Last week, Ryman and ambassador Theo Paphitis were joined by top retailers from across the country to celebrate the future leaders of retail at this year’s Retail Week Rising Stars Awards, which included Islander Gemma Howard.
Gemma, Boots Store Manager for Newport, fought off stiff competition to scoop Store Manager of the Year in the 6,000 sq ft – 20,000 sq ft category at an awards ceremony held at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
Gemma’s philosophy for her Boots store is about a ‘One Team’ mentality and giving people an opportunity to grow and develop under her management, which contributed to her taking home this prestigious award. She has recently been appointed as Area Manager for the Isle of Wight in a hub and spoke format, area managing 10 stores on the island, which continuing in the Store Manager role for Newport.
Boots overall received five category wins and the coveted overall Rising Star of the Year gong, awarded to Sam Allison at Boots International.
Simon Roberts, Managing Director, Boots UK and Republic of Ireland, said:
“Supporting young people in starting and developing their careers is incredibly important to us. We’re committed to finding, nurturing and developing the best people and future leaders in the retail industry and so this was a very special occasion for us. In my view, the Retail Week Rising Stars Awards is one of the most important events in our industry as it celebrates exceptional rising talent in retail and showcases exciting possibilities for the future. I am incredibly proud and humbled that five of the winners recognised in the awards this year are from Boots.”
Retail Week Rising Stars ambassador Theo Paphitis, one of the UK’s most high profile businessmen, with an empire spanning retail, property, finance and consumer goods, said:
“For me, the Rising Stars Awards from Retail Week is a vitally important awards ceremony, not only for retail, but also for how it recognises future leaders of the retail world.”
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