The winners of this year’s Progressive Preschool Awards have been revealed in a ceremony which saw some 400 retailers, licensors, licensees and industry executives pack into The Dorchester, London.
Speaking after the event – which was hosted by award-winning comedian Tania Edwards – was publishing director Rob Willis, who said: “We are thrilled that once again the PPS awards were a fantastic annual celebration of everything that is great in the preschol sector – and there was a lot of greatness this year.”
He continued, “In a time where new connections and new product are vital, we are honoured to once again host an event that makes all of that possible and our thanks go out to every entrant, sponsor and guest for making this year’s event particularly special.”
Arriving at the start of the evening – which was backed by headline sponsor Alpha Animation & Toys – guests were welcomed by Nickeloeon’s preschool favourites Chase and Skye, before enjoying.
The Outstanding Achievement Award recipient was Neil Saunders of Tomy, who in an emotional speech said: “I honestly didn’t expect this, I just love what I do and it’s so nice to be here with everyone who I have known for so long. Here’s to many more years!”
The winners of The Progressive Preschool Awards 2018 are:
Best Supermarket Retailer of Preschool Products
Tesco
Sponsored by Cooneen By Design
Best Multiple Retailer of Preschool Products
The Entertainer
Sponsored by Misirli
Best Mixed Retailer of Preschool Products
Sainsbury’s Argos
Sponsored by Rainbow Designs
Best Department Store Retailer of Preschool Products
John Lewis
Sponsored by Blues Clothing
Best Online Retailer of Preschool Products
Shop Direct – Very.co.uk
Sponsored by Aykroyd & Sons
Best Preschool Retailer Initiative
The Entertainer
Sponsored by Tomy
Best Independent Nursery Retailer
Bumpstart Baby Shop, Milton Keynes
Sponsored by East Coast Nursery
Best Independent Apparel Retailer
Little Roos, Cambridge
Sponsored by Amscan International
Best Independent Giftware Retailer
PJ and the Hare, Burgess Hill
Sponsored by Hippychick
Best Independent Toy Retailer
Starlings Toymaster, Dereham
Sponsored by Golden Bear
Best Preschool Apparel and Accessories Range
That’s Not My… range for Mothercare from Paul Dennicci
Sponsored by DHX Brands
Best Preschool Toy Range
Peppa Pig puzzle and games from Ravensburger
Sponsored by BBC Studios
Best Preschool STEM Range
Fat Brain Toys range from The Green Board Game Co
Sponsored by Fundamentally Children
Best Preschool Reading or Writing Range
Roald Dahl range from Penguin Random House Children’s
Sponsored by Redan Publishing
Best Preschool Home or Furniture Range
Multiply 6-in-1 from Joie
Sponsored by Harrogate International Nursery Fair
Best Preschool Gift Range
Janod wooden toys collection from Juratoys
Sponsored by Centum Books
Best Preschool Mobility Range
Quail by EGG from BabyStyle
Sponsored by Bump PR
Best Preschool Essentials Range
Pop-in reusable nappy range from Close
Sponsored by Alpha Animation & Toys
The Innovation Award
Rockit from Rockit
Sponsored by Cheeky Rascals
Best Preschool Marketing and Communication Award
Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddles Walk with eOne
Sponsored by TDP Textiles
Best Wholesaler/Distributor of Preschool Product
Cheeky Rascals
Sponsored by Diono
The Outstanding Achievement Award
Neil Saunders
Sponsored by Toymaster
