Individual Bookseller of the Year
WINNER GREIG WATT, BLACKWELL’S
Greig Watt’s triumph means Blackwell’s has won this award—and its previ- ous incarnation, Young Retailer of the Year—for four years in a row. For its recent resurgence—and its title of Book Retailer of the Year at this year’s The British Book Awards (see p39)—the chain has inspirational managers like Watt to thank. Campus bookselling isn’t easy at the moment, and Watt’s store at the
University of Aberdeen was at risk of closure when he became manager in 2015. But he has since transformed it into one of the chain’s most respected locations. Unusually in this industry, he has been a manager in other retail sectors rather than a career bookseller, and has brought all of his knowledge to bear, drastically improving service, hand-selling and links to university students and lecturers, and increasing corporate and institutional accounts. As well as a jump in sales, his improved terms negotiation has improved profitability. “Greig’s commitment is incredible, and it’s really paid off,” judges said.
“He’s reinvigorated the shop floor and made colleagues enjoy bookselling again . . . He’s typical of the new mission and drive at Blackwell’s.” They also liked the way he had moved his desk to within view of the shop floor—symbolic of his commitment to staff and customers. “Such a simple idea—but what a brilliant one.” HIGHLY COMMENDED in this category is KURDE ATFIELD, who started out in biochemistry but, via Hammicks, has risen to the post of manager of Waterstones’ Horsham store. She is revered by customers and her booksell- ers alike, delivering service that goes the extra mile and having a startlingly high number of long-serving members of staff. She is a fine example of Waterstones’ devolution of responsibility from head office to frontline stars. “Kurde’s understanding of her shop’s identity, her customers and its place in the community yields incredible results,” said the judges. “She’s found an individual tone that lifts it far beyond just ‘another’ Waterstones.”
SHORTLIST
BILLY F K HOWORTH From beginner to manager of Carnforth Bookshop in Lancashire in just a few years, Howorth is the model of a resourceful and entrepreneurial independent. He has overhauled layout, stock selection, marketing and more, and built an instinct for the needs of his market.
RIK KENNEDY Manager of W H Smith Travel’s new breed of standalone bookshops at London Euston, he has established it as a popular stopping-off point at the station. By empowering booksellers and bringing in personalised recommendations, he has given it an identity well beyond a chain bookshop.
THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS WINNERS 2018
SALLY PATTLE Took on management of Far From The Madding Crowd in the Scottish market town of Linlithgow from her mother, and has made her own mark with imaginative promotions, schools links, events and social media activity. “It's textbook running of an independent bookshop,” said the judges.
TONY WEST Drew on two decades at Richmond-based kids’ indie Lion & Unicorn to make a success of his own store The Alligator’s Mouth, finding many new ways to engage children and parents. "An exceptionally brilliant children's bookseller," said one leading author.
WITH THANKS TO: HARPERCOLLINS
KEY STRENGTHS
Revived a failing store into one of Blackwell’s best
Steers superb customer service receiving
exceptionally high mystery shopper scores Hugely respected by booksellers,
publishers, academics and customers
Kurde Atfield highly commended for bringing personality to Waterstones in Horsham
With a heritage stretching back 200 years, HarperCollins is one of the world’s foremost book publishers, with a catalogue ranging from cutting-edge contemporary fiction to award-winning apps and everything in between.
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