For the eighth consecutive year, may I present to you, the Global RLI Awards

Following RLI Connect the previous day, I was quickly back on the work wagon as the 8th annual RLI Awards rolled around. For the sixth time in eight years the awards were held at the Natural History Museum. The evening celebrated everything revolutionary and visionary that the industry has to offer, with a guest list that included some of the biggest names in the sector.

I arrived at the venue a couple of hours before it all started to assist in the setting up and to do the final checks. The champagne reception quickly came around which gave people who met at RLI Connect a chance to catch up and for other people to become reacquainted before my opening speech and dinner.


After a fantastic four-course meal we settled down to the entertainment. 'Thriller Live' proved to be an exceptional spectacle, playing all the classic songs from the back catalogue of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. After a brief re-organizing of the stage we headed towards the main event.....

The Global RLI Awards 2013, and the winners were.....



Global RLI Award for Future Project 2013 - Sponsored by Location Group
The first award of the evening rewards the projects that are not yet under construction, judges considered architectural excellence, innovation in materials, equipment, new techniques and the positive impact that each development will have upon the community.

And the winner is, Yongsan International Business District, Seoul, South Korea

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Waterfront City Centre, Beirut

Global RLI Award for Omni-Channel Retailer 2013 - Sponsored by Moxie Software
This new award recognizes those retailers that demonstrate excellence and innovation in combining their bricks-and-mortar offering with dot.com channels, including the integration of all on-line and off-line channels, including mobile and catalogue shopping, to provide a seamless customer experience.

And the winner is, Dixons Retail

Global RLI Award for Most Innovative Retail & Leisure Concept 2013 - Sponsored by Sands Retail
The next award celebrates the most outstanding contribution to retail and leisure conceptualisation over the past year, this category rewards the company that has taken a brand and created an extraordinary experience for the customer.

And the winner is, KidZania, Cuicuilco

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Shinsegae Uijeongbu, South Korea

Global RLI Award for International Retail & Leisure Destination 2013 - Presented by McArthur + Company
For this category, judges will celebrate the most outstanding new international retail and leisure experience by awarding a special prize to the destination that has delivered the most customers, the best offering and the most dynamic approach to property development.

And the winner is, Starlight Place, Chongqing, China

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, The Star Vista, Singapore

Global RLI Award for International Shopping Centre 2013 - Sponsored by MK-Illumination
In this award judges looked for the contribution made by shopping centres in providing customer care, good presentation, maintenance and cleanliness, this award also paid particular attention to high levels of service, diversity of offer and design excellence.

And the winner is, Vincom Centre A Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Global RLI Award for Shopping Centre Renovation 2013 - Sponsored by Haskoll
The next award will be presented to the centre that demonstrated innovation in its renovation through architecture and design, how it has contributed to the overall regeneration of the town, city or area, its contribution to the local community and the steps it has taken to improve sustainability.

And the winner is, Plaza Singapura, Singapore

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Palm City Mersin Shopping

Global RLI Award for UK Retailer 2013 - Sponsored by ShopperTrak
This award honours a UK retail business that can truly be described as having had an exceptional year. Our judges will be looking for strong financial performance, in-store innovation and proven customer service.

And the winner is, Boux Avenue

Global RLI Award for International Retailer 2013 - Sponsored by TriGranit Management Corporation
For this award, there is the opportunity to honour the international retailer that has achieved great things in the past year. Judges looked for innovation, brand values and store innovation. Strong financial performance and a clear development strategy were also essential.

And the winner is, Asics

Global RLI Award for Emerging Market Retailer 2013 - Sponsored by UK Trade & Investment
In this award judges looked for a business that can demonstrate that they have a robust and growing retail format whilst examining the part it is playing in the development of the emerging economies.

And the winner is, Giordano International

Global RLI Award for Global Leisure Operator 2013 - Sponsored by Red Sea Mall
This award is a tribute to the international leisure operator that has shown the strongest performance, whilst offering the customer an innovative and exciting brand and maintaining global recognition.

