9 Years and Counting

After the pandemonium of the RLI Connect event, there was barely time to breathe before the build-up to the 9th Global RLI Awards began. After attempting, and failing to get in a quick power nap, I got myself ready and arrived at the Natural History Museum for the world-renowned RLI Awards Gala Dinner.

The museum put in a turnaround that was monumentally quick and while guests enjoyed the champagne reception and the chance of a photograph on the MK Illumination 'Throne', I made sure everything was ready before joining the guests and greeting old friends. Everyone was then called to their seats and we all enjoyed a fantastic four-course meal with wine as we waited for the West End Musical of 'Dirty Dancing'. The show was a spectacular way to get everyone in the party mood and heighten the anticipation for the Awards Presentation.

Once the stage was set, the main event got underway, and the winners of the Global RLI Awards 2014 are...

Global RLI Award for Future Project - Sponsored by Thor Equities

This category rewards those future projects that are not yet under construction. Our panel have judged architectural excellence, innovation in materials, equipment, new techniques and the positive impact that each development will have upon the local community.

And the winner is, Izmit Town Centre, Turkey

Global RLI Award for Most Innovative Multi-Channel Retailing Concept - Presented by ECE

Multi-channel retail lies at the heart of the new shopping landscape and this category, new for 2014, recognises those retailers or shopping centre developers that demonstrate excellence and innovation in the integration of all on- and off- line channels to enhance the customer experience.

And the winner is, Red Sea Mall, Saudi Arabia

Global RLI Award for Most Innovative Retail & Leisure Concept - Sponsored by Leslie Jones Architecture

Celebrating 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, Level Shoe District, Dubai

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, KidZania, Kuwait

Global RLI Award for International Retail & Leisure Destination - Sponsored by Marina Home

In this category, the 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, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi

Global RLI Award for International Shopping Centre - Sponsored by MK Illumination

Recognising the contribution made by shopping centres in providing customer care, good presentation, maintenance and cleanliness, this award also pays particular attention to high levels of service, diversity of offer and design excellence.

And the winner is, Trinity Leeds, UK

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Emporia, Sweden

Global RLI Award for Shopping Centre Renovation - Sponsored by Haskoll

This award will be presented to a centre that demonstrates 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, Shoppes at Four Season, Macao

Global RLI Award for International Outlet Centre - Presented by Nicole Farhi

With many observers viewing the outlet centre as a possible spearhead for economic recovery, this award celebrates the increasing popularity of the outlet model with shoppers and developers alike. The aim of this category is to reward innovation and design-led excellence that offers both retailers and customers the very best in terms of brand and community cohesion.

And the winner is, Fashion House Moscow

Global RLI Award for UK Retailer - Sponsored by UK Trade & Investment

This award honours a UK retail business that can truly be described as having 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

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Blue Inc

Global RLI Award for International Retailer - Sponsored by TriGranit Management Corporation

This award offers the opportunity to honour the international retailer that has achieved great things in the past year. Our judges looked for innovation, brand values and store innovation. Strong financial performance and a clear development strategy were also essential.

And the winner is, Hamleys

Global RLI Award for Emerging Market Retailer - Sponsored by Red Sea Mall

This award will be presented to an emerging market retailer that best represents the essential retail qualities of entrepreneurship, originality and flexibility. Our 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, Parfois

Global RLI Award for Global Leisure Operator - Presented by Swire Properties

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 maintaining global recognition.

And the winner is, KidZania

Global RLI Award for Hospitality - Presented by BCSC

The number of restaurants, clubs and bars opening throughout the world is truly staggering and there is no shortage of choice. This 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, Trinity Kitchen, UK

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Long Island Resorts, Seychelles

Global RLI Award for Developer - 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, TriGranit Management Corporation

Global RLI Award for Designer - Presented by SES 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

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, 5+design

Global RLI Award for Contractor - Presented by National Association of Shopfitters

Honouring 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, Portview

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Clements Retail

Global RLI Award for Interior Excellence - Presented by 5+design

This award acknowledges the importance of the shopfitter's role in the successful completion of any retail or leisure development. The award also recognises 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, Umdasch for Doha International Airport, South Terminal, Qatar

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Beck Interiors for Selfridges, Denim Studio

Global RLI Award for Rising Star of the Year - Sponsored by Sands Retail

This award recognises the entrepreneurial spirit, achievements and long-term ambitions of smaller up-coming retail businesses.

