People in Retail Awards 2025: a night of celebration, connection and recognition
The People in Retail Awards 2025, held on 24 September at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, brought together over 400 retail professionals for an evening of celebration, connection and recognition.
Now in their third year, the awards have become a flagship event in the retail calendar, shining a spotlight on the individuals and teams who are redefining excellence across the sector.
Subscribe to TRBGuests enjoyed a formal dinner, high energy awards ceremony and live entertainment as they gathered to honour their peers, share stories, and toast to the future of the industry.
Judged by a panel of 21 respected retail leaders, HR experts and industry innovators, the awards drew hundreds of nominations from across the UK. The judging process focused not only on performance and impact, but also on values, community contribution, and the human stories behind retail success.
Darren Sanderson Williams, MC for The People in Retail Awards event, said: “This year’s entries were nothing short of inspiring. We saw innovation, resilience and a deep commitment to people-first leadership. The winners truly reflect the evolving spirit of retail, where purpose and performance go hand in hand.”
Liz Walker, awards director, added: “The People in Retail Awards are about more than recognition; they’re about connection. Every story shared on the night reminded us why retail matters and why investing in people is the smartest move any business can make.”
Maggie Alphonsi MBE, host of the evening, shared: “It was an honour to celebrate such a passionate and hardworking community. The energy in the room was electric and the stories behind each award were deeply moving. Retail is full of unsung heroes and tonight they got their moment.”
WINNERS AND HIGHLY COMMENDED
JEDI Award (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion)
• Winner: American Golf – The Game Changers
• Highly Commended: AS Watson UK (Superdrug & Savers) – Unlearn
• Highly Commended: Marco Paul – Caitlin Barrett
Employee of the Year
• Winner: Lucy Swann – Sue Ryder
• Highly Commended: Andrew Blake (Bob) – Lincolnshire Co-op
Manager of the Year
• Winner: Victoria Merritt – The Perfume Shop
• Winner: Marta Wolynska – Charles Tyrwhitt
• Highly Commended: Jason Lickley – Martin House
• Highly Commended: Sophie Davies – Sainsbury’s
People Development Team of the Year
• Winner: Wingstop UK
• Highly Commended: ASOS
Store Champion / Team of the Year
• Winner: All Saints Team – Trafford
• Highly Commended: Sue Ryder – Maidstone
Team of the Year
• Winner: American Golf – Customer Marketing Team
• Highly Commended: The Perfume Shop – Online Business Team
Rising Spark Award / Future Leader
• Winner: Erika Stainton – Lincolnshire Co-op
• Highly Commended: Eva Railton – NARS Shiseido UKI
Community Engagement Programme of the Year
• Winner: Specsavers – Guernsey – Improving Access to Care for People Experiencing Homelessness
• Highly Commended: B&Q and Shelter
Customer Service Team of the Year
• Winner: ProCook
• Highly Commended: Oliver Bonas
Retail Partner of the Year
• Winner: WeComm Limited
• Highly Commended: Columbus Consulting
• Highly Commended: Noatum Logistics
Retail Employer of the Year
• Winner: Footasylum
• Highly Commended: Nespresso
Spirit of Excellence Award – Individual
• Winner: Claire Lewis – Bird & Blend Tea Co
• Highly Commended: Tim Stockdale – AllSaints Group
Executive Leader of the Year
• Winner: Andy Warman – Lincolnshire Co-op
• Highly Commended: Ozan Deniz Hintbahar – Adidas
TRB Special Impact Award
• Winner: Astrid & Miyu
Outstanding Achievement – Individual
• Winner: Faye Ryder-Humphries – Wingstop UK
Outstanding Achievement – Team
• Winner: Waitrose & Partners
The People in Retail Awards 2025 would not have been possible without the dedication of our judges, sponsors, and supporters. Special thanks go to our charitable partners, The Retail Trust and Sue Ryder, whose work continues to uplift lives across the retail community.
We look forward to returning in 2026 to celebrate even more of the people who make retail remarkable.