And the winner is, Hard Rock International

Global RLI Award for Hospitality 2013 - Presented by Aerium
The number of restaurants, clubs and bars opening throughout the world is truly staggering and there is no shortage of choice. This new category, aims to reward quality, diversity and genuine global expansion. The nominee must be an operator with a minimum of six outlets and an international presence.

And the winner is, McDonald's Restaurants

Global RLI Award for Developer 2013 - Sponsored by Design International
This award is designed to highlight the best new retail and leisure schemes from the most successful and exciting development company of the last 12 months, with an emphasis on diversity, innovation and, of course, the 'wow' factor.

And the winner is, Capitamalls Asia

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, TriGranit Development Corporation

Global RLI Award for Designer 2013 - Presented by Spar European Shopping Centers
This award is a tribute to the designer that consistently and accurately delivers the value of a brand to both business and customers. Our judges have examined both the design process, its objective and, most importantly, the results.

And the winner is, Design International

Global RLI Award for Contractor 2013 - Presented by National Association of Shopfitters and Interior Contractors
The next award honours innovative and trail-blazing companies, this award acknowledges the importance of the contractor's role in the successful completion of any retail and leisure development. The judges have examined project portfolios, safety records and site presentation, amongst other factors.

And the winner is, ISG

Global RLI Award for Interior Excellence 2013 - Presented by Multi Development
This award acknowledges the importance of the shopfitter's role in the successful completion of any retail or leisure development. The award also recognizes the company's understanding of a client's needs, their contribution to the design process and their innovative use of the space and materials.

And the winner is, Burberry Flagship Store, Regent Street, London, UK

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Marina Home Interiors

Global RLI Award for Rising Star of the Year 2013 - Presented by ISG
The final award of  the evening recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit, achievements and long-term ambitions of smaller up-and-coming retail businesses.

And the winner is, Hotel Chocolat

As the evening came to a close after a spectacular awards ceremony and several photographs, you would be forgiven for thinking the night was coming to an end, what actually happened was that the real party was only just beginning. There was an after party for everyone who attended the awards at the exclusive champagne bar Babble, courtesy of our entertainment sponsor Novus Leisure. It was an excellent venue and allowed everyone a chance to unwind and do some very informal networking in a relaxed atmosphere.

As these two days of non-stop action come to a close, all that is left to say is that I cannot wait to do it all again bigger and better next year, so do not miss out.

To view some press that followed the awards, just follow the links below: -

http://news.kuwaittimes.net/giordano-wins-emerging-market-retailer-2013-award-the-leading-apparel-retailer-bested-many-retailers-from-across-the-globe/
http://designinternational.com/sites/default/files/design_international_is_designer_of_the_year.pdf
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?section=uaebusiness&xfile=data/uaebusiness/2013/june/uaebusiness_june320.xml

I'll be back soon, till next time.....   

Months of planning put into action.....

Hello there!!! My apologies for being MIA so long, how is everyone? The last few months have been a complete whirlwind, travelling all over and organizing our RLI Connect and RLI Awards events back-to-back, not that I would have it any other way. However now that I can draw breath, I can catch you up on all things RLI.

The 5th June saw the launch of RLI Connect, The World's First Global Retail and Leisure Property Deal-Making Forum. The idea for this event is something I have had in my mind for years, to bring together key global retail and leisure decision makers and put them together under one roof, and let the deals get done in person without all the informal emails and layers of phone transfers. I would like to thank our
Headline Sponsor Sands Retail and Silver Sponsor Red Sea Mall for their invaluable Support.

Held alongside our annual RLI Awards on the 6th June at the Natural History Museum, London, the RLI Connect event took place at Chelsea Football Stadium the day before, and what a day it was.....

