The IER Awards 2018 is now open for entry. Launched in 1993, the Innovative Electrical Retailing Awards is designed to recognise achievements in the electrical retailing sector, ranging from the best technical innovation for consumer electronics to the best independent retailers of large domestic appliances.
2018 sees the introduction of a brand new category: ‘Best Omnichanel Retailer’, sponsored by Samsung. Colin Rodgers, general sales manager at Samsung, comments: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the IER Awards 2018 Omnichannel Award due to the importance of this in the future of independent retailing.”
Returning sponsor ASTRA is sponsoring the Best UHD TV Award. Managing director Mike Chandler says: “ASTRA GB Ltd is delighted to participate in the IER Awards again and is proud to be the sponsor for the Best UHD Display Category. We believe the IER Awards to be an ideal forum to recognise excellence in the industry, whether it be in sales training and performance skills, product innovation, the development of retail premises for the 21st century or showing our industry’s gratitude for an individual’s lifetime achievement.”
The Awards are split into two categories: Manufacturing Awards and Independent Retailer Awards. The judges will convene in November to assess all entries based on their relative merits. The top four entries within each category become finalists and are put out to the voting stage. For more information on how the Awards work, visit www.ierawards.co.uk/judging
A stamp of approval from the industry
Entering the IER Awards offers a unique opportunity for companies to gain an unrivalled stamp of approval. Purewell’s commercial manager, Will Griffiths comments on Purewell’s delight at winning the 2017 Award for Best Independent Retailer Superstore Showroom: “We are extremely proud that our vision for electrical retail is shared by the judges and IER. We constantly strive to offer the exceptional service our customers deserve; by winning this award it gives our customers the confidence that they are getting the best experience possible.” 
Avensys’ managing director Markus Wood explains how winning three IER awards last year has boosted the company’s profile with customers: “We were delighted to win ‘Best Large Independent Retailer’, ‘Best Retailer’ and Avensys employee, Ross Braybrook won the inaugural ‘Best Young Gun’ at the IER Awards 2017. It’s always been our mission to go beyond customers’ expectations and these awards are a great stamp of approval from our industry peers. We believe it gives customers extra confidence that we are a great company to deal with.”
Similarly, KitchenAid’s marketing manager for the UK & Ireland, Helen Simpson says: “To win an award that recognises excellence in the electrical sector is an incredible accolade. Being judged the best in Technical Innovation for the KitchenAid Magnetic Drive Blender by an expert panel was a tremendous boost to our business and everyone we work with. Rest assured, the Award doesn’t just sit in our trophy case at HQ; we will be using this magnificent honour to raise our profile further and to attract new business.”
To enter the IER Awards 2018, visit www.ierawards.com/enter and fill in the simple online form, supplying supporting documents where required.
New venue, new date, new format
Striving to incorporate new and innovative ways to bring the best of the electrical retailing industry together, the IER Awards 2018 will follow a brand new format.
The event will kick off at 10am with a products and services demonstration, incorporating a number of table top stands from leading manufacturers. The proceedings will continue with a drinks reception at 12.30pm, followed by a luncheon and the Awards presentation. This new format has been exclusively designed to allow plenty of opportunity to network with the industry before celebrating hard work and success at the Awards ceremony.
The 2018 Awards will be held at the Park Plaza London Victoria Hotel on Thursday 12 April 2018.
For further information on sponsorship opportunities and tickets, contact Linda Dorling at lindaedorling@gmail.com or on 01256 321337.