The shortlists have been revealed for the Retail Excellence Diamond Award, Lifetime Contribution Award, Rising Talent Award and Women in Leadership Award.
Representing some of the most established names in the industry, alongside fast-growing businesses and the next generation of retail leaders, the finalists demonstrate the breadth of talent, innovation and ambition shaping the sector.
The winners will be announced at the new and improved RG Retail Excellence Awards on 14 October 2026 at The Underglobe, beneath Shakespeare’s Globe on London’s Southbank.
Retail Excellence Diamond Award shortlist
The Retail Excellence Diamond Award celebrates outstanding achievement across the sector, recognising businesses that have demonstrated excellence, ambition and a commitment to raising standards in retail.
The 2026 shortlist features businesses spanning technology, telecommunications, home improvement, entertainment, fashion and travel retail.
The finalists are:
- Frasers Plus
- EE
- Harding Retail
- Temu
- B&Q
- Hamleys of London
- Wickes
- Currys
The shortlist evidences the variety of businesses contributing to the continued evolution of retail.
From established highstreet names and home improvement specialists to digital platforms and technology-led propositions, the finalists represent a wide range of approaches to serving customers and responding to a rapidly changing market.
Lifetime Contribution Award shortlist
Five leading retail figures have been shortlisted for the Lifetime Contribution Award, recognising individuals whose careers have made a lasting and significant impact on the industry.
The finalists are:
- David Denton, director of DB Shoes Limited
- Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers, and Doug Perkins CBE, co-founder and chairman of Specsavers
- Sue Lockey, co-founder and chief executive of The Puppet Company
- Sir John Timpson, director of Timpson
The category celebrates individuals whose leadership, entrepreneurship and long-term commitment to both their own companies and the industry have helped build successful businesses, strengthen the retail sector and inspire those around them.
This year’s finalists represent decades of experience across footwear, toys, optical retail and services.
Dame Mary Perkins and Doug Perkins CBE are shortlisted jointly for their contribution to Specsavers, while Sir John Timpson is recognised for his longstanding involvement in one of the UK’s best-known family retail businesses.
David Denton and Sue Lockey complete the shortlist, reflecting the contribution made by leaders across specialist and independent retail businesses as well as larger national brands.
Rising Talent Award shortlist
Five emerging retail professionals have been named as finalists for the Rising Talent Award.
The award recognises individuals who are already making a meaningful contribution to their organisations and demonstrating the potential to become influential leaders within the sector.
The finalists are:
- Alexander Emmanuel-Jones, commercial director at The Black Farmer
- Helin Tu, creative product strategy and brand direction consultant at EssilorLuxottica
- Adam Seabrook, commercial business analyst at Wayfair
- Martin Snewin, project manager at Currys
- Natalia Narloch, senior buyer for soft drinks and crisps at Morrisons
The shortlist includes professionals working across commercial strategy, buying, brand development, analysis and project management.
Together, the finalists show the range of skills required within modern retail businesses, as well as the different career paths through which emerging talent can influence growth and change.
The category provides an opportunity to recognise people at an important stage in their careers, celebrating both their achievements to date and their potential to shape the future of the industry.
Women in Leadership Award shortlist
Nine senior leaders and founders have been shortlisted for the Women in Leadership Award.
The award celebrates women who are making a significant impact through their leadership, vision and contribution to their businesses and the wider retail sector.
The finalists are:
- Billie O’Connor, chief financial officer at Mulberry and founder of NOVA Community
- Sonica Beckmann, chief executive of House of Kind (London) Limited
- Simone Oloman, chief executive and founder of Need It For Tonight
- Maëlle Gasc, co-founder and deputy chief executive of Noli
- Kasey Swithenbank, head of UK and Ireland retail at Lush
- Carina Hummel, managing director of optics at Specsavers
- Sue Lockey, co-founder and chief executive of The Puppet Company
- Carey Pearson, head of brand and integrated marketing at Wayfair
- Victoria Jenkins, chief executive and founder of Unhidden
The shortlist brings together leaders from established retailers, growing businesses and entrepreneurial ventures.
It includes executives working across finance, marketing, operations and retail leadership, alongside founders who have created businesses designed to address new customer needs and opportunities.
Sue Lockey receives a second nomination, having also been shortlisted for the Lifetime Contribution Award for her work as co-founder and chief executive of The Puppet Company.
The Women in Leadership category recognises not only commercial achievement but also the importance of visible leadership and the role senior women play in creating opportunities, influencing company culture and inspiring future generations.
Celebrating the best of retail
The shortlisted individuals and businesses will join leading figures from across the sector at the RG Retail Excellence Awards 2026.
Taking place on 14 October 2026, the ceremony will bring together retailers, brands, suppliers, entrepreneurs and industry decision-makers for an evening celebrating achievement across the retail landscape.
Guests at The Underglobe will enjoy a drinks reception, a three-course sit-down dinner and live entertainment in a refined setting beneath the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe.
The event will also provide opportunities to network with some of the brightest minds in the industry and celebrate the businesses and individuals helping to make retail one of the UK’s most dynamic sectors.
The winners of the Retail Excellence Diamond Award, Lifetime Contribution Award, Rising Talent Award and Women in Leadership Award will be revealed during the ceremony.
Partners for the RG Excellence 2026 include Scala, Cvent, Acopia, Daikin Diebold Nixdorf and JCDecaux, as well as Elisium and Smart Works.
Find out more about the RG Retail Excellence Awards and secure your place at the 2026 event here.
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