The Judging Process

When will the entries be judged?

Judging will take place in early September 2010

Who will judge the entries?

The judging panel will consist of senior industry professionals and other experts within their fields.

All the judges will have the knowledge, experience and expertise to assess each entry on its merits.

The judges this year are:

George Fullam

George Fullam has been working as head of technical affairs in Intellect’s Consumer Electronics team from July 2001. His background is in the consumer electronics industry, having worked with Mitsubishi, NEC, Fidelity and Hitachi in various technical and after-sales roles. Mr Fullam’s special interests in consumer electronics include digital switchover and sustainability issues. In his work, he aims to ensure that legislative measures benefit both suppliers and consumers.

Lee Miller

Lee Miller is director of retail sales at insurer Domestic & General (D&G). Ms Miller has worked for D&G for nearly 21 years, initially moving from running her own successful catering business into the company’s motor and home insurance brokering division. As the company put greater focus on its core warranty proposition, she was enlisted to help grow D&G’s point-of-sale business through independent electrical retailers. Working primarily in the key dealer support department, Ms Miller gained an in-depth knowledge of the UK retail environment and the specific needs and requirements of the sector. She now heads up the company’s UK point-of-sale warranty business, runs a department of six staff and is responsible for 1,800 electrical retailer accounts.

Stuart Cook

Stuart Cook is chief executive of CIH, the leading buying group of the industry. Mr Cook joined CIH 13 years ago and since he was promoted to the chief executive’s role, the company has shown significant growth. The launch of a successful trade show at the NEC, the start of twice-weekly deliveries and the setting up of the Euronics Retail Strategy, which upgrades stores to a specific design and layout, are among his top achievements.

Malcolm Marshall

Malcolm Marshall is a former president of retailers’ association Retra and a well-respected retailer with many years’ experience. In 2008, he launched his own retail consultancy Ruach. Through Ruach, Mr Marshall offers help and guidance with strategic company reviews and advice on how to: maximise profits; raise company profiles; carry out employee assessments; arrange holiday cover for management; choose product ranges, and assess display and point-of-sale material.

Dr Tim Denison

Dr Tim Denison is a regular commentator, broadcaster and conference speaker on retail matters, particularly related to behavioural issues. Trained formally as a social scientist and a marketer, Dr Denison has worked for Synovate Retail Performance (formerly SPSL) since it was set up over 14 years ago, and is now regarded as one of the nation’s leading retail psychologists. His primary role is in helping retailers to understand better how customers shop in their stores and why they behave the way they do.

How will the entries be judged?

The judges will study every submission, looking for indicators of excellence that have counted towards the overall success of the business or the product they represent. They will then draw up a shortlist. The judges have the right to move any submission between categories if they feel that it could have been entered into a more appropriate category. The judges’ decision is final and all those making the shortlist will be contacted no later than mid-September.