The SCEPTRE Retail Awards recognise the best practice and the best people within the Retail Industry, and DTZ-managed site Princes Quay Shopping Centre achieved the highest accolades with securing awards at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

Recently promoted in January 2014, Claire Suggitt won the Centre Manager of the Year (Medium Shopping Centre) award following a solid 12 month campaign working alongside retailers, contractors, external organisations and community groups.

Generating year-on-year sale increases of 5.8%, achieving an 11% saving through renegotiation of contracts and increasing a target family audience by 49% year-on-year, Claire was delighted with being recognised at the Sceptre Awards.

Runners-Up in this category included Teesside Shopping Centre and County Mall Shopping Centre.

Claire commented: “It’s fantastic to be recognised for all the hard work and dedication that has been invested into Princes Quay, executing a successful strategy of community engagement is paramount to ensure Princes Quay is at the forefront of everyone’s mind.”

SCEPTRE Judges added: “Claire’s submission demonstrated strong community engagement which was highlighted in the testimonials from key stakeholders within the city.”

Joining the Princes Quay team in July last year, Marketing and Customer Services Manager Sarah Smith was rewarded for her hard work and innovation with taking the SCEPTRE Marketing Manager of the Year title.

Initiating and managing 101 campaigns in 2014, Sarah developed and organised a large number of partnerships with local media and businesses bolstering the marketing budget, with the pinnacle event being the Frozen themed campaign, culminating a city-wide event which attracted nearly 12,000 people and the opening of a themed Christmas grotto, driving a footfall increase of 74% in the run-up to Christmas.

Runners-Up in this category included Intu Trafford Centre, Manchester and Eden Shopping Centre, High Wycombe.

“I’m quite overwhelmed to be honest, it’s great for Princes Quay and also for a shopping centre in Hull to be recognised within the retail industry. Everyone at the Centre contributed in me winning this award and thanks must also go to them too”. 

SCEPTRE judges added: “The Frozen event was brilliant. Managing over 100 events and developing solid partnerships is great to see.”