Having travelled down to London the day before to set-up, me and my colleagues arrived at the venue early to do last minute checks and to greet the early risers. From the moment the doors opened people turned up in their droves and it was an excellent sign of things to come. Fuelled by three courses of buffet food and drink at varying points in the day, people set about to do what they had come for, to create contacts, have meetings and make deals happen! With the creation of our online database well in advance of the event, people turned up knowing exactly who they were going to see, knowing who they wanted to meet and knowing they were being given the opportunity to network in a focused, high-energy environment with the top players in the retail and leisure industry. There was a fantastic turnout for the event, and we even got people turning up on the day who were interested in participating in this unique forum.

We finished the event with a cocktail party (how else?) in the early evening in the main RLI Networking Lounge at the venue, of course this over ran and before we knew it we were being gently persuaded to clear up and get out! Almost all the people who attended during the day made an appearance at the cocktail party to relax and network in a more tranquil setting than the scene had been earlier. This was also a chance to gain some perspective on how others had found the event, and we have had some amazing feedback from participants, some of which are listed below: -

"RLI Connect provided a fabulous platform for retailers and property owners to connect in a positive forum and in a way not offered by other events. Our headline sponsorship derived us great value and we look forward to our continuing association with Jayne and her team for years to come." - David Sylvester - Senior Vice President - Sands Retail (Headline Sponsor)

"RLI Connect 2013 was a great networking platform for me to meet others and share information between retailers and developers. I think it is a must for everyone in the industry to attend" - Mohammad I.B. Alawi - CEO - Red Sea Mall (Silver Sponsor)

"RLI Connect is a useful event in terms of meeting the key stakeholders for new business ventures..... I am sure it will be one of the main events in the Global Retail Events calendar." - Derihon Coquard - International Business Development Manager - George

"RLI Connect was a great forum to network and meet up with fellow retailers, shopping mall developers, service providers and consultants." - Ishwar Chugani - Managing Director - Giordano

"A well organised, concentrated event providing exposure to numerous quality international contacts in just one day" - David Hyde - Group Sales and Marketing Director - AMS Group

"This is an event that we would recommend to any shopping mall, property developer or retail brand to help them crystallise their thinking as to the most practical and profitable ways to move forward." - Roy Seaman - Managing Director - Franchise Development Services

"Jayne put together an absolutely flawless event, it allowed our organisation to have very strategic meetings with retailers looking at expansion into the middle eastern region. Extremely productive and well planned" - Ritu Chopra - Director - Retail Leasing & Client Relations - McArthur & Company

"For a first event, all I can say is that this was amongst the best retail events I have participated in. Everything was well thought out and organised so that we could make the most of the day. Also in terms of networking it was impressive, so we can't wait for the next one" - Filipe Correia - Expansion Director - Parfois

"Both the RLI Connect and the Global RLI Awards events were simply amazing. I made some fantastic contacts as well as some prospective deals..... RLI is a great platform for global retail on all levels." - Steven Wolfson - International Franchise Director - NYS Collection

"RLI Connect was a great success for Haskoll, we got to see a number of people that have eluded us for some time, including a Chinese developer, worth every minute of the whole day's event. Must do it again" - Derek Barker - Managing Director - Haskoll

"This is a great platform to network and do business. We definitely got some great leads." - Hiro Harjani - Chairman - Aftershock London

"All the premium attendees of the over-sized conferences in an intimate environment and all there to do real business" - Andrew Darrow - Executive Vice-President - KidZania

"Intend to take more people next year..... A very successful "first" for RLI with a number of interesting retailers and mall owners/developers from around the globe" - John Strachan - Partner, Global Head of Retail - Cushman & Wakefield

"Great network platform, high class contacts, enough time, good buffet, good location." - Bastian Jendral - Founder/Director - Delice Delikatessen

"Good networking event that allows you to access key decision makers" - Roger Williams - Head of International - Hotel Chocolat

"RLI Connect is a great market place for expanding global retailers to meet landlords and real estate support services" - Ermine Amies - Business Development, Europe - Local Gravity

