Following last week’s announcement of the product category shortlists for the Progressive Preschool Awards 2020, finalists have been getting in touch to share their excitement about being in the running for this year’s awards.
It’s been a difficult year for a number of reasons, so it is only expected that suppliers have been particularly forthcoming about coming forward to share their pleasure at making it through to the shortlists.
“I am absolutely thrilled to see that we have made the list of finalists in two categories for the awards this year,” begins Nikki Garner, of Inside Out Toys. “We are so proud of the brands we distribute in the UK as we feel they perfectly represent our company values and share our focus on sustainable toys along with the importance of being an ethically responsible employer. We are all looking forward to the virtual awards in November; 2020 certainly has been a challenging year!
Also keeping the focus on sustainability is Bigjigs Toys’ Jasmin Hayes, who said: “We’re over the moon our sustainable range has made it to the finals, we’ve been looking forward to launching this range and our customer’s reaction hasn’t disappointed. It’s now important than ever for Bigjigs Toys to make wooden eco-friendly option widely available to customers.”
As ceo at Rockit, Matt Dyson was also pleased to see his product listed. “The PPS Awards are renowned as the premier trade awards in the nursery sector, so entering with new product innovations is a must for us. After winning an award for Rockit in 2018 we are delighted that Zed has been shortlisted this year. The PPS awards have really raised our profile with buyers and distributors both in the UK and further afield.”
Keeping the party going will be Mel Beer, licensing director EMEA at Amscan, who is over the moon with the company’s nomination. “We’re delighted to be recognised as a finalist for our classic Very Hungry Caterpillar costume,” she said. “It’s been a sure-fire winner at retail”
Creative director at Le Toy Van, Marie Le Van is also pleased to have been shortlisted. “We are over the moon to be finalist in the 2020 PPS Awards – Best Toy Range category! This year has been a roller-coaster to say the lease. We are super proud to still have been able to partner up with Progressive Preschool on their prestigious award and support the publication. Fingers crossed for the results on our brand-new Show Time Theatre range!”
Emphasising the importance of these awards was Elliot Bishop, director of bébélephant, which acts as UK distributor for the Grabease range. “Grabease launched in the UK in 2019 and has taken the baby-led weaning market by storm. It is extremely gratifying for the brand that this is now being recognised in new markets such as the UK with prestigious and important industry awards like PPS”
Danilo’s sales director Dan Grant enthused about ‘doing the double’, with two products making the shortlists for this year’s awards. “The whole team at Danilo are really pleased to have two products reach the finals of the Preschool Awards. This is the first time we have reached the finals so it’s a great achievement to be recognised at this stage and hopefully we can go onto win an award on the night. Danilo have worked hard to develop new product formats over the past three years and so it’s great to see our effort and ambition is being rewarded. We are looking forward to the virtual award ceremony!”
Andreas Kolattek at Microskaters is also looking forward to the big night itself. “We’re honoured that the Micro MJ skate has been chosen as a finalist for the Best Kids Lifestyle Range category in the Progressive Preschool Awards. The MJ is the first and only inline skate in the UK designed especially for young children, so we’re delighted that the country’s top buyers and retailers have chosen it as one of the best products available for preschool aged children. Congratulations to all the finalists and thank you to the Progressive Preschool team for hosting the awards. We’re excited for the virtual ceremony later this year!”
Even authors have felt compelled to comment on the news, with Jessica Spanyol (the creator of ‘Rosa’s Workshop’, which is published by Child’s Play), commenting: “Wow! I am utterly delighted that the Rosa’s Workshop series has been chosen as a finalist for the Progressive Preschool Awards, what an honour, and in such great company too!”
The winners will be announced at an exciting, industry-backed online ceremony which will be taking place on the evening of Tuesday 12 November, 2020. Contact Rob Willis or Jo Pilcher to find out more.
