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.....