The Innovative Electrical Retailing Awards return to the capital in 2016, with entries now open for the glamorous awards event to be held March 22nd
The longest running awards event in the electrical retailing industry returns for its 24th year in 2016. As well as rewarding the most innovative, hardest working and forward thinking in the industry, the Innovative Electrical Retailing Awards provides a great opportunity for the industry to get together for an evening of entertainment and networking.
IER editor Gregor Muir spoke to several sponsors of the awards to find out why they want to be involved.
ASTRA senior marketing coordinator Solène Tatton-Brown said: “ASTRA is a company well known for embracing and encouraging innovation, and we have many ‘firsts’ to our name. To be associated with the IER Awards is a natural partnership for us – we’re both dedicated to the support of new ideas and pushing back boundaries. At ASTRA we consider the IER Awards to be extremely important as they showcase the leaps and bounds that the industry makes over any one year. Improvements always come so thick and fast that it’s difficult to make the choice as to which products should receive the final accolade of recognition at the IER Awards. We have no doubt that the 2015 event will underscore how important this remains to the industry and to those working in it.” She added: “Without the shop staff and their dedication to understanding the underlying technology of the products, and then conveying that in a non-technical way to potential customers there would be no real success. The IER Awards is an excellent way of saying a huge thank you to those at the sharp end, in the shops, without whom manufacturers could not enjoy the commercial success that they do.”
Samsung general manager of sales Colin Rodgers commented: “At Samsung, we pride ourselves on delivering the most innovative products. But to get that message across to consumers, we also need retailers who are knowledgeable and committed to improving the consumer journey in new and creative ways. The Innovative Electrical Retailing Awards provide an excellent opportunity to reward those retailers who continue to innovate. They offer consumers the advice and guidance they need, as well as allowing Samsung to deliver our products to consumers in a way that allows them to get the best out of each and every SUHD TV, soundbar or fridge freezer.
“As the longest running awards event in our industry, the IER Awards are especially prestigious. I would encourage any retailer who has invested in their business, or who delivers great service and expertise, to enter. To even be shortlisted for an award is an excellent achievement, and reward for the hard work which goes into your business every day. It is always a fun night, so good luck to any of our Samsung retailers who make it through to the final shortlists and I hope to see you there on March 12.”
Glen Dimplex Home Appliances managing director Jonathan Casley said: “The electrical appliance industry is a diverse one with a wide range of product sectors, channels and outlets that all play a vital role in its success – so we feel it is really important that we acknowledge and reward excellence. We are always delighted to be involved with celebrating innovation and success at the IER Awards and we are particularly pleased to be sponsoring the Best Domestic Appliance Showroom Award this year. Clearly we always hope for success ourselves in the manufacturers’ categories but it is especially pleasing to see the retailers getting involved – so we are hoping to see more entries from them than ever!”
He continued: “Innovation is the lifeblood of the industry and awards give us all a chance to showcase our latest products and developments. In addition, as a hardworking industry, award ceremonies play an important role in allowing colleagues, customers, rivals and counterparts – who are often just a voice on the end of the phone – to socialise and catch up.
“2015 has been a much more positive year for the industry so having an awards ceremony in the first few months of 2016 will allow us all to reflect and look forward to the year ahead. The venue looks spectacular so I’m sure it will be a great event.”
Linsar director Barry Kick commented: “Linsar are sponsoring the IER Awards for the second year running as we believe there is much to be acknowledged and rewarded in the industry – both suppliers and retailers alike work hard to innovate and deliver the best experience for consumers.
“Innovation is central to the consumer electronics industry; the awards serve to recognise those who have challenged the accepted normal and won while encouraging the rest of the industry to keep pushing for better.”
He added: “We always look forward to the social aspect of the awards – it is one of the few opportunities each year to relax with friends and colleagues from across the industry. We loved presenting an award last year and will keep working hard to win one!”
Events like the IER Awards would not be possible without our generous sponsors. Confirmed sponsors so far include AMDEA; Astra; Beko; Blomberg; GDHA; Linsar; Retra; RetraCare; Samsung; Sirius Buying Group; and Tech UK.
- The Innovative Electrical Retailing Awards 2016 will be held March 22nd, 2016 at the Millennium Chelsea Harbour Hotel in London. An entry form will be included in the October issue, with entries closing on November 16 2015