Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Alison Hobbs of Potters Cookshop has been named bira Independent Employee of the Year 2016.
The news was announced at a gala dinner held yesterday evening (Wednesday May 11), following a conference organised during the day by bira (British Independent Retailers Association) at Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire
The award recognises outstanding performance for employees working for independent retailers. Bira said: “These employees work hard to help their business owners to build the future of their stores, and their contributions are hugely valuable to the shops where they work.”
Alison is a visual merchandiser and salesperson of CHA (Cookshop & Housewares Association) Retailer of the Year Potters Cookshop at Hockley in Essex. The business is also the winner of the Britain’s Best Cookshop category of The Housewares Innovation Awards 2016, organised by www.HousewaresLive.net and Housewares Magazine.
The judges commented that Alison’s employers describe her as “a vibrant, personable and positive person,” adding that they feel her contribution to the business has been second to none. In particular, her talent for window displays “keeps bringing customers back to the shop and her enthusiasm to learn about new products is invaluable. Her skills are excellent and she never ceases to amaze by being cheerful, enthusiastic and full of ideas. She has demonstrated great initiative, drive and a desire to succeed in her retail career so far.”
Alison commented: “I’m thrilled to bits! I haven’t been this happy since I had my children or got married.” She wins a place at the prestigious Oxford Summer School, to undertake professional development study worth up to £2,800.
The award was presented by David Payne, director of business development for sponsor Connect.
