Nominations open for bira Awards 2015

The British Independent Retailers Association (bira) is rewarding individuals and retailers for doing ‘amazing things for independent retail’.

The bira Awards 2015 comprises four categories specifically targeted at independent retailers: Independent Retailer of the Year, Retail Employee of the Year, Charitable Champion and the bira direct Supplier Awards.

For the Independent Retailer of the Year category, independent retailers are encouraged to put their shop forward, highlighting innovation and forward thinking. The award will celebrate individual successes that set one retailer apart from the rest.

The Retail Employee of the Year category enables shop owners to celebrate the work of their employees. The awards are Retail Employee of the Year and Young Retail Employee of the Year. Young Retail Employee focuses on the younger generation under the age of 35 ‘who are leading the way for the future of retail’. The winner will receive a place at the Oxford Summer School – a prize worth up to £2,800.

The Charitable Champion awards highlight those working in retail that have the passion and drive to support others. bira is looking for members who are involved in local causes, raise money for charity or make exceptional efforts to help others. The winner is rewarded with £1,000 to be donated to a charity of his or her choice.

The fourth category recognises bira direct suppliers who excel in their support of independent shops. These awards include bira direct Supplier of the Year, which is voted for by independent retailers.

The awards ceremony will take place on the evening of the bira High Street Conference 2015 on Wednesday May 13 at Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire. Finalists will receive a complimentary place at the annual conference along with an invitation to the gala awards dinner. Independent retailers can enter as many of the awards categories as they wish. For a full bira Awards pack, contact Jo Cooper: call 0121 446 6688 or email joanne.cooper@bira.co.uk.