And the winner is, Charming Charlie

After all the awards had been handed out and all the pictures taken, all that was left to do was surprise everyone by saying where the after party was. The night then continued into the small hours at Boujis, where everyone enjoyed the complimentary drinks.

All that's left for me to say is that I won't be a stranger on here, and for everyone to keep an eye out for details about next year's 10th annual Global RLI Awards which will take place in a secret location, with details to be announced soon.

See you on my travels...

To view the gallery from the awards, please visit http://www.rli.uk.com/awards/2014/awardsgallery/

The Return of the World's First Global Retail & Leisure Property Deal-Making Forum - RLI Connect 2014

First off please allow me to say, I have not been ignoring you all I promise!

People who know me will understand that time has simply not allowed me to be more frequent with my posts. My apologies for this, hopefully these next two posts will make up for the lost time.

There is only one place to start however, and that is Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea Football Club...

The scene was set, not for a football match though, if they had attempted to play a match it would have been like playing on the beach, as the pitch was in the process of being re-laid. Instead, the stage was ready for the launch of RLI Connect 2014, the registration table was set, the attendees' badges were laid out ready to be collected, the meeting rooms were prepped and the networking lounges were prepared.

RLI Connect is the perfect platform for conducting business and building value through strategic partnerships. The purpose of the event is to give YOU face-time with the key players and decision-makers in the retail and leisure sectors. After multiple requests from attendees at our inaugural event, our second event was expanded to take place over two days, allowing delegates even more time to network, connect and close deals.

We arrived in plenty of time on the morning of the first day, eager to get started, and we were not the only ones as people turned up before the official 8am start, this was excellent to see and the day took off from there. The event was planned out well in advance, with the online database having been set up for months prior to the event assisting people with their meeting schedules, making sure everyone knew what was happening from start to finish. Every aspect of the event had been designed to allow the attendees to get on with business and make the most of their time at the event. To ensure everyone got a chance to meet people who they did not have pre-arranged meetings with, we had regular coffee and networking breaks and lunch in the RLI Connect networking lounge, one of the two dedicated networking lounges at the event.

To close the first day of the event, there was a cocktail party that, like last year, over-ran as people caught up with friends, colleagues and associates, and discussed the event and general business in a more informal setting with free beer, wine and soft drinks. Throughout the day we filmed delegates on camera as they talked about their perspectives of the event, highlighting what it is RLI Connect does for so many retailers and developers. As the cocktail party over-ran, the staff at Chelsea began cleaning up for the day around us, a productive day had been had by all. After the days activities we went out for dinner with clients and friends from the event and had a fantastic meal in Novikov, which doubled into a nightclub for those that still had energy to burn after a thoroughly exciting day. I finally crashed at about 2am, still wired, and ready for day two of RLI Connect and the evening that would bring with it the 9th Global RLI Awards.

After the quick start to the first day, none of us were surprised when people turned up on day two as soon as the clock hit 8, ready for coffee, breakfast, networking and meetings. The second day, despite finishing earlier at 2pm, had all the verve and vigour of the first day, as certain people could only attend on the Thursday there were lots of meeting requests and meeting rooms were in constant use. As the event drew to a close, we had one final hour between 1pm and 2pm where there was an informal lunch and networking session to conclude RLI Connect 2014.

As RLI Connect 2014 closed its meeting room doors at 2pm, many people went off to relax for a few hours before getting ready for the evening's activities, but for me and my colleagues, our day was just beginning...