The organiser of Spring Fair, i2i Events Group, announces that the Buyers Power List Awards will make its debut at the Spring Fair 2015 event. The awards are designed to recognise influential buying teams and individuals across all of the sectors represented at Spring Fair via three categories:
Power 30, which will consist of 30 buyers that industry peers will vote for and rank, and who will be revealed in order during an exclusive Buyers Power List awards ceremony to be held on Monday 2nd February. Those shortlisted for the Power 30 will be noted buyers who are influential and distinguished in their sector because they are trendsetting, consistently make good buying decisions, have a passion to support their industry, or have enhanced a retail brand through their own efforts;
Best Independent Retail Buyer or Team – 20 independent retailers will be listed in this category, and the industry will vote for the retailer who is considered to have the best buyers. One company will be recognised as the overall winner for this category. Those who make the shortlist for this category must be buyers for a privately-owned independent store or chain of stores, either working individually or as a team. They will be assessed on their contribution to the industry, rapport with suppliers, and the ability to differentiate their retail business in the marketplace; and
Best Multiple Retailer or Department Store Team. 20 teams from the major retailers will be listed in this category, and the industry will decide on the inspirational leader of the pack. One company will be recognised as the overall winner for this category. Eligible for this category are multiple stores or department stores, whose buying teams will be judged on the level of support they give to the industry alongside demonstrable care for suppliers as well as the ability to ignite retail trends, build brands and engage with customers. The winner will demonstrate a clear drive to excel in all of these areas.
The Buyers Power List shortlist will be compiled and reviewed in the run-up to Spring Fair by an advisory panel of key industry influencers that include The Giftware Association, bira, bira direct and BHETA.
The Buyers Power List shortlist and voting forms are now live on the Spring Fair website – retailers and suppliers are invited to vote for whoever they feel is most worthy of this accolade. The winners will be announced on site at the NEC at an exclusive, invitation-only ceremony that will be held on Monday 2nd February.