"RLI Connect was a great event, there was private meeting rooms, a central meeting point and there was friendly and helpful support" - Helen Barnish - Head of International Development - Hamleys

"I was impressed by the spirit of the event, it was a stress-free environment which allowed people to socialize easily and simply, something obvious like this can often be over-looked" - Eric Portelli - Development Director Europe - Carmen Steffens 

"A great event and very well put together - well done! I particularly liked the meeting rooms that gave privacy and allowed for in-depth conversations. I also liked the fact that you introduced us to people that we did not know" - Mohamediqbal Yacoobali - CEO - Dune International

"The RLI Connect Deal-Making Forum was well organized and the pre-arranged meetings went ahead flawlessly. There was a buzz around the event and Jayne made sure that every delegate was looked after. I will certainly be present at her future events." - Khurshid Vakil - CO-Founder - Marina Home Interiors

"The who's who in international retail were present in one room, was a great opportunity to have face time without the need of travelling" - Mark Eve - Director - Global Retail Forum

"RLI Connect was a great experience and I can't wait to join next year" - Roberto Di Giorgio - President - Campo Marzio

"It was a pleasure to attend RLI Connect held recently at Chelsea Football Club. The organisation of the event was superb and all the small details were handled with grace and professionalism. Our meetings were not only interesting but highly productive. We will definitely be back for RLI Connect 2014." - Phil McArthur - Managing Director - McArthur + Company

"An event like this is the best possible option to bring together people from all over the world to have productive meetings about retail business. Without taking part in RLI Connect, it would have taken us years to find and contact these companies." - Gregor Garbajs - Manager - Maya Maya

"Yet another great event by RLI" - Michael Ellis - Partner - 5+design

"I appreciated that the number of operators was limited to the best players in the real-estate market" - Paola Macchi - Real Estate Director - Dolce & Gabbana

"RLI Connect proved to be a very beneficial event for Yours Clothing. Being able to discuss opportunities with members of UKTI, international landlords and developers as well as being able to network with other retailers and colleagues made this first event one to remember. Certainly an event to attend for 2014!" - Richard Aquilina - International Consultant - Yours Clothing

"Great forum to get your brand exposed to the international real estate community. Makes for excellent networking" - Daniel Spinath - CEO - Crepeaffaire

"Great venue, very professional and the RLI team did a splendid job on the day. The event was worthwhile, interesting and useful on many levels" - Simon Taylor - Head of International Franchise - New Look

"It was a great, well-organised event in a central location. For us, the difference from other events we attend was the opportunity to meet a wide range of new faces, from the retail, catering and leisure world - facilitated through Jayne's connections - putting us in touch with people we hadn't met before. We will certainly attend next year." - Helen Carr - Senior Manager, Leasing - intu Properties

"It was a pleasure to attend the RLI Connect event. The event was very organised and it was easy to use the meeting rooms which were very private and that made it easy to have one on one meetings. I found it very interesting and will most likely tie up a very good business deal over the next month so it was definitely worth it." - Armand Grech - Director - Square Deal

"It was a great event to meet with potential business partners. I particularly liked the private areas to conduct meetings and the two general mingling areas" - Bernard Smith - Head of Franchise - Laura Ashley

"Was a great event and I found it very useful, I look forward to the next one" - Naresh Abrol - Managing Director - Internacionale

"Overall it was a great event and very worthwhile going to, the ease of meeting all of the mall developers and representatives in one place on one day was a particularly good feature." - Cathal Power - CEO - Zumo

Looking ahead, we will also be taking on board the positive comments made to make sure we include these elements again next year, but with a fresh spin, and to act on the possibilities for improvement brought to our attention here at RLI. We already have several ideas we are looking forward to implementing at the second RLI Connect, such as providing an improved online meeting system to give users an even better chance of concluding deals on the day, which is what this event is all about.

After what was an exhausting but extremely productive day, I think everyone (myself included) was grateful to collapse into their beds for some much needed rest before another huge day, and the eighth annual RLI Awards.