Progressive Preschool Awards 2023: The Winners

The winners of the Progressive Preschool Awards 2023 were announced this afternoon (Tuesday 14 November) at a glittering ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.

An audience of over 400 industry executives from across the retail, nursery, preschool, toy, marketing and licensing arenas were treated to a host of entertainment including comedy from Irish comedian and writer Jarlath Regan.

Welcoming everyone, Rob Willis, director and co-owner of Max Publishing – which owns and organises the awards – commented: “This event happens because of you guys – the fantastic sponsors who back the entire industry, those marketing gurus who enter, those superstar judges we have and indeed everyone who buys a single ticket to this day – we thank you all.” Samantha Loveday, group editor at Max Publishing added: “The preschool product and retail sector never eases up, it only keeps moving forward, and it only keeps growing. It’s innovative and exciting and effortlessly adapts to trends.

“As in any industry, there are challenges in the road, but there is also much to celebrate. We’re honoured to be a central part of the preschool industry and we thank you for being the conduits that make it possible for us to be so.”

The uplifting grand finale of the afternoon saw Majen Immink, head of operations at Toy Fair, presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award.

The winners of the Progressive Preschool Awards 2023 are:

RETAIL AWARD CATEGORIES

Best Supermarket Retailer
 (sponsored by Paramount)

Asda

Best Multiple Retailer
 (sponsored by Misirli)

Smyths Toys

Best Mixed Retailer
 (sponsored by Rainbow Designs)

Argos

Best Department Store (sponsored by WildBrain CPLG)

John Lewis & Partners

Best Online Retailer
 (sponsored by Aykroyd & Sons)

Next.co.uk

Best Independent Nursery Retailer
 
(sponsored by Joie)

Bambinista, London

Best Independent Apparel Retailer
 (sponsored by Amscan International)

Little Leggs, Brentwood

Best Independent Toy Retailer
 (sponsored by Acamar Films)

Treasures of Wetherby, Wetherby

Best Independent Gift Retailer
 (sponsored by GiftsandHome.net)

Lucky & Gray, Derby

Best Retailer Initiative
 (sponsored by Penguin Ventures)

Peppa Loves Jumping In Muddy Puddles with Smyths Toys

PRODUCT AWARD CATEGORIES

Best Preschool Apparel Range (sponsored by Hasbro)

Chip the Red Panda Collection from Blade & Rose

Best Licensed Toy Range (sponsored by BBC Studios

)

Gabby’s Dollhouse Plush Toys from Posh Paws

Best Non-Licensed Toy Range (sponsored by Grapevine Global PR)

Janod Dino Activity Table from Juratoys

Best STEM/Educational Range (sponsored by Good Play Guide

)

50-Piece Rainbow Transport Pack from Connetix

Best Preschool Publishing Range (sponsored by Redan Publishing)

PAW Patrol Publishing Range from HarperCollins

Best Home or Furniture Range (sponsored by Media Snug)

Waffle 2 Highchair from Cosatto

Best Preschool Gift Range (sponsored by Moonbug)

Mickey Mouse Memories Range from Rainbow Designs

Best Wheeled Goods Range
 (sponsored by Harrogate Intl Nursery Fair

)

Gazelle S Lux from Cybex

Best Car Seat Range (sponsored by Vista PR)

Maxi Cosi 360 Pro Family from Dorel

Best Preschool Essentials Range (sponsored by bébélephant)

Savvy Light Baby Carrier from Joie

Best Infant Development Range (sponsored by Bump PR)

First Years Flower Stacker form Galt Toys


The Eco Award (sponsored by Poetic Brands)

One Size Organic Bamboo Bedtime Pearl Reusable Nappy from Modern Cloth Nappies

The Marketing Award (sponsored by Azaria PR
)

Peter Rabbit: 120 Years Of Mischief Campaign from Penguin Random House

What Parents Love Award (sponsored by The Insights Family)

Disney

Best Wholesaler/Distributor (sponsored by Jazwares
)

Baby Brands Direct

Outstanding Achievement Award (sponsored by Toymaster)

Majen Immink