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The IER Awards shortlisted for an Award of its own F


ollowing a successful history of 25 years, the Innovative Electrical Retailing Awards has been shortlisted for Best


Longstanding Awards Event in the inaugural 2017 Awards Awards. Launched in 1993, the IER Awards is designed to recognise and reward


achievement and outstanding hard work in the electrical retailing sector. Organised by Datateam Business Media, the IER Awards will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Thursday March 30 2017 at the five star Chelsea Harbour Hotel in London. Being shortlisted for such a prestigious award is an extraordinary accomplishment for the IER Awards. Recognition at the Awards Awards is a testament to the IER Awards’ continued professionalism, determination and success over the years and highlights the credibility of one of the best longstanding events in the industry. Organised by Global Conference Network, the Awards Awards are


designed to commend excellence in awards management and execution. Founder and co-managing director of the Global Conference Network


Rory Ross Russell explained: “This spin-off event comes on the back of the over-subscription and demand we see at our other events where often the ‘Awards category’ is the most hotly contested. We thought it was time that Awards professionals had their very own showcase for their talents. We are delighted to welcome so many distinguished Awards experts to the judging panel who I can confidently predict are going to have their work cut out to whittle down the field.” The Best Longstanding Awards Event award is for events that were launched prior to 2000 and exhibit expertise, novelty and success. In order to be shortlisted, the IER Awards had to demonstrate a strong judging process, creativity within marketing the event, innovation and financial success. Commenting on the IER Awards’ achievement, special projects and


events manager Linda Dorling said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for Best Longstanding Awards Event in the Awards Awards


Budget announcements ‘offer small businesses a lifeline’ T


he announcement of the Spring Budget from Chancellor Philip Hammond MP was awaited by many business owners with an


eye on business rates – an area which greatly affects retailers with bricks and mortar stores. Wilkins Kennedy head of retail and wholesale Phil Mullis commented: “Business rates have been a sore point for a long time. The Chancellor has admitted that there is no appetite to abolish business rates, particularly when they make around £25bn for the Treasury every year. However, the Chancellor did say there is scope to review the revaluation process and consult on this before the next revaluation is due. Then again, saying is one thing, doing is another. “It was disappointing to see that there was absolutely no reference to how the Government plans to bring business rates in line with the


discrepancy between those charged to bricks and mortar retailers and those to online. This is a major area in need of addressing, but first, there needs to be an urgent overhaul throughout.” Close Brothers Retail Finance managing director Alex Marsh said: “Today’s announcement by the Chancellor that small businesses facing rate hikes will receive direct relief from the government in the form of an extra cap, as well as discretionary relief through their local authority, is a step towards supporting small retailers, many of whom have serious concerns as they struggle to factor in the rate rises. More than a quarter of all retail SMEs in the UK cite high business rates as one of their biggest challenges in competing with larger retailers.” Epos Now chief executive Jacyn Heavens believes that provisions for smaller businesses are a key element of the terms announced. “Today’s budget provides further evidence that small businesses remain the lifeblood of the UK economy,” he said. “For many businesses, the three stages of tax relief outlined by Philip Hammond will act as a lifeline for many. “While these measures will provide some relief to the small business community, it is important that the government continues to focus on these businesses in favour of large corporations. Small businesses’ entrepreneurial ideas and willingness to embrace innovation help fuel dynamic growth, which is why it’s so important that government continues to listens to their concerns and give them a chance to succeed.” Commercial insurer NFU Mutual retail sector specialist Frank Woods


added: “Although it was encouraging that the Chancellor responded to the concerns of businesses in announcing investment in business rate caps, I would have liked to see the special £1,000 discount for pubs extended to help all hard-pressed businesses including retailers who desperately need support. I am hopeful that the discretionary relief funds are fair, sufficient and effective in protecting the British high street across all areas of the UK.”


4 | www.innovativeelectricalretailing.co.uk March 2017


2017. It truly is a wonderful testament to the team’s hard work and dedication and highlights how we are continually striving to be the best in the industry. The IER Awards has been a success every year since it was launched and being acknowledged for our commitment reveals how the event can only get bigger and better.” The winner of the Best Longstanding Awards Event category will be announced on May 12 at the elegant Plaisterers’ Hall in the City of London. Having been shortlisted for such a significant award, the IER Awards 2018 is set to be even more spectacular than ever before. Sponsoring the IER Awards 2018 is a fantastic opportunity to form an association with one of the most impressive awards in the electrical retailing industry, allowing brands to be represented across an established event attended by potential new clients. For more information, contact Linda Dorling at lindaedorling@gmail.com or on +44 (0) 1256 321337.


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