Craft Focus - April/May 2023 (Issue 96)

12 Sarah Ward makes the Powerlist A collaboration between the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) The confederation of British Industries (CBI) and the Trade Association Forum (TAF) has published a Powerlist of women in trade associations to coincide with International Women’s Day 2023 which features The CEO of the Giftware Association Sarah Ward. The list was compiled from over 200 nominations from the sector and a selection from the Trade Association Forum. CBI and FSB had the unenviable task of selecting the 100 women that make up the inaugural list. Sarah Ward said of her inclusion in the list, “I’m so honoured to have made this list and be celebrated in this way. There are so many other powerful women here too, so I’m privileged to share this achievement with them and for the power of our industry” Nicola Bates, Chair of the Selection Panel and Strategy and External Affairs Director of the Portman Group said, “It has been a real pleasure to be able to bring the CBI, FSB and TAF together to champion the role of women in trade associations, celebrate their achievements and encourage the next generation of women into the association sector.” Julie Lilley, FSB CEO said, “At FSB, I’m proud to lead a diverse organisation with strong representation of women at every level. This is true for our staff team but also our volunteers who are small business owners/self-employed right across the UK. As FSB was involved in setting up this initiative and the judging process, it would not be right to have also taken some of the slots - but I want to take this moment to say how brilliant the list is, to thank the Trade Association Forum, and reiterate my pride for FSB’s women. Well done to everyone in the list and involved.” SaveTheHighStreet.org partnership The Creative Retail Awards and SaveTheHighStreet.org are excited to announce their partnership for the 2023 Awards, in which they’ll be crowning the best-designed Independent Store in the industry. The partnership aims to celebrate and recognise the vital role that independent retailers play in the success of the high street, and to encourage the public to support their local independent stores. The category is open to independent retailers of all sizes and types, from small boutiques to larger independent department stores. The Creative Retail Awards honours the most innovative and creative retail spaces, products and campaigns in the industry. SaveTheHighStreet.org, dedicated to supporting and revitalising independent retailers, will bring their expertise and community to the partnership. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with SaveTheHighStreet.org once again for the 2023 Awards,” said Antony Behiels, co-organiser of the Creative Retail Awards. “Their mission aligns perfectly with ours, and we believe that together we can truly shine a spotlight on the importance of independent retail and the role it plays in shaping our communities.” The Independent Store category at the 2023 Creative Retail Awards is open to independent retailers worldwide, with a focus on highlighting the unique design and customer experience of each store. The category is free to enter, with a deadline of the end of March, and can be completed online at www. creativeretailawards.com. All entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts, with the Shortlist announced in July. Alex Schlagman, Founder of SaveTheHighStreet.org, states, “SaveTheHighStreet.org engages and supports local high street brands at every stage of their journey, from start-up to scaleup, across the UK.” The 2023 Creative Retail Awards ceremony will take place on the 21st September at Proud Embankment, London, where the winning store will be announced and honoured. The winner will receive one month’s subscription to SaveTheHighStreet.org’s new JO Accelerator business support programme, worth £299, and lifetime access to JO Assistant. More information on this innovative software can be found at www.joinjo.com For more information on the Creative Retail Awards, to enter your store, and to stay updated on the 2023 Awards, please visit: www.creativeretailawards.com

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