that they duck under the radar. “It would be foolish for a company not to trade on their Award win, as it is


a talking point and draws attention to your business. “My husband represents Garvalin here in the UK and it definitely opened


doors as Best Children's Footwear brand. The company provided their retailers with a show card to entice the public to take a look too, all of which worked well.


“No-one has money to squander and every penny counts so the Awards Organised by Datateam Business Media, in association with the BFA, IFRA,


Society of Shoe Fitters and Footwear Today, the Footwear Industry Awards will be held on the first night of the Moda Footwear Show, Sunday 17th February 2013 at the National Motorcycle Museum. Following the success of last year, which was a sell out event, the awards are taking place in this new venue to enable more people to attend. Winning a Footwear Industry Award is the ultimate seal of approval – but


it’s also much more than that. Here, key members of the trade explain why being an award winning brand or retailer is so important and how past winners have gone on to use the accolade as part of their marketing strategy. We also discuss why free to enter and voted on awards represent a true reflection of excellence in the current economic climate and why we should unite again next month to reward and celebrate the achievements of our peers and colleagues.


Richard Kottler, Chief Executive, the British Footwear Association “The UK footwear sector is looking to 2013 with some apprehension, but


with some potentially strong news for it. As we have found in previous difficult times, the well known resilience of industry leaders will ensure that most companies will not only survive but will make a positive impact. “In making their brand statements, they will want to seize on any good


news item that can endorse their plans and intentions, so prizes at prestigious events like the Footwear Industry Awards will be a hugely helpful thing to brag about. “The first Awards last year caught the trade's imagination and with the


improved marketing and category definitions this year, the BFA is confident that there will be even more support from attendees and voters alike and that there will be more use made by prize winners of the public acknowledgment of their success."


Laura West, Secretary, The Society of Shoefitters (and Winner of Personality of the Year!) “There is no denying that things are tough, particularly for Independent


Retailers and unless they specialise in some way, it is difficult for them to retain the loyalty of their customers with so much competition. “There is no doubt that winning an Award has great kudos among our


own industry as well as with the public. An Award is a seal of approval, an acknowledgement that you are aiming high. I was delighted to win the Personality of the Year Award last year and thrilled to be nominated again this year; I hope the next person to whom I pass the honour will enjoy it as much as I have.


4 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • JANUARY 2013


are affordable to ensure everyone can attend if they wish to. The trade is divided between fashion, 'normal' footwear and specialised - with most money being in the fashion segment for mass market, so it is nice to have an Award event that encompasses all and not just one segment. “These Awards are recognition of all the good things and a time to


celebrate.”


Award Winning Brands Dave Watkins, Sales Director, Granger's International – Winner of Best


Below the Ankle Product (now Shoecare and Accessories Brand of the Year) “It was important in the development of Cherry Blossom Premium


shoecare to gain recognition for our progress over the last two years at last year’s Awards. “We were delighted to win our category award, which we have used in all


of our trade presentations this year as we believe it gives us credibility. “We are supporting the industry dinner again this year as a mark of the


importance we believe it holds to our trade. We will also continue to market actively our involvement in the Awards going forward.”


Chris Gorrod, Managing Director, Rieker - Winner of Best Customer Service and Footwear Brand of the Year “Winning an award, which is voted on by the industry in which you work,


is a wonderful accolade. It illustrates that in whatever capacity you have won, you have excelled and it has been noticed by the industry, what better endorsement is there? “As a past winner of an award, we have used the accolade on our website,


facebook, and twitter page and in our retail shops. Winning an award helps in these times when there is a lot of choice out in the market place.” “The UK is one of the few countries that organise such awards and I


personally believe they are very worthwhile to the whole industry. Not only does it allow suppliers and retailers to network together, more importantly it rewards those companies and individuals who work tirelessly to drive the footwear industry and their own business forward.”


Lucinda Merriman, Marketing Manager, Padders – Highly Commended


in Best Men’s Footwear Brand and Winner of Comfort Brand of the Year “Awards provide essential market research - they are a clear indication


that we are heading in the right direction with both product and service. We have gone on to use the award on our website and in our literature. Winning has especially helped our export market.


www.footweartoday.co.uk


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